Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Hello Spring!

It's been raining a lot, but I can't complain. Life is beautiful no matter what.

Cherry Blossoms and my favorite hat.

I'm struggling - where to begin and what should I write. I am now +109 days since my bone-marrow transplant, and I am taking each day as it comes.

My doctor said I can go out now but must stay away from crowded places, from kids and eat at clean restaurants during off hours. It's not that bad of an adjustment, and I am slowly building my muscle strength. Walking is a bit of a struggle these days due to joint pains, but I have to keep moving forward.

Here's what I've been up to:

  • Family and I were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the Bethesda area. The photo above was taken there. We didn't go to the grander cherry blossoms in DC because the place is packed with people. We did manage to do a drive through, and the cherry blossoms were beautiful.
  • I took my first trip out-of-town last week to Kettle Village and Hershey's Chocolate World. My taste for sweets is coming back.
  • My interest in baking is at its peak. This is probably because I have a lot of time to kill. I will be posting about my kitchen diaries on rava ladoo, gulab jamon and more.
  • Kepi and I have our vegetable garden up. The majority of the work fell on Kepi as I'm not allowed to touch dirt because of bacteria and mold. We have tomatoes, bok choy, tomatillo, eggplant and squash growing. I'm also trying to plant chayote and some sweet peppers from Japan.
  • I'm going back to grad school in September, and I'm so excited. I have two semesters left...yay!
  • My hair is starting to grow back just when I'm getting used to wearing hats.
I am where I should be. Each day, I keep fighting and I keep counting my blessings.

Also, I don't miss work at all.



Sunday, April 20, 2014

Easter And Dad's 69th Birthday

A wonderful Easter to all!

Today, I am +99 days from my bone-marrow transplant. It is a blessing to be still here. Also, this Easter brings me a deeper appreciation of everything - simple and complicated. Easter means renewal and rebirth, and in my situation, it is new life and new beginning.

Since Dad's turning 69 on April 21st, we decided to celebrate his birthday and Easter together. Kepi prepared all the dishes while I made Dad's birthday cake.

Coincidence it might seem that tomorrow, April 21st, is my Dad's real birth date and I turn exactly 100 days old from my transplant. I don't think it's coincidence at all.

Reviving the dining room for Easter dinner.


Easter spring flowers.

Kepi prepared the ham, made the sweet potatoes, green beans and corn.

I made Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake) for Dad's birthday cake.

Dad makes a wish and blows all the candles. Wish you all the best, Dad!

Dad's lucky tickets.

A wonderful day with Mom and Dad.