Graduate Finally

The past couple of weeks have been busy; I'd say good busy.

Last week, cousin A and I walked all over DC covering the White House to the National Mall and we managed to squeeze in a day visit to the Gettysburg National Park. We were so tired but happy. Nights were spent recuperating from exhaustion and sore muscles.

Although A's visit was short (two days), we got to talk a lot about our dads, they're brothers.  In the vast span of our 30s (she's 30 I'm 30ish), we've only met twice.  It's interesting how I felt close to her despite the lack thereof of us growing up as neighbors like the other cousins I'm close with. Anyway, I'm so glad we got this chance, and I'm hoping we'll make time to see each other more.

On the same week, my parents flew in from Honolulu. I was so happy to see them and of course looked forward to my island favorites - chocolate covered Macadamia nuts and my Portuguese sausages. If given the flexibility/opportunity at the moment, I'd love to go back to Hawaii and live there.

Of course, the highlight of last week was my graduation. Wohooo, I'm finally finished with my masters in international affairs. The next question is, "What am I going to do with it?" No worries, I'm figuring that out right now.  Funny but I'm more excited about getting my free time and weekends back.

Taken on May 15, 2015 at Healy Hall, Georgetown University

Excerpt from my online album, "My heart is filled with gratitude and joy. My journey has been deterred by aplastic anemia, numerous blood transfusions, a bone-marrow transplant and most recently shingles. There were days I came really close to giving up, but the support of my family and friends kept me inspired.

This day is about faith in God when nothing is certain, hope when life throws curve balls, courage when nothing makes sense, and victory over any challenges that will knock on my doorstep. Thank you to my bone marrow donor. I would not be here without you. This day is a gift and no one can take it away from me."