Tiburon, San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, Mission Peak, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

I never realized how much work goes into maintaining a blog, and I have to commend all those bloggers out there. When I first started my blog, I had lots of free time, but lately, I haven't had as much time as I'd like to keep up with it. In addition to the usual work and gym, I've been putting more of my efforts into spending time with my family, and friends. It sure doesn't help that I have a cold now, so perhaps it's fate's way of telling me to slow down. Who knows?

Last week I had my first of many upcoming doctor appointments. I met with my Radiation Oncologist, and she was very pleased with my progress. She commented on my weight loss and muscle gain, and said that "I looked fantastic and I should continue to do what I'm currently doing." Since I rely on my right leg to compensate for my weaker left leg, the one suggestion she had was for me to incorporate yoga into my routine to help with my strength and balance. If anyone can recommend of any yoga studios, I'd be really grateful.

It's been a very long and tough journey to get to where I am right now. A year ago I was unable to walk a block without getting winded, but now I can do a 14 mile hike. My secret is having a strong support system; people that believe in me and encourage me to continue when I don't think it's possible.

There's one memory that really stands out when I completely lost hope and wanted to give up, but kept on going because of my support system. Surprisingly, it wasn't while I was at the hospital, but 2 months after I had finished chemo. It was December 2012, and Andrew was relocating to California, and we were doing a road trip from Houston, Texas. We had stopped by the Grand Canyon, and it happened to be the first snow of the season. Both of us were not prepared for the snow. We had no waterproof clothes or shoes, let alone snow gear, but we were feeling adventurous and determined to hike through the 6 inches of snow.

Going into the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail was breathtaking. After 1.5 miles into it, Andrew suggested that we head back. Part of me felt that I had the strength to do more, but I realized that Andrew had a better grasp of the environment. If there's a time where I'm glad that I listened to him, it was definitely then.

Heading back to the rim of the Canyon was absolutely miserable. My clothes and shoes were completely soaked, my heels were blistered, and I was so cold and tired. Every time I looked up, it didn't seem like we were getting any closer. I started crying, and telling Andrew that it was impossible, and that I couldn't go on. In retrospect, I probably was being a bit melodramatic considering it was only 1.5 miles back. In any case, he told me not to concentrate on the end goal, but rather on the next step. Even though I told him I couldn't take another step, I did. After a few thousand steps (and lots of whining and complaining), I had finally reached the top of the Canyon. Did I mention that Andrew has the patience of a saint?

I felt like a million bucks after reaching the top!

I'm glad that Andrew believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and motivated me to go on when I didn't think I could or else I could have ended up a frozen popsicle! It's important to surround yourself with positive people that will be there to support you in life, but also challenge you to become a better version of yourself.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. More to come soon!

San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall boasts magnificent Beaux-Arts buildings. The front of city hall
covers morethan 495,000 ft2 (46,000 m2), and its dome stands 307.5 ft (93.7 m) tall.

Girls just want to have fun!

Tiburon, Marin County, CA

Tiburon was originally named "Punta de Tiburon" 

(Shark Point) by Spanish explorers in 1775. 

Cuties!

Anchors aweigh.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

Architect John McLaren (designer of the Golden Gate Park), developed the San Jose Municipal
Rose Garden in the early 1930s. The world class garden contains approximately 4,000 rosebushes. 

Before this picture was taken, my clumsy self tripped and fell into the rosebush. Oops! 

Kim looking classy.

Mission Peak, Fremont CA (5.6 miles; 3 hours; 2200 ft elevation gain)

Car selfie!

Annie hiding in the shade. What a disappointment!

Both of us finally made it to the top. 

Mission Peak (and Annie) stands at the highest point of 2,517 ft. 

Sibling bonding time. 

The cows may graze all the way up to the summit. 

Be careful where you step.

I'm sure having to carry heavy paragliding equipment up was worth the view.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (HSB) Festival 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

HSB is an annual free and non-commerical music festival subsidized by venture capitalist Warren

Hellman. More than 750,000 people attended the three-day event showcasing almost 100 musical acts.

At the Banjo Stage, Steve Martin & Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickell. 

It was a nice and sunny day.

Look who we ran into? Francie and Caroline!

The random Irish guys were very entertaining. They definitely had a few too many.

"When is that darn thing gonna set?!"