Cycle 4 - Bay to Breakers, San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden

A few days before I began Cycle 4, it was Anh's Master's graduation. Most of my relatives from around the country flew into Florida to celebrate this milestone with her. I wanted to be there too, but with the state of my health, I had to critically examine every best and worst case scenario, and the probability of each scenario occurring. After much thought, I decided that the risk was too high, and that it would be best if I stayed behind. As much as I wanted to be there to support my sister during this joyous occasion, ironically, she was the one that flew home and supported me through Cycle 4.

I love Anh's blinged out graduation cap.

Congratulations to the University of Florida 

2014 Aerospace Engineering Master's Graduates!

Anh's Master's graduation had me thinking of my own Master's graduation, or lack thereof. I left Drexel University a few months before my graduation ceremony, and I believed that once I was finished with treatment for my cancer, I would make it back in time. Little did I know how serious my situation was, and that once I left Philadelphia, I wouldn't be able to come back. To this day, I still haven't returned. Eventually I'll make a trip back to the East Coast.

The City of Brotherly Love. 

Sometimes I'm a little bit envious of how easier life seems for other people. They don't have the constant fear of cancer recurrence or dying young, but I know everyone has their own struggles and suffering, and that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. I suppose envy is just a normal part of human nature. At least that's what I say to myself.

Despite all that that has happened, I feel extremely blessed to have such amazing friends, a loving
family, and a patient boyfriend. Overall, I'd say I'm pretty happy with my life today.

Cycle 4

The Three Stooges are now complete. 

We had lots of quality nap time together. 

No hospital food for me today. 

My taste buds aren't sure what to make of it. 

 

Thank you Amy and Francie for the thoughtful gifts.

You guys are awesome!

artMRKT San Francisco [Contemporary & Modern Art Fair]

artMRKT features highly reputable galleries from around the globe, 

bringing scores of unique artists and art exhibitors to San Francisco. 

Forum Gallery, New York

Brian Rutenberg, Reverie 2, 2012, Oil on linen, 50 x 72 inches

Bay to Breakers, San Francisco CA

Bay to Breakers has been quintessential to San Francisco since May 1912. 

It's the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world.

There were nearly 40,000 participants in the 12K race that ran west 

through the city and finished at the Pacific Coast's Ocean Beach. 

Runners dressed up in their boldest, brightest, and wildest costumes. 

D'oh!

Conservatory of Flowers: CHOMP! They came from the Swamp, San Franicsco CA

The Special Exhibits Gallery was transformed into a 

swampy paradise for hundreds of carnivorous plants. 

Carnivorous plants once filled the wetlands of North America, 

but only 5% remain due to the destruction of these wetlands. 

We got a bug's eye view of the Sarracenia psittacina and 

learned how they adapted to attract, capture, and eat prey. 

The future's so bright with Natasha and Amy!

Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco CA

The San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. 

In 1894, it was created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for 

the California Midwinter International Exposition. When the fair 

closed, it was given to Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara. 

The garden features classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, 

pagodas, stone lanterns, koi ponds, and a zen garden. The Cherry 

Blossom trees bloom throughout during March and April.