Sunday, July 27, 2014

Lake Merritt, Relay for Life, San Diego Comic Con

Growing up, I always had long straight black hair. There wasn’t a particular reason why I kept it long; it’s just the way it was. Contrary to belief, when a patient undergoes chemotherapy, all of hair doesn’t immediately fall out at one time. Rather, the hair falls out in clumps over the span of a couple of weeks, making it a drawn out and emotionally painful process. 



The first time I underwent chemo, it took me about three weeks before I actually decided to shave my hair. There was just a point where I felt completely helpless and depressed about my situation, and I wanted to take control and do something about it. 

Initially, I was extremely worried that I had hastily compromised my femininity, and beauty. I had difficulty accepting myself, and every time I looked in the mirror, all I saw were my flaws. The last thing in the world that I wanted was for people to look at me differently, and worst of all feel sorry for me.


What I discovered was that everyone still loved me, and accepted me for who I was. With their support, my insecurities shrunk and my confidence grew. I was so comfortable with who I was, that I went to San Diego Comic Comic Con (SDCC) dressed as myself. Among the crowds of people dressed in costume, it was nice to feel normal and just be me.

There are so many different views on what beauty is because everyone is unique. Love and respect yourself for who you are, and not for what you think other’s definition of beauty may be. We are good enough, and we are worthy of being loved.


City Beach, Fremont CA

Our cousins, Kim and Nam, visited us all the way from Calgary, Canada. 

The Rock Gym has 16,000 sq ft of climbing, 9 auto-belays, and one monkey.

Kim made it to the top!

Even though it had only been one week since my VATS procedure, I still wanted to rock climb.

Since I was still recovering, we decided it'd be better if we angled 
the camera so it looked like I was climbing. Don't I look like a pro? 

Ooo La La La Nam.

Kim just hanging around. 

Lake Merritt, Oakland CA

In 1870, Lake Merritt was designated as the United States' first official widlife refuge. 
A total of 62 storm drains and 8 creeks flow into this tidal lagoon. 

We unsuccessfully attempted to pedal the lake's 3.4 mile circumference.
At least it was a nice and sunny day, and we had a great workout.

Phong doing an excellent job steering the paddle boat. 

Relay for Life, Oakland CA
In Loving Memory of Eric "Jamie" Schou

Our team, Rising Stars raised over $14,000. That was the most ever for our team.

We walked for 24 hours- 142,800 steps, or 67.5 miles.

Luminarias with names of our families and friends lined the track. 

Thank you to all of my sponsors for your efforts in the fight against cancer. 
I couldn't have done this without you!

San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), San Diego CA

On our way to pick up our badges, we saw American Horror Story: Coven promoting 
their latest season. I couldn't resist a photo with one of my favorite TV shows.

Over 130,000 people attended the SDCC 2014. We avoided Hall H like the plague.

The Exhibit Hall had 460,000 square feet of exhibitors, artists, and fan tables. 
Phong's Kidrobot Futurama Blind Box contained Zapp Brannigan.

Be careful of Edward's Scissorhands. 

Who knew botanists could be so sexy?

"My precious."
Every year we watched LOTR or The Hobbit for my birthday.
I can't wait for The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies coming out this December!

My first celebrity sighting was Riki LeCotey from Heroes of Cosplay. 
She was nice enough to let me take a bathroom selfie. 

C is for cookie. 

Shredder has nothing on me. 

In comparison to all the Sailor Scouts, Tuxedo Mask was by far the dreamiest.
Too bad they didn't have his action figure. 

In the famous words of Tony the Tiger, "They're Gr-r-reat!"

Comics of Future Past: Constructing Race, Space, and Identity Through the 
Visualization of EthnoSurreal discussed how the "self" is defined in narratives 
and the challenges to reimage socially constructed ideas regarding racial identity. 

Thank you for another wonderful year SDCC. See you in 2015!

No comments:

Post a Comment