Relay for Life, San Francisco Zoo, Lands End, Angel Island, Ghirardelli Square

Summer is over. Fall has officially begun. For this being my first summer where I'm healthy enough to have fun and travel since my diagnosis in February 2011, I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. It was great having new adventures with wonderful friends and loving family. The beautiful sunny California weather was definitely the cherry on top! 

Having my health taken away from me, and having to face death will have an everlasting effect on my life. I don't deny that there are still lots of emotional sadness, fear, anger and guilt that I have to resolve, but at the same token, there's a sense of liberation. 

Firstly, I stopped going through the motions of life, and started living. Oftentimes, I would postpone plans to visit friends and go traveling. Something seem to always come up; whether it was school, work, or lack of money. I've come to realize that these obstacles will always be a part of life, and I have to take responsibility and stop making excuses for not being able to live the life I want to live. If I want something, I have to make it happen. No one else can do it for me. 

Secondly, I worry less about living up to people's expectations. Pleasing people is very exhausting work, and in the end, it wasn't satisfying for me at all. I spent too much time doing things that I didn't want to do because I didn't have the courage to say no. The only person I can be is myself, and hopefully it'll be enough. 

Third, I've become more conscious about how I spend my time. I try not to waste the time I have arguing and fighting with my loved ones. Nothing is ever that important, and it's better to take a step back, realize what's happening, and give the people I love the benefit of the doubt. Everyone deserves a chance to be heard, and it's best to keep an open mind and listen.

Lastly, I've accepted that suffering and pain are a part of life. I realize that it's really pointless in spending time worrying about things that are out of my control, and fearing for the worst, because bad things will happen, and nothing that I do will ever prepare me for it. The only thing I can do is to deal with it when it does come. 

Live in the present. Enjoy life!

Oakland Relay For Life (In Memory of Dr. Charles A. Koller)

Our team, Rising Stars, raised $10,828 and we were the top fundraising team at the event!

The money raised is used for research and to support those battling cancer.

The Rising Stars campsite offered free fruit and veggies.

It ended up being a being a big hit with all the walkers!

Our team walked for 24 hours with a combined total of 130,600 steps (61.6 miles).

Our team purchased about 90 luminarias in memory and in honor of our team's

and our sponsors' friends and family. They were lit around the course all 

night long to remind us of the people we were walking for.   

San Francisco Zoo

Lemurs are native to the the African island of Madagascar, and some tiny neighboring islands. 

They have power scent glands which they use to communicate and mark their territories. 

During the mating season, male lemurs battle for dominance by trying to outstink each other!

Lemurs having fun sunbathing. Aren't they so cute? 

The Varecia variegata species do sure do look like skunks though.

I'm a butterfly!

Giraffes browse treetops with its 6-foot neck, and plucks leaves with its 18-inch tongue. 

Our crazy curly hair.

    

Patas monkeys are the fastest primate species. Their body shape is similar to that of a 

greyhound, with long limbs, narrow body, and prominent rib cage. The dominant adult 

male of the group acts as a lookout. It looks like he's really enjoying his job!

I couldn't end the day without a visit to the petting zoo.

Lands End

Shoji modeling at San Francisco's westernmost point, Lands End.

It's where all of land ends and the great Pacific Ocean begins.

In 1894, Adoph Suturo developed the amazing Sutro Baths. The swimming facility 

had the capacity of 10,000 people, and offered 20,000 bathing suits, and 

40,000 towels for rent. The Pacific Ocean high tides could fill the 1.7 

million gallons of water required for all the pools in just one hour. 

Due to the Great Depression, reduced public transportation, and new public health codes, the 

Baths became less popular. The concrete ruins are all that remains of the grand Sutro Baths.

Someone decided to have a photo shoot in Sutro Baths. This probably 

wasn't the smartest idea as the water looked very unsanitary!

The beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Angel Island State Park

For nearly 100 years, from the Civil War to the Cold War, the federal 

government used Angel Island's strategic location for military 

bases, a quarantine station, and an immigration station. 

From 1910 to 1940, the United States Immigration Station (USIS), nicknamed "the Guardian 

of the Western Gate," processed nearly a million immigrants from more than 80 countries.

Ring-a-Ding-Ding!

Mini UCSB Reunion. What a small world running into Alvin at Angel Island!

Ghirardelli Square

Domingo Ghirardelli immigrated from his homeland of Italy to the United States during the 

California Gold Rush. In 1852, he created the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and its 

trademark lights continue to welcome ships passing through Golden Gate today.

Getting ready to devour the Expresso Escape. It had two scoops of espresso chip 

ice cream, freshly homemade dark chocolate hot fudge, whipped cream, and 

an Intense Dark Twilight Delight 72% chocolate. It was sinfully delicious!

Alameda County Fair, Fillmore Jazz Festival, San Diego Comic Con

That time has come and gone again. I'm very happy to report that for my 4 month CT scan there was no evidence of metastatic disease! Everything has remained stable since April 24, 2012 and I know that things are looking up when my oncologist says "Your CT scan looks great."

However, there's the other part of me that still worries about the future. I thought the anxiety would lessen the further out I am, but it never really goes away. There's always the "what ifs" and that's something that will always be a part of my life. I realize that there's nothing that I can do to stop these feelings and thoughts, but I do try hard to be aware that it's out of my control, and to let things unfold as they will. It's much easier said than done though.

I've also noticed that I've had unrealistic expectations of spending time with the people I love. I suppose it's because I was suppose to die, but since I didn't Death will always be knocking on my door (If anyone has seen Final Destination, you'll know what I mean). I'm convinced that I'm going to die young anyways, so I might as well spend every single moment with the people I love. By no means is this healthy, and I do owe it to my friends and family to live as healthy as "reasonably" possible. My friend Shoji suggested that I should recognize that people are legitimately busy with their lives and that I shouldn't be disappointed, but rather try to adapt accordingly. That sounds like good advice to me.

This month was full of self discovery, and with the help of my friends, family, and Andrew, I'm growing to become a better person each and every day. Spend (reasonable) time with your loved ones, and have a wonderful August!

Alameda County Fair

The llama wanted to be part of the action. What a creeper!

Girl power. 

Don't get tricked into playing the carnival games. 

We lost $20 trying to win a Despicable Me Minion Plush toy. 

Selfie!

Fillmore Jazz Festival

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is the Largest Free Jazz Festival on the 

West Coast with more than 100,000 attendees. 

Having a blast listening to the Jazz Artist in Residence, Kim Nalley.

Andrew and me dancing to some Latin Jazz. I'd consider it a success 

considering Andrew had a broken hand and both of us having 2 left feet.

We couldn't end the day without a selfie. 

San Diego Comic-Con

It's estimated that Comic-Con brings in over $163 million per year for 

the city of San Diego. Those geeks sure know to have fun!

The biggest room at the San Diego Convention Center is Hall H, with a capacity 

of 6,500 people. Most get into line on the night before, and even with a 

12 hour head start, it's not guaranteed that you'll make it inside. 

15,000 people tried to get into the infamous Hall H that weekend, and we were 

one of the lucky few that made it to the Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A Session. 

I love you Robb Stark!

I was a big fan of Charmed when I was growing up, so I was elated 

when I had the chance to meet Alyssa Milano during the signing of 

her new comic, Hacktivist. She's even prettier in person. 

I was randomly walking, and all of a sudden everyone was rushing to get line for a ticket. Naturally, I

decided to join in too, not knowing what it was for. Apparently, the ticket was to purchase Hasbro

Comic-Con exclusive merchandise, so I decided on the Deadpool Corps Taco Truck for Phong. Win!

At first I thought this guy was dressed as a poorly Conan the Barbarian. 

My brother pointed out that he was He-Man. I felt like such a poser.

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) created live art, and paid homage 

to the cartoonists, authors, and characters who've created the great banned books 

of our time. What a beautiful illustration for Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger. 

Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey was one of my highlights of Comic-Con. Astrophysicist Neil 

deGrasse Tyson, Writer/Executive Producer Ann Druyan, and Producer/Director Brannon 

Braga conveyed their passion for the continued exploration of the universe. I was especially 

moved hearing Ann Druyan, and her love of science. What an inspiration.

Yosemite NP

This past month has been beyond wonderful.  I couldn't be happier with the way everything is going in my life.

As you know, I was struggling to find a job, and it was very frustrating to be patient. I was thinking to myself that no one would ever hire me because I had been out of the industry for awhile, and because of my health. Just when I was losing hope, my former biotech company reached out to me. Despite my situation, they were still willing to take a chance on me. I'm officially now a Software Test Engineer. Everyone is so nice, and I'm really enjoying being back at work. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I'll try my best not to disappoint.

Andrew and I recently went to Yosemite National Park for a weekend trip and it was absolutely breathtaking. We stayed in Yosemite Valley at the Camp 4 campground, and at $5/night per person, it was a steal! There was lots to do and see, and for our first time here, I think we did an excellent job exploring most of it. We hiked to Mirror Lake, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Upper Yosemite Fall, and Half Dome. If you find yourself pinched on time, you can drive to Glacier Point, or take the tram tour through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Word of caution. The rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs are beautiful but treacherous. Be extremely safe and follow all hiking and climbing safety. Two people died while we were there.

Mirror Lake (2 miles)

When filled in winter and spring, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. 

Vernal Fall (2.4 miles; 3 hours; 1000 ft elevation gain)

To reach the top of the 318 ft Vernal Fall, there's a steep granite
stairway of over 600 steps. Totally worth it though!

Nevada Fall (5.4 miles; 5-6 hours; 2000 ft elevation gain)

The plume of the plunging 594 ft Nevada Fall led to its naming by Dr. Lafayette 

Bunnell, a member of the Mariposa Battalion and a non-indigenous discoverer 

of the Yosmite Valley. Nevada is Spanish meaning "snowy."

Upper Yosemite Fall (7.2 miles; 6-8 hours; 2,700 ft elevation gain)

One of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Upper Yosemite Fall 

trail leads to the top of North America's tallest waterfall 2,425 feet above the Valley floor. 

Half Dome (14 miles; 10-12 hours; 4,800 ft elevation gain)

Ready for the challenge. 

Permits to hike Half Dome are required in order to protect wilderness character, reduce 

crowding, protect natural and cultural resources, and improve safety. A maximum of 

300 hikers are allowed daily, and permits are distributed via lottery. We got lucky!

The last 400 vertical ft up the eastern slope is so sheer that two steel cables suspended
from pipes set in the rocks have been installed to assist hikers.  If you slip while
climbing and slide outside the cables, you're likely to fall to your death.

The gloves help grip and keep your hands from getting blistered by the 

cables. If you didn't bring a pair of your own, at the bottom of the cables, 

there was a pile of gloves discarded by previous hikers. 

Almost there. Only a few more feet to go!

We celebrated by having a PB&J party! 

The secret to a delicious PB&J is lots of it.

The top is fairly large and level open surface. Can you find me?

The "Diving Board" is where Ansel Adams took his photograph, 

"Monolith, The Face of Half Dome" on April 10, 1927. 

Glacier Point

Glacier Point has spectacular views. The two waterfalls to the right 

side of Half Dome are Nevada Fall (top), and Vernal Fall (bottom). 

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

In total volume the giant sequoias are the largest living things known to humans. 

They can live for over 2,000 years, and their trunks can reach over 25 ft thick. 

Biologists suspect the Fall Monarch tree has been down for centuries. 

Tannic acid in the wood suppresses the initial growth of fungi
and bacteria, essentially arresting decay of a fallen sequoia. 

Overall, I had such an amazing time at Yosemite National Park, and it was an experience that I'll never forget. I was able to conquer Half Dome nine months after finishing chemo with 75% of my left hamstring muscle gone. I hope that my doctors are proud, and happy to hear that because of them, I'm able to live my life to the fullest. It just goes to show you how strong the human spirit is. 

Kale Salad
Courtesy of Aarti Sequeira 

Ingredients (serves 4)
1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons honey
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup roasted edamame
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

1. In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt.
2. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while making the dressing.
3. In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms. 
4. Add the bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, almonds, edamame, and dried cranberries. 
5. Pour the dressing over the kale. Toss and serve.

I love big bowls of salad!

San Luis Obispo

For the past two years, I haven't really had a chance to enjoy Spring and Summer since I always seemed to be in the hospital. The hospital does have a beautiful garden that I walked to everyday, but when you're connected to an IV pole, and wearing a hospital gown, it's not the most pleasant thing.

However, things have already been different this year. With the news of my good health, I recently had my Power Port removed. Although I do have a deep fear of the cancer returning, and the removal being in vain, I'm glad that it's gone. I feel like my life is starting to come back together, and that there's a chance that things will be normal again. I've started by looking for jobs, and even though it's a slow process, I'm optimistic that something will come my way.

In the meantime, with the lovely California weather in hand, I've been living life with full force. I recently took a road trip with my sister Anh to San Luis Obispo. It was a great time being outside and exploring more of California, and if this is an indication of what the rest of Spring and Summer has in store for me, I can't wait! 

10th Annual CubeSat Developers' Workshop 2013 in San Luis Obispo, CA

Anh presented at the 10th Annual CubeSat Developers' Workshop 2013. The CubeSat 

Project is an international collaboration of over 40 universities, high schools, and private firms

developing picosatellites containing scientific, private, and government payloads.

Less than her first year in grad school, and she's already doing great things!

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

The mission was founded by Father Serra on September 1, 1772, and 

named for Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, France. It continues to function 

as a parish church for the city of San Luis Obispo. 

The Tequski' wa Suwa (Bear & Child) sculpture was installed in 1988. It honors 

the two major life forms of the region that existed before the influx of the 

European culture, the indigenous Chumash people and the Grizzly Bear.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art


Brushstrokes 2013 is the result of a statewide call to artists using any form of painting. This year 53 artists from all over the state submitted 120 entries for consideration.We were both very excited for the exhibit!

Schwinnderful is Cynthia Meyers first solo museum exhibit. 

If you get a chance, definitely stop by, there's free admission! 

Sandra Kay Johnson had so many beautiful silk paintings. 

Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, CA

All Macaws are found in Central and South America. These colorful birds

have powerful beaks that allow them to open the hard nuts and seeds that 

along with fruit make up their diet. 

The happiest Billy Goat I've ever seen!

Slender Tailed Meerkats will often have one individual stand as look out 

while other meerkats forage for food. Isn't he so cute?

Don't we look alike?

I hope everyone is having a great Spring so far. Make sure you go outside and have some fun with your friends and family. Even though they may drive me crazy sometimes, I think I got the better end of the deal, because at the end of the day, they put up with me.

Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Courtesy of Robert Irvine

Ingredients (serves 6)

6 green bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 white onion, diced
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 teaspoons freshly chopped garlic
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 cup diced red and green peppers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh arugula or spinach
1/2 cup almond slices, to finish

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, mushrooms and garlic and saute until the mushrooms are golden brown. 
2. Add in the zucchini, yellow squash, wild rice, carrots red and green peppers and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender. 
3. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. 
4. Remove from the heat and fold in the fresh arugula or spinach. 
5. Spoon the vegetable mixture into the peppers. 
6. Wrap the peppers in aluminum foil, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 
7. Uncover the foil and cook until topping is slightly crisp, about 10 minutes more. 
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
9. Garnish with almond slides, and serve.