On Happy Thoughts

Lately, my previous posts were more on my health issues and the struggles I go through, so I thought it's about time to post some happy thoughts. I was reading everyone's post on their favorite places and the places they wish to visit, so here goes my list.

My top three favorite places are:

1. Sagada, Mt. Province - Mom's hometown.
2. Baguio City - Dad's hometown. Since I could remember, I've spent my summers and almost all holidays here.
3. Hawaii - Now my home state - nothing beats the Aloha spirit, the people and the beaches.

Three places I dream of seeing are (among others =):

1. Reykjavik, Iceland
   
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Athens, Greece

This is my entry to KG's giveaway.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week and thank you so much for all the well wishes and prayers.

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Waiting

On Saturday, we had our first December snow. I planned for a lazy weekend since I'm still recovering from my recent biopsy, but playing on the snow was too hard to resist. So with a sore back, I donned my jacket, gloves, and boots, and went out for a long walk. It was a struggle to still walk around, but when I felt the snowflakes hit my face, I felt a sense of hope and healing. Feeling the soft, cold snowflakes melt on my face invoked life and a sense of gratitude - that I could still feel and that I am still here. I was feeling rather low the past few days and finding inspiration was a task. I think that there are things we go through in life that sometimes beat us down, but I don't consider myself beat, I was just harboring the fear of uncertainty. I'm still trying to make sense of what's going on and trying to figure out what's next. It will be a couple of weeks before I hear about my biopsy results, and the waiting is killing me.

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The Battle Continuous

Part of my weekend getaway was to take my mind off from my scheduled bone marrow biopsy, which took place yesterday (Dec. 1 - Mom's birthday). Getting through the biopsy procedure proved to be a challenge, but a special thanks goes to my friend F who kept watch during the whole process. Thank you very much.

I chose local anesthesia the last bone marrow biopsy, but this time, I went for conscious sedation. In preparation for my conscious sedation, I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything before the bone marrow biopsy, which was scheduled at 1 PM. The usual blood work took place, but this time there were 17 test tubes of different sizes to be filled. I was taken aback at how much blood they were going to draw. After the blood work, I suddenly felt light headed and everything just went dim. I could hear the technician saying my name, but it sounded so far away. I woke up later lying down on a bed, with a bag of ice on my neck, and soaked with sweat. Passing out was a scary experience.

Afterwards, I met my new doctors. I said "new" because I am meeting these new doctors for a second opinion regarding my Aplastic Anemia. I was told that before any conclusion and diagnosis will be properly given, we'd have to wait for lab tests and of course, the result of my bone marrow biopsy. My new doctors were nice and very encouraging, and I'll be meeting them again next month.

At the end of the day, I was prepared for conscious sedation. I was nervous as hell. I was hooked to an IV and all types of monitors were also attached to my chest. It was a new experience for me and the tubes clearly made me nervous. I was half awake during the procedure, and I could still feel the pressure and the pain. Unlike last time, I was more interested in fighting to stay awake than what was going on with the biopsy. Next time I knew, they were applying bandage and I was told to go ahead and sleep.

I slept for a good 20 minutes. I woke up to F bringing in crackers and some Apple juice. The nurse adjusted my bed for me to be able to sit up. I guess they knew I was so hungry. I crammed the crackers in my mouth, gulped the juice and slept some more.

The battle continuous.

**********

To Mama,

Happy, happy birthday and many more birthdays to come!

Love,

Kayni 

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Back From The Blue Mountains

Spa weekend was absolutely fantastic! I have never been pampered like that in my life. The drive from Maryland to Pennsylvania was about three hours, but the destination was definitely worth it. Our weekend was spent at Eagle Rock Spa situated in the Blue Mountains of Hazleton, PA. It was much colder up in the mountains, so it took us sometime adjusting to the fresh mountain air. We heard they had about four inches of snow the weekend before, so we were there at a perfect time - no snow. First on our itinerary was lunch so we headed straight to the restaurant and had light lunch (photo R). We thought it would not be wise to fill up since the whole afternoon is dedicated to spa massages and other treatments.

After lunch, we checked in at The Lodge and proceeded to The Spa after we got our things situated in our room. We were ecstatic to find a fireplace in our room. Just like little girls, we screamed, jumped and peeked through every door and cupboard.

Although at the spa, we tried to act completely adult-like and mature-like but we still had childish grins all over our faces (at least, I know I did =)). Our spa package started with a one hour, relaxing and soothing hot stone massage. As the massage therapist started with the hot stones on my shoulders and back, I was in a daze and felt completely relaxed. The hot stone treatment melted the stress away. An hour of hot stone massage, and the thought of work and chores vanished for the time being. Below is  The Spa atop a hill hidden by the now leafless trees.

In between our treatments, we gathered in our white robes at the Meditation Room where we rested on soft, fluffy, giant-sized couches while relaxing music played on the background. Time was of no essence there, and for a day I thought time froze.

Next was our hot stone facial massage, and oh my gosh, this one felt amazing. I had no idea what the heck was going on as I drifted with every warm towel and every soft brush that touched my face. Inhaling the aromatic scent of mint was bliss as it opened my sinuses and cooled my lungs. Every out breath was of toxic stress never to come back again, and for every in breath was of peace and rejuvenation. Lastly, I settled for my hot stone pedicure. My feet were massaged and treated with a mint scrubbed. I never get pedicures, and when asked what nail color I wanted, I chose deep purple. It reminded me of ube.

After the whole afternoon of relaxing massage, we settled for heavy dinner. For starters, we had a bruschetta with basil and tomatoes. I ordered the grilled Salmon which I absolutely loved and devoured. For dessert, I settled for a champagne and chocolate cake (photos below).

 

 

What best way to end the day by chatting with R and drinking tea in our room. We chatted until we dozed off, while the crackling fire kept us warm the whole night.

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Weekend Travel

My high school classmate, R, called a few weeks ago asking if I'd like to go to a spa resort with her in Pennsylvania. I immediately said yes, as I felt the dire need of a little rest and relaxation. With how things are in the financial world, I rarely treat myself and that living frugally has become a habit. I prefer saving my money for bigger things such as trips abroad, but a weekend trip to a spa resort with a friend is just too good to pass. I've been finding it hard to convince myself that it's okay to treat myself from time to time, as long as it is not beyond my means. R and I are signed up for the hot stone escape, a package that includes a hot stone massage, a pedicure, and a facial. I can't wait!

Speaking of travel specially for those with kids, you might find BabySafeTravel.com helpful in planning your next family vacation. This site offers family vacation ideas  and booking for parent reviewed hotels all over the world. The site also includes information on a certification program that helps hotels baby proof rooms for their guests. The site features informative family travel tips specially those with babies and toddlers. Also, parents can share photos and travel stories at the site's baby blogs, even win prizes for uploading cute baby photos. While you're there, don't forget to check their online store specializing in baby travel gear.

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