hero

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

This is something I hum to myself when I feel down.  I truly believe in these words,there is a hero within all of us, that need to be awakened every so often.  We are so much stronger than we think, both mentally and physically.  When you feel like you are in despair, and feel like you can't get through something.  Find this song and listen, and be reminded that...a hero lies in you!

As usual, to keep it fashion relevant...(somewhat)...

J

Shortly after I completely my treatment I had the pleasure of attending a short retreat for young Breast Cancer patients/survivors.  This was the first year of this retreat, which was started by another young breast cancer survivor, whose story I had heard about through one of the nurses.  Like me, she was healthy, young, yoga lover and had the toughest time with chemo.  It wasn't until I was at the retreat that I realized she was THE person whose story was being told to me as an inspiration. When I met her in person, she was a true inspiration.  Someone who fought and won, and was ready to get on with her life.

I didn't keep in touch with her, but I know she has a blog and every so often I would check in to read her posts.  It wasn't too long after the retreat, I was shocked to find out that she had been diagnosed with stage 4, the disease was found in her bones.  But, she continued to fight through with such positive out look on life, I was almost certain in no time, she would have created a miracle for herself.

Sadly, when I thought of looking her up again two days ago, I found her obituary.  She had just passed away this February.  I was shocked, speechless, my heart sank to the bottom of my feet.  She was a person I secretly admired and looked up to.  She was about 2 years older than me.  All of a sudden, all the fear came rushing back to me.  I felt paralyzed for the entire night.

As I am writing about this I am still so saddened and shaken by the news of her passing.  Cancer sucks!  Life sucks! Life is unfair.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing we can do to change that.  But the only thing we can do is change how we face those adversities.  This is another wake up call for me, a reminder of how precious and fragile life can be.  Being alive, and healthy is the most priceless gift we have.  So cherish it!  Live it! and Enjoy it!

RIP J. 

re-calculating

When an unpleasant major life event occurs, it often gives people a wake up call and make you re-evaluate your life.  But when you are on a stretch of the good times, it's so easy to loose sight of that vision, the path you decided to embark on.

After going through cancer, I felt I was steering in a new direction.  But at some point, I detoured, and went completely off track.  And here I am again (after the occurrence of some bad event), re-evaluating and re-adjusting, trying to set myself straight on that previously planned path.

So I suppose the message there is that something good can come out of unpleasant events...

Not so fashion relevant this time, rocking climbing, much more challenging and scary than I would have ever guessed.

heartwarming

Today I met the nicest sweetest couple.

Husband has been working with them on finding a condo, and at the end of their day, they insisted that he come to pick me up and go out for a late lunch together.  I thought it was rather strange that they were so insistent.  Turns out the reason they wanted to meet with me was so that I can feel at ease knowing who my husband has been spending his time with, AND they treated us to a lovely lunch.

Perhaps it's a Brazilian thing, their energy and sincerity was so refreshing.  I struggle with the disappointment of dealing with "people" in general, this was especially heart warming for me.  So if you ever feel let down, don't give up on mankind.  Keep spreading the love.

To make it somewhat fashion relevant, an OOTD when I was in Paris last month.

Longchamp Le Pliage travel bag

My newin Long Champ Le Pliage travel bag brought me so much joy that it has to be shared. 

This is such an amazing travel bag, it's lightweight, it folds so it takes up very little space when not in use, it has a shoulder strap, it's EXPANDABLE!, and it comes in a rainbow of colors!!!  

If your budget allows, check out the chic canvas one called Cricket, it is better made and will last longer lasting than the Le Pliage version, although not expendable and also has a higher price tag.  

Go check it out and tell me what you think!

upgrade

About 5 years ago, DH and I finally decided it was time to get on with the times and got our first smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S3.  I remember that day vividly, as I had just gotten released from the ER hours before, and as we were signing our phone contracts, a thought crossed my head...what if I couldn't live pass the three year contract period?

Three years later, we were due for another upgrade, and we both upgraded to the iPhone 6.

Fast forward to January 2017, I was so happy it was time for our 3rd upgrade since treatment.  For the first time in a long time, we are also no longer twinning.  DH chose the Jet Black and I went with the Matte Black.

I hope in two year's time, I will be here writing about my next phone upgrade.

P.S. Thanks for the comments left on my last (now deleted) post.  Yes there are days I struggle, I struggle hard, I am drowning in the memories of the past, and the fear of the unknown.  I am not sure if I will ever heal fully, but it's an on-going process.  Thanks for listening.