This year was an interesting one…in fact, it’s one of the oddest years I’ve ever lived, mainly because I was on medical leave for 5 months. However, the months following were extremely loaded and enjoyable. Here’s a snapshot of my 2010 in pictures!
February: How it started
This is the yoga upside-down stance that most likely causes headaches and fatigue to resurface…My brain was damaged and it needed to heal up — At the worst point, I was sleeping 20 hours and waking up for only 4 hours. I could barely stay awake. My dreams seemed more real.
March – July: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment
http://www.hungrycactus.com/blog/2010/03/26/why-ive-been-afk
Even though this treatment took 5 months , it helped reduce the post-concussion symptoms. Each week I would feel slightly stronger and more awake. Through this time, I learned my life was in God’s hand…and sometimes it may not go my way. I just can’t imagine how to live with permanent brain damage…it is very real, and can be really sad.
After treatment: http://www.hungrycactus.com/blog/2010/08/10/im-back
And if there’s one thing I really missed while being sick, it would have to be being active. There are so many things I want to get back into…badminton, cooking, hiking, rock climbing, biking, photography etc. Will I be able to do them all this year? I sure hope so!!!
Food Inc. http://www.hungrycactus.com/blog/2010/07/21/food-that-kills
While still in treatment, I watched Food Inc. and that changed my view on food, health and environment. Some changes I’ve made so far: try to eat healthy, organic if possible; using stainless-steel instead of non-stick pans; no plastics in microwave or dishwasher; drink filtered water; be environmental: reduce, recycle, reuse, donate.
Pigeons
While I was in San Francisco for the treatments, two pigeons laid their eggs on my apartment balcony. Here’s the last video I made of how this all ended. sad.
August:
Moved back to Fremont, started working again
Joseph/Carol’s Wedding: about time!
Clothing refresh: He-joon and Miranda made a big effort to help update my wardrobe…so what’s my new style? T-shirts and hoodies from threadless, and the rest from Gap and Banana Republic! I’m loving it!
Ping pong & badminton: Started to get back in shape! So glad there are friends that love the sport too!
September: Camera upgrade
http://www.hungrycactus.com/blog/2010/10/18/10-years-of-digital-cameras
I can’t be happier upgrading to the Panasonic GF1…larger sensor, faster lens, more advanced controls! By far the best camera I’ve had in 10 years…now back to capturing wonderful moments of my life! =)
October: Move to rental home
Living in a home is so awesome….what I love is the large kitchen, limitless noise level and large space for lots of people! I don’t think I can go back to apartments anymore…
Change to Part time: My work load was still too much to handle, so I became part time to ease the transition back into work.
UCLA vs Cal: First football game ever! Too bad we lost…bad.
Hosting: First time having lots of wonerful people over! So happy and blessed to have such a good time!
November: Macarons
Obsession with Macarons begins…but still so far to go…
Acupuncture: I wasn’t sure at first, but now I know…acupuncture works wonders on headaches and fatigue!
December: “You Like, iGive” experiement
http://www.hungrycactus.com/blog/2010/12/21/you-like-igive-2010-experiment
What started out as a meaningful Christmas gift idea to my friends, quickly evolved into an experiment where clean water awareness was spread through social networks and lives would be changed! The experiment was a success: reaching 111 people and raising money for Charity:water. What’s more amazing is I only know 30% of the people reach…the rest was completely word of mouth! Amazing…
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In the end, I give praises to God — 2010 will always be remembered as an awesome year for me!