Finally Nidan

I had a milestone this week. I just had my nidan (second-degree black belt) demo. I felt I have been preparing for my nidan test for about eight months. However, because of my transplant, I was not able to take my formal test last February (see my original post). Last Saturday, I finally had a chance to perform my demo and receive my certificate.

Right after my transplant, I was not even sure if I could train in aikido again. I was in so much pain that it took so much effort to just move around. Also, I have had to avoid trauma on my kidney “surgery spot,” so I was not sure how I could manage my training.

Slowly but surely, I was able to start training again. First, I just started with weapons class where we do not normally have close contact or take (too many) falls. After I was getting more confidence, I attended general practice once a week, then twice. After all, I had an exam to train for. Although twice a week practice wore me out a bit, I hoped (and still hoping) that I would eventually get used to it.

I did not have a formal test, because my Sensei felt it was not necessary. He said that I was basically ready for my test in February and was already training at a Nidan-level back then. The demo was just a formality.

During the celebration, Sensei gave me a card with Yosa Buson’s Autumn Haiku (see photo in this post). It reads:

Ichigyo no

Kari ya hayama ni

Tsuki wo insu

On the mountain crests

A line of wild geese

And the moon’s seal

To me it represents, a new season, a new beginning, and the continuing journey that I will have in aikido.

Onegai shimasu.

Working 9 to 5

We’re in crunch time mode at work the last few weeks, and I have been working really long hours. Although I have been working from home three days a week, my projects have been taking up most of my time. I barely have time to cook or exercise. Fortunately, my husband still takes care of the household: he even cooks and encourages me time to take my walks or go to the gym. I definitely had no time to tweet, re-tweet, and blog.

I am somewhat surprised that the workday wears me out. Before my surgery, I remember working longer hours and did not feel as tired as I do now. This is with dialysis for three hours, three times a week and regular (but shorter) exercise sessions.

I do remind myself that it has been only a little over eight months since my surgery – not even a year. My body is probably still healing and adjusting. My scar still occasionally hurts, but not unbearable. Sitting eight or more hours per day also now hurts my back. Because of my surgery, I have only been doing minimal exercises to strengthen that area: mostly rotational exercises and light knee-to-chest stretches (at least working my way through it).     

I do think that as long as I continue to keep a few things in mind, I can adjust to my workload without sacrificing my health, and for that matter, my sanity.

Pace yourself: I was Ms. Multitasker before. Now, I am finding that doing two or three things at once is more distracting. I have to focus on one thing at a time and do the best job that I can. I prioritize the items on my list and do them according to priority (or what I can fit in at the time remaining). With this, I find that I am able to accomplish more important things. I also stop when I am getting to the point of diminishing returns, i.e. my brain is too full that I can barely function.

Continue eating healthy: It is very tempting to start eating junk food when working late. I still bring my lunch and snacks to work (Thanks to my husband): lunch is usually a combination of grains, veggies, and healthy proteins like chicken or vegetarian options. Snacks have been granola bars lately (with low glycemic index), but I really should go back to eating a variety fruits in the afternoon.

Take breaks: When I have been sitting for a long time or feeling mentally tired, I find that taking short breaks help me out. I take a short walk, some stretch breaks, and if I am working from home, maybe even take a meditation or hula dance break. After 5 or 10 minutes, I find that I have more energy to tackle the task-at-hand and am more mentally alert,

Continue being active: After a long workday, I find that exercising is helpful in releasing any stress from work or any mental pressure. It helps me take my mind off work and helps me relax in the evening. In fact, each time I go to my aikido or hula class, I sleep really well that evening (Again, I am thankful that my Hubby encourages me to have the time to exercise).

Rest! Although being continually engaged is tempting, R&R is very important. My husband also reminds me that I not only have I been working too hard, but also playing too hard: Aikido weekend three weeks ago then a hula workshop a week ago Although I am one of those geeky people who relax by blogging or looking at Pinterest, sometimes unplugging is really beneficial. Cooking, browsing through a magazine, reading a book, or just napping usually works for me. 

This advice probably applies to every one, but especially those who are coming back from medical leave. I am hoping that crunch time ends soon (hopefully next week) and I can have a semi-normal work life soon.

Enough blogging now… Back to work... On a Sunday!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

My husband and I had recently enjoyed a couple of San Francisco Giants games at AT&T Park. The first one was courtesy of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (it was the kick-off event for the Light the Night Walk) and the other, the most recent one was our own choice – the Polynesian Heritage Night. During my recovery period, we bought tickets so we could have something to look forward to after my internment.

Although we were looking forward to the game, I knew one of the challenges would be finding transplant-friendly ballpark food. Both games were night games, so I would want to have a decent dinner. Fortunately, AT&T Park has been known for great food, so I thought it would not be too much of an issue.

Tempting! Cholesterol-wrapped Phosphates!

However, the nutritionist at UC Davis said that probably the best foods for me at the ballpark would be cotton candy or peanuts. However, I wanted something close to real food, so the dilemma continued.

I googled the dinner possibilities at AT&T park and found some options. However, during our first visit, we were in the bleacher seats, and although there were a number of very tempting options, it was quite limited for a transplant patient. Present were the usual pre-made hotdogs and burgers, kielbasas, even bacon-wrapped dogs, but nothing hot or prepared only for me. Given my choices, I opted to get a veggie burger without lettuce and tomato. I figured that would have the least concern of bacterial growth. I also had a Ghiraldelli ice cream sundae for dessert. Yum!

On our second visit, we decided that the safest bet was to have dinner before the game. We opted for something familiar: Momo’s right across the street from the park. My hubby and I shared lamb meatballs to start. He had the lettuce wedge as always, and I had the gumbo, which was nice and warm and quite yummy. Not only did we get hot and delicious food in an enjoyable outdoor café setting, we also saved some money since ball park food can be a bit overpriced. We were so full after that mean that we did not need to eat at the ballpark, except for the obligatory red vines and cracker jacks.

Did you know that the toy in cracker jacks is now a mini comic book. Really?

At the main entrance at Willy Mays Plaza, we found that there are a couple of other convenient sit-down options: Public House and Mijita. Hubby and I made a mental note to check these out next time we’re at The Yard.

One not-so-secret note: According to a post in another blog, if none of these options appeal to you, AT&T Park allows folks to bring in outside food – no questions asked. If you feel like it, you can fill your bag with goodies - either kidney-friendly or transplant-friendly - for the game. That may be the safest, most convenient bet of all.

Play Ball!!