Stressin' Out

I have not been writing as much lately. It’s not that I have not had anything to write about. It’s that time of the year, and it has been really hectic at work the last few weeks. I have two major projects that constantly need urgent attention and a minor one that gets none. I’ve been working long hours and even working weekends. Overall, my work has been somewhat stressful, and my free time has suffered. I do not even have time to read tweets or blog.

Pulling in the extra hours has been hard on me this year. Perhaps I am doing more challenging projects, am more involved at work, or simply just getting old. Maybe it's all of the above. I have been really tired and not getting enough sleep – perhaps due to the stress. I can also feel it in my body: I lack energy and feel bloated. I sometimes don’t even want to move, but I know that it is best for me continue exercising.

I actually have gained weight in the last four weeks. In fact, I have gained most of the weight that I lost. First of all, it is extremely frustrating to see the weight come back. I worked really hard to take it off (well, not really – but I was militant with what I ate, I had to).

Most of all, I am concerned that my kidney function is affected. I have not changed my diet nor stopped exercising. It reminds me of when my kidney disease was first diagnosed; I gained so much weight. Back then, I did not worry about it too much. My weight frequently went up and down (more up). Now, I cannot help but be somewhat paranoid.

I guess it's true that too much work and stress can cause a bit of havoc in one’s body and mental state. As we know, chronic stress disrupts almost system of the body, and this experience has reinforced that fact. My immune systems are probably so low, that I got sick. Now, I really cannot work.

Although I use techniques such as exercise and meditation to relax and may not seem too stressed, the accumulation of pressure does add up.  It increased my anxiety, made me really moody, and consequently raised my blood pressure. Really don’t need that… ever.

I am hoping there is some relief in the future. I should also keep in mind what I need to do when things are so busy at work.  As an example, by taking a sick day, I was able to rest, relax, regain focus and get caught up a bit. My lab results also indicated that my kidney function is normal, actually better than normal. So, I can breathe a little easier.

Hopefully, I’m in for a relaxing weekend. I really need one.

Why I move: Dancing Hula

My first hula class: where are they now?  #Flashback

Another form of exercise that I enjoy regularly is dancing hula. I have been dancing hula almost as long as I've been training in aikido. I decided to start when my gym at that time closed, and I needed an option to exercise. I saw Hula and Martial Arts classes at the adult school catalogue, so I thought I would give it a try. I have always been drawn to try hula since the movements are beautiful, and the music relaxing.

Hula has a special place in my heart. When I was a kid (perhaps around 8 years old), I had a chance to dance to Tiny Bubbles and Pearly Shells for the wedding of one of my aunts. This is one of my happy childhood memories. 

Like a martial arts class, some people may be hesitant to start a dance class, because it may be extremely challenging. When I first started, I did experience that. I could not even perform the basic steps (and gave me flashbacks of childhood). However, with practice, I was able to improve. Unfortunately, nowadays, with work and other obligations, I can only practice once a week.


Hula is an excellent form of exercise. Most of the time, it is not aerobic (but through the years, I did find out that it depends on the dance). We do work out our thighs and arms, and sometimes our core. One of the first things that I noticed when I first started hula was my thighs got a lot stronger. We are usually dancing with bent knees, which is actually what makes our hips sway. After my first year of dancing, I found my thighs were in better shape for skiing! Swoosh!

But I digress... again.

Hula also keeps my brain in shape. On top of memorizing steps and hand motions, we need to memorize our "kaheas" or key words that provide cues for musicians. Sometimes, we need to memorize the entire song. It also helps if you learn a bit of Hawaiian. Sometimes I think hula is more challenging than using games that challenge your brain.

Hula also helps me connect with one another. When we dance we need to synchronize and stay in line with each other and in beat to the music. In life, your class becomes your hula family or "ohana". You really feel the spirit of "aloha" when you come to class.

I enjoy hula for almost the same reasons as I enjoy aikido. It helps me physically, mentally, and spiritually. However, for some reason, I feel more relaxed when I dance. Perhaps it is because it reminds me of times when we travelled to Hawaii. Or maybe the music relaxes me and connects to my heart and my soul.

I hope you will try it. You'll see why it can be addictive.

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the others from my "Why I move" series:

• On Walking
• On Going To The Gym
• On Aikido

Why I move: Gym time

Another way that I move is going to the gym. I usually visit the gym when it’s too hot to walk, or raining, or it’s dark out.

Please don’t get me wrong. I am not a fair-weather walker, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. With too much heat, you may get dehydrated or overheated. With rain, the sidewalks are a bit more slippery (and a fall may potentially impact my kidney – although I like do walking when it is slightly drizzling). And lastly, when it’s dark, it could be dangerous… for anyone, even in the safest of neighborhoods. We have a rule around the house - "Back home when stars are out".

Of course, the sun is actually a star too, but you know what we mean.

The gym allows me to workout during these conditions. It’s a safe environment, and even if I get home late from work, I can still get my exercise and decompress. It is much needed after a long work day.

Being at the gym also allows me to multitask a little bit: I can browse through a magazine (although, the intensity of my workout decreases when I am browsing) or watch TV, usually sports or news. What I really enjoy is listening to what the weightlifters are playing on the radio. They usually listen to something fast and motivating so I tend work out a bit harder. Added bonus: hearing the weightlifters grunt. It can be hilarious... or painful.

I usually use the elliptical since it is easier on my knees. I choose one of the set programs that usually vary in intensity. Since it has a pedal forward and backward mode, I can switch focus on muscles that I don’t have a chance to use while walking – like the back of my thighs.

Image courtesy of photostock /
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The gym also gives me a lot of other options. If I am not in the mood for the elliptical, I can use the threadmill or the stationary bicycle. There is also a rowing machine, but I need some instructions on how to properly work it.

The gym also gives me the option to work out with weights. I really should get out of my rut and start on that this year, so I can tone gain more muscle. I stopped after my transplant and never really started back.

I read that when one gains muscle, one will burn more calories when you do that. I may also end up with Michelle Obama arms!

My husband and I choose a gym that is relatively close to where we live. Otherwise, we probably would not go. Having a gym close to us gives us motivation to work out. 

Rain or shine, night or day.

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the others from my "Why I move" series:

• On Walking
• On Aikido
• On Hula

Why I move: Aikido

My apologies for not posting in a while: We took an extended weekend trip to the coast primarily for an aikido weekend. We spent four days in Monterey, California to enjoy the ocean, the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, enjoy farm fresh vegetables from the Salinas Valley and fresh fish, and three days of aikido.

Because of that fabulous weekend, I think this will be the perfect opportunity to continue my “Why I move” series, this time focusing on aikido.

As you probably have read in some of my previous posts, my aikido practice has been a major part of my life. I have been training longer than what I’d like to admit (only 12 years, longer if you count the year or two before graduate school) and am now a second-degree black belt. However, in some ways, there are still times when I feel that I am a beginner.

Aikido was my primary exercise when I was in dialysis. Back then, I could only train twice a week and was tired after that. Now, I am training at my normal schedule, three times a week, and can squeeze in a day or weekend if I need to.

I enjoy aikido because it provides me with a great way to release stress. I am not sure what it is, but after class, my mood is usually better and I feel happier.  Even if I feel tired before class, after class, I feel energized.

Aikido also improves my mental fitness. I saw a piece on TV that keeping your brain active and learning new concepts actually improves your brain and memory. Aikido definitely qualifies as that: although I’ve practiced for a while now, there are still new terminology, techniques, and combinations to remember. I really enjoy the blend of physical exercise, language, and patterns since I have been drawn to learning new languages. The exercise is a big bonus.

The relationships that developed while in aikido have been a major plus in my life. We have celebrated a lot of happy memories like marriages, engagements, and new babies. We have also been there for each other through sad events. In fact, my aikido family has been extremely supportive during my time on dialysis and through my recovery. They are very protective of me and that I do not injure my new kidney and my fistula. In the dojo, we take care of each other and are protective of our training partners. This is one of the principles of aikido. Also, we want our partners to come back and train some more.

Of course, aikido also benefits me physically. I think it is not only because of the exercise, but also because my body seems to function a lot better after class. As an example, if I feel like I am retaining water, after class, it seems resolved. As the Japanese would say, my ki or life force seems to be flowing better. That is actually what the “ki” in aikido means: Aikido is the way of harmony in energy or spirit.

Aikido was one of the things that helped me cope with dialysis and now as I learn my boundaries with a new kidney. I feel that as I train more: I feel more aware of my body and its limits. Although one may be hesitant to try it because it is a martial art and may be challenging, I highly recommend it to anyone. It will help you in body, mind, and spirit.

Just try it… you will enjoy it!

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the others from my "Why I move" series:

• On Walking
• On Gym Time
• On Hula

Kidney Walk 2014

The San Francisco Kidney Walk was last weekend. My Hubby and I attended and we had a great time.

It was also my first time “live tweeting” an event. It was a lot of fun. It sort of brought out my inner Lois Lane. I felt like a journalist or a social media expert – cool.

I posted a lot of pictures on Twitter. But for those who don’t use Twitter, I am featuring a selected few in this post, including some that I did not tweet, so you can participate virtually.

The Kidney Walk "Health Fair" and Mission Zone: Great turnout today. It's also the perfect day in San Francisco for a walk.

The bibs that we picked up for the walk: one for me, one for my Hubby, my hero.

Inspirational speech and performance by Scott MacIntyre, American Idol Finalist. He is legally blind, and at 19 years old, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Thanks to the wife of one of his music teachers, he received a kidney. His story and song "I am Hope" are inspirational. I hope it gives hope to the thousands of people waiting for a kidney.

Our walk starting: The crowd is ready to go. 

Cheerleaders motivating us. In the background, you can see how long the procession is. 

The Walk Back: You can see how far we walked, the Ferry Building clock tower is in the background (about a mile and a half away). We walked about 3 miles.

Almost there: More cheerleaders motivating to the last steps. 

Made it! Finish Line! Here's the obligatory selfie.

Overall, it was a wonderful day and lots of fun. The crowd was energized and ready to walk. This was not a competitive walk. Folks were walking at their own pace and enjoying a beautiful San Francisco day. The goal really was and will continue to be community building, support, and fellowship. 

My husband and I will be doing it again and already making plans for next year's walk and fundraising goals. I hope this post showed the participation, excitement, and joy in the crowd. Hope you will join us in the walk next year and in the fight against kidney disease.