Four Year Purple Anniversary

If you read my post on My Lupus Story, you will learn a big part of me: I have Lupus. As a refresher or for your knowledge, Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system is hyperactive. This means, my immune system is in overdrive. My immune system cannot distinguish between the bad cells and the good cells of the body. Instead of destroying the bad cells, my body destroys both the bad AND good cells.  Destroying good cells is not a good thing. It leads me to getting sick in all types and forms. Lupus can affect any organ of the body with the kidneys being the most common. Kidney problems is a major functioning organ of the body. When the kidneys don't work, your body has difficulty functioning...okay, my intended refresher lasted longer than I had hoped...but I hope you learned something :)

Every year in July, I celebrate what I call a "Purple Anniversary." Purple is one of the colors that represent Lupus (the other is orange). My Purple Anniversary is my celebration of life. It's my "F*ck You" to Lupus saying, I'm still here and I'm happy and healthy to the best that I can be. 

Every year, I try to do something in the outdoors. Lupus patients are sensitive to the sun rays. Too much sun exposure (and some are more sensitive than others) can lead to a Lupus episode, or flare. In the past, I've done bonfires at the beach in the late afternoon when the sun is down, afternoon beach trips, and dinners. I also make my guests wear purple :) I'll link all my relevant Lupus stories below if you're interested in seeing my Lupus journey.

This year, I didn't have my typical Lupus celebration. I felt that I had a lot of triumphs and celebrations this year, that those successes in themselves were a big "boo yeah" to Lupus. This year, I've paid off both my undergraduate and graduate school loans, I found out I was able to keep my $18,500 scholarship (long story), I was stepping up at work as a leader, I had many amazing birthday celebrations, I went to the Philippines. To be honest, by the time July hit, I was celebrated-out!

So this year, I didn't quite have the typical July celebration but I do feel I had a lot to celebrate. My triumphs and my feats are enough "F*ck Yous" to Lupus. 

I have a lot to be thankful for. Lupus still has time to progress and takes it course, but for the time being, I am as healthy as I can be. And I hope and I pray that I can continue to be. 

So here's to celebrating another year of life, health and happiness. I don't necessarily need a certain month to kick Lupus in the arse ;)

Happy One Year Purple Anniversary

Happy Two Year Purple Anniversary

Happy Three Year Purple Anniversary
Lupus Awareness Month
Graduating With Lupus

YEAR THREE

Beach Bonfire

YEAR TWO:

Wine and cheese party

Afternoon beach date

YEAR ONE:

Dinner, beach and gelato

Dinner party with purple flowers

YEAR FOUR: I JUST KEPT CELEBRATING LIFE

Philippines Trip

Leading a pilot program at a major Los Angeles hospital

Freedom Party: CSUN Edition

Freedom Party: UCLA Edition

And the celebration continues...

<3<3<3

Old New Post: Two Year Purple Anniversary

My Lupus revisiting the past entries are almost up! I think I have one or two after this and then we can fast forward to the present blog posts about anything and everything :D

To read what went down in year one, please click here. Keep on reading to see what happened on my second year anniversary:  

To refresh your memory, I was hospitalized on July 12 – 17, 2010. During my stay, I was diagnosed with SLE. With each passing month, my symptoms became manageable and life became more “normal.” Having a chronic (and possibly life threatening) illness changes your perspective on life. It highlights the beauty of life’s smallest details and teaches you to embrace time and make time because you never when you’ll get another chance.

I have made it a point to celebrate life every mid-July, to commemorate the event that changed me. I call this celebration my “Purple Anniversary.” I love celebrating my purple anniversary because to me, it’s a way of showing Lupus that despite the pain and the modifications to my daily routine, I’m still here and happy and enjoying life. 

Since I've been into nail art lately, I kicked off my lupus purple anniversary with lupus ribbon nails. Here is how they turned out.

To celebrate this year,  my friend helped me co-host a small wine and cheese party at her beautiful home.  I love cheese and I love wine. And I’ve always wanted to host a wine and cheese party so why not kill two birds with one stone? Have my purple anniversary and my wine and cheese party! Sounds like a good time!

Our menu included salad, fruit, bruschetta on a freshly baked baguette, and cheesecake brownies. All items (minus the wine) purchased from good old Trader Joes in the San Fernando Valley.  The beautiful round wine glasses  had a light purple ribbon tied around the stem of the glass. It was quite elegant! Attire included purple of course and I’m happy to say it was 100% purple attire! :) We talked and we laughed, we reminisced and made plans for the future. Moments like these are so simple and yet so precious. It’s sometimes difficult for us to get together often because of work and other commitments, but it’s always nice to get together, catch up, and celebrate life over a glass of wine (or two).

My friend who brought the wine from her wine tasting adventure at Solvang (how sweet of her!) also brought whipped cream infused with wine! That was the most random  item she pulled out of her car. The whipped cream was chocolate flavor and it was strong! A little went a long way and I learned this the hard way as I oozed a hefty dollop onto my cheesecake brownie. It was a delicious combo to say the least!

 

For my first year anniversary, I wanted to go to the beach, which I did. After going, I realized I wanted the beach to be part of the tradition of my purple anniversary. Since sunlight affects lupus, lupus patients are always told to take extra precaution when going to the beach or to avoid going to the beach during sun peak hours. 

Being able to go to the beach in the late afternoon when there’s still sun, but not as harsh, is refreshing. The beach is one of my favorite places! It’s just too pretty to not enjoy! 

While at the beach, I took a stroll , watched the amazing athleticism and strength of the individuals who were climbing up the tight rope or swinging through the rings. I also watched the beauty of the ocean waves swaying back and forth. To end the evening, I rode the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel. The views were captivating. The sun was getting closer and closer to setting over the water. What a beautiful sight!

For a second year in a row, I’ve been given the opportunity to celebrate life and good health with supportive, loving people. That in itself is a cause for celebration! Cheers!

<3<3<3