04/01/2024: April fool's day!

 "We have some exciting news for you. From tomorrow on, our school will be called as the French Immersion School of Sato. You shall call me Madame Plo."

I could hear the announcement all the way out to the road as I walked past Sato elementary on Monday (April 1st).

Sometimes I feel so normal that I wonder if this whole tumor thing is fake news. Perhaps the surgeon would call me and say 'April Fool, that tumor was a joke', like Ms. Plo said to kids at Sato elementary. 

Some other times, I have headaches so sudden and so intense that I'd feel as if I am about to drop to the ground, reminding me of the craziness I currently call life.

Spring break was a welcome distraction from many things, packing school lunches being one. Taara spent longer with her friends than without, throughout the week, and she didn't have anything to complain about. Raaga had a totally different spring break tale to tell. Before February, we had made all kinds of plans for this break. A trip to Hawaii? A road trip to some place sunny? Extend the spring break and catch the eclipse in Texas? She was looking forward to spring break travels, and wasn't happy when all those plans went to the back burner or got ditched completely, thanks to my tumor. 

It all worked out in Raaga's favor in the end, as she had a million things going on. She had to study for a carnatic (South Indian classical) music test that I helicoptered her into taking. She had to prepare her poster for a three day health club HOSA thing she is currently at. She had a meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State that she needed to do some preparation for, and she also had multiple rehearsals to be able to volunteer for stage lighting at her friend's dance recital. There's no way she would have enjoyed any travels during this week. My tumor gladly said- you are welcome, Raaga!

In the middle of her stressful, action packed week, I was preaching to her about the importance of setting measurable and achievable goals. "Wake up every morning with a list and go to bed every night, patting yourself on the back for knocking things out of the list."

It suddenly dawned on me that I need to walk that talk, for the stress of everything coming up this month has been getting to me. Taxes, career decisions, Rangapravesam logistics, tactical planning  for my two month hiatus, and all this while listening to my body. So I have been making my daily list: 

1. Listen to my body

2. Everything else

I made it my goal to walk 100miles in the month leading up to my surgery and use that as the baseline for my post surgery fitness. Discounting the days I will be under various medical procedures or otherwise occupied, it works out to be roughly 4miles a day, starting from March 29th. I am happy to report that I am at 29 out of the 100 mile goal as of today (April 3rd). 

So, if you are into walking, join me for the century! It's been working its wonders for me so far! I will hold on to the thought of Dr. Gore April fooling me regardless :)


Timeline:

April 8th: (10am) EKG, Pre-op Blood work

April 11th: (10am) Angiogram

April 13th: (8am) Raaga’s music test (Practical)

April 15th: (1pm) Hospital pre-op counseling call

April 16th: Pre-op appointment with Dr. Gore

April 18th: (3pm) Raaga's Visit to Boys and Girls Youth Association for volunteering

April 18th: (4-6pm) Taara's Talent show, Dress Rehearsal

April 19th: Raaga’s photoshoot

April 25th: (6-8pm) Taara's Talent show

April 27th: (2pm) Portland Manabadi Children's festival

April 29th: Surgery

May 13th: Post-surgery appointment with Dr. Gore

June 8th: Parents arrive

June 20th: Recovery complete!

July 14th: Raaga’s Rangapravesam!


At the neighborhood Holi celebrations

Raaga with her Music theory test hall ticket

Taara hanging out at the neighbors


Uma's Rangapravesam, Raaga got a preview of her own upcoming event!

With the awesome dancer Uma and the whole team of orchestra and volunteers!


Me, soaking in the sunshine!


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