Revitalized in 2012

For my 30^th birthday, my parents didn’t want to go the traditional route for gifts (although my requested presents: a Nolan Smith Trailblazers jersey, more sneakers, and vinyl for my DJ collection are far from traditional) and instead opted for a trip. They let me choose between three of our favorite new spots: Portland, Seattle, or Santa Fe. Without hesitation and for a special reason, I chose Santa Fe.

When we drove cross-country before my “pick it out/pour it in” surgery in DC earlier this year, we spent one day in Santa Fe. That day was simply magical. There was just something about being in Santa Fe that made me feel revitalized physically, mentally, and spiritually. And I wanted to soak up some more of that Santa Fe magic before my next surgery.

As I did last time, I went to 10,000 Waves, an incredible Japanese spa tucked up in the mountains of Santa Fe. But not just for one day -- for three days in a row. I had short treatments on each day but spent a long time there, relaxing in the sauna, soaking in the hot tub outside that faces a waterfall and koi pond, and thinking calming, beautiful thoughts in the meditation room. Being there is like taking the deepest, most cleansing breath ever. A perfect pre-surgery retreat.

There was more, of course. We spent one day in Chimayo, a town just north of Santa Fe which is home to the Chimayo Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a super spiritual place (known as the “Lourdes of the U.S.” for all you good Catholics who know about Lourdes) where people go to pray, meditate, and ask God for healing. I knew that I needed to include the Sanctuary as part of my pre-surgery preparation. It’s not like my Creator hasn’t gotten the memo of “ummm yeah, let’s beat this shit for good this time,” but, still, it’s always good to connect, pray, and be inspired in an inspiring place. That's just what I did, and it felt great. Our incredibly delicious dinner afterwards just up the road at the Rancho de Chimayo made the trip a complete success. A religious holy place noted for its contribution to medical miracles followed by a vegan burrito, enchilada, and tamale in famous New Mexico red chile? Yeah, going to Chimayo was a good decision.

I almost forgot to tell you about New Year’s Eve! We went to Vanessie, a fabulous restaurant just steps from our hotel (we stayed at the El Dorado again) that comped us a bottle of bubbly when they sat us a little late, then comped my mom and I our four-course vegan meal because there were minor mishaps with making them totally vegan. Their hospitality was unparalleled, and they had live music, too! We made our way to the dance floor and counted off the final seconds of 2011. While we were there, among dozens of people holding their glasses high, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky, incredibly happy, and incredibly blessed.

My trip to Santa Fe took its rightful place in the beautiful array of experiences that I’ve had since my diagnosis. Cancer hasn’t stopped me from devouring life. Neither has 20 rounds of chemo. Neither has two surgeries. When I reflect on 2011, I don’t even think of those things at first. You know why? They are background noise. Background noise to the greater awakenings that I’ve had about my life and how to live it. Cancer or not, my life is incredible -- fun, satisfying, filled with love and happiness, and awesome.

And I’m so grateful to be living it.