Just a few hours from the busy Texas Medical Center in Houston is the deadly Ebola virus waiting to unleash an epidemic. The past two weeks, health workers are being debrief of all the precautionary measures as well as the likelihood of being caught in the middle of a mass chaos. It’s like watching the movie Outbreak only this time, it’s for real.
As an ER nurse, I belong to the front line group. If ever I have a positive Ebola patient, I have to leave my family and be quarantined for 21 days. Am I scared? Terrified! But this is the profession I’ve chosen and so did the millions of health workers in America. Can I ran from it? No. Can I overcome my fear of it? Absolutely.
This weekend, instead of dwelling on fear and negativity, me and my family went to Steiner Ranch in Austin to celebrate my son’s 9th Birthday with our closest friends and relatives. This weekend, we chose to celebrate the good life and all its blessings.
We chose to laugh and have fun instead of dwelling on the Ebola hysteria and paranoia. We chose to trust God and believe that he will protect us from all kinds of harm.
So, allow me to celebrate with you my 2-day Fall weekend escape in Austin. A place which in so many ways been our little oasis and sanctuary for the past two years.
Our boat party begins at Emerald Point Marina in Lake Travis. No one drove a boat before, so bear with me as we listen carefully to the instructions of Mr. Boat Expert from Just For Fun watercraft rental. Better safe than sorry, right?
We’re simply going to cruise slowly for 2 hours. It’s meant to be a relaxing ride and not a pre-Halloween scare. Every now and then, we’ll experience some rough waves as other boats pass on either sides. The boat will rock for several seconds but after that, it’s back to smooth sailing.
Time to sing “Happy Birthday,” and blow the candle. My 9-year old gave a shy yet happy smile as he blew the candle and made his wish.
Who wants a slice of the Lemon Bundt Cake? It so good that I guarantee all your worries will melt away with each bite. Make it two? No problem. We got enough cake for all.
The Pancit and Pork BBQ are both delicious. Pancit is a Filipino noodle cuisine commonly served during special occasions and gatherings. It symbolizes long life and good health both for the celebrant and the guests. Let’s raise our Pancit and say, “To a long, good life!”
Our day’s fun is not over yet. After the boat ride, we are heading to the best Pumpkin Patch in Marble Falls called Sweet Berry Farm. Choose your own pumpkin and experience for yourself the magic of Autumn.
My son and his cousin had a great time playing at the Pumpkin Patch.
Just before we left the farm, we found our perfect pumpkin. Upon reaching home, we proceeded to carve our Jack-O-Lanterns. When night came, we placed excitedly our candle-lit Jack-O-Lanterns outside the front door.
Sunday, it’s brunch date at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. The roast beef and smoked salmon is a must try. While savoring the food over great stories of old memories and treasured friendship, enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Travis while listening to live Country Music.
It was hard to leave. It was hard to say goodbye. We drove back to Houston renewed and ready to face any scare life may bring, Ebola included. When I look at these pictures and remember the great times we had in Austin, I am reminded that life is good no matter how many bad or scary days I had. That life is meant to be lived, savored, celebrated every moment and chances of everyday.
This week’s Photo Challenge is all about Refraction. Mine hopes to overcome adversities with goodness and positivity. May not be much but it’s a start. Tomorrow, I’m driving to the Medical Center to learn the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment against Ebola. Scared? Nah!
Wishing you all a good, long, happy life…
Filed under: Life Tagged: Austin, Best Birthday, Ebola, Events, faith, Fall, Family, Health, health workers, Inspiration, Life, Nature, News, parenting, Photography, Pumpkin Patch, Travel, Weekly Photo Challenge
