Sunday, October 22, 2006

Winning and Losing in Las Vegas

Spent 4 days in Las Vegas courtesy of Tita B. Went with Mommy Shalene, Tita B, Roc, Rondic and Elizza. Initially, I didn't want to go since I wasn't sure what Las Vegas had to offer to a non-gambler like me. I thought I would just be stuck in my room playing Fairies in my laptop or reading a book. Left without a choice since my brother, Ahia Jojo, lived too far away and also didn't want to inconvenience him since Gladys, his wife, was due to give birth any time soon, I packed my bags and went with the Las Vegas (LV) entourage, with the coaxing of Lai and Roc.

So, off we went on a Thursday (Oct 19) with a few stops in between - for wee wee break and for shopping. Finally reached Las Vegas in time for dinner at the Noodle Shop of Mandalay Bay. Most of us went straight to the Slot Machines after. I did too, trying out my luck. They say pregnant women are lucky... Not in my case.

By the second day, tried my hand at Black Jack with Rondic and Roc. This proved a better game for me. The slots literally just sucked in all the money I put out. By the end of the 2nd day, my losses were cut from $150 to only $50.

Decided to go on an adventure by my lonesome and watch La Reve, a performance by Cirque du Soleil on that Friday night. Ticket was at $99. Staged at Wynn's, it was an awesome performance. Fabulous production, beautiful costumes, jaw dropping sets and choreography. It was an overall great show. Well worth every buck!!!

Took a cab from Venetian where everyone was to check in for and meet up with Val, Ram and Ryder to go to Wynn's and back. My first ride on a taxi by myself too in Las Vegas. Going to Wynn, the taxi meter registered $4.95. I took out $10. The cab driver asked with a semi Spanish accent: So how much change should I give you? Thinking he didn't have 5 cents with him, I thought myself generous and told him proudly to "oh, just give me 5 dollars. You can keep the 5 cents." To his and my disappointment, he goes back, "But you have to give a tip to the driver, you see..." still with his funny accent. I was taken aback by his forwardness and my ignorance. I didn't know tipping taxi drivers in Las Vegas was a standard thing. So, I told him to "just keep a dollar and give me $4 back." And that was my baptism of fire. He drove away fast right after... I think he wasn't too happy. Hehehe... When I relayed this story to Mom and Roc, they laughed so hard...

Saturday was both a lucky and unlucky day for me. This is the winning and losing part. All bets were on Black Jack hoping I could get back my $50. The night before, I talked with Boydee and he gave me some tips. He also said, 'that's why people lose money in the casinos, love, because they always think they wanna recoup their losses.' He couldn't have said it more accurately. That day, I lost $200 more. I stopped then and promised that the next time I come back, it will be with Boydee and we had to recover the $250 I lost for us. Hehehehe.... That afternoon, I went back to the room to stay away from temptation. Then I realized I lost my red pashmina Mommy Nonie gave me!!!

I hurriedly went down and looked for Roc and the rest. It was also Tita B's time for her "Show me the Mummy" Slot Tournament. We watched her first and gave her support before proceeding to search for my dear pashmina. I was praying hard. That shawl had sentimental value. What an unlucky day! First I lose $250 then I lose the pashmina. Wahhhhh :(

Anyway, Roc and I proceeded to ask the pit bosses and the dealers we sat on and they all didn't see my shawl. We decided to go to the Lost and Found station and lo and behold, my red wrap was there!!! Roc and I heaved sighs of relief. We found it!!! Nevermind the $250, we can win them back (hehe... or not... hehe) but the pashmina was irreplaceable because of its sentimental value. That one you can't buy back nor win back.

That same day, Lai also apparently left her bag on the slot machine chair to play Black Jack. When she realized her bag was missing, she literally ran (for a pregnant woman, that is very hard to do! Believe me!!!) back to the slot machine to look for her bag. Luckily and thankfully, it was still there. Two miracles in an afternoon!!!

That day, despite my loss, I knew I still won. Really!!! What are the odds that lost expensive and important things could still be found and not stolen? Back home in the Philippines, the chances are just so dim. Here in Las Vegas, we found what we lost. So, I may have lost on the betting but I won back my trust in honest people. And that is a far more wonderful thing.

The next day, we were all set to go home, of course, with a few stops for weeing and shopping again. It was a fun trip to Las Vegas. My wallet was a little lighter but my suitcase of fun memories just got a large filling. Indeed, Las Vegas is a city that NEVER sleeps and offers so many things even for a non-gambler like me. Next time around, I'll watch more shows, take the gondola ride in Venetian, visit more hotels if only to look at their nicely decorated themed lobbies, and maybe, just maybe, play Black Jack again. Hopefully, my next trip, I'll already have my hubby in tow! That will make the trip two times better!!!

Monday, October 16, 2006

Seeing the Sign

Faith is anchored on the unseen.

As the Little Prince said, "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." And so it is with our faith. Much of it is rooted in our hearts. We do not see God, but we know He is there because we feel His love. We see Him through other people and everyday miracles. And for the most part, that is enough for us. But there are instances when we need a confirmation that He is listening to us, that what major decision we are about to make is one that has His stamp of approval. And so we ask for signs.

Our past week in Glendale was spent searching for the right Obstetrician for me. Being my first pregnancy, it was essential that we find a good one and one I was comfortable with. My sisters-in-law's doctor, Dr. Chan, would be on leave at the time I was scheduled to give birth so having her was out of the question.

Initially, we had four choices. 2 male doctors in Glendale Adventist and 2 female doctors in Verdugo Hills Hospital. The first male doctor was antique-looking. He was old enough to be my grandfather (or at least that's how he looked) so that basically left me with the other male doctor, Dr. Artenos, who was recommended by Dr. Chan. The 2 female doctors were recommended by cousin Valerie and Mommy Shalene's friend. We scrapped the 2nd doctor since she had only been in practice for 2 years. Experience counts a lot for us. So the choices were now narrowed to two-Dr. Artenos and Dr. Nelson.

For several nights, I included in my novena intentions a sign from God to lead me to a good doctor. I prayed that I may find an image or picture of any kind of Sto. Nino or Mama Mary in the clinic of Dr. Chosen One.

My first appointment was with Dr. Sharon Nelson on the day of my birthday. I thought she might be the one since it coincided with my birthday. The visit went well, she was friendly and knowledgeable enough and came by highly recommended by her staff. But there was something missing. I didn't see the sign.

I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Jon Artenos and was given the Thursday of that week. On that day, I continued to pray. While waiting in his clinic, I scouted around for the sign. I looked in magazines, stared a bit at patients who may be holding on to prayer books, peeked in the secretary's area hoping to see an image. I saw none. The closest was an angel statue.

Feeling slightly disappointed, I thought perhaps God didn't want to give me a sign. Perhaps He wanted me to make a deliberate and intellectual decision. Just as I was resigned to that, the assistant called us in. She led us to his office and seated me and Mommy Shalene on the 2 chairs in front of his desk.

While waiting, I looked around. The moment I looked in front, I was jolted by the small picture hanging on the wall behind his desk. It was Mama Mary carrying the baby Jesus in her arms. I asked Mom if that was Mama Mary and she said yes.

I was teary-eyed. There was the sign I was praying for. Who'd have thought the sign would come so clearly and so up front?!? I was so touched by His love. In a few minutes, Dr. Artenos walked in and everything went smoothly. After the meeting, we stepped out of his office and scheduled my first official consultation with him.

I found my Doctor that day. Little did he know that we've already chosen him even before he stepped inside. God led me to him. I saw the sign. But more than anything, I saw and felt how awesome God's love for me and for the baby is. No matter how unworthy I may be, and no matter how many billions and trillions of people there are praying to Him, He gives each one of us our own time, our own little miracles. He's telling us He is there, He is listening and we will never be alone when we have Him and our faith in our hearts. We just have to notice and see the signs.


Friday, October 06, 2006

Pregnant Thoughts

I am now 7 months pregnant and my tummy is getting bigger and bigger. I am now in the US just waiting for Rafael IV to come out in a couple more months. Two more months of waiting... anticipating... experiencing new feelings and sensations... and of growing...

Pregnancy comes with its own unique set of symptoms, emotions and 'challenges'.

The first three months bring about a certain amount of fragility, fatigue and discomfort. This trimester is the adjusting stage for me. I am so conscious that there's a new life being shaped inside me and I start walking sloooowwer. I get sleepy more often and require afternoon naps. I have spotting when stressed out. My tummy doesn't show yet, but I am getting heavier - 5 pounds heavier. Luckily, I do not have morning sickness or have any particular food cravings. My Ob/Gyne teases me that my only 'paglilihi' is Boydee. I tell her, he's my 'paglilihi' even when I'm not pregnant. Hehehe... So, even if making love is put on hold, the love actually grows stronger knowing in my womb is the FRUIT of our love - Boydee's, mine and, more importantly, God's.

The second trimester is probably the one with the least pain and weakness but the period of changes and more discoveries. By this time, my body has adjusted to the changes in me that sometimes, I forget I am pregnant and tend to jump, walk fast or run. But then, the heaviness in my tummy reminds me that I can't move or shouldn't move as I used to. This is the trimester with the most physical tests - ultrasounds are now in the pelvis and not TVS anymore (Thank God!), OGCT (Oral Glucose Challenge Test) and OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test - considered a re-test for failing the OGCT - this is a torturous exam where blood is extracted from me four times in four hours - thankfully, I passed. If I failed, I would be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes) are performed and a congenital anomaly scan is done (to check if our baby has been formed well). On the 5th month, another ultrasound is performed to determine the baby's sex. While the ultrasound is being done, I pray to the high heavens to let our baby be a boy. God answers our prayers! The sonologist sees a penis! Boydee, the proud father, says he's the man!!! Hehehe... We announce the great news to our families. Officially in my womb is Rafael IV. On my 6th month ultrasound, our baby is finally in the cephalic or normal position. He was breech for the past months. By this time, I gain a total of 18 pounds and am ready to leave for the United States.

I come here on the 28th week of my pregnancy. My tummy is showing but it is still camouflage-able. Instead of September 27, as originally planned, Mom and I leave on the 1st of October, the reason being I had to finish the finale of my teleserye Majika on GMA 7 which was on September 29. Just kidding... (partly anyway)! The real reason is the engagement of Randy to Stella. Friday was the designated day of his proposal and I really didn't want to miss it.

We land in LA and pray for a smooth, hassle free entry. We breeze through Immigration and Customs. God has been with us all the way... Now, almost a week here, we have yet to find a doctor for me since our family ob/gyne will be on leave the month I am due. Boydee will follow late November. Mommy Nonie will follow in December. The whole Dizon family will be spending Christmas here. Hopefully, by that time, baby Rafael will have come out of me and into this world, enveloped with so much love.

For now, I look at myself in the mirror and sometimes still can not believe that I am actually pregnant. It seems surreal sometimes. Everything else seems normal but my tummy is just getting bigger and heavier. My linea negra is showing. It is harder for me to bend now or stand up or sit down. I snore more loudly and deep breathing brings about much relief! And I now weigh 153 pounds. Baby Rafael keeps moving, giving me butterflies in my stomach. But I am not complaining.

Pregnancy changes a woman's lifestyle and her usual routine and daily activities are temporarily put on hold; life is on a stand still. But this is perhaps the most exciting phase in every woman's life. One that is filled with much joy, anticipation, excitement and gratefulness. We, women, are so blessed to have this unique opportunity to serve as God's instruments in bringing new life into this earth, of carrying His creation in our wombs, and raising His children.

So, what of the extra flabs that I have to lose after, the stretch marks and perhaps the sagging boots after? They are but proud scars of sacrifice and love for our baby. So what is nine months of temporary physical discomfort, constant check ups and visits to the ob/gyne, very minimal sex and sacrifice? There is life growing inside of me, our baby boy. And even if upon his birth, there will be more changes to come, I will embrace it. A baby will be born to us... and our lives will never be the same again. It will definitely and hopefully be better! We will finally be a family!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Inspiration of Love and Strength

Daddy Boy slid in the shower yesterday while the rest of us were having dinner. We all rushed to the bathroom and saw Dad sitting by the shower, the glass wall and door, cracked and shattered. Thank God he was alright but we were all scared and nervous, Daddy included. After that, Daddy smiled and Mom said thank God his guardian angel was watching over him.

I watched over Dad while he was having dinner in the room. We talked and laughed about our love stories. I guess this was one of our bonding sessions. While Daddy slowly worked his way through his dinner, I realized that right before my eyes was a survivor, an inspiration of strength. Here was a man who had undergone 4 major, life-threatening operations and lived to survive them all. Here was a man whose physical body has been weakened by the passage of sickness and ailments but whose spirit, will to live and faith in God remain intact and strong. He has weathered so many storms but here he was, chewing the okra and baked salmon and sipping his chicken macaroni soup, a smile in his eyes as he retells how he courted Mommy.

In a few minutes, Mom went in the room and Daddy's eyes lit up. Daddy's inspiration just walked in the room :-)

Mom's role is not an easy part to play. She, too, is an inspiration of strength. More than being physically strong, having to take care of Daddy and his needs, she is also strong emotionally as she gives Dad reasons to fight for his life and live while putting up a brave front even when the situation is hard to bear; she is spiritually strong as she lifts and entrusts everything to the Lord and her roster of Saints, knowing and believing He is constantly by their side, even if the trials become too complicated. She is strong in will, having to force herself to say no to Dad when he asks for things (particularly food!!!) that are bad for him when it would have taken so much less trouble to say yes. When I look at Mom, I can only wish to possess even half of her strength.

Dad and Mom... they're inspirations of strength, individually. Together, they are an inspiration of love. Being married for 38 years, having gone through ups and downs, raising 5 children, seeing them get married (waiting for 2 more sons to follow suit...hehehe), pampering grand kids, helping others, facing challenges... their love has only grown stronger. More than that, their love has grown bigger as they share this love to those around them and inspire us and others to love like they do by their example. We are only so lucky to be witnesses and recipients of this love.

As I spent time with Dad and Mom in the room, I couldn't help but feel blessed. Back when I was younger, I was a daughter to a couple who loved each other so much. When God took my Daddy away, Mom's love went with him since Dad was my Mom's one true love. Back when I was much younger, God gave me a chance to be pampered and loved by a father who was generous, loving, funny and oh so patient with me. His memory will always be in my heart.

Now, God has blessed me with another set of parents whose love for each other is just as great, and just as true. He gave me a second father, too. Indeed, I am two times lucky in one lifetime. I only have God to thank for these bountiful gifts.

I hope one day, some day, Boydee and I will also be an inspiration of love, just like Daddy Victor and Mommy Nonie, just like Daddy Boy and Mommy Shalene. And whatever trials may come our way, I hope we could emulate our parents' example of strength, resilience and most specially, their faith.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Brazo de Hyundai

My hubby has this thing with cooked eggs. Despite his allergic reactions to it, he just can not resist its white and yellow allure. Maybe it is true what they say about our subconscious rebellious streak in wanting the things you can't and shouldn't have. For my husband, it's eggs... For me, for now, it's something else but it's censored... hahahaha..... just teasing....

Anyway, back to eggs... His favorite dessert are those with eggs - canonigo, leche flan, tocino del cielo and yup, brazo de mercedes... the white fluffy roll with yellow custard filling. It's cross section looks like an egg cooked sunny side up.

In a trip to Cebu last year, we went to our restaurant since he wanted to learn how to make his own brazo. Helen, our pastry chef, gladly demonstrated the procedure and it looked easy enough. Back in Manila, we followed the recipe to a T but concluded we missed out on the technique part since our first attempt flopped. The egg white perhaps wasn't beaten well enough or it was overbeat. Nobody ever said baking was easy. :-(

Ever the persistent (a.k.a. kulit) one, Boydee insisted on going for it a second time. The second attempt only succeeded in wasting more of Lola's tray of eggs. But we did get some insights from the experience. We realized the following: our clean kitchen oven doesn't produce the right heat temperature; the clean kitchen oven can only fit small trays; in baking, the recipe isn't the secret-it's the technique and the timing; it is not advisable to change ovens midway into baking; equipment is important; always pre-heat the oven; and lastly, is there ever such a thing as overnight, instant bakers?!?

Boydee calls our creation Brazo de Hyundai because it definitely did not pass for a Mercedes. Up to now, we laugh at our first attempt at baking. It was a fun experience especially when Lola started looking for her eggs. That was during the Christmas season of last year.

Fast forward to August of this year... It was Ate Rona's and Boydee's birthday party last August 6 and I took charge of the 'celebration'. I prepared a Spanish buffet spread and of course wanted to include Brazo de Mercedes in the dessert menu. First, because it was Boydee's favorite dessert (tocino del cielo proving to be very expensive from Cafe Ysabel at P25 per piece. Imagine that!) and second, it was conveniently a spanish dessert.

I went through my reference book "Guide to Manila's Best Restaurants" and called Tita Margot Osmena to help me choose between two suppliers since one of the suppliers was a Vargas which meant that maybe she was related to Tita Margot. Carmen Vargas WAS her Tita and she made the best Brazo and butter cake in town, according to Tita Margot.

So on that Sunday gathering, I served the Brazo de Mercedes and the Butter Cake. Both cakes earned raves especially the Brazo. The brazo was sinfully rich with the luscious, yellow filling literally oozing out of the dessert. The outer layer was light and white with a super thin layer of burnt sugar coating. It was a sweet tooth's dream come true.

On that day, we consumed 2 orders of 17-inch Brazo and for the upcoming baby shower of Lai, Ate Rona specifically requested for the Brazo to do an encore. So this Saturday, it's Brazo time again!

For now, there is no immediate need to learn how to make brazo since we've found the perfect supplier. For now, no more brazos de hyundai and wasted eggs. During Christmas time, that's another story since Boydee is determined to make his own version of his favorite dessert to give away to friends. Lola better start hiding her trays of eggs!

Our new-found Brazo and Butter cake supplier:
Carmen Vargas
#02-8107529
Brazo de Mercedes - 17 inch - P650; 6 inch - P320; Mini - P150
Butter Cake - 10x14 - P650; 8x10 - P400; 5x8 - 300; 3x7 - P150

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

I'm Having A Baby... Finally!!!

This week, I reached the 140-lb mark. I've never been heavier in my life, not that I was ever ultra thin. But I have a GREAT excuse... There's life growing inside me. God planted a little miracle in my womb and soon, His baby will be born to us - two excited, nervous parents to be.

It took us over a year to get me pregnant. Back when I was single and a 30-year old virgin, I thought having a baby was an easy, most natural thing. Little did I know that there's so much science, technique, theory and timing that go into it. Oh, and so many well-meaning friends gave all sorts of "helpful" advice. There's having sex in the afternoon or whenever you usually don't do it; taking cough syrup before making love to improve one's fertility; applying an ice pack on Boydee's thingy to improve circulation; making love in a cool environment; making love doggy style; raising my legs after doing it and not making wee wee to keep the sperm inside and so much more. Of course, all pieces of advice were taken with a grain of salt so lest your minds go wandering off, we didn't follow everything to the book, AND we chose which ones were do-able and reasonable. (Rands, if you're reading this, masyadong censored ba? hahaha...)

We took it easy for a year, thinking the pregnancy was bound to happen soon. Having an irregular menstrual cycle didn't help any. It made it difficult to determine whether I was fertile, or delayed. So whenever I felt fat, I'd hope this was it. When I'd miss my period for a few days, I'd hope. Few times, I took the pregnancy test, praying "Hail Mary" before reading the results... and each time, it showed one line only (negative). And I'd feel frustrated and sad. And I felt sorry for Boydee also because I couldn't give him a baby yet.

After our 1st anniversary, we resolved to exhaust more efforts in making a baby. I prayed everyday the Novenas to Sto. Nino de Providencia and the Lady of La Leche; and on the 9th-17th of each month, Boydee and I would pray the novena to St. Therese.

I also changed ob-gynes. I transferred to Ate Rona's ob-gyne, Dr. Mitch Dado, and she explained the science of baby-making and the importance of timing. It helped that she was very warm, friendly, accommodating, intelligent and patient in answering my questions... and Boydee's.

She gave me Clomid to help make sure my eggs fertilize. The first cycle didn't work. I skipped the next cycle since Boydee and I were gonna be apart during the time I was supposed to be fertile. The next cycle did it! That was March 2006 and I found out I was pregnant when I was already 6 weeks on the way.

We had just come back from the US to visit Daddy who was hospitalized. I was feeling bloated and was tired easily. I was also a little delayed from my estimated day of my period. We were at our beach house in Cebu but I'd already bought a pregnancy test kit here in Manila. In the morning of May 1, I asked Boydee if I should take the test. He said yes, no harm in trying. So I took the test while he watched beside me. And for the first time ever, ever in my life (and hopefully his...hehehe...), the test registered two lines. I finally passed!!! I stood there in disbelief while Boydee ecstatically hugged me and said "I love you, Love!!!!", happiness in his voice.

The next day, we came back to Manila. I still couldn't believe it so I took another test. It was positive again. I kinda got convinced then. After several disappointments, I just had to be sure. So, I texted Doc Mitch and scheduled an appointment.

On appointment day, Boydee and I went to ClarkMed. Doc Mitch was smiling. I told her I took 2 pregnancy tests and they both registered positive. We had an ultrasound and there it was... The little baby, although it didn't look like one yet. But it already had a heart beat. I couldn't see the screen from the ultrasound but I could see he/she was there from the look of Boydee's face. Oh, how he beamed and smiled. We were both teary-eyed and overwhelmed by this blessing. This was it. God finally decided we were ready to accept His great gift.

I'm now on my fourth month. Occasionally, I read to the baby with Reese, Rielle, Raegan, Rogan and Boydee, alternating. Occasionally, I listen to classical music. In the mornings, Boydee greets our little baby good morning in my womb. He would put his hand on my tummy and say "Hello Baby!". And my heart melts.

We pray for a normal and healthy baby and a safe and normal delivery for me. We pray the baby will grow up to have a kind and loving heart and will discover God early and be His friend.

Looking back, I realize God never left us alone, despite my feelings of frustration before. He gave us enough time to enjoy the two of us and adjust to married life. He gave us time to bond with the family and take care of Daddy. He gave us the opportunity to travel together as husband and wife without the 'hassles' yet of babies.

God was watching over us all along. And just like how Boydee and I found each other and loved, God also just waited for the right time for the baby to come along... It's all on His own time. And now, I'm having a baby... finally!!! :-D

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Sisterhood

I discovered sisterhood at 30 years old. On October 30, 2004, I officially gained two sisters and only then did I realize how much fun it could be.

I was born an only daughter to my Daddy Victor and Mommy Nonie. I grew up with two older brothers who treated me no differently than them. So I played with robots and hand me down toys. The first time I discovered Barbie was in my elementary years when one of my godparents gifted me with one. (Not that I became much of a doll person after that.) I felt I didn't miss much not having a sister. I was happy having two brothers.

Mom said she would have wanted another baby after me but I told her I was glad she didn't. So I'd remain the only girl forever. No competition, no person to share my toys and books with, no other daughter who can claim the 'Daddy's Girl' tag. I was the only daughter, and I would never have had it any other way. (Oh boy, do i sound bratty! :-D but I wasn't spoiled. I just really liked the title. hehehe....)

Growing up, I made a lot of friends and kept close friendships and special ones - best friends, super duper close friends, friends-since-childhood friends, etc... Some friends like Gina in high school and May in college til now were like sisters to me. We shared secrets, random thoughts, fears, joys, boy talks and a number of life's milestones. They were the closest thing I had to having a sister. And I realized having a sister wasn't so bad after all. But being an only daughter was still way cooler. hehehe...

Now, marriage to my one true love has gifted me with two sisters.

Ate Rona - the "tough" Ate who can actually be such a softie, the tall, a little on the heavy side Ate who has a heart that's equally big, the seemingly hot tempered Ate who is actually very warm, funny and brightens up the room with her gregarious personality, her interesting character and her loud voice! :-D With Ate, what you see is what you get and you really can't ask for anything more. She's a real person, not to mention a great mother to her 4 kids. She's also the most active digi scrapper ever. Did I mention they share the same birthday as my hubby?

Then there's Elizza - the sweet wife of Rondic who once a friend, becomes your friend for life. She's the type who would stick by you, no matter what; who sees the good in everyone; who unselfishly gives and helps, and genuinely cares. She is a softie inside and out. Incidentally, we're going through our pregnancies together. How cool is that?

The three of us. We're sisters and we've formed a sisterhood. We share the same office, took photoshop classes and photography classes together, eat a lot together, carry a Dizon family name, sometimes live together, go on vacations together, share so many other things. We think of potential businesses/projects/rackets (The Candid Company photo studio or something like that, the Scrapbooking Sisters...), get into a common hobby or sport. We borrow each others' DVDs, clothes (depending on where our bodies are in the weighing scale), accessories, etc.

It took me thirty years to discover the joys and possibilities of sisterhood. I have only just begun and there is a whole lifetime to experience what I've perhaps missed out on when I was a child. It doesn't matter that I'm not the only daughter in our present household. Sisterhood isn't a competition, or a race to get a particular title. Sisterhood is sharing, loving, growing and going through life together. And the best part is we share a bond much stronger than friendship. We ARE a family.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Testing, testing...

29 June 2006.

I'm sitting in front of my laptop checking emails, reading my fave blogspot 'desserts come first' when i finally had the daring spirit to start my own blog... This daring, of course, was also encouraged by my 2 sisters-in-law who are fellow digi-scrappers like me and who are now so into their own blogs :-)

Anyway, I'm still not so well versed with this hi tech world of blogging even if it's been around long enough. So i'm not really sure how this will look... or if anybody would even bother to read, or post comments, or anything... so for now, it's like i'm writing to invisible people :-) so hello invisible people! this is a test if this blog, my blog really works... :-)

Til the next entry... will have to see first if this actually works (pardon my ignorance :-))