101 Years

I am the proud daughter of a working mom and the very fortunate granddaughter of a stay-at-home grandma. My grandma is my second mom. She took care of my siblings and me while our mom and dad were at work. She has always been my number one supporter. I attribute my sense of adventure and wanderlust from her. More importantly, she taught me how to be an independent woman with thoughts and ideals of my own. When I was a little girl, I told her that I wished that she could live to be 100 so that she would be around for a looooong time. Today, my wish was granted plus 1. Today, my grandma turned 101.


Doesn't she look great for 101? At 101, she still has her wits about her. She remember every last family member's birthday and can crack jokes with the best of them. Her only complaint would probably be that she doesn't hear or see as well as she used to and that she tires easily. I told her that her impairments give her an automatic b.s. filter and that if it were REALLY important she'd hear it or see it. I also told her that her body was finally slowing her down. Up until 2 years ago, my Grandma was still jet setting.

The Cake and Candle Carnage

Today's celebration was simple and small with just immediate family at my parent's house in Virginia. (I've been hanging out with my family since Saturday.) My cousins Jo and Janine flew from O.C. with Janine's daughter Bella and Janine's boyfriend Joe in tow. We had Filipino food and cake per Grandma's request. The birthday girl had a good time and was able to blow out all her candles in one pass. I hope she gets her wish. I am very happy to have gotten mine.

The Birthday Lunch Spread

Blowing out the candles

Me & the Birthday Girl