I am 37

Birthdays are always important to me - specially my birthday.    Some people may fear the coming of their birthdays because it would make them  a year older.  But for me, the older I get, the happier I am.   We don't really hold big celebrations.   Sometimes we don't celebrate at all.   So, what makes my birthday so special? Why do another year makes me happy?  Makes me grateful?    

I grew up very sickly.   Almost every year I get admitted to the hospital for about 2-3 days.  My fainting attacks started when I was, I think in grade 5.    My mother said that one doctor told her that I may not live beyond 18 due to a rheumatic heart.   So it always scared her every time I get sick.   And when I fainted before my 18th birthday, she thought it was already IT -  my time has come.  But with God's grace, I lived beyond 18.    Last July 6, I turned 37.   That is 19 years beyond 18.   I don't know if the doctor's statement was true or not.  But I am thankful for the additional 19 years given me.   And I look forward to more years to come. 

This year, I celebrated my birthday with family, of course.  Pat and I went to my parents' house in Bayug.   We brought food for dinner and my mother cooked some.

Bam-i from JY Dimsum - for long life, hehehe

 Fish Fillet from Chomp Cafe

 Native Chicken Tinola - cooked by Mama

 Pork Calderata - my mother's version of the beef caldereta

Liempo from Tita Fannies Liempo and Chicken House

Leche Flan Roll from Red Ribbon

There's not much leche flan on the roll.   :-(

 Photo Opts before the actual dinner  :-) 

My mother, me, Pat, Al (Pat's brother), my father

Pat took this picture so that Miggo (Pat's nephew) could be on the photo

 My Family

From left :  Rochelle, Papa Juncar, Me, Mama Lolly, Joan (youngest)

 Family with Hubby, Pat   :-)

Photo Opt  for couples only  :-) 

Now,  I am 37 and proud.   :-)