Retail Therapy

was soooooooooo needed today. I thought, I'd fill in all of the blanks gradually with this blog, but here's the synopsis: I married my college sweetheart, who is the love of my life. We've shared our lives for 16 years and have had some great adventures together. We've enjoyed traveling together and have been blessed to have these experiences. Our biggest adventure now, is growing our family through adoption. We are hoping to adopt a son or a daughter (although, I really think it's going to be a GIRL) from our native Philippines. ICAB (Inter Country Adoption Board) received our completed dozier on January 9, 2009 and approved it on March 4, 2009. It's almost 14 months later and we are STILL waiting. There is definitely some restlessness and frustration. Our local agency here in Los Angeles just informed me a couple of days ago that we can expect to wait at least one more year, if not longer. Suffice to say, I'm a bit disappointed. However, I continue to meditate on this verse:

The Begining

or is it really??? It may be the official beginning to my "blogging", but the story has been in the making for some time. I was born in the Philippines and lived there until I was 11 years old. I have fond memories of playing out in the rice paddies, eating mangoes, and climbing lanky bamboo trees. Despite the fact that my parents are the "only child" on either side of their families, there were always plenty of "cousins" that lived in our village. That's the "pinoy way", EVERYBODY is your cousin, regardless of blood relations. Suffice to say, I never lack for company or someone to play with. In July of 1988, our family of four (my mom: Arsenia, dad: Juanito, and older sister: Aileen), immigrated to the United States (thanks to my mother's 27 years of service to the US Air Force). We landed in Los Angeles, drove 2 1/2 hours north up interstate 5, and have lived in California ever since!!! The assimilation to the "American" culture began at this time. The challenge was keeping the balance between integrating these new values and preserving our traditional Filipino customs, as well.

In 1994, I graduated from high school and left the agricultural-based community of Delano, CA and moved to Northridge to attend the university there. A new beginning for me, in the cusp of adulthood!!! I couldn't fathom the possibilities and how my life was about to change. Two weeks into my freshman year, I knew that my life would never be the same again. He sat a couple of chairs to my right at the computer lab. In my frazzled state, I missed his chocolatey deep set eyes. This moment, I will also miss his gorgeous smile. I was too fixated in my own needs. I needed him to help me with the computer, so that I can do my Comp Sci homework. And help me, he did! The one thing that did not escape me, was his tranquil demeanor. My hyperactive, "bouncing off the wall" personality was immediately drawn to him. Eight years later, in a still spring morning in Malibu, I took my vows to be his wife! On May 18th, 2002...I became Mrs. Edward Rich!!! A title that I marvel at to this day, almost eight years later. Despite our trials and challenges, we have had many successes and joys as well. Everyday with him, is a beginning of wonderful possibilities! =)