from Aimee

Dear Nina,
I cannot believe you are turning 40. That is because that means I am turning 40 too. How did this happen?

Wasn't it just yesterday that we were high school students, in our green checked uniforms? We thought we were the height of sophistication in our Members Only jackets. We thought the Zombie was coolest drink ever. Remember?

Maybe it's now time to admit to your mom that it was ME and not Mia that burned a hole in the bathroom floor in San Francisco. We tried to cover it up but your mom's screams that morning confirmed we were not successful. I learned a valuable lesson from that incident - check that the floor is actually tile and not plastic when you try do-it-yourself aromatherapy. So sorry Tita B!

Another hilarious incident occurred many years later. We were already in our twenties - it was a little day trip into China from Hong Kong. I still laugh to myself when I remember dear Doug trying to communicate with the Chinese taxi driver...and failing miserably (we were in the back of the cab roaring with laughter.) We then tried to find the correct train back to Hong Kong , and we were SHOCKED to discover all the signs were in Chinese - in China! I mean what were they thinking?! We finally made it back to Hong Kong by taxi. Our expensive educations served us well.

Anyway I digress.... I remember you were always the cool girl in school. And nothing has changed! It has been amazing to see your transformation from a Manila schoolgirl to a hip San Francisco mom. You've done a great job and your kids are proof of this.

You have remained a very supportive friend all these years, and for that I feel so honored. It's so wonderful that the few times we do get together, it feels like no time has passed at all. I wish I could be there to celebrate your big day but don't worry we will celebrate plenty when we see each other again. And honey you look GREAT.

Love you! And happy happy birthday!

Aimee