‘Killing me softly with excitement’

Honorable Mention

MANILA, Philippines–For 30 or more days, this big box is killing me softly with excitement. Whenever my sister from San Diego, California, says that she will mail one, the agony of waiting begins.

The curiosity when I think what could be inside adds up as the time of arrival comes closer and closer. I prepare myself so we can look good for the picture-taking done by the delivery crew.

Once we open the box, the American aroma diffuses and lingers around the house. Chocolates, T-shirts, shoes, the forever present Spam, Vienna sausage and bed sheets, name whatever is on your grocery list, everything is in that big box.

These are what I enjoy most from digging in:

1. My complete ingredients for my “champorado”—Hershey’s cocoa, sugar, glutinous rice and evaporated milk.

2. My recipe for almond lychees calls for lychees, Knox unflavored gelatin, and also sugar and evaporated milk. I need not go to the grocery store anymore.

3. My collection of Bath and Body Works lotions and colognes. My sister is so generous that she even sends gifts for my friends.

4. My vitamin E supplements and vitamin E cream for my face. Those are expensive here in the Philippines.

5. My delicious See’s chocolates. Forget about calories!

Sometimes I tell my sister not to send packages anymore because I know it takes a lot of money to buy and mail them. But that’s what makes her happy, shopping, especially when there is a sale, and filling the box up. By the way, one box is not enough. Sometimes, it takes two or three or even five! Who wouldn’t want to wait for 30 or more days?!