Life, Love and Lemons

Dear Diary,

The kids in my class tell me that I must be rich. Don't know why but it happened after show and tell. I brought my dolls brushes and combs set which come in all colours of the rainbow. How does this make me rich? I don't know. I notice some of my classmates go to school with no shoes on. Others walk a long way to school. I catch a big old bus in the morning but in the afternoon, a lady named Cecily picks me up and takes me home. It was a hot day too and we were all given free slices of watermelon. I was so excited, I ran after getting one in my hand but dropped it on the ground. I cried so hard but Mrs Newton gave me a hug and handed me another slice. She is a nice lady.

Dear Diary,

OMG, I auditioned for the national dance comp at school and am one of the finalists! I find out tomorrow whether I'm in or out. Please, please, please God let it be so. I want a certain someone to notice me, BADLY. I mean, what does a girl have to do to get a boy like him to look at her? I mean REALLY look at her. We're in the same classes for maths, home ec and Phys Ed. He should know I have brains, can run fast and make great chocolate slice. Does he even know I exist? He's so dreamy with those piercing blue eyes, dark brown hair and super straight teeth, not to mention the way he dresses -- he could be a model. Imagine if we got married and had kids. They'd be SO good looking.  

Dear Diary,

Hello university and good-bye curfews! Day one and already loving the atmosphere, the people, the subjects, my lecturers and the fact I'm far enough away from home yet close enough to drive back if I need to get away. What's so unbelievable is the price of fresh produce in this town. It's a farming community that's why. Two dozen eggs for a dollar, a kilo of potatoes for 10 cents and a bag of apples for 50 cents. It's like stepping back in time with these outrageously unheard of prices. Seriously, what decade have I stepped into? Now when I drive home, my parents have asked me to bring back a carload of fruit and veges. What am I, a delivery service? Me and my big mouth.

Dear Diary,

What in God's name have I gotten myself into? I'm on a deserted island with a bunch of strangers vying for a one million dollar cash prize. I somehow got roped into entering this reality TV show where the last person standing wins. I had trouble coping with high school camps that involved actually camping in a tent. My philosophy is; if there's no power point to plug in my hairdryer and hair straightener, then I'm out. Yet somehow, the allure of having money to invest in my first property has made me swallow my pride, train my body to be the fittest, buffest and healthiest it's ever been to outwit, outsmart and win this damn thing. I feel like I've entered politics and need to pscyho-analyse each of the competitors in order to play the game well and taste victory. Day one of 120. Wish me luck!

Dear Diary,

Today's the day I'm getting married on the beautiful island of El Nido in the Philippines! What a breathtaking setting to be wed too. Woke up at sunrise feeling excited. This day took a whole lot of planning and coordinating from far and wide. The catering, hair and make-up artist, photographer, bridesmaids, dresses, suits, flowers, ceremony ... should've just eloped, really. Nah, who am I kidding? I've always wanted a big fat Filipino wedding! The guests are from far and wide and are a who's who of the entertainment world, TV and film. What could possibly go wrong? I have the best wedding planners and organisers and of course the man of my dreams who'll soon be my husband.

Dear Diary,

My right hand feels as if it's about to fall off after signing so many books. It's my second New York Times number one best seller. So exhausted and it's just the beginning. This foetus is consuming all my energy and there are three months left till labour day and I'm walking around like an Oompa Loompa from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be in one of my favourite cities signing copies of my book for dozens of fans. Next stop is the morning TV shows, radio interviews and talk shows, then I have to hit the studios to record my voice for the audio version of my book. I have truly arrived and am grateful for my life.

Dear Diary,

What would life be like without curve balls? I received sad news today of a good friend whom I hadn't been in contact with for sometime. He'd succumbed to his depression and died unexpectedly one year shy of his 40th. I can't help but feel guilty for not being there for him or staying in contact. Perhaps it would've turned out differently. He was larger than life and could sing like Pavarotti. We met at my first job after graduating from university and had been friends ever since. I was in denial when I found out and thought maybe it was a mistake and it wasn't him but when I saw his name in print in the local newspaper and how it happened, that's when it hit me. He's gone and I never got to say good-bye to him.

Dear Diary,

It's the day after labour day and I'm elated to tell you I am a mother of fraternal twins! It runs on the side of my husband's family. No wonder I was so exhausted when I was pregnant and looked like a beach ball. There was not one but two babies renting my womb. We're just ecstatic they're healthy and normal. Will miss my Sports Illustrated bust line, not as much as my husband though. My hospital room resembles a florist. Looking forward to going home so I can finally be in my own bed and eat a home-cooked meal. Will be staying put for a while and not flying overseas for now. Here's to motherhood and double trouble. Mum and dad can finally stop complaining; they're grandparents now.

Dear Diary,

I discovered by chance today that my biological father is ALIVE ... and I have half-siblings I never knew about! I was always told he had died months before I was born. I have so many questions. Will he want to see me? Why did he not come looking for me? Will my half-sisters want anything to do with me? Will I want anything to do with them? Why did my mother not say anything? Will they think I'm a gold digger? What if they're after money? The next step is to make contact and order a DNA test kit. You can never be too careful.  How exciting though -- family members I never knew about. I hope they're friendly.  

Dear Diary,

Tears were shed today after the twins started their first day of school. Not by them but by me! Today I watched the pair turn their backs and walk towards the school gate after kissing them good-bye and waving to them. They say to enjoy this time because it will fly by so quickly. Well they're right. It seemed like only yesterday I'd given birth to them and their father and I were holding them in our arms, rocking them to sleep. Before I know it, I'll be the designated taxi driver taking them to dance, piano, cello, tennis, swimming and language lessons. I wouldn't have it any other way. So long for now, it could be a while till my next journal.