Sisterhood of the Traveling Chics: Sisterbrooms First International Exchange Gift

My Journey in Finding Pamela's Gift
by Tess

When the idea of exchanging gifts came from one of the Broomsisters weeks ago, I felt immediately excited. This is my third Christmas away from home and I won't deny that I already miss the traditional Monito-Monita of the Philippines. Thus, when sisters had finally organized the mechanics of the exchange gift activity, I couldn't wait to go to the mall to get my gift for Pamela Anderson, my monita.

Armed with my only clue: lunch, my mission was to find something that will represent my new home, Tampa, Florida. I made some researches and even asked my husband and colleagues from work for some great ideas just to make sure that I would pick the perfect gift. I had so many ideas cramming my head that when I got to the mall I immediately rushed to the section I had in mind, but to my dismay - not even one from the items I wanted was available!

It was truly heartbreaking, I must admit. However, one thing I learned in life (and my husband's favorite saying): Rejection and dejection are God's protection! When I didn't find any of the items I wanted to give my monita, I took it as my clue that probably God had a better idea of what gift I should give her. And, true enough, after giving up my stubborness, it was then that I had my eyes on the right item. I caught it smiling at me while standing tall at the Fine Dining section. It was like love at first sight; I knew there and then, it was the right gift for Pamela!

Lesson of the Experience: Let go and let God! In giving, it is really the thought that counts.

on the way to the mall

preparing the package

writing a greeting card

Merry Christmas, Monita!

Santa Knocked On the Door Today

by Tess

My husband and I just got back from our weekly grocery when I got the BIGgest suprise of the day! Ho, ho, ho, ho, Santa came to deliver a package from an exotic state.

I was so delighted when I saw where it came from. But my excitement was suddenly belayed when I realized I already received my order from her. I thought, what is my beautiful classmate up to this time?

I got suspicious and thought probably she was my monita. As part of our Christmas tradition, I planned to wait until Christmas Eve to open the box. However, I was not certain. Thus, to my husband's insistence I slowly did a peek a boo.

Two wrapped gifts inside (yipee!)

A magazine and 2 Sinigang Mix (yummy, yummy!)

and finally, a love note...

Very sneaky, I didn't even think that I was her monita (surprise, surprise), but definitely I am VERY thrilled! The gifts will have to wait until Christmas Eve before they will be unwrapped; can't wait...

Thank you, Broomsisters for this Exchange Gift idea. It was fun! Let's do it again next year.

Ms. Betty Boop, you're awesome! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

***

Journey to Receiving Pamela's Present from Tess

posted by May

Tess sent me a SOTC package for her monita, Pamela Anderson. Since Pamela is my mom, I thought of saving Tess the "excruciating" shipping fees by asking her to send it to me instead so I can 1. include it in my cargo to save my mom customs fee and 2. so I can get a glimpse of it, to take pics instead. My mom has no time for this. Whatever Pamela gets will be displayed in our Manila house.

So I waited eversince Tess told me she already shipped it. After almost 2 weeks, it has arrived. Today I got a dilapidated box and the post office lady said "I feel sorry giving his sorry-looking box to you". And I said, no problem, it's expected. I have been dealing with shipping boxes (shoes for many months now so I'm not surprised). I was worried about was the "I hope it's not ceramic or glass".

And surely, when I opened it, there it was. A green cute thing broken into two. My heart was broken! It is really cute and I wanted to have it. So I emailed Tess right away to let her know what was up. We signed up for an international exchange gift, this is part of the excitement. I just hope Tess didnt cry over this.

So what can I do? If Tess didnt buy the shipping insurance, it's as good as money tossed. So I decided to do what I can. Glue it back to one piece. And I DOCUMENTED it and decided to share it on SOTC, where it should belong.

All in all, I wanna say thanks to Tess. I Love IT. I'm sure my mom will, too.