I Think There's Another One There...

I was born at 3:30am on May 20th, 1977, and my identical twin sister, Rachel, was born eleven minutes later at 3:41. Back then, it was possible that twins would be a suprise. My mom went to all of her scheduled appointments with the doctor, but the ultrasound machine was broken at Family Hospital, where we were born, and both of our heartbeats were in synch, so the doctors and nurses never detected a second baby. When I was born, the doctor said to my mother and father, "I think there's another one there." To which my mom promptly thought, "What a warped sense of humor!"

We were both underweight and jaundiced, only about four pounds, but my sister did emerge eleven minutes later, and I know that she is the best gift I will ever receive. Having an identical twin sister has shaped my life in myriad ways, and if you're not a twin, it's hard to understand the bond twins share, but we are blessed with the gift of being born with our soulmate, with the one person in the world who will always understand us, no matter what, who will be there for us and mirrors us and loves us unconditionally. My brother, Andy, and my sister, Rachel, are my two favorite gifts, and I know it wasn't easy for Andy growing up being the little brother of twin sisters, but I am so proud of him, and he knows we love him beyond measure.

I am not celebrating with my sister today, as she's in North Carolina, and I'm in Taipei, Taiwan, but we'll be together in spirit. I was up at 3:30am, my moment of birth, sitting in a hot spring in Taipei, relaxing. I had such a wonderful day yesterday. I woke up with my grande vanilla latte from Starbucks, and had a lesiurely morning. I went strolling through the jade market for a good deal on green jade bracelet, which I've been wanting for a long time, had lunch at the famous Din Tai Fong restaurant (their delicious soup dumplings are to die for), and indulged in some mango ice at the Ice Monster, then took a taxi ride over to one of Taipei's many spas, where I had a much needed foot soak, pedicure, and heavenly foot massage (all for about $30). I then relaxed at home for a bit, had two glasses of good red wine and watched the season finale of my favorite TV show (on iTunes), "The Office," which was a great gift, since the finale was so good I got teary-eyed. Then, I headed out to one of Taipei's many nightmarkets, Shilin Night Market, where I had fun with Yudi and his friend playing midway games (I beat them at hoops!) and strolling the market for a deal (I bought a cheap knock-off of a Le Sportsac purse) before heading to the hotspring spa nestled in the mountains.

It is my third experience at the hotspring, and it felt so good. They have a sulphurous hotspring, which is about 109 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a bubbly cold pool and a massage pool, with jets, which is of medium warmth. They also have three amazing showers, with various jets of water, so it really feels like an intense massage. There's a steam room and showers and the hotpsring is inside, but part of it is outside, so when it was raining last night (sprinkling), it felt like heaven, sitting in the 109 degree water with rain falling on my head, it felt amazing. We ate a late dinner at the resort before heading home. I didn't get home until about 5:00am, but it was worth it. I had an amazing day.

This evening I'm having dinner with class 8, my beloved NTUST students from last summer, to celebrate my birthday. I've been sleeping all morning (and afternoon), since I got home so late, which has felt luxurious, as well. My bro-bro called me this morning and sang me a swanky rendition of "Happy Birthday," which is about the only way you should be woken up on your birthday. It was awesome! I don't think I've ever had so many celebrations for my birthday, so for everyone who's made it so wonderful and memorable for me, thank you so much. I will never forget my 30th birthday celebration in Taiwan, and hey, if this is how the thirties are starting out, sign me up, because I'm having a blast!

I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!