Rama and I are the proud uncle and auntie to a little boy named Calder. He was born early this morning, and news has already reached the Philippines. “It’s a red letter day for the Castros!” my brother Tom said. Yes, I agreed. One for the books. Needless to say there has been much rejoicing, […]

I’m having one of those “I have no idea what I’m doing, who am I trying to kid?” weeks, and I have had enough of these to know that it’s natural, it’s ridiculous and, best of all, it’s temporary. So I just keep on keepin’ on and tell myself I’m good at what I do […]

Brooke is having the baby soon — she’s due tomorrow! — and I am beside myself with giddy anticipation. This will be the first grandchild for my mom and dad, much to their joy and relief, and my very first nephew or niece. “I’m gonna be an auntie!” I keep squealing. I already have a […]

The last time I wrote, I was a giddy and panicky mess, launching True*Stories, tying up loose work ends and packing for a week in Miami. It was exciting and exhausting, and the next day was spent on airplanes and in airports. And then vacation happened. Rama and I went to Miami to visit Barbara, […]

On the menu this morning: fresh blueberry pancakes, apple-smoked bacon and strawberries. Wherever we do end up, I vow to have more brunches and dinner parties and people over for no reason at all. I love setting the table just right, turning up the tunes and making a meal that makes me proud. I love […]

I’ve got writer’s block. It’s not so much that I don’t have anything to write. No, a quick conversation with Rama reminded me that a lot is going on in our lives right now–in my life right now–and that I could write novels about it all. I could, but I just don’t feel like it. […]

Today’s our 2nd anniversary! Our second year of marriage had more bumps and twists and turns than we’d expected (and probably would have liked). But a little bit of faith, a whole lotta laughter and an endless supply of googly-eyed love has pulled us through. I know our marriage is just a toddler, but like […]

God speaks to me in yellow flowers. I first noticed them during long drives to and from my parents’ house the weeks before our wedding. My mind was crammed with to do lists and worst case scenarios, and the stress weighed down on my shoulders like bricks. But every time I saw those yellow flowers […]

My grandma died on March 28. She was almost 92. I got word a few hours before my flight was supposed to leave. Even though I knew it was a possibility, the call still came as a surprise. Normally, I fall asleep before the plane takes off. This time, I didn’t–couldn’t–sleep a wink. Instead, I […]

I have written it in email over and over again, and I’ve said it to a few friends, but I still can’t make sense of the words: My grandmother is very sick, and I am leaving on a last-minute trip to the Philippines tomorrow morning. What do I know? That I am so grateful to […]