My mom and I went to the PCIJ office yesterday and I finally got my copy of the I-Magazine.

Note: Please refer to my I-Magazine blog for the story of my work's publication in the prestigious publication.

It is so nice to see my work in print. And my picture there was larger than life. Quite shocking actually. Larger than I would have wanted it to be. But it's ok. And they did not edit much so I am really pleased. Commercial publications usually edit a lot so I am happy that they let me retain my voice. It is so cool.

And they also gave me my fee. Wow! I got paid for writing. Someone actually paid me to give my opinion. A thousand bucks for a 2-page double-spaced essay is not bad.

Afterward, my mom and I went shopping to celebrate the achievement. Well, I always find an excuse for shopping. :) I bought myself 3 pairs of sandals since it is summer and I am a sandals type of girl.

When we got home, my mom immediately brought the magazine to the rest of the compound. (All my relatives from my mom's side live in the same compound.) It was quite flattering actually to see my mom flaunting it to my grandparents and my aunts and everybody else. Haha... :) Again, I was the star.

The entire thing is just really cool. I have another piece to add to my portfolio. I really wish I could make a living just writing and expressing myself. There's nothing like getting paid for doing something you feel so passionately about.

Announcement (made June 2004): The article is up. You can read it at the PCIJ I-Magazine page.