Good, Bad & Ugly: Weekend Edition.

Good: Had such an awesome weekend with Levi.  I love nothing more than just spending time with him.  I was able to have a "Ladies Day" with my niece & sister.  Ate at the new Filippi's restaurant here in town.  We also hit up Oasis Ice Cream, because honestly, that's the BEST ice cream here in town! There's just something so lovely about spending time with female relatives. I enjoyed a dinner party at Ame's and it was fun hangin' with the Peebs {some PB ward member friends}.  Plus my Young Womens Volleyball team won BOTH of their games on Saturday! Oh I felt like the proudest Mama ever!  They were excited and I think that was a terrific way to start their Vball season! Can't wait for their next game this coming Saturday.

Bad: I missed going to my ward on Sunday, thus missing Ame's talk.  I was rather disappointed about that.  Then I was even more upset that I was an hour late to the dinner party.  Don't even get me started on the overflowed toilet....FML moment, for sure.

Ugly:  Got into an argument with my Mom, late Saturday night/Sunday morning.  It's just so emotionally and mentally exhausting.  After a late night of arguing and hurtful words that were exchanged, I had no desire to go to church that next morning.  

Friday night date.

Last night, we had dinner at Nicky Rottens in Coronado. Afterwards, we took some photos down at the Coronado Ferry Landing. SO. MUCH. FUN.!!!

As much as I love the photo above.... I can't help but chuckle every time I look at the one below.

I thought it would be a "cute" idea to try to sit on his lap.  However, my Poly butt trying to sit on a lap, doesn't amount to a "cute" photo.  Oh the laughs that came from it.... Such a FUN night!

Valentines.

For the first time in my life, I have a Valentines.

Oh how I love him so!

I love Love: Especially expressing it to loved ones.

I love Levi: He makes me feel special & loved...and he's my most favorite person to be with.

I love my sister: She a "best friend & sister & mom" combo for me.

I love my parents: They love me and help me in life.

I love my nephews: We can joke and poke fun, but still be friends in the end.

I love my niece: She shows me what a tender, loving heart is like.

I love my best friend MamaStephy: She makes me want to be a kinder person.

I love my bestie Hermanita: I can be brutally honest without seeming like a d-bag. 

I love Mama McK: The mother heart that I desire.

I love Mr. Red: He just gets me. 

I love Ame: She makes church & my calling so much more easier & fun.

I love Oasis ice cream: BEST ice cream on earth.

I love San Diego: Seriously, it's the best. 

I love my down comforter: Perfection.

I love Coronado: It's like a mini vacation, every time.

I love blogging: and all my long distant friends' blogs, so that we can keep in touch.

I love all things that make life so much more beautiful.

Happy Valentines Day.

A Birthday Rendezvous

I've had the most lovely birthday week, EVER.!!!
It was just fantastically enjoyable!  I loved every single bit of it!!  
After my birthday dinner with Mr. Red & Hermanita, I had a little rendezvous at the beach, with Ely.  We hung out at the beach, walked the pier and talked til about 3:30am.  Yeah, I know that's late, but we had SO much to talk about.  I enjoyed EVERY single second of it.  He was FUNNY!! Oh man, it hurt my stomach to laugh!  I wanted to know him better, and felt the same about me too.  He was VERY reciprocal on all levels--something that had been lacking with TheBaker.  If I rubbed his hand, he'd curl his fingers around my hand.  As a very physically affectionate person, I greatly appreciate his reciprocation on that matter.  In fact, it was Ely that made the first move and was ever so sweet about it!  
We walked the beach the next 3 nights and talked to no end.  On Thursday, I had received some terrible news of a friend's baby and was so sad over it....as well as other stressful news about school.  I just wanted a really good guy hug....and he was there to provide it.  He just held me as a wave of emotion washed over me.  Have I mentioned that he's 6'1 and a pretty big guy, so I loved the way I felt small in his arms.  He didn't know what to say to console me,  but he didn't feel awkward around my tears.  
We went out Friday night and it was blissful wonderful!  He was the perfect gentleman! It's been a long time since a man opened ALL my doors.   He knows his role as a man and DOES IT!! After dinner down at the Coronado Ferry Landing, we walked on the boardwalk, then watched the fireworks from the Padres game.  So spectacular!  I have NEVER enjoyed the ferry landing as much as I did, that night. 
I really like him and he's SOOOOO cute!! Seriously, probably the cutest, most adorable guy I've ever been out with.  It's hard now, because I've got school I need to focus on and he's trying to find a job {he recently moved down from Nevada}, so our schedules are a lil packed.  Today, he asked if I'd like to go grocery shopping with him about 30 minutes away....so I went.  SO. MUCH. FUN.!!!  We had lunch first and then roamed the aisles of Target.  I just enjoy being with him because he's just so dang funny.  

A Lunch Letter to Mr. Red.

Dear Mr. Red,
Thank you for suggesting we have lunch together.  I always love hanging out with you, with or without food involved.  I'm glad you know me so well...and forgive me for my shortcomings.  I'm glad you also believe me when I say that I REALLY tried hard to be on time. I'm also glad you also expect me to be late, but seriously, I left my place at 11:15am expecting to get there on time!!  Coronado's about 15 minutes away, so yes, I might have been a minute or two late.  I REALLY wasn't expecting a huge car accident on the freeway, especially when I KNEW I should have just driven up the strand to Coronado.  I figured I'd get away with driving 80mph on the freeway vs. 70mph on the strand.  Either way, I think the Universe has it out for me.....apparently, I'm NEVER suppose to be on time to ANYTHING we do together.  Thank you for ALWAYS forgiving me and loving me all the same.
After I parked 2.5 blocks away, I tried to hustle over, but not show up as a hot sweaty mess.  When I got to our table and saw the 3 other chairs in the sun, you melted my heart when you offered me the seat in the shade. At first, I was seriously bummed that I was gonna have to sit in the sun for the next hour.  Sitting in the noon sun, unless I'm at the beach, is never really my idea of fun. So yes, MAJOR BROWNIE POINTS for you, for totally offering up your cool shady seat to me without even blinking an eye.
I was a lil overwhelmed with all the choices of Burger Lounge. Well, there weren't that many choices, but I was a lil flustered.  Oh, you know me.  I still don't know why you paid for my meal.  I mean, I'm totally grateful, but I was ready to pay for my burger and lemonade. But I'm always so thankful for your generosity, on all levels.
I always enjoy our conversations, especially when it's accompanied with your laugh.  Oh your laugh makes my heart swell.  It just makes me smile and laugh even more.  I'm so thankful you never get mad or offended by the things I say, and even more thankful you "consider the source".
The burgers at Burger Lounge were pretty good, but I think I like our other spot in IB, Big Kahuna's.  Although, your Vanilla Shake was delicious!
Sometimes, you amaze me by the things you pick up on.  But then again, it's you and you're pretty awesome like that.  I'm so glad you're fluent in "Ehu".  I never really have to explain stuff to you and you always seem to know why I do and say the things I do.  If I could find a husband like that, my life would be pretty easy breezy.   Anyways, talking with you is one of my most favorite things to do with you.  I learn stuff from you and have a greater desire to learn more about everything.  I won't say that I'll read the Odyssey anytime soon, since I'm still trying to finish Les Miserables from last year. I just might end up watching the movies for both books. 
Well my friend, thanks as always for being friends with me in real life.  I enjoy spending time with you, more than you know....well actually, you do know, because it's you.  Can I also say how thankful I am that you're such a gentleman.  I appreciate your offer of walking me to my car, even though you were already running late getting back to base.  And lastly, thanks for taking a picture with me.  I like documenting happy times in my life, and come next April, I will cherish all the moments we've spent together. Being friends in real life, with you, makes me the happiest.   

Love always,
Ehu 

Sensitive Sunday.

Yesterday, I took my friend Darci to church.  As always, it's nice to have a friend to sit with at church.  Since we both play on the same Softball team with Sonny, she wanted to go over and talk to him (to give him a hard time for a bruise that happened at our last practice.)  I wasn't really in the mood to talk to him because I was still embarrassed from our game, the day before.  However,  I did need to talk to him in regards to next week's Family Home Evening, since we'll be playing Softball.  {I just can't escape this game! I'm gonna improve one way or another!}  He started to stand up as I was trying to tap on his back....which ended up inches above his butt.  He turned around and looked extremely pissed.  I started to regret tapping him...or even being near him, for that matter. I tried to keep it short and asked if I could talk to him after church.  He mumbled something in agreement and walked away.  I felt stupid for even bothering him, but yet I couldn't help but wonder why he looked so annoyed.  Darci said that others around him also looked annoyed.  Really?? Annoyed at church...what's up?!
I couldn't shake the thought during Sunday School, so I turned to Facebook and changed my status to: 

"I wonder why some people look and act annoyed, at church :(" 

Maybe I've become extra sensitive now, since I like Sonny.  After church, as I was walking out of the women's restroom, (Darci was in front of me, and Ame was still at the mirror)  I turned and saw Sonny at the end of the hallway. I tried to sneak back into the restroom.  I didn't want to talk to him anymore, not at all!  I couldn't sneak back fast enough and he called out for me.  I was timid and could barely even hear my voice.  I just wanted to be anywhere but in that hallway.  I tried to make it quick, but it wasn't working.  However, he maintained eye contact a lil more than usual.  I was practically eye to eye with him, since I was wearing wedges. It ended up being a decent conversation and he was nice again.  At one point, when I changed the topic from FHE to our Softball team, I grabbed his arm {bicep}.  Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when you touch a guy's arm, and then they flex a split second later!  I can't help but chuckle because I always feel the difference between a flexed and unflexed arm.  So obvious!! Well, Sonny happened to do that and MAN OH MAN, his arm was so big!!!  I mean, it was big already, but once he flexed it, it was HUGE!!! And SO defined!!!  My face was so warm, and I'm sure I turned red!!  Oh my gosh, he suddenly got a million times hotter!!  I have no idea how I finished that conversation because my mind was racing and thinking how hot this man is!!  

On the drive home, Darci told me that she commented on my FB status as well as someone else....

"Sorry Ehu, it was probably me. I always look intense when I'm at church. But I normally have good intentions. :)"  

It was from Sonny.  I kinda felt bad that he caught that, because I didn't think he read things on my FB.  Yikes.  But I'm glad he felt the need to apologize.  We'll see if I talk to him again at church.  I really don't want a repeat of his "intense" look again.  I just wish I knew him better.  With that said, I'll be seeing him tomorrow at Softball.  Wish me luck.  

((Ok.....now for my friend Ame....))

I went on a date last night (Sunday night).  It was with this guy I've been talking to.  We'll call him Pokemon.  Well he told me he was a nerd, but I didn't realize how literal he meant it.  Just because he's into comics, Sci-Fi movies, Comic-Con, & Halo, didn't exactly mean that he was a nerd, right?  Wrong.  That's basically his whole life.  In fact, he's already planning his Pokemon Trainer/Ash Ketchum costume!! He was so proud of the Pokemon catcher he made, that he brought it to our date, last night.  Oh, have I mentioned that he's 26 years old and never been kissed!!   He wasn't exactly my type...no I take that back, he wasn't my type at all.  I couldn't turn down his request of a date, I would have felt terrible.  Well, I had to push the date back by a half hour and figured I'd go ahead and eat dinner (thinking he'd do the same, since it was past the dinner hour).  Well, he didn't eat, so while we were at the Coronado Ferry Landing, he went ahead and bought himself some food.  I thought it was a lil rude that he didn't offer to at least buy me a drink, when I insisted that he eat, even though I wasn't going to.  Was I wrong to think that?  Nor did he offer to let me taste it.  Maybe it's just me, but I would have offered it to him, if the roles were reversed.  His jokes were LAME!!!  I couldn't pity laugh anymore, I was socially exhausted.  He told me he was nervous, but I tried to put him at  ease.  While he was ordering his food, I looked around and saw a movie poster for, Goodfellas.  I asked if he'd ever seen it and he quickly said, no.  Then with a self righteous tone, he asked me if I'd ever seen, Deep Space Nine.  I said, "no", and he snapped back saying, "See, same difference!!"  I was beyond myself....who the hell acts like that?!  I was just trying to make conversation.  It was obvious that he was socially awkward and it was going to be an odd night.  The only thing that kept me sane on this date, was thinking of Sonny's arm, from earlier in the day.  It was like pulling teeth trying to talk to him. On the phone, it was great, but in person, it SUCKED!!!  No personality at all.  I feel sorry for the guy.  I think he needs a Hitch in his life, someone to coach him a lil about the ins and outs of dating & women. He was kinda nice, but just very inexperienced, he was like a boy in a man's body.  I hope he gets kissed soon....26 and a VL....poor guy.  

Biking!

Last Friday, my nephew and I went biking up the Coronado Strand. We biked from Imperial Beach, found this random trail that took us to Chula Vista, and then biked from there to the Coronado Ferry Landing.  Altogether, it was about 14 miles.  Oh man, I don't think I've ever biked that much in my life (sad, but true).   I've been wanting to do the Strand for a while, and luckily I've got a willing & kind nephew who biked it with me.  He's biked about 350 miles before (down the coast of Cali) so this would be a walk in the park for him.  Which it was! I was SLOOOOOOOOOOOOW, but you know what, I finished it! And I'm happy for myself!   Sure, he biked WAY ahead of me and would bike back to check on me, then would do it all over again....but slow & steady also completes the race!  We stopped for a few minutes at a time, because there was so much to take pictures of--things that go unnoticed when driving in a car.  My parents wanted to meet us in Coronado for lunch, and due to time restraint, we ended up getting a ride back with them.  All in all, it was a fun ride. 

Yesterday, I went to bike it again, by myself this time. However, I didn't go as far. I only went half way, stopped to have lunch on the beach and turned around.  I made MUCH better time, on the way back. I didn't stop as much, probably just once to drink some water and take photos.  But there I was, slow & steady, at times a lil faster due to the song at the moment.  It was 10.5 miles! Wowzers! I'm happy with that! It was so refreshing! I loved it! Me, my bike & my tunes! FUN!  As I look out the window and see clear blue skies and sunhine, I'm VERY tempted to grab my bike and go riding!

When I'm huffing and puffing, pushing myself to go a lil faster and make it to a certain goal point, I think, "Damn, why did I eat so poorly and let myself get so out of shape?!" , (during a Britney Spears song) "Oh yeah, this is why I'm gonna stick with biking, someday I'm gonna look like that!", "Hell yeah I need to lose weight and look good for the beach this summer!". Overall, I just need to be healthier. I've stopped drinking soda, for Lent, but I think I'm just going to drop it altogether.  I've greatly increased my water intake and started drinking milk with my meals (I tend to be lactose intolerant). Plus, I LOVE fresh juice at Houston's.  All in all, this is the heaviest I've been and it needs to GO! Happy Biking to ME!!

A perfect San Diego day!

Today, I didn't feel like going to church. Not at all, not even in the least bit!  There was nothing that could persuade me otherwise.  I felt like spending this gorgeous San Diego day outside...
And that's exactly what I did!!
I called up my friend Tat and we walked around Coronado, all day! Glorious!!  

There was so much to see!! I LOVED it!!! Sometimes, I feel like we are unattached and out of touch with nature.  I would definitely recommend that we all get out, walk around & breathe some fresh air! It's so good for the soul! Poor Tat, had to stop every 5 seconds for me to take a picture of everything!
 Today was definitely a happy, perfect San Diego day!!

L♥O♥V♥E♥S

 ♥ i love to laugh ♥ i love to smile ♥ i love my awesome nephews ♥ i love my sweet niece ♥ i love having a roof over my head ♥ i love my big warm bed ♥ i love my dear sister ♥ i love the blessing of music ♥ i love my friends, near and far ♥ i love knowing the purpose of this life ♥ i love the hotel del coronado ♥ i love living in san diego ♥ i love all my talents ♥ i love my dad, more than he'll ever know ♥ i love being in love ♥ i love to swoon ♥ i love mexican food ♥ i love my friends who read my blog ♥ i love my talented mom ♥  i love my very best friends ♥ i love to cuddle ♥ i love to kiss ♥ i love neck massages and back rubs ♥ i love mr. red's cologne ♥ i love to read ♥ i love this song  ♥ i love straight hair ♥ i love linder truffles ♥ i love mindy gledhill [music] ♥ i love the coronado ferry landing ♥ i love valentine's day ♥ i love love ♥ i love chocolate ♥ i love the beach ♥ i love mama mck ♥ i love to sing ♥ i love to create ♥ i love my Heavenly Father for ALL that he's blessed me with ♥

Cookies, Charades & Coronado!

Some of my favorite photos from Saturday night!

Had a GREAT time! And I think my friends may have, as well! It was a very rousing game of Charades! (as well as SHAKE FACE!) The cookies & strawberries were delicious! And we just happen to have fireworks that night!

All in all, I loved it!!

:)

On tonight's menu....

I'll be making some of these:

as well as these, with my sister: 

(butterscotch chip cookies!)

And then later enjoying them here:

While doing this:

(sorry it's a StockPhoto--but it was the BEST representation of the activity (double date) & participants..heehee)

Oh man, I can't wait!! I'm so stoked and excited for some gooooood times ahead!! 

Here's to an AWESOME night!!

Seriously some of the BEST days EVER!!!

I think I've struck gold!! SERIOUSLY!! I've been having the BEST days lately!!!  I couldn't feel MORE blessed right now!! I LOVE it and I'm GRATEFUL!!

Friday: I got to hang out with my niece all day. It was so much fun!! We did some shopping and ran some errands.  Had lunch at our favorite spot and had a lil mini-Twilight Zone marathon.  (I think she was disappointed when it had NOTHING to do with vampires & werewolves)  We also watched "The Last Song" and had a junk food fest! FUN!!! I love moments like that.  Especially since she's growing up so quickly.  She's such a FUN girl to be around.  I've been blessed with the BEST niece!!

Saturday: Made about 4 dozen Cinnamon rolls, for the men at church for Father's Day, with Mama McK.  I  LOVE being in the kitchen with her! I will miss her more than I can ever express, once they go home from their mission this coming Monday.  I had dinner with my family and cousins who are in town from American Samoa.  It was just like ol' times.  

BBQ Ribeye steaks + Jack Johnson tunes = AWESOME family dinners!

Sunday: I look forward to church. I LOVE ANY opportunity I get to see my friends!! I love them all dearly! I'm BLESSED with the best!!  Seriously, I get so giddy on Saturday night because I get to spend quality time with my dearest friends.  They're practically like family!!  Had dinner that night with JUST my family and that was a beautiful blessing.  We had stuffed Salmon from Costco--OH I LOVE THOSE!!! And I made Mango cobbler for dessert.  FOOD COMA!!  It was cool just hangin' out with my family.  I love them. 

Monday: 

BEST. BEACH. DAY. EVERRRRRR.!!!!!!!! A few minutes after I woke up, Captain text me to see what I was doing for the day. I had a whole 'to-do list' of emails I needed to send and homework I needed to work on.  I told him that and he said, 'homework's overrated, come to the beach with me'.  HELL YEAH!!  When a HOT Fireman friend says 'go to the beach'--YOU GO!!! We spent the day at the beach, laying out & talking. It was SO relaxing!! I was SO nervous because I've never been to the beach with a guy before. Of course I've gone with a guy, who I happened to be dating or in a relationship with....this was different. Man, I was nervous because he works out and it DEFINITELY shows! So I wasn't sure what to wear and for the first time ever, I did my hair and make up just to go to the beach--SO WEIRD! But so worth it! Anyways, it was R.E.L.A.X.I.N.G.!!! He's a very easy guy to talk with.  It was comfortable and extremely enjoyable!!  Plus, I scored an AWESOME TAN!! OH YEAH BABY!!!  

Later that night, we went to a friend's home to have a BBQ farewell for the McK's and another family who is moving from the ward (congregation).  SO MUCH FUN!!  Everyone should have a zip line--HILLAAARRIIIOUUUUSSSS!!!!!!!  It was a fun time together with the ward family! 

Tuesday: CC went to the temple yesterday for the first time. She's preparing to go on her mission to Denver, Spanish speaking.  It was such a beautiful blessing to be there in the temple, with loved ones. I had a goal of going to the temple with Mama McK before her mission ended. I'm SO GRATEFUL that I had that wonderful opportunity last night.  I forgot how much I missed the temple and all those marvelous sisters that I had to blessing of serving with on Saturday afternoons.  It was a longing like I haven't felt for a while. I miss each of those sisters, they were like gems in a crown.  As we were leaving, I happened to see one of them who was also attending the temple last night. Oh it was divine to have that chance meeting. I was afraid she wasn't going to recognize me since my hair was A LOT shorter.  SHE DID!! It made me so happy! It was like old times.  SO BLESSED!!

Wednesday: My friend Joy drew this picture of me today! LOVE IT!!  Especially since the hair TOTALLY looks like me!!! Makes me crack up and smile!! 

THEN! I got a package in the mail!! Hermanita sent me earrings from New Mexico.  The white ones are mine and the other are for CC.  She actually sent me another one as well.  They have hummingbirds on them with dangly beads! I'll take a picture of them later.  I LOVE em!!! The most PERFECT gift for me are earrings!! I LOOOOOOOVE earrings!! I could wear them 24/7! Plus I love the stories behind jewelry!  I asked Mr. Red to pick me up some earrings while he's out on deployment in the South Pacific.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!  He'll be home in about 5.5 weeks!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!  Oh I've missed my dear friend!!! And then about 2 weeks after that, SimiSimSim comes home from Fiji!!! Oh I've missed that kid so much!!!  

I FEEL SO AWESOMELY BLESSED...I mean, AWESOMELY SPOILED!!!

Since last time....

-Well, my song went really well. I was so pleased with it!! The only part I wasn't TOTALLY happy with was the end. It's a song of Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane & the Atonement. So by the end, I got emotional--not extremely emotional but I didn't hold some notes as long as I should have. I was a lil nervous, my hands shook, but I'm glad I didn't have more 'vibrato' to my voice. A lot of friends and strangers came up to express their surprise that I could sing and how well I did so. I was even more grateful that my family came to my congregation to hear me, it really meant a lot to me.

-I'm so thankful for friends who would smile when I looked at them, during my song. Man, I am not a naturally born smiler like my BFF StephyPooh, so I need some encouragement with that sometimes. And for those who sent text messages immediate following my number. Ooooh Mr.Red.....

-Sometimes I forget that I'm a BYU student now, which means that I can't hate on BYU anymore. :-/ It's always so fun to do so.

-Tomorrow I'm going to eat FroYo with Cuz in Coronado. He's the cousin of one of my friends, and he happened to attend BYU-Hawaii. He's a cool guy and I wanted to show him around my favorite town, Coronado.

-I'm stoked for Thursday! My friend will be teaching class, so I'm excited to hear him speak!

-And Friday...oh, I can't wait til Friday!! :) THE GODFATHER MARATHON DAY!!

-Saturday, my girls have their first Volleyball game of the season. I'm stoked for them!!

-Oh Sunday, I can't wait to see so many hot guys at church. It pays to be religious sometimes ;)

Hi Thursday, I love you!

Last night was soooooooooooooo wonderful!! I had such a great time with Morgan!! We walked around the ferry landing for a while (just like the picture-but it was night time) and talked A LOT. For some reason, I ALWAYS get extremely nervous right before I see him!! But once I'm with him for 5 seconds, I'm completely comfortable....I love that feeling. It was a verrrrrrrrry lovely evening. It was tremendously nice getting to know more about him and some of his thoughts about life. I can't wait to see him again......which will be Saturday evening. I'm so looking forward to next weekend!!

((Quick funny story... Last night while he was finishing up his meal, I ducked into the restroom to wash my hands. When I came back to the table, we finished our drinks and chit chatted for a few minutes. After which I asked him if the server had brought the check already. He nodded. I had promised him the last time we went out, that I'd pay the next time we ate out. I felt HORRIBLE!!! I didn't want him to think I went to the restroom because the check came. I thought I had enough time between him finishing up and before the check came!! We laughed about it and his "George Costanza" reference. I still felt terrible! I even pulled out my credit card from my pocket to show him!! Oh well.... I'll make it up to him on Saturday when we go to Miguel's!))