August, in a nutshell.

I have no idea how quickly this month just flew by?!?  To kick start the month, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary on the 3rd...well actually, the weekend before, all through the week and that following weekend.  It was just so wonderful being able to spend so much time with Levi, especially after his summer semester.  I can't believe our first year of marriage flew by!  One whole year!  Wow.  It's been a wonderful year of learning, loving and growing together.  I couldn't be any more grateful to have such a loving, patient, funny partner.  

We didn't do a big exchange of gifts, since we enjoyed some pretty fantastic meals out.  On our actual anniversary we had lunch at Rei do Gado, a Brazilian steak house.  So super good!! It reminded us of eating at Pampas in Las Vegas for our wedding weekend.  The only gift I really wanted was a Peace Lily for my desk at work, in that pretty teal pot.  I didn't realize til now that it matched the burlap banner I bought for us on our anniversary.  I happened to see it when we went by Deseret Bookstore before going to the movies.  It's the truth...life is so much better when he & I are together. I love it. I LOVE him!  

Levi's Dad came in to town and it was nice meeting up with him [middle] and Levi's uncle.  It's nice seeing his Dad.  He's always been so nice to me, ever since I met him.  I remember meeting him, the evening Peej got married. We went by Levi's Dad's house and he was working in the garage on some wood pieces.  He took the time to explain all his toy pieces and the differences in wood.  I'm really quite lucky to have such a nice Father-in-Law.  

This is a recipe I came across that I truly love.  Seriously, it's so good!! I've recommended it to several people.  I thought I'd post it for safe keeping.  

In my last post, I mentioned going to FHE [family home evening] with my friend Odin. Oh man, it was a hilarious evening of lip syncing! I think the guys below were singing...excuse me, I mean, lip syncing to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.  Such a hilarious night!!

OH. MY. GOSH.!!! My friend NeNe sent me this and I was blown away--TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! I never knew this!  CRAZY!

Speakin' of Nene, she invited me to a Padres game against the Braves!  We took a paid half day off, rode the trolley downtown and enjoyed a lovely Summer day watching some good ol' baseball! We were lucky to score seats in the shade and at one point, it got a lil cold.  But boy oh boy, we enjoyed some Hodad's burgers!! So delish!!

Mamacita [middle] moved to the good  ol' southwest.  I'm surely going to miss her.  It's been such a blessing being able to work with her again, this past year.  I wish her the very best in her next chapter of life.

On Levi's first day of one of his new classes, he forgot his phone at home.  I tried to catch him before he left but I only saw the gate close behind him.  I thought I could catch him before he got to school, but I didn't...so there I was looking for visitor parking at his school.  I had just missed him by 5 minutes by the time I actually found his classroom.  Oh man, it was quite hilarious.  There I was driving around his campus, praying that I would see him walking to class.  I found an info desk, luckily remembered what the name of his class was, obtained a campus map and waited outside his classroom door.  I was so nervous! I felt like some sort of deranged ex-girlfriend stalking him down.  Since it was his first day in this new class, I didn't want him to not have his phone in case he needed something off his email or the internet.  Fortunately, I caught a girl walking towards the classroom door and kindly asked her if she could give him his phone.  When he arrived home that night, he was so amazed I could find him!! I was somewhat embarrassed that I would do such a thing and hunt him down like that.  So odd, yet so, so funny!!

Last weekend, we went to Pt. Loma Seafood Company. Oh man, some of the best seafood you can find in San Diego!! It was so scrumptious!! I loved the Shrimp & Cod!  Plus it was so nice down on the harbor. I surely love living in San Diego!! 

I had an old friend in town, this past week. She served her LDS mission here in San Diego, when I was about 18/19 years old....back around 1999. It was so great seeing her [middle] again, since it's been 10 years since I last saw her. Catching up with her was just so easy and lovely.  Plus, it was cool that she invited me back to their hotel to go swimming. I will NEVER turn down an opportunity to sit in a jacuzzi! She & her friend wanted to eat Mexican, so I took them to one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Diego; Old Town Mexican Cafe! Oh man, I love the food & mariachi music there!! It was such a wonderful evening!

To round out the month, Levi & I went to Hobby Lobby since we're blessed to live so close to the only one in San Diego county!  Originally, we went by to find supplies to make a jewelry hanger. We found this lovely gem!! Oh man, I LOVE it!! This was better than I could have ever expected to find!! PLUS, it was on SALE!! 50% OFF!!! WHAAAAAAA??!  Yeah, half off and way more efficient than I could have ever thought up!! Thank you Levi for my terrific early birthday present!! So wonderful! I can't wait to fill it up! ;)

I still can't believe this month flew by so quickly! I can't believe September is on the horizon...and you know what September means?!?! BIRTHDAY MONTH!! I can't wait! :)

Last weekend.

Last weekend was my work Christmas party. Luckily it was at a nearby hotel, so we booked a room. It was a very nice evening and fun to hang with the Hubs and some of my favorite people from work...basically Tina & Mamacita. The food was delicious and there was a photo booth! 

I LOVE PHOTO BOOTHS!!!!!

They're just so much fun!! 

The next day we finally used our season passes to the San Diego Zoo. It was a lot of fun and A LOT of walking!!!!  

Last Sunday evening, we spent some time at Levi's sister's home with her family and their Dad. It was quite enjoyable. I like getting to know Levi's family and spending time with them.  All in all, it was a wonderful weekend.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 4: Work.

So.... I want to do this whole 30 days of Thankfulness that I see a lot of my friends do, each November. I only thought about doing it this morning, so I don't really have a day 1 or 2....or 3 really, but for now I'll count last night's post as Day 3.

Today, I'm grateful for the job that I have. It came at the most perfect time. Seriously, I ended one job and started up here a week and a half later! Actually, my last day at my old job was the same day as my first interview. 

The benefits are nice and everyone's friendly. The office is relaxed and very nice. Probably the nicest office I've ever worked in. I like my lil cube. I've decorated it so it feels less grey and cold. 

I'm thankful I get to work with my friends, Tina & Mamacita, especially when we go out for Happy Hour after work sometimes.  Tina and I work alongside each other and I couldn't be more grateful. It's nice to have someone who understands exactly what the job entails and goes thru the same experiences. 

Chuy's not so bad either. So extremely helpful! I know we get on each other's nerves, but I'm truly grateful to have these two to work with.

Blogging in bed....again!

Sometimes, this is the only time I get to blog. Unfortunately, it's when it's dark & I've already taken my contacts out. I really need to get myself some glasses!

•Work has been CRAZY BUSY!! Since Roxy has been out the last 2-3 weeks, we've been swamped! The client calls have been overwhelming at times, especially since Chuy has been busy training.  I couldn't be more grateful for this upcoming 3 day weekend!! I'm not looking forward to our Receptionist being out next week! I already feel like we're short staffed on our team. Plus, my special weekly project comes back and usually I get a week to complete it. However, next week I only get two days, which will unfortunately be the two busiest days for my team.  I think I'm gonna need another 3 day weekend after that!

•My birthday's coming up! Super duper stoked!!! Not gonna hide it at all!! 

•Went to Joe's Crab Shack after work, with Mamacita. So fun!! Delicious appetizers and I totally loved my banana/piña colada smoothie! 

Oh yeah.... And the dessert was scrumptious!! 

•Have I mentioned how glad I am to be working with Mamacita again! We met at our last job 6 years ago. I never thought we'd be working together again!

• As always, I am grateful for this husband of mine that keeps me laughing and fills my heart with unconditional love. A couple days ago, he said that he had a surprise for me, this Friday! Man oh man, I cannot wait!! I love surprises!! Especially his surprises!! 

Man, I love my life!

The Friday Blog on a Monday Night.

*Let the bough break, let it come down crashing... LOVE. THIS. SONG.!!!

*Dude, this week was rough...when I say week, I mean Monday - Friday.  When I say Monday - Friday, I mean 8am - 5pm.  ROOOOUUUGGHHHHH!!! I couldn't be more grateful for Tina & Mamacita.  Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without these girls at work.  I'm so glad to have an outlet full of laughter!!  It's just so nice to have these two to spend lunch with and be able to let my guard down with.  Ever so grateful.

*Sorry Levi for being a lil emotional at times....especially last night.  I hate when he knows that my period's on the horizon.  Someone tends to be a lil more weepy....or she needs to vent when she has a rough week....and tears happen to come streaming down because she's so frustrated. 

*My sister gave me the recipe to her rice pilaf and I made it tonight for dinner. Oh man, it was so delicious.  It reminded me of home.  It made me think of our old kitchen and the memories in that little humble abode, when I was so soooo lucky to live under the same roof with all of those that I loved most.  Eating the rice made me miss that home so much and miss having all of my nephews in one place. 

*Sometimes, I can't believe how old my nephews are.  How does the time fly so quickly?!? What I would give to turn back the hands of time!  I wish I never took that time for granted or wished to move out on my own so much.  I miss them so much.  I can't even describe it, they're my most favorite friends and pretty much like my younger brothers.  And don't get me started on my niece.... she's a young woman now! My lil Novee is growing too fast! She's almost taller than me and my pride.  Dangit, they're all taller than me now! I feel little.  :'(  I remember the days I could see the tops of their heads.

Too Funny Thursday!

What a funny, crazy day!
Today, I was told that I would have my 90 day review at noon.  The last two times, I had a few days notice and the anticipation would build up.  I liked having the short notice so that I wouldn't get so nervous.  Surprisingly the review went better than I could have ever imagined.  Seriously, some of the nicest things I've ever heard concerning my job performance.  I can't hide the fact that I thoroughly enjoy my job and those I work with.  It's such an awesome office!
About a half hour after my review, my client team (there's 7 of us) received an email with Unlawful Detainer files that we had to open.  Although the email was addressed to all 7 of us, it was basically 20 files each for Tina, Chuy & myself.  My cubicle is in the far corner, with Tina on one side and Chuy right next to me.  When I received the email, I quietly wailed, "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo"...but then I realized that CC started laughing (she sits on the other side of Chuy---two cubes away from me) as well as Brie, one of my supervisors I just had my review with.  I seriously didn't think that anyone other than Tina would have heard that! Everyone on the client team started laughing! Luckily, a manager had just emailed us saying that he was leaving early for the day so I jokingly exclaimed, "I was just bummed that he was leaving early! Such a bummer! Oh by the way, what's this? An email from Brie?! I better look into this!"  and everyone laughed even more.  Seriously, so dang funny! My face was so bright red because I was so embarrassed I had no idea that everyone heard my little Tourette moment. I went over to Tina's cube and she was still dying from laughter.  Ugh....embarrassing, but oh so funny!
I also forgot how to transfer a call to one of our attorneys.  Just as embarrassing.... Doesn't help when his office is about 10 feet from my cube. 
Lunch with Mamacita & Tina was also full of laughter.  We were talking about bugs & animals we're not too fond of and our reaction to them.  An hour of hilarity!!  Working with Mamacita & Tina is great! I'm so thankful to have friends, not just acquaintances, at work.
After work, Tina and I were waiting for the elevator to head to the garage.  One of the five elevators is a little faulty.  Apparently, it stops in between floors and for one co-worker, the elevator stopped along with the AC & lights.  That just happened to be the elevator to pick up Tina and I, this evening.  I'm not gonna lie, I get a little nervous whenever that particular elevator opens up.  Tina and I got in and hit the button for the garage.  As we descended, it suddenly stopped at the 3rd floor and lingered.  The doors didn't open, it just lingered.  I started to get nervous and thought, "Oh no, the lights and AC are gonna give out any second!" Next thing I know, the elevator started moving and we started to go up!  The doors opened on the 7th floor and a woman got in.  I wanted to get out and wait for another elevator, but it was too late.  We started going down again and the elevator stopped on the 3rd floor and the doors opened up this time.  No one got in, but I jumped out! There's was no way I was going to ride this faulty elevator again!  Tina and I waited for an elevator to come and wouldn't you know it... the faulty one came back up, sans 7th floor woman!  I totally thought she was going to be in it but I guess she got to the garage floor, so that gave me some hope that this dang elevator wasn't so faulty after all.  We got in and it slooooooowly descended to the garage floor.  Stupid elevator....ugh!  We got out and started laughing more! Oh what a day!
What a funny day of laughter! Man, I loved it!  Guess you had to be there....

May the 4th be with you!

I always love having dates with my sweetheart.  Luckily, I can buy discounted movie tickets at my work, so we went to see Spidey 2.  I enjoyed the movie, especially since Levi is such a fan.  I won't give any spoilers, but I could have REALLY enjoyed the movie, except for one part. :(

 

We enjoyed some Panda Express right before the movie.  I'm a fan of fortune cookies, as cheesy as they sound.  However, sometimes, I think they can be pretty spot on.  See above.

On Friday, I got some AWESOME news!! There was an opening in another department for my firm, so I kicked it to my ol' coworker & good friend, Mamacita.  I submitted her resume to HR, and she came in for an interview a few days later.  Long story short, they were obviously impressed with her so she'll be starting in about a week.  Dude, I'm so so soooooooo stoked! I wish she was in my department, but I'm just so happy that we'll be working together again! Plus, it's such a terrific firm and I feel spoiled to work there.  I wanted her to enjoy these same spoils that I thoroughly enjoy!!  I can't wait!!  I think she'll definitely get along with Tina, so it'll be great to have two friends to work with!

Speaking of work, I'm way stoked to get to work tomorrow. I've got some packages that were delivered over the weekend, so I feel like it's Christmas all over again!  Ok, I'm off to bed now.  G'nite.

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.

Mamacita!

I seriously love this song! The lyrics are so pretty and it's how I feel about Levi.  He is so wonderful to me, I couldn't be more spoiled, blessed and lucky! This man is just so amazing and I love him so!

This morning, I had the opportunity of hangin' out with Mamacita {Sandra}, my ol' co-worker. 

As I was driving home,  I took the wrong exit, which landed me right by her house. I called her up and dropped in.  It was so good just gettin' to talk with her again! Oh I've missed her so!  We worked right next to each other for a few years and we got to know ALL about each other.  It was so lovely the way our friendship always picks up right where we last left it.  
We talked, like old friends do...catching up on each other's life....asking about family....love interests...ol' work gossip...just about everything!  It was so much fun! And it was great to see her family again, they are all so warm and welcoming to me still....as if it hasn't been 2 years since I last saw them all.  
I miss working with Mamacita, but I'm glad that we were more than just co-workers.  She's become a very close and dear friend and I'm grateful that I missed my exit and landed right in her neighborhood. Sometimes, it's not such a bad thing when you miss your exit, it can be a blessing in disguise.  

I love when my Thursday is...

+

= A VERY HAPPY EHU :)

Thursday's wrap up....

Yesterday was FUN FUN FUN!!! I had a wonderful lunch with Mamacita and got to visit with all of my ol' co-workers. I got to see Mr.NY, and he's just as handsome as I last remember him. And his eyes were just as beautiful as well. I don't think I'll ever get over that man, he is just too hot for words!! It was so lovely getting to catch up with my dear friend. I've missed working with her! We got along so well, except for one terrible incident brought on by a stupid co-worker. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and spending time with her warm family. It was a great lunch!

Had dinner with my family at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. It was nice, but I missed my nephews there. Sometimes it's lonely and too quiet when they're not around. I don' t know how I'll ever be a Mother someday. I'm going to suffer terribly from "Empty Nest" syndrome. Had a great dinner with them, the food was so delicious. I love Chinese New Years!

Went to class and got to hang out with some of my friends. Sat next to "Boots" and that was fun, as always. I like "Boots", he's a really nice guy.....but he's engaged to be married. Somehow I always end up in the 'friends zone' with men, one way or another.... Anyways, Boots had to teach class last night and it was a pretty cool class. Afterwards he came to watch me play Volleyball. He sent me a text this morning saying that I take Volleyball way to seriously and I looked intimidating..... a compliment for sure! :) Had a great game of Volleyball last night. FUN TIMES!

All in all, it was a VERY WONDERFUL Thursday :)

THURSDAY = LOVE♥

Why today's Thursday is particularly AWESOME!!! :

-Well first off, it's Thursday!!! :)

-I'm going to Alex's Brown Bag to have my FAVORITE Philly Cheesesteak burger!! YUMMY YUM YUM!!

-I'll be eating there with my ex-assistant, Mamacita!! I totally miss working with her! I always look forward to any chance we get to hang out. Plus I'll get to see all my ol' co-workers....like Mr.NY. Awww....

-And today is..... CHINESE NEW YEAR'S!!!! MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

I truly love today. Best. Thursday. Ever. ....this year, (thus far)!!

And it'll just get better tomorrow......OH YEAAAAAH!!!

( ( ( ( KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!!! ) ) ) )