The 1:16am Post

Technically, it's Monday morning...
Since I haven't fallen asleep, it's still Sunday, to me.

In a week's time, I will be a married lady!
MARRIED!!
Dude, I can't even wrap my head around it!

At times, I trip out. I will have a HUSBAND!!
I think I'm tripping out riiiiight now.

I wrote my vows last night.  Kinda surreal.  We read each other's vows today.  His vows were so sweet and tender (like him).  Mine....um, well, didn't quite sound like vows.  How in the world do you express your innermost feelings without sounding like a goon?!  In regards to my vows, my biggest accomplishment will be me being able to get through them without sobbing and getting choked up.  

In a week's time I will be surrounded by my most treasured loved ones.  I'm so happy for those we were able to invite.  I know not everyone we invited will be there, but it's totally understandable and we hold no ill will at all.  We're so blessed by the warm thoughts that have been sent our way.  We're so lucky!

I spoke to my childhood best friend tonight.  It's been a while since Liz & I spoke.  Sometimes life gets too busy.  I hate the distance that can happen in friendships.  I know I haven't focused on a lot of the friendships that I should, in which I feel terrible.  Anywhoo...back to Liz.  Man, I'm so thankful for those friends of mine that have been around since forever.  Friends who know me.  Those are the best types of friends.

Back to wedding freak-out stuff.  So I bought some Spanx.  Uh... I'm not super excited to be wearing it for the wedding.  Dang my stupid gym membership that I got like 3 months ago and didn't quite use.  Ugh....  Spanx, my last resort.

Oh yeah, we went by my parents' place yesterday.  We brought donuts to smooth things over and walked in to find that my Mom made teriyaki beef ribs, sausage, corn and beans. SOOOOOOOO DELISH!! Especially since we were starving....which is why we went overboard in buying a dozen donuts.  Anyways, it was such good familiar family comfort food.  I loved it.  I think I felt much like the Prodigal Son.  Since my last phone call with her ended so poorly, it was nice to be well received and smooth things over before the wedding.  As always, it was nice to see my Dad.  He looked 10x better than when we last saw him, on Father's Day.  I'm glad I'll be so blessed to see my parents, sister & kids in a week's time.  SO SOOOOOOO lucky to have all of them, in one place.

Man....what else.....  I need to start thinking about what to set aside and pack for our trip.  I'm the worst packer in the world, but I have to have everything packed a couple days prior.  Good luck to me.

Ok, I need to get some sleep.... I already know that this week is going to fly by!

NINE DAYS!!

How is the time flying by so SOOOOOOOOOOOO quickly?!?!? I feel like there's a lot to do and the time is just flying by so FAST!!

There's so much to blog about that I don't even know where to start...especially when it's now 12:02am and I should have been asleep over an hour ago.  It's so damn hot right now, I can't sleep in this heat!

What's on my mind.....

*Levi and I had my sister over for dinner and to hang out.  It was pretty great.  I think this is the most I've seen my sister in a week, since January.  

*My 2 oldest nephews came to visit and it was oh so nice having all my nephews and nieces in one place.  I love them all so much!!

*It was especially nice having Bub's wife here as well.  Heaven knows I didn't make it easy on her, while she was dating Bub.  I'm glad she understands that I was just overprotective.  My nephews haven't really just been nephews to me, I see them as my younger brothers sometimes.  I'm so grateful for them.  I'm also grateful to have Bub's wife in our family, as well.  Even though I gave her a hell of a time, she's always been so kind to me & my family.  I couldn't be any happier for Bub to have someone as caring as she, for eternity.

*My oldest nephew Simi got engaged on Tuesday.  I missed the proposal by a few minutes, but the video captured it nicely.  I hope he's genuinely happy.  Even though he's been here and we've spent some time together, I don't think I had a conversation with him, longer than 2 minutes.  I think I spoke with her just as long, too.  She seems nice, but perhaps we'll get a chance to talk a little longer than next time I come across her.

*I hate this heat.  It's just so miserable.  I will take the cold ANYTIME!!!  

*Ok, I'm getting tired and my eyelids are getting heavy.

G'nite.

T-minus TWO WEEKS!

Man, I'm so tired.  The last week and a half has been quite emotional which always takes a toll on my Meniere's Disease.  I hate it.  I hate when stress enters my life.  I'm glad that some people in my life understand what stress does to my Meniere's.
I had a pretty mean migraine on Wednesday.  I had my two computer screens switched out for larger ones and they happened to be extremely bright.  I didn't quite realize it was that bright until I had Chuy take a look at it.  I just figured that's how the screens always were.  Ugh.  Awful night.  Stupid extra strength Tylenol did nothing for me.  I got up at 4am, took an Aleve and started to feel better instantly!  I've had a small lingering headache for the last couple days, which only makes sense since my period started. Now I just want to sleep and lounge around all weekend.  I'm so physically tired, yet there's so much to do.
I can't believe that our wedding weekend will be here in TWO WEEKS!! 15 days from now, I'll be married!!! Part of me feels overwhelmed, but yet I just can't wait.  I'm excited, anxious, stoked, thrilled and everything good under the sun.  I get to marry the man who makes my life a million times more happier, lovelier, richer and funnier.  Every day, he gives me a reason to love him 10x more than the day before.  Today he knows that it's been a doozy for me and he got us pizza for lunch. Pizza, my most favorite meal on earth! To thank him for it, I stopped by 7-11 before he got home w/ the pizza.
He's just so good to me.  I never dreamt that I'd get this lucky.  I love him more than I've ever loved anyone in my life.  Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me so abundantly.

The Truth of the Matter.

{disclaimer: a little long...}

A couple months ago, Levi and I decided that we just wanted to get married already, especially since we were approaching our 1 year anniversary of our engagement.  We were planning on having a small wedding here in San Diego, where we live, but the costs were always a lot more than we wanted.  We priced around at different venues and even did a cake tasting. (Oh how I loved Kona Kakes!!)  We didn't want to go into debt for a one day celebration.  However, we had a small window of time to work with.  My new job (since Feb) didn't allow my PTO until August 16 and his Fall semester for school starts on August 18 through December 15.  We didn't want to hold off until the end of his Fall semester in December because it would be too close to the Christmas holidays, too close to his Dad's recent wedding anniversary and too close to his January birthday.  Besides, we just wanted to get married and for months he had been (semi-jokingly/semi-seriously) teasing me about just going to Vegas.  He had lived there before, so I trusted his judgment as he addressed my concerns.  There was something fun, thrilling and romantic about just going off to get married, in Vegas.   

In late May, we dropped all other wedding planning and decided we would elope to Vegas.  Wow, this was trippy!  It would all be happening so quickly.  The first thing we did was order our wedding clothes since they were being shipped from Hawaii.  I talked to my manager at work and explained the situation and she was cool with me making up time before and after our "trip".   We looked at where we'd want to stay and where we'd want to get married.  Everything started to snowball so quickly and by the 2nd week of June we were locked into where we were staying and where we'd be married at.   

The weekend we picked was in August, before his school started back up and just a couple weeks early before my PTO started.  It's a weekend that worked out perfectly for us.    It just so happened to be the weekend of my mom's extended family reunion, all of her cousins from her dad's side.  A lot of people I don't personally know or basically know in general.  I was asked on several occasions if I was planning on attending, but I declined because at first I didn't think I'd be able to ask for PTO.   Totally fine with me since I didn't want to spend my hard earned vacation time with people I didn't really know.  Sure my first cousins from Utah & Vegas would be there, but I could wait to see them once I had my PTO.  Plus, Vegas in August isn't my ideal combination.   However, it was decided, we were eloping to Vegas.  We'd be able to keep the costs down low and have a mini honeymoon.  Totally fine with us since our main objective was to get married sooner, than later...and cheaper than high priced.  Done! 

As the days passed by, Levi asked if I might want to reconsider not inviting family.  He figured that since there was already an extended family reunion going on that we'd want to invite them.  I couldn't have a wedding with extended family without having my sister, nephews & niece there.  There was no way in hell I would do that.  Lemme explain something,  when I say "sister" I consider her my immediate family.  The law, and several others, would define her as "ex-sister-in-law".  We have been through thick & thin and she will always be my sister.  Enough said.  I thought a lot about what this change in our wedding would mean.  I thought about the possible drama that might occur because some people would feel offended for not being invited.  The thought alone took a while to change my mind, but in the end I could see where Levi's optimistic idea would be  nice consideration.  Plus it wasn't fair to him because he should be able to have his family there, to witness this special event in his life.  We called our families, announced our plans for a very small wedding and made changes to our wedding package.  I warmed up to the idea and felt like this is the way we should have went in the first place.   

We contacted our wedding planner, made the upgrade and paid the fees.  I quickly ordered a small amount of invites and sent them out to our immediate family...well, I tried to.  It's been pretty hellacious at work, so by the time I'd come home, I was completely worn out and didn't give a second thought to any wedding planning or to-do lists.  Thankfully Levi's been such a big help with getting everything planned and corresponding with our wedding planners.  The package we upgraded to gave us a maximum  of how many we could invite.   It was going to be a very small wedding.  We wanted to invite our immediate families, and those that mean something to us as a couple.   I've been pretty blessed to have many close friends that I would consider family.  it's been very difficult trying to decide who to invite.  Luckily, I have many close people in my life that have been understanding during this invite process.  They've been nothing but considerate and full of happiness for Levi & me. 

Last Monday, I was talking with Levi, telling him how excited I was and how I want to scream it from the roof tops.  However, I wanted to keep our wedding private because I didn't want the onslaught of well intended questions that would come flooding in.  Examples: "Why didn't you tell me about your wedding? Where are you getting married?  What are you going to wear?  Who's going to be your maid of honor?  What does your dress look like?  Where are you going on your honeymoon?"  Basically things I've been asked during the course of our engagement and even before we got engaged.  I don't like telling stories (or answers) twice. Not that I'm not excited, I just don't like repeating myself.  Most of the time, I know the questions being asked are out of good intentions.  I didn't want to go blabbering it all over the place because I felt like it would be rubbing peoples' noses in it, those that weren't invited.   

The next day I had two phone calls, from two family members.  During those phone calls, I was basically told I was being selfish, and not thinking of others since I wasn't "inviting all of our cousins".  I was also asked why I didn't invite certain individuals from my family--individuals that I don't have a relationship with, nor do they really like me.  I think that's self explanatory when the person asking the question already knows that their spouse doesn't like me, so why would I invite that spouse?  Unfortunately this sibling of mine was led to believe that I only invited him because our parents would need a ride there.  No dear sibling, the reason you were invited is because we've been reconciling our relationship, you expressed an interest in meeting Levi and you happen to live in Vegas.  With those three things, why wouldn't I have invited you?  I'm bummed you choose not to be a part of my special day, but you have your reasons.

From the get go, we've told our family that we were having a very small wedding ceremony due to costs of the wedding package and wanting to take them all out to eat, afterwards.   One thing we always wanted from the beginning, is that we wanted family to come and enjoy the day with us.  We didn't want them to feel like they needed to contribute or bring/make anything for the wedding.  Heaven knows how many weddings I've been to where I had to put tables, chairs & food away.  I didn't want our families to have that same burden.  We just wanted them to show up and sit down, that's all.  Everything was taken care of,  we planned the wedding exactly how Levi & I wanted.  That's all that mattered, right?  We paid for it ourselves and took care of all the details, just as it should be for our wedding.  We wanted family and very close friends to be there to witness our wedding; those who want us to be happy, and who want to bring joy to our special day.  However, Tuesday evening I was told that I wasn't thinking of what my parents wanted or how it was rude to not have my "wedding at the family reunion and just hire somebody to marry [us]."  I was besides myself... I was being called selfish because I didn't take into consideration everyone else's thoughts, feelings & concerns for my wedding.   If we had a lot more money, sure we would have had a bigger wedding back in San Diego where we could invite everyone that we wanted.  However, let's remember our original plans of wanting to elope so we could keep the costs down.   Then upgrading it to include immediate family, thus spending more money.     

A lot of mean spirited things were said Tuesday evening and I am posting this blog to explain my side and my choices regarding my wedding.  Some will believe it, others will disregard it and continue feeling slighted.  I don't have the time or energy to concern myself with those slighted feelings.  The only thing I will apologize for is not being able to invite everyone we want to our wedding.  No one ever wants to say, "Sorry, we're broke, we could only afford a small wedding" but that's the truth of the matter.  Those who love us will truly understand and only wish the very best for us.  I can't ask anything more.  

All of Me!

This is my new favorite song! I just found it on VH1 today and I'm in love with it!

But I actually like the original version he did with his wife....

...but the violin is a very nice touch.
Anyways, enjoy! Happy Tuesday!

"When you say you love me, know I love you more..."

This past Saturday, I had the sincere pleasure and beautiful opportunity to see my friend Eidde & his love Joe, get married.   The air was thick with elation, love and affection for this sweet couple. 

Watching Joe with his Mother, made me think of how sweet and tender he treats Eidde.

The smile on Eidde's Mom's face sums up the feelings of all those in attendance. 

Such beautiful vows were shared!

Some of my best (growing up) memories happened with these 3 people!

With the handsome grooms!

Wedding Photo Booth = A total must have!!

It was such a beautiful celebration of love.  I couldn't be any happier for my friend Eidde.  Joe is so sweet and kind, and I am ecstatic that my dear friend is on cloud #9!  They are so sweet together.  Just being surrounded by so much love and happiness made me think so much about weddings and marriages.  Listening to Eidde & Joe's vows to each other made me even more thankful for my special man...

I'm so glad that my better half always looks good for the camera!

I cannot wait to marry this man of mine.  He means the whole galaxy to me.  He makes everything 1,000,000 times better, brighter, funnier and lovelier.  I can't wait til we exchange vows and dance our first dance together.  So many great things to come...

Especially for my dear friend Eidde & Joe. I wish them the very best life has to offer and a lifetime of love & happiness!

Stupid cold.

Of all the weekends to be lookin' and feelin' like this:

My sweet friend, Maine, was enjoying her wedding celebrations!

With a lot of my favorite people... like Mama McK from Idaho 

Mi amiga, Hermanita.

and Izzy, whom I haven't seen since Spring.  

I'm so bummed I missed it! 

Maine looked so beautiful!

Congratulations to her and her new husband!

Yes, please!

 I wonder if I could walk down the aisle holding this? Everyone loves the smell of warm, fresh bread!

AWESOMENESS!!

(link)

Sundays @ 10pm

For the last month, whenever 10pm rolls around on Sunday nights, I get a lil nostalgic.  I can't help but think of this moment...

It makes me a lil mushy and sappy, but all the more grateful for this wonderful man. 
A few weeks ago, when some friends asked me to share the story of my engagement, I got a lil choked up.  It really did feel like time stood still for Levi and I, on that June 2nd evening.  It was just him and I, up there below Sleeping Beauty's castle.  Sometimes, I wish I could relive that moment, because it was so very special to me....that whole evening was.  I will forever be grateful for the pictures that we have from those moments.   
It just makes me wonder what our wedding day will be like.  I hope time stands still then, too. 

As of late in late, late June.

*I haven't blogged for a while, I think I was recovering from all this engagement excitement!  I love being engaged to the bestest man in the entire universe.  

*Speaking of which, one of my nephews got married this past Friday.

They were married up in Logan, Utah.  I'm happy for his happiness.  I wish them the very best!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it up there for their wedding, but I'm grateful for all the pics I was able to see moments afterwards.  

*My whole family went up to Utah for the wedding and man, can I just say San Diego felt VERY lonely! I mean, I know I had Levi, but it's a whole different feeling when every single member of your family leaves.  I haven't really felt that since I lived up in Utah for school. I think I'm very much my father's daughter--I need family members surrounding me.  

*I had a wonderful time with Levi, this weekend.  I just love spending time with him!

*Church was good today.  I hung out with Hoddie today. Oh man, she makes me laugh!

*My very good friend Dixie came to town on Thursday.  Hermanita, Arbro, Dixie & I went to Lolita's in Bonita for some super delicious Mexican food!! Oh man, seriously, I LOOOOOOVE Mexican food

*As far as wedding plans go.... we're thinking of next spring.  I'm glad.  I'm not in a rush to start all this wedding planning craziness!!! No way, Jose!  No thanks!  This is a good thing, because it gives us a lot of time to spend at the gym.  Can I just say how much I like working out with Levi?!  Sometimes, it's a lil hard because we make each other laugh, but I'm glad we're doing this!  

*I'm looking forward to the 4th of July. I LOVE Independence Day! It's the best!  I love celebrating this great country......with bbq's....at the beach.....with fireworks!! Love it!

*Ok....I'm out! Peace!

On the up and up...

Yesterday, I woke up thinking it was Friday.  I was immediately happy, giddy and excited that I would be seeing Levi, because we had made Friday night date plans!!  Till it dawned on me that it wasn't Friday, but in fact just Thursday.  Man, I was so bummed! Such a let down.  It felt like the day seemed even longer.  When I woke up this morning, I couldn't wait for the day to pass quickly and to get my optometrist appoint over with cause I would soon be seeing Levi.
However.... it wasn't smooth sailing today....
-Found out from my Facebook newsfeed, from a conversation between my nephew's fiancee and her friend, that he's getting married on June 21.  Yet again, just like his engagement, I had to find out about his life on Facebook. Well then again, her grandma didn't know about the upcoming wedding until that same Fb conversation.  It's so nice that they're old enough to get married, but not mature enough to inform family members--like his own Mom. Wow....
-Got in a huge argument with my parents.  Hurtful things were said and to be honest, it was emotionally draining. 
-Skipped out on my optometrist appointment, because my eyes were red from crying and rubbing them.  To be honest, the optometrist that I go to is a jerk and I didn't want to give him something else to ream me about. 
But in the end, just like the rainy, grey weather of today, the day/evening got better!
**My friend Tui, who's Tongan & Japanese, received her mission call today to the Japan Sendai mission.  She'll be entering the MTC on April 24.  She called me up to personally tell me and thank me for making her feel so welcomed in the CVYSA ward when she started attending right after high school.  That really touched my heart that amongst all the calls she made today, she felt prompted to call me and to thank me.  I teared up.  I'm so happy for her!  She's going to be a terrific missionary!
**Filippi's Pizza Grotto, is opening a location here in Imperial Beach! OH YEAAAAAH!!! Man, I LOOOOOVE their pizza! Seriously, it fills the Pie Pizzeria hole that I have in my heart. 
**I had a fabulous date night with my sweetheart.  Just being with him was more than I could have asked for today.  It was perfect.  We went to Aroma Thai and had yellow curry w/ chicken and broccoli and chicken in peanut sauce. DELICIOUS!!!! Oh man, I LOOOOOOVED it!!  Then we stopped in at Oasis Ice Cream Parlor where it has THE BEST ice cream in the world! Seriously, I LOVE this place! I had coconut & watermelon and it was DIVINE!! It's like eating a real frozen watermelon and coconut! I have no desire to go to Cold Stone, with Oasis around!! Levi had banana and rocky road and man, it was super yummy!!!!! Gosh, I love this place too much!  Afterwards we went to see Identity Thief and man, I totally LAUGHED OUT LOUD!!!!  I have always enjoyed Melissa McCarthy because she will forever be Sookie St. James, in my mind. It was just a spectacular evening with my sweetheart.  He's the best, he really is!  Oh my lucky stars, I'm so blessed.

Brothers.

For the last week, the thought of my brothers have weighed heavy on my mind. I have two older brothers; Dave is 17 years my senior, and then there's Wayne, who is 11 years older.  Growing up, I was closer to Wayne because he was a lil closer in age, and our birthdays are a day apart.  He always made me laugh and was just fun to be around.  Eventually, my relationship with Dave grew and he became like second Dad to me.  I was very grateful for the overprotective natures of my older brothers.
When I was 16, Wayne moved out and then got married.  It wasn't the most agreeable situation of which the marriage took place, but I tried to support my brother. Eventually, our relationship changed and we grew very distant. About 3.5 years ago, my relationship with my oldest brother changed extremely. Because of that, it also affected my relationship with Wayne.  Now, my brothers and I are estranged from each other. We don't necessarily agree with each others' lives and choices.
This past week, I dreamt that my sister was getting remarried and my brothers were there at her reception.  I saw my brother Wayne and wanted to talk with him. I approached him and tried to talk to him, but he kept backing away. He pulled out nunchucks and wanted to use them on me. I just wanted to talk to him, and try to reconnect. Unfortunately, we didn't get to talk and I woke up. Two nights ago, I had a dream that my brother Dave and I were in a kitchen, sitting down at the table. I tried to reach out to him, so we could talk, but he pulled away. I wanted to talk because I wasn't happy with what our relationship had turned into. He didn't want to talk, and he wasn't the same brother I had known--which felt very similar to real life.  Again, I tried to talk with him but he didn't budge.
I miss my brothers. I miss who they were. They're foreign to me now.  Our lives are unknown to each other.  I don't know if and when I'll talk to them again. I think there's too much hurt and pride in the way for us to communicate with each other.  It's unfortunate.  Perhaps Dave is hurt that I decided to stick by my sister [ex sister-in-law] after he made certain choices.  I've told my Mom that I miss my brothers, because I know she still has a relationship with them.  However, I don't know if that'll really make a difference between my brothers us I.  I'm thankful for the good memories I had of my brothers.  Those are the stories I'll share with my children, someday.

2 for Tuesday....

Two of my favorite photos from Peej's wedding...

My friend looks so happy, which makes it all the more easier to be happy for him.  I loved how beautiful the evening sky looks amongst the party lights.  Such a lovely evening....one of my favorites.....

Last night, Levi came with me to FHE.  Man, oh man....he was my hero for the night.  He came in and helped even more than I had already asked him to.  He just goes above and beyond and I couldn't be more grateful.  He's just wonderful to me.

Some of my friends had questions about him, and I wasn't too forthcoming with details about him.  I'm sure I left them hanging, but it's because he's special to me.  I respect our privacy and don't feel like divulging every detail of our relationship.  Something I learned years ago, in a general conference talk (my FAVORITE talk of all time!!), 

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently... It becomes special because you have made it so." 

I don't want to cheapen this relationship by sharing every little bit about it.  He's special to me and so is everything we share together, and I want to keep it just that way. 

Dear Peej.

Dear Peej (or more commonly known as PajamaPants),
I LOVE YOU.  Yesterday was a beautiful celebration of love, commitment and happiness.  Thank you for allowing me & Levi to be a part of your very special day.  It was the cutest and most loveliest outdoor wedding I had ever been to.  Hearing your vows to each other was simply beautiful.  I hope to someday find someone that makes me as happy as you and your Habibi.
I've learned a lot from you, in the last 10 years that I've known you.  I still remember the first time I met you, almost exactly 10 years ago, Oct. 25, 2002 in Philadelphia. I remember seeing you in the parking garage of the Philadelphia Convention Center.  When I first saw you, I immediately thought, "This guy looks Samoan...but also Mexican. He's kinda cute, very put together! Wow."  Later, when I met you with Coxy, we got to talking and I was kinda nervous.  I was stoked that you were from Oceanside, it made me think that you and I could possibly hangout together after our missions.  And we surely have.

 I've always had the best of times with you.  You are the funniest friend I've ever had! Everyone I introduce you to, comes to know and admit what I already know about you; that you are funny and so genuinely kind.  I'm glad you get along with everyone I introduce you to, it's always been a pleasure to take you everywhere.
It's always been easy being open and honest with you. I've appreciated all of our conversations, and trust you immensely.  Although it seems like we go weeks without talking or texting, that's ok, because our friendship always picks up right where it left off. I'm pretty sure that that will be the case for the rest of our lives, and that's ok....because I know that we will be friends for the rest of our lives.
One of the greatest gifts you've given to me, as a friend and human being, is to be more sensitive to the homosexual community.  As a Christian, it can be very easy to be desensitized to homosexuality, unless you know one, personally.  I'm grateful that our friendship hasn't changed, since you 'came out'.  If anything, I think we've become more sensitive, tolerant and understanding to each other.   I am happy that you're happy.  I'm ecstatic that you've found someone to love and share your life with .  I look forward to getting to know Habibi more.  In my brief meeting with him, I could tell that he was genuine.  He was sincerely kind and courteous.....all things that you are.  What a match! I am incredibly happy for you!!
Well, I love you my dear friend, and I couldn't have been more pleased to celebrate your big day! Thank you and thank you for everything you've brought to our friendship.

Love you,
Ehu.

4 days of "excitedness"

*Yesterday was a very, VERY physically and emotionally exhausting day.  After an emotionally draining morning dealing with family, my niece and I watched the (4) Buzz kids. Oh I LOVE those kids so much!! It's been so wonderful watching them grow up and they've just got such wonderful parents.  It was a nice afternoon with them, and then I came home to get ready to go out with Levi.  
I was so excited to see Levi! He's just so wonderful!  He has this way of putting me at ease, and after the morning I had, I was ready to be relaxed.  We went shopping for his outfit, for PajamaPants wedding.  I can't wait to see him in his new clothes! It was so much fun shopping with him and even though I was so exhausted, just being with him was perking me up.  
After we went shopping,we had dinner at T.G.I.Fridays.  A couple days ago, Levi told me that he had a surprise for me. Oh it was killing me inside because I REALLY, REALLY wanted to know what it was. While we were shopping, I totally forgot about it.  As we were waiting for our appetizer, he started to slip something out of his front pocket.  He pulled out a beautiful crimson & silver necklace and earrings! Seriously, it's so beautiful and I LOVE it!! It's just perfect, for me!! It's my favorite colors and TOTALLY my style!! I was so touched by his thoughtfulness!!! It was such a fantastic night!!
**Tonight, we're going to PajamaPants wedding.  I'm so excited to spend more time with Levi!
***Then tomorrow evening, we're going out for Pho (since he's never had it) and then he totally offered to come with me to my stake choir practice.  Seriously, how can I not like this guy?! He's willing to sit through my choir practice, just because he wants to be with me.  WOW, WOW!!!! I REALLY like this guy! I just love the way we communicate and connect on so many levels! 
****Since I'm in charge of FHE, I explained what that was and how it's planned to watch an outdoor movie on Monday.  He wants to come, with me, to FHE!!! I can't wait!!

Levi's just so wonderful to me! I have no idea how I got so lucky to have this man in my life....and I'm so dang happy!!

Levi.

Our first date was on Sunday night, at Buca di Beppo.  There's a complementary photographer that comes around to take photos, but I couldn't see ourselves shelling out $10 for a 5x7 that I could have just taken with my camera.  Luckily, they give you a tiny postcard of your photo:

(Sorry for the graininess of this picture of a picture)

We had the Veal Parmigiana and meatball.  SO sooo goooooood!!!  We also had a cannoli and it reminded me of New Jersey. Afterwards, we had an extra veal parm and cannoli that he was going to send home with me.  A few months ago, I made it a point to never take home a 'doggie-bag', I would rather find a homeless person who could benefit from it.  I tried to get him to take it home because, after all, he did pay for the meal.  He insisted that he would rather I take it.... so I had to tell him about my true desire for our leftovers.  He was totally kosher with it and we were able to find a gracious man to give it to.  Levi was so sweet, hugged me and kissed my forehead because he had never thought about ever doing that with his leftovers.  Giving a lil service, while on a date, made the date so much sweeter!

Originally, our first date was going to be on Monday (yesterday) but we both couldn't wait that long.  He wanted to take me to Hodad's in Ocean Beach, since I had never been there before.  A couple years ago, I tried, but the line was too long. Luckily, last night, we only had to wait for about 5 minutes til the hostess asked us if we wanted to sit in "The Bus"---HECK YES!!!

I thought it was even sweeter when Levi said, "You should start bringing a camera so we can have pictures of all our dates".  Seriously, that melted my heart!  Isnt he the cutest?!  I loved it!! (If you've ever seen, "I Hate Valentine's Day", it's like when the scrapbooking girl meets the guy who LOVES that she scrapbooks, and doesn't see it as a form of stalking.) 

The food at Hodad's was delicious and I LOVED the onion rings! DELISH!! 

I seriously loved eating in this VW bus!! It was so wicked cool! Well, actually not "cool" temp wise because it was almost like an oven, but it was such a cool experience! 

Since you couldn't really see us in The Bus, we had to take some ourselves.  Levi doesn't really like his 'photo smile' since he thinks its fake. So I had to get him to laugh, and then his cute lil smile finally came out.

While I wrapped up eating my burger, he asked if I wanted anymore of our onion rings and fries. I declined and then he asked the server for a 'doggie bag'.  Then he said, "We'll finish up here, stop by the car to grab a bottle of water and then we'll find someone to give the water and food to." He remembered!! (yes, given, it was just the night before) How could I not fall more into "like" with this man after that?!  It seriously meant a lot to me and touched my heart that he made it a priority to have charity for another.  We walked around OB for a bit because it's a lil difficult to tell who's homeless and who's just kickin' it at the beach.  This time, he was the one to extend the offer to a gentleman and he did it with such kindness and tenderness.  MELT. MY. HEART. FOR. SURE.!!! 

We walked the pier in OB, since that was another place I had never been to. It was a lovely walk, although I felt about 10 months prego cause I was SO full!  We later hung out in Harbor Island, sat on a bench and talked, in depth.  It was so enjoyable!

I love getting to know him.  Seriously, he's so accommodating and goes the extra mile in doing all the lil things.  It's easy being totally open and honest with him.  We've been pretty open about certain aspects in our lives, and I'm glad.  He's not LDS, but surprisingly he's familiar with some of the chapels and the temple in Las Vegas.  With PajamaPants' wedding (commitment ceremony) coming up this Saturday, I have NO idea what the heck is up with Mr. Red.  He's been incognito for a couple weeks now, so I can't gamble going to this wedding by myself.  Levi totally offered to go with me and I couldn't be more grateful. I mean, who just does that--what man volunteers to go to a wedding, not to mention, a gay wedding?!?  See! He's just that nice!

Well, I'm going to enjoy this man, because who can't help but like a man who thinks I'm beautiful, kind and gracious? Yep, I'm going to soak it all in.... ♥

The "October 6 Goal"...or basically, for life.

So my nephew, Kalanster and I have this master plan to lose weight.  Well, he's already fit, but he wants to be toned.  And I...well, I'm neither but need to be healthier and lose some weight!
As my mission president always said, "A goal not written down in merely a dream", and since I need to put these goals where I can see them often, I thought I'd post them here:

Plan to Lose Weight - Sunday, August 26, 2012

*Organize sleep pattern, at least 8 hours.

*Last meal to be eaten by 7:00pm.

*Stop drinking soda & increase water intake.
*Eat healthy quantities & eat right!

*Do 30minutes - 1 hour of Cardio exercise. 

*Stretch upon waking up and before bed.

*Meditate for at least 10 minutes.

*Limit all sugars & sweets.

*No drive thru fast foods.
*Sit ups & Push ups: 50/50

So there ya have it.  Man, I NEED to lose weight.  My incentive for losing weight is because PajamaPants is getting married on Oct.6th. With the amount of gay guys that will be there, I can't look shabby! Besides, I have other reasons :)  Alrighty, wish me luck.  

Bub's Bday, Tijuana Temple & Peej's Wedding!

Last Sunday, was my nephew Bub's 20th birthday!! 20!!! Where has 20 years gone?!?! I'm so truly grateful for my nephew Bub.  In the family, he's one of my best friends.  I just love hanging out with him, it's always such a good time!!  We laugh a lot and our sense of humor is quite similar.  He's always had a special place in my heart since he was born.  He wasn't able to come home, right away, from the hospital and that was the first time I experienced such sadness.  I just wanted this broad chested baby to come home with his family.  I remember crying and not understanding all that was happening.  He came home a day later and it's been such a blessing ever since.  He is truly his name! In English, it's translated to "Love Never Ending" and it couldn't be more true.  It's impossible to ever be mad at him, for long.  Even if such a thing happens, he knows how to crack a joke and suddenly you're the best of friends, again.  As someone who can hold a grudge, this frustrates me when I'm steaming mad at him, because it all disappears a minute later.

He's a gentle giant (6'3) and befriends all.  He will be a blessing to all those he'll come across while he serves his 2 year LDS mission in the Philippines (that begins in about a week & a half)  Too soon :(  I will miss him tremendously. I already do, since he's been living in Utah for the last year and a half. I miss him whenever I can't find my glasses in the morning.  I could always count on him to come find them for me, after I gave up stumbling around, blindly.  He puts up with my [occasionally lame] jokes, and lets me lightly scratch the side of his stomach past the point of annoyance.  He also doesn't get too mad when I call him, "Bubbie" and is always up for a game of "500"/Rummy with me.  My heart is so full of love for this wonderful nephew of mine.  HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BUB!

This will be the Tijuana Mexico LDS temple!! 

As I've been typing this post, I've been watching the streaming of the groundbreaking.  I cannot even begin to describe the feelings in my heart.  Tears have been streaming down my face and clouding my eyes over and my t-shirt is wet from repeatedly wiping my face.  My heart is so full of love and gratitude that Heavenly Father has finally saw fit to bless the members in Tijuana, Mexico with their very own temple.  When I worked as an ordinance worker at the San Diego temple, the saints from Mexico would flood the temple on Saturday mornings.  They would come with joy in their hearts and a smile on their face.  Of course, most members are like that when they attend the temple, but I know the hardship of crossing the US/Mexico border....it is not fun and it is NOT short.  Sometimes, you can easily be in line for 2+ hours!   Yet they come, faithful and happy!  I think of all those saints that don't have the proper documentation to cross over, how blessed they will be to go to the temple in their own city and country.  

Right now, I live about 30 minutes away from the San Diego temple.  After mapping out this new temple, I am 18 minutes away!!  I will definitely be attending the temple a lot more in Tijuana!  Of course, I'll have to brush up on my Spanish, but I'm thankful for translation devices the temple offers.  I'm also excited for the food that will be served in their cafeteria.  Temple food is DELICIOUS, so I can only imagine what MEXICAN TEMPLE FOOD will be like!! ORALE! :) 

My very dear friend, PajamaPants will be marrying his fiance.  I'm excited for my friend to start his new life with his partner.  PajamaPants means the world to me and I am elated that he wants me to be a part of his celebration of love.  I will be there to support my friend and his happiness. However, I will not be there alone.....   I asked Mr. Red to be my date and I'm friggin ECSTATIC!!! Oh yes baby, I am!! I told PajamaPants that I don't know who's more excited for his wedding, him or me.  Just kiddin'....  Anyways, I'm stoked because I just LOVE LOVE LOVE hanging out with Mr. Red and PajamaPants.  They both came to church, last year on my birthday, because I asked them to.  Anyways, I'm stoked because I'll get to see Mr. Red dressed up, and smelling OH SO DAMN DELICIOUS!! Oh I LOOOOOOOOOOVE his cologne!! It'll be a "brown wedding" so there will be GOOD FOOD and GREAT MUSIC for dancing!! Oh yeah baby, this will be an AMAAAAAAAAAAZING night!!  Oh yes indeed!!

My Mom's in Hawaii right now, for a family reunion and to visit her sister who's recently had two strokes.  I've stayed back to take care of my Dad.  Man, is it a humbling experience, especially after my last post.  It's hard for me to hold feelings of resentment and bitterness towards him as I serve him.  He's blind and a diabetic, so I've got to cook all of his meals and makes sure they're nutritionally good for him.  It's not a burden, because I love to cook for others.  This is a good blessing for me to learn to serve him.  I cook for my parents often, but it's a lil different since my Dad & I haven't been getting along lately.  He's been really grateful for everything I've done for him since my Mom left. I just hope it helps our relationship.

Ok, with that said, I've gotta get breakfast started....

What a wonderful day it's been so far! How often does one get to watch a temple groundbreaking?  Spectacular!