Joe Comes Back

Why did Joe come back to the OC? To make sure I board that plane of course! What he didn’t realize was that I was way more excited then nervous!  I’ve been packing for weeks and when you pack your life in boxes, it’s really hard to select what to bring and what to leave behind.  Luckily I have an amazing boyfriend who told me to pack it all! When he arrived at the airport, it was such a rush to see him. It’s been about a month since Tahoe. Since Tahoe, our way of communication was texting and FaceTime. Thank goodness for technology.  I’m truly blessed to have him here to help me because we both know that I’ll need a hand to squeeze as I kiss my family and friends farewell.   Everyday was planned accordingly until our departure.

Our nightly conversations.

As soon as he got in town, we had time to check in the hotel and relax. We had reservations at Alessa with my parents so we headed to Laguna Beach.  Alessa is located in one of my favorite cities in Orange County as well as one of my favorite Italian restaurants.

My amazing and supportive parents.

My parents are definitely cool. At least that’s what Joe tells me.  As supportive as any parent can be, they were more nervous about this move, especially my mom. I think my dad is just thrilled to have a new buddy to play golf with. More importantly he’s also thrilled that I’m happy.  My mom has seen too many bad stories from her girlfriends. Many of her girlfriend’s moved for a man and many didn’t have good stories to share in the end.  So naturally, she’s concerned. After all, her successful daughter is leaving to an island for a man she’s met less than several months that just happens to be a 5 hour plane trip away. I definitely didn’t make it any easier.  None the less, they trusted me and gave their blessings.

Joe got the “talk” from my parents. I thought it would be the “mess with my daughter, and Ill come after you” conversation, but instead it was short and sweet. I was surprised because my dad is known for his 3 hour lectures that pretty much numbs you. He told us to have fun and remember that this is a stage of getting to know each other under the same roof. It’s normal to argue, great to laugh, good to listen to each other but more importantly, always love one another unconditionally.

The next day was filled with errands such as shipping on clothes out via USPS. Did I mention moving to Hawaii is not cheap? Yup. Later that night, we had dinner plans with some of my favorite couples, Bao and John, Theresa and Jeremy and Anna and Josh. I had to have some of my best friends meet the new man in my life! We had dinner at Tannin’s. It’s another great wine bar in south Orange County snugged in another amazing city called San Juan Capistrano. My friends got to meet the man I’ve been talking about. In the end, I kissed and said my “see you laters” to some of my dearest friends. After all that, I have to admit, I had such great friends and family in California. Why was I so willing to give it a go somewhere else? Perhaps I felt like I did try in California. Or perhaps I was just ready for something else? Orange County is great but I wasn’t quite satisfied. Although Hawaii isn’t the big city or very diverse it had one thing I wanted, Joe.

Sunday was my surprise day for Joe.  I surprised him with Lakers ticket! How could he come here and not go to a game with me.  We headed out to the glamorous city of Los Angeles to see his favorite basketball team. By now, if you forgot, I was the Clippers fan so this was definitely a selfless act.

Next Blog: Aloha Hawaii!

Meet the Family

Right after Valentine’s Day, we flew down to Orange County. Joe got me to move to Hawaii but before that can all happen, he needed to meet the parents. At this point in my life, my parents want me to be happy. They obviously would prefer for me to stay in Orange County but they knew my heart or work would lead me elsewhere. Neither my parents or I would have ever thought Hawaii would be the place I’d move to. Prior to Joe, I was looking at jobs around San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Washington D.C.. My parents have been prepped with a move to begin with.  But hey, love happens.

On a flight back to Orange County for Joe to meet the parents.

When I was younger, I never cared about my parents opinion because I always thought I knew better. It turns out I just enjoy learning things the hard way. There’s nothing wrong with learning things on your own. You may just get to your destination a bit longer.  As I got older, I respect their thoughts and opinions so much more. I still don’t necessary follow all their advices but it’s great to hear from a different perspective. I have always been daddy’s girl.  He liked sports so therefore I did to. When he played basketball, I joined the high school team. When he played tennis, I joined the school tennis program. When his knee injuries got worst, he played golf and so did I.  If my dad is that awesome, then I better find an equally awesome if not more awesome of a man.

When we got to Orange County, we checked into our hotel.  I got word that day that instead of my dad, Joe and me golfing tomorrow, it was going to be my dad, his best friend, my brother in law Mike and Joe golfing. I got super nervous. I didn’t intend to throw Joe in the tank of sharks but my dad wouldn’t let me go. He stated it was a boys’ day. So not having met my family yet he pretty much said hello, nice to meet you. Now let’s go golf.

I wasn’t nervous because I didn’t think Joe couldn’t handle it. I just didn’t like I didn’t have control over it.  I also felt bad that he spent 9 hours with strangers. Regardless of how I felt about it, Joe was a trooper. He didn’t have a problem with golfing with my dad, brother in law and my dad’s friend. I can tell he was a bit nervous and I didn’t blame him. My dad is known to drill people with questions.  While the women tended to the kitchen making a great meal for the boys’ return, the men came back smiling ear to ear. Joe survived. He more than survived, he beat my dad in golf! To me, that is a huge deal. My dad is a really good golfer so I can only imagine how my dad felt. I asked dad how he felt and he stated that if his friend didn’t screw up, they would have won. That was his response. He doesn’t lose well.

What’s the verdict of Joe? Two thumbs up according to my dad and brother in law. Although Joe beat him in golf, he loves anyone who likes golf and plays it well. Joe is such an outgoing guy. He’s friendly, kind and respectful. He won my dad over easily.  My brother in law thought he was cool.

Now it was the girl’s turn to judge Joe. The girls were busy at home while the boys played golf. They finally their turn to meet him.  Joe grew up with kissing and hugging people he meets. My sister Christine loved that he did that. We are a kissing and hugging kind of family ourself so to her, he fits in.

My mom, the toughest person to please.  I mean that in the nicest way possible. She wants so badly for her children to be happy so that makes her the most critical. The funny thing is what she wants in someone for her family is fairly simple. She wants someone that meshes with the family. Someone that laughs, cries, argues and loves hard. She wants someone that comes to family function and is part of the family. She doesn’t like anyone who just sits there and avoids the family. Many in the pass have failed this. Actually all exes have failed this. During the time Joe was at the house, the family was watching the NBA slam dunk contest. Joe laughed with the family. Joe made jokes. Joe bonded with the boys. My mom liked him. We left that night with two thumbs up from both parents. I wasn’t shocked because Joe is awesome. However it made me more at ease.

Later that night, we left kissed and hugged everyone good night. Joe turned to and said “I know why you are so cool.” I said “why?” He stated “Because your parents are so cool.”

I love him.

According to Joe, my parents are cool. I think so too.

My hero.

Next Blog: Packing for Hawaii!