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!
Stiletto Heels to Slippers 