I arrived in Northridge after lunch time. I do have to say, it was a little bit of getting used to despite the fact that I spent pretty much nine months of my life there. Jon's family was welcoming as always, but it was Jon that I had to get used to. Him and I had just broken up—sort of—although, it was great that we got to pick up from right where we started. Also, I couldn't wait to see Elijah again! Ugh, the kid was seriously so much plumper and bigger from when I last saw him. On top of that, he was laughing, babbling, sorta crawling, sitting up by himself, and eating solid food now. That's a big step from when I was last there! When we finished dinner all together, Jon and I watched half of the Lorax. Traveling with all the added excitement and the quick workout Jon and I had really put me to bed, haha.
In the morning, we woke up and played with Elijah. It was his big day! For breakfast, we had tapsilog—this is the only place I would seriously have tapsilog for breakfast without any remorse—and finished the Lorax later. It was a good movie, especially for the kids. The meaning behind it was great and the musical numbers were so catchy. I admit it, there were some parts I wanted to cry at. Talk about kawawa. Nonetheless, around 10am, all of us started getting ready for Elijah's baptism.
Jon looked super suave. I loved it! And I noticed that Julie Anne was wearing the dress I gave her. I didn't compliment her on it—though in retrospect, I think I should've. It looked great on her! Things got a little tough for Jon though, with his anxiety and all. However, I was glad I was there. It was a wake up call for me. My being there to support Jon was a reminder of why I wanted to be with him and be there for him—because I want to be a part of his life when that one day comes and his anxiety is lifted from him. I want to be able to say that I was there to help him along the way and that I'm still here to be with him.
The baptism itself was very solemn but exciting. For me, it was exciting because not only did I get to be apart of an important event in Elijah's and his family's life, but I (somewhat) got to witness what it must have been life for my family when I was baptized as an infant. It was a little weird to be in a Catholic church again...but then again, we're all worshiping the same God. Just in a different way, I suppose. If I could change anything when I was there, I wish I had been the official photographer for the ceremony. I'm sure their family would've much appreciated it!
The drive to Woodland Hills was so long. Well, it felt so long that I fell asleep, lol! But I did wake up along the way and saw that we passed by Ms. Ana's church, Canoga Park SDA Church. I honestly don't even know why it was so important...I guess it was just the ability to say, "HEY. Ms. Ana goes to that church and I finally know where it is!" Hahah.
Zen Buffet was right across the street from Topanga Mall. It was tempting to go around the mall after the reception, but both Jon and I knew that Jon wouldn't be able to hold up. But the buffet was good! I had my fill of seafood, bahaha. Ate Annette was such a good host. My theory is: you know you're a great host when you don't have the time to eat at your own reception that has a buffet. True story!
The drive back was challenging but doable. I'm proud of Jon that he was able to make it despite the stoplights along the way back. Everyone got home maybe a half hour after that. Another a half hour after that, the small after party entourage arrived too. Two bottles of Jack Daniels and a SUPER case of beer was VIP on the guest list, but they definitely weren't a part of Jon and my group of friends. (ooh, that was cool to say LOL.) Instead, I was drinking some tea and Jon ate Honey Bunches of Oats. (I had a little bit too, haha.)
We both chilled outside with Jon's younger cousins, watching them scooter around until it got too dark outside which we then transitioned to have an entertaining and interesting heated discussion with his almost-nine-year-old cousins about Slenderman, AVP, and Charlie Bit Me. The two even invited me to their birthday party in a few weeks! It was so sweet of them. On top of that, it was hilarious because right before Jon and I were gonna turn in, I asked the two if they knew my name. They didn't. And it was priceless.
That night, Jon and I immediately fell asleep. I have to admit that I did wake up a few more times than I had the night before, and it was mostly because of a bit of anxiety. I hate the realization that I eventually have to leave again and go on with my life despite how great Jon and I get along. But we did go to sleep knowing that we would be continuing from where we left off as a couple—just more independent and mature.
Nevertheless, I got ready and hung out with Jon, his sister, and his nephew before I left North Hills before 7:30am that morning.
I managed to get to Riverside in less than an hour and a half. But thinking about the connections from freeway to freeway is nuts, haha! From North Hills, I took the 5-S to the 134-E, 210-E, 57-S, 71-S, and finally the 91-E to La Sierra. At 9am, I met my parents at the new condo I'll be sharing with a couple friends...and we finally signed the papers! I'm totally excited to move in and decorate accordingly.
When all that was settled, I got to drive to Menifee to visit my grandma and the rest of some of my extended family. It was crazy too though because their new house isn't even mapped because it's so new. Luckily, I made the right call and managed to get there only a few minutes from where my phone originally led me to. I spent lunch and watch a couple movies there before I left. It was nice to see their new home and see my grandma again, though, I know I'll be seeing a lot more of her in the near future.
Anyway, the drive home was great. Quick, actually. All the driving I've done within the last three days hasn't been that bad...I blame it on the excitement. Now all I'm thinking about is what's to come. See my last post for things on my mind!
Also, I leave you with a picture of the love of my life and I. Did I mention that Jon admitted that he thinks of me as the love of his life this past weekend? ...it was perfect.
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