in between tall buildings

After yet another trip to the best place on earth, otherwise known as IKEA, we ventured off into the city and felt like we were at home. On our walk downtown G said something that really encompassed how I've been feeling since leaving Chicago. He said, "You know babe, I'm with you. I feel at home in between tall buildings too." This, without me mentioning how much I missed the city life. Being able to walk outside into the busyness and commotion. Some people cringe at that, but us - we truly feel at home. Coincidentally and totally unplanned - we happened to talk by my dream apartment building I discovered wen we were still in Chicago searching for apartments in SD.

It's a historical landmark in San Diego - an old Church building restored to loft style apartments in the middle of the city. In person, it took my breath away. I looked at G and said one day we are living here babe! He's not totally convinced, but a girl can dream. One thing's for sure - we're both missing greatly. But at the same time, we're so thankful for the home God has given us, and know He is guiding our every step in this life even if it's not exactly what we want it to look like all the time.

Our gorgeous view every time we leave home.

I've written in a 5 year journal for four years already, answering the same rotation of questions every single day of the year. Today's question and answers kind of blew me away.

Question : East Coast or West Coast? In between?

2012 Answer: Grew up in the East Coast, always loved the West Coast - living in the Mid-West! And I love it! <3 Chicago.

2013 Answer: Right now, I'm just thinking about the South...would love to live in warm weather throughout the entire year. Maybe Lord? That's my desire, what's yours?

2014 Answer: It looks like we're heading towards the West Coast! Still waiting for Biola's (the school we thought G was going to) response to G and praying God leads us where He wants us to go. Excited for our next destination!

2015 Answer: Although the West Coast doesn't feel like home, it's been ours for over 5 months. Beaches, gorgeous. Weather, a dream. But somethings missing.

Trusting in You Lord.

"weekend" snaps

Four months into my working the weekends schedule, I can honestly say I've grown accustomed to having three days off during the week, and with G finishing his semester we've actually had entire days together with no other commitments other than relaxing and having time to ourselves. It's been AMAZING! One favorite perk is having the pool always accessible to us, so if the sun decides to come out at 3pm after a cloudy morning we can jump in and have it (most of the time) all to ourselves. I'm thankful for the good days, and love my man more than ever.

This view= total heart eyes

life latley

My goodness...I logged on to check out my favorite blogs and realized I haven't written or shared photos not once this month. It's been a whirlwind! G's finishing up his classes (yay!) while I'm constantly thinking up what to add to our home and planning our trip to Jersey next month. It's hard to believe that going home now means flying all the way across the country! I tend to forget how far we are, especially when trying to convince friends to visit. But the weddings keep pulling us back to the East coast and needless to say, we love an excuse to visit!

Our Cali. home is slowly becoming ours little by little. We decided we'd buy unfinished IKEA furniture and finish it ourselves to get the look we wanted for a much cheaper price. Two weeks after being done, we really love how everything turned out! From new furniture to breakfast dates and peonies - here's some of what we've been up to lately. :)

One morning we decided to walk to brunch and get IHOP down the street. Loved the walk, but the food - not so much, which is weird because I used to love this place. Well, we both agreed that the Chicago food scene has raised our standards for what amazing breakfast is, so we probably won't be coming back soon. And the search for our fav brunchin place begins!

Happy Mothers day chat! Totally forgot to screen shot our convo with Denize :)

DIY!!!

G being funny! He always kept the mood fun when I was super freaking out about how the whole DIY would come out!

BEFORE...

AFTER!

and the peonies looked pretty darn pretty on our new and improved dresser. :)

this month: may

FEELING : like it's summer time, but oh we're still in spring, yet the sun keeps shinning and making my skin sting.

LEARNING : what it means to love.

PRACTICING : purposeful and thoughtful choice making.

MASTERING : anything is hard thing to do;  I'd like to master intimidation because loud kids + pool = not cool.

EATING : delicious Mexican for Cinco de Mayo!

PLAYING : the bass for worship is something I miss a lot.

FINISHING : my probation period at work...3 months went by so fast.

READING : Come Away My Beloved when I need encouragement. 

WATCHING : Survivor and proud to say G's hooked since I've watched it with my fam since season one.

WEARING : a pretty dress to Doug and Stacy's wedding in June! Now, to find shoes.

WORKING : while separating time for rest is a priority.

WALKING : to breakfast is on my list of to-do's, just because we still can.

TRAVELING : perhaps to LA, probably to the dessert but most likely to a new hiking trail near by.

DESIRING : God while lost, or is it wander?

CELEBRATING : love, because love conquers all.