My work days begin with a cup of coffee made by Patricia every morning. It’s not a bad way to start the day and makes me wonder if I ever end up with someone, would they do the same. Something to keep in mind, I’m not a big fan of coffee unless it’s a latte and she came through for me. All the mugs were different too. Can you guess which one is my favourite?

Monday was a pretty chill day. I ordered lunch from Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant. It’s been on my list of places to try since day one. It’s opened by one of my old collegemates from when we were in FTK. Their lumpia and lechon were amazing and I would order again in a heartbeat even though I feel they are a little overpriced. The rice and Kare-Kare was a little on the miss side. The peanut soupiness was not flavourful enough and was very bland. The peanut butter didn’t come out enough. The rice was also mushy and with the stew it made it a big ole no-no. But I had it for lunch a few other days because no waste over here.

For dinner, we had bought some HEB meals to make and it came out great. We watched Thunder Force before heading off to bed.

On Tuesday, Moises and Emily got me a poke bowl from Hula Poke for dinner but I saved it for breakfast for a couple of days since Patricia and I had plans to see Doug. We met at 54th Street Restaurant where we had not so great old fashions, tater kegs, dressed roasted Brussel sprouts, and rattlesnake pasta.

We then went to Rock and Rye for real old fashions. Note for Patricia in the future — she likes the Pimms drink because she couldn’t figure out what she liked from here and made the guy keep guessing.

On Wednesday, we all took a bit of a half day from work. Patricia and I met up with Amy and Thuy. We finally got to meet Chloe and she is the CUTEST. Her back bends made us laugh SO much.

We ordered the WHOLE menu at Toro — or it felt like we did. Huevos Rotos, Patatas Bravas, Champinoes Lugo, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Calamares Fritos, Toro Pallea, Valencia Gin, Red Sangria Pitcher, Torrijas a la mode.

This is my new favourite tapas place. Why does it have to be so far away?! I definitely want to come back here next time and try their other stuff.

We went to Thuy’s afterward so that she could put Chloe away. Patricia worked while Amy, Thuy and I sat and had girl talk and caught up a lot. It was nice. Thuy even made us Ube Crinkle Cookies and Ube Pop Tarts. All delicious.

Later that day Patricia stopped by James Avery and then we headed off to El Marisol where we met up with Andy, Jakob, and Amy.

There is too much food that I don’t know what everyone ordered … and Andy’s is not even in the picture. But EVERY SINGLE thing was good. I was lucky enough to try them all and it sent me in a whirlwind of wanting to come back next time.

I made a joke that I drove 3 hours for them to be on their phone while they spent time with me.

But overall, lots of new memories were made.

On Thursday, Patricia had made reservations for Bovino’s Brazilian Steakhouse. We did the seafood choice and it was somewhat worth it since I ate some of Patricia’s too. I would be fine with just the meat and salad bar choice since the salad bar had an amazing fish ceviche!

When the server asked if we were here for a special occasion, Patricia told them it was for my birthday and so we were surprised with a show and a free cake. Probably one of my favourite cakes now because it wasn’t sweet at all.

Since we overate — mostly me — we walked around the closed La Cantera and took lots of pictures to commemorate our time together.

On Friday, we ordered McAllister’s and I had a video chat with Emmy. She said she loves my hair and wants hers to be purple and pink too. haha Dad was not too happy with that conversation.

I then took Patricia to her Lasik surgery appointment. I took care of her and then Andy, Ana, and Amy came over. Amy came first and we were able to have one on one conversation and it was what I’ve been missing. Whenever you hang out with a group, it’s hard to have in depth conversations with each individual so I was happy that we had that time together.

We ordered dinner from Las Palapas and Andy and Ana were nice enough to pick it up for us. We then watched What a Girl Wants. Andy and Ana had never seen it and I loved watching their reactions. Patricia fell asleep on the couch while Amy and I planned our trip. We ended up choosing Charleston and Patricia will be joining us as well. Cannot wait! Planning has begun.

Saturday morning, Patricia had to go to her next day Lasik check up so we went there and the drug store to pick up some eye drops for her. She was doing so well she ended up driving and even was down to go to Ida Claire for brunch.

This place has been on my list since forever and I was ecstatic! Mimosas in orange juice and grapefruit juice, French Press coffee, Nashville Cauliflower, Gristmill Asiago Grits, Chicken & Waffles, and Ida’s Fried Chicken – Nashville style.

Seriously thankful for our server for letting me know that I could Nashville style the fried chicken because I was between that and the Nashville chicken made a different way. I am so coming back here next time I’m back. I had a lot leftover, packed it to go and ate it for breakfast this morning after making some sunny side eggs.

I spent some time taking naps and waking up then left back to Houston. I was greeted with hot pot for dinner. Lots of veggies as requested.

Rizzo loved having cuddle time and Rocky even came and slept on my bed for a long time.

It’s Sunday. Workout, Charleston trip planning, bachelorette planning, and lots of Rizzo cuddles. I’m so pooped. It was a great week filled with great friends and laughter. So many new memories made.