Ah, the joy!

I love San Diego!

When the plane touched down I listened to the funny messages Bob had left on my phone while I was in the air ("You're sitting on a chair, in the sky!!" [Click here and watch this video.]). Then I called him to tell him I was here. He answered and apologized that he wasn't at the airport yet. I finally got off the plane (after waiting for a lady to get escorted off by some paramedics because she started having some issues in the air) and I went down to the baggage claim area. I waited for what seemed like forever for the luggage from my flight to appear, and the whole time I was glancing over my shoulder impatiently and excitedly, anxious to see Bob again, while the butterflies in my stomach were multiplying and fluttering like there was a field of a million flowers in it. I finally saw one of my suitcases, and grabbed it. I saw the other one a couple of minutes later, and as I pulled it off the conveyor belt and placed it next to my other one I saw a glimpse of Bob's face and suddenly his arms were around me. I hugged him back and couldn't have brought myself to let go sooner than I finally did. We had a movie-worthy airport reunion kiss and then we made it to his truck (I love his truck, by the way, even though its really old and doesn't run the best--there's just so many memories attached to it). As we drove down the freeway toward his family's house I couldn't stop smiling. I love the San Diego sun and how it feels on my skin, the myriads of flowers and palm trees, the way I ride in the passenger seat with my hand in the crook of Bob's elbow, and the wind in my hair with the windows down. It's just like I remember, maybe even better.

The other day we were going somewhere, and as we walked out of the front door Bob stopped me on their front patio and embraced me. Then he asked a question that made me smile and laugh a little at him, but made my day (and made my week and perhaps month, etc.). He said, "Will you be my girlfriend?" I wasn't sure how to react, even though I was quite sure of my answer. We'd never had that label ever before. We'd never been exclusive. We'd always had limits and reasons to not be exclusive. I guess all that's over with now. I just smiled, and after Bob sort of laughed at himself, mentioning how he felt like high school again, I accepted. So now he's been introducing me to everyone by saying, "This is my girlfriend, Janae," and I can't help but smile every time he says it.

So far we've just spent a lot of time together talking and going busily to various places and events that have been planned. I've met his favorite people and his best friends who I hadn't met before because they were all on missions the last time I was here. I can't wait to hang out with Stan and Lyssa again!

Then one of his two best friends, Eric, got married this past Friday. I'd never been to a sealing at the temple, but I was invited to go even though I hardly knew these two people. Bob was Eric's best man so I kind of tagged along everywhere and it was okay. It was beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!! The Spirit there was so strong and inspiring. It made me really wish I'd been able to see each of my brothers get sealed in their respecive temples. The luncheon afterward was fun--it was at a Chinese buffet they'd rented out. Then there was some chill time before the reception that evening, which was fun and tons of people turned out. But fun as it was, by the end I was really exhausted and I just wanted to spend some time with Bob--just me and him. So we did, and we stayed out until about 4am.

At church on Sunday, after Sacrament Meeting they have announcements and have visitors stand up and introduce themselves. Bob introduced me as he usually does now, and the bishopric member presiding said, "And you're okay being seen with him?" Everybody laughed, but then the bishopric reiterated the fact that they, along with everyone else, love Bob dearly. It made me laugh. I guess most people don't really realize how long Bob and I have known each other. It's been more than three years now--about three years and four months. Holy cow... It doesn't seem like it's been that long somtimes.

There was a baptism after church on Sunday, and the girl who was baptized is great. Her name is Justine. I met her in Relief Society, and I could just feel the spirit eminating from her. She was so excited for that ordinance! At the beginning of the RS lesson, someone from Elders Quorum came in, and since it's always a little odd to have a guy in Relief Society, we all stopped to see what he needed. He asked if there was someone who'd be willing to conduct the music for the baptism. Nobody moved. So I raised my hand and said I'd do it. How typical of me. I enjoyed it though. Justine and her friend who brought her into the church are Polynesian, so the baptism was a blast! There were two special musical numbers, one of which involved a ukelele. There was food afterward, of course. And there were tons of people in attendance. Plus the Spirit there was strong, happy, and relaxing.

Then we had dinner back at the Pettit's after church, and two of Bree's (Bob's little sister) friends came over. We all ate and talked for a few hours. It was nice to sit and really enjoy the company I was in. It felt like home for me, the way it used to feel to have mine and my brothers' friends come over and eat after church. We laughed a lot and I could still feel the Spirit in the room, carried over from church. It was soothing, after having such a busy week.

So now its on to week two of my trip here! This week doesnt have quite as much scheduled as last week, although I think Bob still has a few things up his sleeve that he's not telling me. He likes to surprise me, which is good because I like surprises.