Erika



Current mood: happy

I spent the best day today with Erika. Her beau, Greg, had a hockey game today and I have the day off, so we got to hang.

First, we started off with a hearty breakfast at Harry's in La Jolla. Originally we were going to go to one of my favorite breakfast places, The Cottage, but it was raining and the main appeal of The Cottage is its outdoor seating.

Harry's was cozy and comforting and the waitress kept calling both of us "Honey" and it was fine.

When we left there, Erika showed me the Valentine's Day present she is working on for Greg. I won't go into details just in case Greg is reading this, but it was such a kewl idea that I may do something like it for Chuy for our anniversary.

On our way to Warwicks Bookstore, we stopped in on this groovy store called MoS. They had a lot of sixties-inspired decor that I would have given my left nut to own about a year ago when I was crazy for that kitschy mid-century vibe. Instead, I've decided to go for "Coco Chanel meets Carole Lombard" chic for the apartment. I'm happy with my decision but stores like MoS make me think twice!

After we chatted for a bit with the store's owners, Erika and I headed off to Warwick's. I told myself I was only going to buy one (ONE!) book. I left with THREE! That's so typical. What happened was, I was looking for a Brit Chick Lit book a la Bridget Jones and ran into a Brit Chick instead! Her name was Betty and she was from London. She recommended that I read one of her favorite books, Compromising Positions by Susan Isaacs. I decided to give it a go. I also picked up Last Chance Saloon which has been on my "Wanna Read" list for a while now. Then, on the cash register counter beckoned a tome titled Jane Austen's Guide to Dating. Dear Readers, how could I resist? It had the words "Jane Austen" in the title! I picked it up, as well.

Then, Erika and I dropped off our precious literary cargo in my car and crossed the street to Banana Republic so I could find a Valentine's Day present for Chuy. He only ever tells me to buy him clothes or shoes for any given special occasion, so I don't even bother asking him anymore. I picked him up a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt and a sleek black jacket. I adore it when he wears black. *whew! Is it getting hot in here??* Of course, I had to pull a Stacy London and shop for myself, as well, but didn't leave with anything.

We also went to the GAP but I've just purchased some clothes from gap.com, so I didn't even bother trying anything on.

By this time, I was hungry again, so Erika and I stopped for fish tacos at Rubios No. 1 in Mission Bay. Before I knew it, it was time to drop her back off at Greg's.

Altogether, a lovely day with a lovely person. Miss you already, Erika!