Ever since I got engaged there have been so many responsibilities and obligations that have popped up. I look down at my hand and see such a sparkely beautiful ring but it's weighing on me. Everyone has asked, "When are you going to get married?" Well, I plan to get married as soon as we can buy a house. Now, buying a house is no easy thing. It takes forever and there are so many details and it takes lots and lots of money. I mean lots and lots of money. We plan on buying the house and having some money left over to put towards the wedding. It's been almost 2 months since I've gotten engaged and it's go go go! Plus my sister is expecting a little girl in September and that piles on a lot of future Auntie Sekura duties.

The main thing is finding the right place in the right location for the BEST price. It's scary out there and we're first time home buyers. Of course there are great things about buying a house, living in a place you own. But there are so many other details that you have to know and be aware of. Closing costs, short sell versus a REO, equity seller, loan applications, inspectors, points, etc etc etc. The BF NOW the Fiancee is one of those people that research the CRAP out of anything to get the best value. Let's just say that he's passed that UNWANTED knowledge to me. I feel like I can get a second job as a real estate agent now. I used to love watching House Hunters on HGTV but now I just get pissed. These people in North Carolina, Texas, or Michigen BITCH about home prices and lot sizes and privacy. Well, come to Orange County, California and see what you get for your money. VERY LITTLE! Sigh. I had to get that rant out cause they do get a lot more in those areas then in OC. But, I remind myself, it's Orange County and worth it.

So the summer will be me house hunting like crazy. I hope we can find something soon. I can't wait to get married. Notice I wrote, "Get married." Not plan the wedding. That entails combining American, Cambodian, Chinese, Viet, Catholic, and Buddhist traditions into one event. My stomach already hurts thinking about it. Out parents did meet and exchange gifts. The great thing is that they really like each other (whew) and respect each other.

Now, just to find that house!

Sooooooooo it's Spring Break for us and no, I'm not on some beach in Mexico but in my house trying a new crock pot recipe. If your curious, it's beef and dumplings and I'm concerned. My eyes and nose says it's gonna be yummy. However, this is my first time trying this recipe and honestly, I think I may have to have a back up plan for dinner. So now that I'm on break I now have time to blog and there has been one big topic that keeps floating to the top of my brain, cue dramatic music.... THE NEXT STAGE.

I've been on Xanga for 5 plus years now and I've documented some of the fun and dramatic times in my life. To getting my first job, meeting the BF, going back to school, and crazy events with my friends but as I approach the big 2-8 I feel like it's time to move onto the next big stage in my life. Now, what is that stage? Well, I've been living in the same place for 7 years now and I'm tired of everything here. I LOVE LOVE the cheap rent, living with my BF and my roomie but I'm tired of looking at these walls. I'm tired of the college mismatched furniture, I'm tired of the popcorn ceiling and popcorn colored counter in the kitchen. Yes, I said popcorn colored counter top. To those who need help visualizing, it's white tile with specks of butter yellow all over. The first time I saw it I thought it was a dirty counter and tried for 30 minutes to clean it. Sadly, the yellow never came off. I feel like I'm living a post college life with college accessories.

The next step is obviously marriage and buying a place but that takes a lot of $$$. I mean lots of $$$ especially living in So Cal. The BF and I are in our super saving mode; that means we're on a budget. I used to think that the word budget was a swear word, some days I still do. But it's keeping us on that goal of saving enough for a down payment and wedding and additionally for Mike, a ring too. Of course, now that I'm actually making some money and off for the summer I feel like I can take a much needed vacation. Sadly this is not the case since we're saving money. I'm starting to resent that sentence, "We're saving money." Sometimes the saving money part seems so abstract. Can't we spend a little to take a mini weekend vacation? How about a trip to Vegas? Or San Diego? No, no, and no. Sigh. Thank god the BF is a MUCH better saver then  I am. Accountants are awesome!

So many of my friends are getting married, buying places, and my sister is even having a baby! My little brother who's always acted 18 but in reality is turning 27 this month actually moved out of my parent's house. He rented an apartment and is living on his own and even paying his own bills. I'm soooooo proud of him because I thought I never would see the day that my little brother would actually be responsible, especially when it comes to money. All of these changes just pushes me even more to change something in my life. It's hard sitting back and waiting when everyone else is running by you. I know that everyone has their own pace but why is my pace and starting time so different then everyone else? I mean, come on, even my cousin is getting married! What does it take to get moving people? I know, I know, lots of $$$ saved in the bank. God knows that I'm trying. Did I mention that I'm obsessive about things? I'm also a dweller which never brings you anything good. I obsess and dwell about saving money all the time. It's annoying, especially to me and I've got to stop. Stop obsessing Sekura!

Next week, yours truly will turn 28. A huge milestone because, well, I ALMOST have everything I want. Professionally, I'm working my dream job and personally I've got the best BF and friends in the world. Of course there's always room for improvement but there's nothing horribly wrong in my life. I should be happy and I am 90% of the time when I'm not obsessing. I'm hoping that by my 29 birthday I'll be living in a place that I own. I guess that'll be my birthday wish when I blow out my cake. Or my usual wish of winning the lotto.

What am I going to do? Well, since it's a stalemate on clubbing, 3 for clubbing and 3 not clubbing (Damn you Jay, you could have tipped us over for clubbing if you were here!) and my friend Cobra said that we're too old for clubbing. His words were, "The only acceptable clubbing would be in Vegas." I've decided to do something a little different. I plan to do something in the morning with just the girls (spa/high tea, etc.) something really girly and then later in the afternoon the boyfriends can come over to my house for a BBQ and lots of alcohol. That way we save a little money on the dinner and we can drink as much as we want. It's always great to get together for birthdays but I never really get a chance to talk to everyone. I HATE long tables because you don't get a chance to talk to everyone, it's loud and the it's a long ass wait for dinner. Hopefully, this birthday kick back can be relaxing and fun.

Next time you'll see me I'll be a year older! Weird that I still feel like a kid. I am writing on lapto with Hello Kitty stickers on it. That could be it!