Ketchup Time

When Shane and I moved in together, and we began grocery shopping together, he could not believe how much ketchup I go through.  Really, it's an insane amount.  I used to be a little embarrassed about my addiction to ketchup, but I've come to terms with my ridiculous consumption of this "vegetable".

And since we're on the subject of ketchup, I'm thinking now is an appropriate time to*ketch-you-up* with what's been going on in my life!  These next few posts I am dedicating to KETCHUP :)

Let's start with the insanely awesome L.E.I. Lounge in University Heights.  This place has atmosphere, amazing specialty drinks, and the food is made to perfection...no ketchup required.  

When Leslie, Nicole, and Jamie visited from NJ, like 10 million years ago, I knew I wanted to take them here!  It came highly recommended from my friend Sara, and what do you know; I had also scored a sweet Groupon for it!

Just a little FYI, parking is redonkulous, get there early!  This picture was taken as we were leaving, but I swear I parallel parked!

 

Leslie and I waiting for drinks!

While Leslie and Jamie opted for simple champagne and sangria, both still delicious, Nicole and I had try one of the MANY delicious looking specialty drinks.

Nicole ordered the Pineapple Coconut Mojito: rum, mint, lime, pineapple, coconut juice, simple syrup, topped with soda.

I went with the Hawaiian Mojito: hibiscus juice, rum, mint, simple syrup, lime, topped with a splash of champagne.  *ORDER THIS :)

Next up, the food!  Their dishes are meant to shared, so we each got to try a little of everything.  While I didn't indulge in the steak quesadilla or mini kobe burgers, I was told they rocked.

I have never tried ceviche before, but this ceviche with a twist was absolutely amazing! Coconut Ceviche: "a citrus style ceviche made with the chefs daily creation of fresh seafood marinated and served with a seasonal garnish".  Inside there was mango and shrimp, among other deliciousness.  And dipping with dried bananas was so good!

You can never go wrong with sweet potato fries!

Our waitress was super sweet and answered our bajillion questions.  She also recommended the Crab Mac & Cheese, which L.E.I. Lounge is known for.  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Now let me get to the decor.  This cute lounge has modern and hip feel to it.

 
Posing in a cabana.

 When you walk in you are in a cozy little bar with warm lighting.  As you walk further back it opens up and you are outside.  Cabanas line the walls and tables with candles wrapped in flowers fill the middle.

Along the wall there are also some open booths with fire pits.

A staple in outdoor seating in San Diego...heat lamps.  You can eat outside year round.  Pretty rad.

So if you're ever in University Heights, get yourself to L.E.I. Lounge!!!

Memories

A lot can happen in the span of one year.

You can say goodbye to your family and friends. 

And move across the country with your boyfriend and two cats.

You can run 26.2 miles for the first time in your life, and in the process raise close to $3,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and all those affected by cancer.

You can spend Christmas 3,000 miles away from your family and still make it a wonderful memory together.

  
 You can ride in a hot air balloon for the first time.

You can get used to the fact that west is towards the beach and east is inland.

You can go from knowing 0 people to meeting amazing people who you are lucky enough to now call friends.

You can go to your first baseball game. in your life.

 
You can run on trails with signs like this and not freak out at every movement in the brush. or not.

You can begin to call this place home.

 And then you can say goodbye.  

Shane and I have spent an absolutely amazing year here in San Diego.  We have grown by leaps and bounds as individuals and as a couple.  

I took a step outside my comfort zone and was rewarded ten fold.  My life is so much richer (not in the sense of money.  Come on now...San Diego has been expensive!!!) and I have so many memories that make happy. I'm getting teary eyed as I think back to all of the rad things I've done here.  

Every morning while driving to work; clear blue sky above me,  thermostat reading 70 degrees, passing larger than life mountains with tiny houses teetering on the edge; I would pinch myself and think, "Melissa, you live here!".

I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm excited for what the future holds in New Jersey.  San Diego friends, I will be back to visit! There is no doubt in my mind about that :)  East coasters, we arrive on May 27th!

Now will someone come pack up my apartment for me?!

oh hi, remember me?

Seriously, I feel like every other post lately has been a lame excuse about why I've been MIA!  

Well, I have been busy!  And Shane and I are about to make another life changing move.

But more on that later gators (promise).  I gotta get to work!  But I just wanted to say 'ello bloggy boos I am alive and well!  

Ohhh and I just joined Twitter and have nooo idea how it works!  Follow me/ be my friend @healthy_cupcake!!!  Seriously, I have no idea how it works...I need to do my homework.

And finally, since I'm planning a long run tomorrow morning...a work morning...because I have fun plans Saturday morning...here is a thought from I <3 running (LIKE them on Facebook, they are super motivating /funny):