I had such an amazing time last weekend so it's a bit sad that I'm only getting back to it now. But I'm here so let's get this ball rolling!

I finally got the chance to meet one of Ben's childhood friends, Brian. I was worried that his past friends wouldn't like me or think I was weird, but Ben assured me that that wasn't the case. I've had the chance of interacting with another friend of his, David, via online but that was completely awkward. I don't know about other people, but online messaging and me just don't mix well. It feels awkward and stilted and mostly insincere. I prefer in person talks, even if those are awkward!

We met up on bellaire because Brian wanted to eat at Fu Fu Cafe. Unfortunately, it was completely packed so we had to come up with a new place. I suggested dim sum but turns out Brian isn't a fan of that (maybe he eats it too much, being Chinese? haha) which was fine by me, I wouldn't be deterred! I suggested Tofu Village and turns out Brian really likes that place! It didn't take long but I was able to slip into a smoother conversation with him. It's a little humorous but it almost seemed like Ben was the one feeling awkward...? It has been awhile since he got to speak with him after all, a couple of years I believe.

Turns out, Brian's a pretty chill guy. He's working on his masters in electrical engineering at UCLA. He's not doing research so he has a bit of time to pursue hobbies. Ben said we had something in common because the guy loves to bake! I think he's the first Asian guy I've ever met that likes to bake. He baked a cake to ask a girl out one time too! Ben and I promised to find him a girlfriend haha although it might be difficult since we're not in California...

We moved on over to the Tea House to grab some tapioca drinks. Since we were a party of three, we were able to do the 'Buy 2 Get 1 Free' Deal. There was some conversation about anime that I would've gladly continued but I had intrigued the others by claiming I saw a gaming center nearby. We headed over and found it out was some shady gambling place haha. It was already getting late but we didn't want to end too early so I suggested (seriously the boys need to take the initiative here, Brian's from Houston too!) trying out the pool house on the second floor. It wasn't too smoky there and we actually played some pool pretty late. Promises were made all around to do this again. It was actually a great night!

The next day, Ben and I went to Kemah Boardwalk! It wasn't as chilly as we would've liked but Ben's never been there before so it was an interesting experience. I can't count how many times I've been to this place, but there's still a new feeling to it when I'm walking around hand-in-hand with my boyfriend. We tried out the Flying Dutchman restaurant—did not like their appetizers! I think we paid more for the view than the food but Ben said it was about the experience so I guess that's alright. We played some of the carnival games but only succeeded in getting some consolation prizes.

It was after we rode on the Bullet roller coaster that our luck turned around. We went to a ring toss booth with these gigantic stuffed animals. Ben bought a special for $10 that gave us two buckets of rings plus a funny hat. I don't know what happened, maybe just all the good feelings of that day, but I threw and it WENT IN!



After that, there was still some time to check out Baybrook Mall because of the new holiday hours. We were looking for presents for Ben's parents. I even got a pretty sweat deal on a jacket there! I pretty much picked out Ben's mothers' gifts while he took care of his dad. I got a text from Ben on Christmas saying that his mom really liked what she got so I believe I was successful! Anyway, it was another late night by the time we were heading back to Houston. We decided to stop at OhMyGogi for those beloved bulgogi fries we love. Ben also got some enchiladas (my treat) but I think we both agreed the bulgogi fries were what we would be coming back for! Writing about it now is already making my mouth water too haha

So the next day, Sunday, we finally got a chance to see The Hobbit. Between me and Ben, I'm the one more obsessed with the series! I wasn't fazed by the 65% on RottenTomatoes and I certainly don't believe it deserves such a low score either! I think the critics got spoiled with LoTR and had impossible expectations for this prequel. For my part, I loved it. But I wouldn't go so far as to say it was the highlight of my day after what Ben planned. He picked out a restaurant for us to eat, as a sort of early Christmas/New Years celebration and wouldn't tell me what he chose! Even when my parents asked, he told them it was a surprise for me.

The restaurant was a dream come true! Titled The Melting Pot, it was this awesome fondue restaurant! He even went and ordered the four course dinner for the both of us. Honestly, I felt like a queen. The food was absolutely delicious I cannot even begin to say! I took some pictures to remember but I probably won't forget about this place so soon. The lighting was really dim so pictures aren't in the best condition but oh well!



Ben had to leave on Christmas Eve to go see his family. It was such a great weekend and I didn't want it to end! His family always invites me to join them for the holidays but with my parents' rule on no sleepovers, it's been impossible. My mom did mention that if I had a job, I could go, so maybe there's hope there...? But I had such a lovely time so I don't regret it too much. We haven't spent the New Years in each other's company before so there's a New Year's Kiss that needs to be fulfilled someday hehe

So before this post gets too long, all I have left to say is that I have lunch plans with Connie tomorrow! I know Hao wanted to do lunch too so I'll contact him later about a group thing. Which reminds me, I really need to get a hold of Tin... yikes so many things to do and I'm being way too lazy at home! I'll do better tomorrow, promise!