Last year I spent my Valentines with a new beau. We watched Daybreakers and enjoyed tater-tots and seasoned fries, made love and it was a perfect valentines. Not flashy, but I enjoyed every moment.  This year was equally wonderful and simple. Even though it hasn’t officially happened yet, my mom and I decided to be eachother’s Valentine. My mom treated us to 30 minute shiatsu massages. Lately when I nap, I’m always thinking or problem solving to the point the only way I know I fell asleep is because I have very vivid nonsensical conversations with people that are not present when I come to.  It was extremely relaxing and I have no idea what my dream was about, but I feel I figured something out.

After our massage I Yelped for a new Ramen place in Gardena. We found this delicious place called, Mottainai Ramen.  I always go for Spicy Ramen, but it usually lacks in flavor and spice. For the first time the Ramen was ridiculously delicious. I slurped the broth almost till its last drop, can’t wait to go back for more.  The ramen place was tucked away in this little shopping center. After the dinner we decided to walk around and stumbled upon the most darling little Japanese Bakery, Vanille de Patisserie.

The pastries and little cakes were so well made. Every color and design well placed, meticulously created, beautiful. It’s a place that would be ignored, it doesn’t have amazing foot traffic, but should be center stage. Just the right amount of sweet, and made me feel special. Am I still talking about the dessert?

Right now I’m drinking some red wine, left over from my birthday. Watching TV and sweet romantic storylines, I’m not sad or upset or gloomy. But filled with the beautiful hope of next year, who knows where I will be or who I will be with…maybe in Austin, with a drummer.