Today was the first day Christopher and I went to mentor a couple of 3rd graders. They are so sweet. My girl talked so much so it was pretty easy.

We missed part of their recess since we couldn’t find the front office so by the time we got through the tour it was time for their lunch.

They ate and we each got to know our own kid. Then we played Jenga with Christopher and his kid before we decided to do a “All About Me” sheet. I didn’t know what to write on some so I made it up.

We ended up getting Chick-fil-A and brought it back to our desks to eat while we worked. I’ve been craving it so when Christopher said he wanted that for lunch, I didn’t fight him on it.

The rest of the day was a mess of issues. I ended up staying later than I wanted and ended up working a little bit just now but tomorrow is a new day.

Mentoring the kids gave me a break away from my desk so it was nice. It made the day go by faster and seeing the kids so excited that we were there and wishing we could come everyday puts a smile on my face.

I headed over to Mallory’s after work today. She made fried rice which was delicious. She went heavy with the sesame oil but that’s one of my favourite things so it made it that much better. I wanted more but I had to control myself from eating too many carbs.

JJ was very wild today but happy. I like hearing his laugh and watching his imagination go wild. I wonder how he’ll do once Jake is born. If he’s going to be as wild too or calmer.

I haven’t seen Mallory in a couple of weeks and it’s only going to get tougher since my mentorship for the high school starts and as my workload gets shifted. I cannot wait for my fall vacation coming up. I’m leaving work behind this time so hopefully everyone can survive two work days without me. I am excited to get my hike on and take more photographs. I need more travel buddies. Sign up here!

Claire’s first birthday was in Buffalo and traveling was tough for me last year so when Michelle told me she’d be in town to throw her second birthday right here in Houston, I carved out the day for them. Her uncle apparently has a bbq restaurant in Richmond so we were lucky to be able to chow down on some!

I got to hold the two babes again. Jack is always so smiley and Claire always wants to jump to everyone’s arms like a hot potato.

Stephanie showed up as well as Nicole with her mum and Lily. We haven’t all been in a room since Claire’s baby shower if I remember correctly. It’s crazy how time flies and how much has happened in between. It was nice getting to catch up with them all. We took a picture with the four of us but it’s stuck in Michelle’s aunt’s phone so hopefully, I get a copy one day.

When Claire was opening gifts or rather, Michelle was opening Clarie’s gifts, Claire got sidetracked and played with what I gave her instead. That makes me happy that out of ALL the toys and stuff, she picked mine. Thanks, Amazon!

Although Michelle and I rare see one another, nor do we have time to catch up. When we do, it’s as if nothing has changed. Those are true friendships. Two more years and Matt will be done with residency and they’ll be back in Houston. I’m planning to visit them sometime next year when it’s not snowing with twenty-degree weather. Wishing them a safe flight back to the winter tomorrow morning.

A busy workday where I was able to solve big issues myself made today a pretty awesome day. Cherry on top was having lunch with Pardeis who gives great advice. I wonder how life would have been like if we were closer during college. I’m glad we bumped into each other again and slowly getting to know one another again. She is a ray of sunbeam to be around.

Second day of workout went really well. Still no collarbone pain and Rizzo felt comfortable today to fall asleep. Yesterday he was on high alert unsure what was going on. I’m sore all over and I love it so much. I’ve missed this feeling. Collarbone, I hope you’ve fully healed!

Emmy and I had a good hour and a half sing a long with my guitar. I’ve added in other songs to the ones she’s used to and she dances and sings along best she can. She loves sticking her face in mine to watch me sing. She’s so freaking adorable. Soon enough she’s not going to want to do this so I’m trying to take in as much as I can.

I’m upgrading! I know what you’re thinking. I just got my iPad last year so what am I doing with a new one. Well, I used to have a mini and loved the size. They finally came out with a mini that can use the Apple Pencil and with the traveling I’ve been doing inside and outside of Houston it’s just easier. I was going to trade it in but Mum wanted my old one so now I have something new to teach her. I’m also loving the paper-like screen protector. It makes all the difference when writing and drawing.

As of this afternoon, Emmy is back in our lives in Houston. She’s been calling me Auntie in Chinese nonstop and it’s the cutest thing ever. I really wished she lived closer so I had more time with her but I guess with the distance it makes you really cherish the moments you have together.