This week makes a whole year of working from home. One whole year where I got to live out my dream of working from home and I’ve enjoyed so much of it.

I finally got my hands on The Secret Language of Birthdays! It was in sale after forever. Four years ago Jamie pulled out copies she made from the library when they were kids of Scruffy and Rami’s and it was pretty accurate and have wanted the book since to read everyone’s I run across. It’s been a pretty good read.

I doubt I’d go through every page but if I did it would totally count as a book for the year.

Ive been making a lot of meals lately but my favourite is still salmon dinners and spicy korean soup. Sissy asked me to make the soup for her next time she’s over.

i ordered dinner Thursday from Zero Degrees and had a great time video chatting with Brudda, SIL, Sissy, BIL, Emmy and Ethan. I can’t wait for the two kiddies to come down next month.

We also booked an Airbnb for June and I am ready! Other trip plannings with friends. Nothing crazy, still staying as safe as we can. Speaking of, Mum got her second shot Friday and I’ll be getting mine Monday!

Sissy came over yesterday and we got bubble waffles, bobas, and lunch. They all got noodles but I opted for my seafood meal. My stomach is definitely nothing near as it use to be so three snowcrab filled me up so much that next time, two might be good enough. But the rest was dinner for today.

Our hot pots have now become more of a vegetarian affair … at least for me. I cannot wait for more hot pots with Emmy and Ethan!

I went and picked up mochi donuts from Bing Su before picking up Mallory to try out Emily’s Taqueria. Everyone including John loved the donuts so that’s a win!

had my first menudo! Super fatty so it’s not something I would really ever get but it was good. Mallory tried it but can’t get over the gelatinous texture of the tripe. Overall I’d go back again for their foods.

If any of my Mexican friends are reading this, please let me try your menudo. Thanks.

Beth came over and brought Connor. I finally got to meet this little guy after six weeks. And I was so happy I got to hold him. I gave him back because he wanted to lay in my chest and I was afraid he’d suffocate on my hair.

We all hung out for a long time talking about random things before Beth, Connor and I left. Jacob took a spin in my car and it was very adorable.

Weekends are always too short but it’s been a very fulfilling one.

Week of starting and finishing puzzles. I need more! I also did my nails during the two hour townhalls in time for Emmy’s Troll birthday.

My love for snow crabs grow as well as tacos from some random place. I’ve been craving seafood boil and have been trying to subconsciously mentioning it and was surprised to find some one random night for dinner.

I’ve been collecting a lot of stars from Starbucks as well and was able to snag one after Mum’s eye doctor appointment. All is well. One more Lasik procedure in both and she’s suppose to be golden. Fingers crossed.

We left for Dallas Friday morning, stopping by McDonald’s for breakfast. I was excited to get the hotcakes meal but per usual, I ate one pancake and half the biscuit sandwhich and was full. I need someone to share with.

Emmy wanted to play nonstop and had fun listening to me learn Mandarin. She just sat next to me while I practiced and even repeated after me after I repeated after the course.

We also taught Emmy how to play the Wii. It was a struggle but she had the most fun playing Paper Mario or Super Mario equivalent.

Lunch was a new Chinese place. I don’t remember the name but I ordered the hot pot dish and it was perfect. No soupy base which was a bummer, but the flavour was on point.

We had Marugame for dinner. I went and picked it up with SIL and bought us both a Matcha Soft Serve. I’ve been craving soft serve so it hit the spot. I know Marugame is known for their udon, but I love their sandos and pork belly robatas best.

Not shown: us decorating for Emmy’s birthday. I’m getting to be a pro with balloon archs. Hit me up.

Katie and John came over to drop off some red envelopes and then Mum and I went to pick up lunch from Lucky City. I was on Ethan duty for a good while. I watched Ugly Betty while he climbed all over me. He saw some people outside and kept waving and saying hi. Cutest thing.

We had Chinese food and some of SIL’s Mum’s homemade foods. Emmy had a blast. You can see Ethan diving into Emmy’s gifts. He had fun as well. It was a pretty fast party since it was just us but it was nice to have these moments before she grows up and has a million kids and parents running around.

I loved seeing everyone wear the shirts I made and Mum is now onboard with me making more for her after telling me it’s a waste of money buying all the equipment and materials to dabble with.

There are plans to have both of them come down in April. We’ll see how that pans out.

My week started out with a video chat with Emmy while I worked when I didn’t have a meeting for an hour. She didn’t want to say goodbye and kept telling me that it was okay to keep talking. This girl is growing up so much and has so much sass.

Rizzo and I were able to get a couple walks in this week before my work started going crazy. And for some reason he started not eating or walking for a couple of days. I picked him up as much as I could when he went places around the house and now he’s feeling a lot better.

I finished the Beauty and the Beast puzzle Monday night and started the sunflower one on Tuesday thinking it would take me awhile but I finished it on the same day. I have four more new puzzles waiting for me to complete and I am excited.

I miss learning and so I finally made the jump and bought the unlimited Rosetta Stone. I believe they have 25 different languages but I told myself I’ll start with Mandarin first since it’d be nice to know how to read and write Chinese since I’m fluent in Cantonese but also learn how to listen better in Mandarin and speak Mandarin.

Dad got his second Covid shot yesterday and while waiting I was able to practice some Chinese penmanship. So far no fevers so I think he’s in the clear.

I spent Saturday and Sunday buying materials and making Trolls shirts for Emmy’s 4th birthday. The progression of making them. Layering is still a little rough but am proud I got it down. I might make one more tomorrow depending on mood. Can you spot mistakes and messups?

I’ve been eating DAMN well this week. So much outside food.

Whataburger on Wednesday on the way to Mum’s YAG eye surgery. All went well.

I’m still dreaming about the snow crabs with that yummy sauce. I need more!

It’s been a busy work week but completing two puzzles, producing so many shirts and learning Chinese has made it a pretty dang good week overall.

Oh Texas Snow Storm. If you’d ask me how it went, my reply would be that it went well. I was luckier than MANY people. The only downfall we had was no power for three days.

I took it as a mini vacation/camping and enjoyed every minute of it. I probably wouldn’t have had as much fun if I didn’t have my snow gear from when Scruffy and I went to Colorado nor would time pass as well as it did if I didn’t have my hobbies that has always kept me entertained (Kindle, cooking, baking, puzzles, crocheting, playing and writing music, diamond painting, movies I previously downloaded on my iPad, etc.).

Monday, February 15th

Waking up so early with no power was wonderful because it meant no work!

Luckily we had some solar lights outside so we were able to see the snow at the darkest of night.

Rizzo’s little paw prints weren’t as distinct but it was still cute. Did he freeze? Yes. He kept wanting to go back inside and burrow under the covers. Rocky included. Rocky is use to that good life.

June and I ran laps around the neighborhood. It felt great and exhilarating.

I made Korean Soup twice that day. Super spicy so that I could keep warm. I tried my best to do puzzles but it was hard since the light was not always hitting right and it was hard to see.

We were lucky to get 2 hours of power back to charge up and I worked for a little bit. I was able to have a good hour plus phone call with Doug as well to catch up before the power went back out.

I did watch one movie on the iPad at night. Rocky even came and slept with me and Rizzo for a bit before leaving to sleep elsewhere. And I got a lot of Kindle reading in. I’m thankful I always have this baby charged up.

Tuesday, February 16th

We didn’t sleep too well. We were COLD and I was surprised the snow/ice hadn’t melted yet. I just pretended I was camping because it really felt like it. I put Rizzo in his coat as well as my ski jacket to keep him warm.

I remembered having a hot water bag so I started heating hot water and wrapped it with fleece fabric for him to sit on. It took him awhile to understand what it was for but once he did, that boy did NOT want to get off. June made two glass water bottles wrapped in fleece for herself.

Even Rocky, who tends to shake off blankets, kept it on for a long time.

I had decided to sleep in June’s room starting this day since mine was 100 times colder with it being bigger with bigger windows. I was reading my Kindle and she was reading a cookbook and wanted to make bread.

She HATES kneading and I love it so we decided to take a go. Since the whole house was cold, we put the dough in the microwave and put a steamy, hot cup of water in it to proof. We then left it there until the next day.

Mum made a type of Chinese rice and I added in sardines. I wasn’t even hungry but ate for warmth.

Funny story: Mum initially took out the rice cooker to make her special rice and I laughed at her because we have no electricity. She then did it again for the washer and dryer. Dad asked how she’d wash her clothes and she said, I turn on the water and drop in the clothes and —- and then she realized.

We had hot pot later that night to clean some of the fridge food that would go bad if we didn’t. It was perfect for the freezing cold.

June and I watched the third To All The Boys on my iPad and then I read a bit before falling asleep.

Wednesday, February 17th

We woke up and made the bread. Since the oven was a little tricky to start, we pan fried them and it still came out looking and tasting great.

Mum, June and I decided to go to Wal-Mart to buy some things. We didn’t really need anything but I was craving chips so we got some and other things.

Around 1pm, we got our power back. We were on high alert, unsure if the power would go back out. I worked for a bit and made another Korean Soup to eat while working. Rocky and Rizzo stayed by my side.

I decided to sleep one more night with June just in case the power went out again so that Rizzo won’t freeze. We watched a movie on the telly while I crochet and then continued Kindle reading.

I notice I sleep earlier when it’s freezing. probably because my eyes get dry.

Thursday, February 18th

My snow storm hair. It was practically in braids the whole time.

The power didn’t go out so I worked. Brudda called and when Emmy heard it was me, she wanted to see my face so we did some video time together. She built towers and did pretend zoo. She wanted me to ask if I could convince Brudda to drive her to my house. Ethan made a small cameo as well.

I was supposed to get my COVID shot on Monday but with all everything, it got moved to Thursday. June went with me. She shopped around CVS and then we went and picked up McDonald’s.

It was a TRIP to find McDonald’s. The first one had a line out the wazoo and the second one on the way was not even opened. The third one, close to home was opened but when I ordered, I messed up and forgot the fries. Regardless, it was worth it.

I laid in my own bed watching movies the rest of the night and Rizzo cuddled up with me the best he could.

Friday, February 19th

It was my Friday off so I didn’t work. I checked some emails on the download but nothing taxing. I went and got my alignment at the chiropractor. We looked at the last time I went and it was literally right before lockdown in March. It was MUCH needed — so much cracks and pops. He literally pulled my leg back in place.

I had one meal that day – my favourite stuffed salmon meal and even finished the puzzle. Sad news was that a piece was missing. I started another one and a few were missing from the border so I chucked them both and called it a night of puzzles.

Saturday, February 20th

In the morning, June and I took Rocky and Rizzo the the vet. Rizzo had his teeth cleaning and routine checkup. Rocky just had a routine checkup.

After we dropped them off we went and walked around Target. I found some puzzles for $5 and a Mulan one. I started on Mallory’s Beauty and the Beast puzzle and it’s going well so far.

Then had my one meal of Pho. Don’t ask me why I haven’t been eating but I chuck it to not moving a lot so not needing as much.

When we went to pick them up, we found out that Rocky always had a heart murmur but we found out this time, he has an enlarged heart and it’s starting to fail. So meds and letting him take life easy. My baby.

I watched a movie and did my own nails using gel polish. Sissy and I had traded last week: my dip nail stuff for the gel nail stuff. I find dip nails easier and Sissy finds gel easier. To each their own. Practice makes perfect, right? If you zoom into the left picture, you can see how horrible I am at painting.

Sunday, February 21th

The morning consisted of laziness. I was sad it was already Sunday. The mini vacation is over!

We did some video time with Emmy, Brudda and Sissy while I ate my steak lunch and continued the puzzle.

We were able to command Brudda’s Alexa so we played with that for a while with Emmy. Let’s just say, Alexa didn’t always hear correctly and some songs played without our liking. Emmy had fun and kept telling Alexa to play random songs. It was cute and a nice way to help close out the week.

I had video/phone calls with Ozzie and Patricia as well and it’s just nice to hear from people other than my family. I say this now, but work is starting and all I will be doing is hearing other people speak so …

Oh hi cold weather. Rocky & Rizzo didn’t get as many walks in this week due to the weather. I was actually still down to get all my steps outside but June said it was too cold. I will say Rizzo needed way more cuddles this time around due to the cold so, I get it.

I put on my Valentine’s nails that doubled as Chinese New Year Nails for the week. Last night, I also played around with some new lashes. It’s eyeliner that doubles as lash glue and it is SO much easier to put on. I have my go to for events now — but I need some events to go to first.

My Mickey & Minnie came right on the day of the first Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) and I was estatic. They have their normal clothes underneath and the Chinese garb as an extra outfit. THE cutest and smaller than I thought so made it even cuter.

Dad spent all day making us dinner and June and I made Tang Yuan after with sesame and peanut. We need practice rolling but overall it wasn’t that horrible. Mum tried to show off but ended up making it into a shape of a taco before giving up.

I took Friday off to get away from work. I needed a mental break and decided to use my gift card from Beth to finally get a massage after over a year. Definitely worth it with sitting so much for work. I can now do my spits on both sides again! And almost down the middle. I need to schedule the one the siblings and their significant others bought me two years ago. Whoops.

I stopped and got Raising Cane’s, took a nap, then drove Mum to get her first Covid shot. It went by so quickly and we even stopped by Whole Foods for a detour before heading home. I got my King Cake. Usually work gets it for free from Louisiana. This definitely did not compare though.

Saturday morning, we went and got coffee and headed over to visit Grandma, Kenny and Cindy. Sissy & BIL met us there. We talked for a bit before bidding farewell. Mum, Dad and I went to the grocery store, picked up some goodies and headed over to Gordon and Patsy’s.

A nice nap and arts & crafts then it was dinner time. What is Chinese New Year weekend without a little hot pot? It was perfect for this freezing weather!

Today I stopped by Whataburger and picked up brunch for me and John. They were giving out free cookies with a coupon for a free honey butter chicken!

JJ gifted me a Sour Patch Kids Valentine Box and I gave him a baggie full of Chinese chocolate coins. I don’t think the Chinese chocolate was a hit though.

Mallory and I celebrated Valentine’s Day this year with some chocolate covered strawberries from her friend and we bought a Charcuterie box from her neighbor to munch on.

We did some arts & crafts and it was nice to see that they were all able to contribute a little.

I made the stencils using my Cricut. Slapped it on some wood, and we all painted them. Afterwards, Mallory hung John’s and Jacob’s on their bedroom doors and I dropped off Connor’s at Beth’s house.

It’s been a very eventful weekend. I had so many phone calls today as well and it was nice to hear and see everyone’s faces. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen all of them and I cannot wait to see them again soon.

Social distancing at the beach, park, whatever. Let’s do it.