Without these babies staying with me while I work, I’m sure I won’t survive. It’s getting harder to focus on work but I’m pushing through. I even put on some Valentine’s Nails for the Galentine’s party.

Mallory and I signed up to donate Friday morning. To prep, I had a big thick steak for dinner and some delicious Los Balito’s tacos in the morning. They decided to get me to donate platelets and plasmas. Mallory came later and per usual, was done before me! When we took our picture, I was already not feeling well and when she left, I had only 10 minutes on the screen and was feeling even worse. They put some ice packs on me and I was able to finish. That was the first time I ever felt that way and glad I didn’t pass out. How embarrassing would that have been?

That night, I went to Starbucks, Pet Supplies, and Walgreens before meeting Ozzie downtown at Abu Omar Halal. We grabbed dinner to go and went to Buffalo Bayou Park to walk around and eat our shawarma burritos. I was still very dizzy from the morning’s fiasco and by the time I got home, I was a little out of it.

Saturday morning, I went and took Dad to get his Covid shot at the Smart Financial Center. It was actually quicker than I thought and it was nice not having to get out of the car. I was so nauseous and by the time we got home, I slept for a good three hours. That donation really took me for a loop.

Later that night, I went to Mallory’s where we had some yummy Marco’s Pizza before heading over to MacKenzie’s for Galentine’s. It was nice to be around women and talk about random things. We did a white elephant type game and had snacks. I was also able to get my Girl Scout cookie’s from Mallory. Whoo! I am sad they did away the Thanks-A-Lots.

This morning was super busy. I was out of the house by 8am running errands and when I got back, I gave Rizzo a haircut and then June and I took Rocky and Rizzo on our daily walk.

Emmy was not happy we didn’t “wait for her”. She kept telling us to go home and wait until tomorrow when she came over. (She wasn’t coming by the way,) And when I got home, I told her and she was happy because I also took off my cap which meant, I was home. Oh to be a kid.

I finished Sissy and BIL’s family’s puzzle and started a new one. Mallory gave me three of them to do so I’m excited!

I’m currently watching the Superbowl. We enjoyed some blue crabs, shrimp and wings along with the game.

The cousin group decided to do a bet. No buy in as Kiran is willing to throw down $25 Southwest Airline Gift Card to the winner. I’m not sure what I betted on but it’s nice to do something together even though we’re apart.

Not much happened this week which is pretty relaxing. I was able to get a lot of cuddles with Rocky and Rizzo.

I was also able to see Mallory on Friday, after work. I surprised her, John, and Beth with Proud Pies! I went crazy and bought 7 so that there was a good enough selection for each of them. Ugh pieeeee.

Mallory made tacos and they were delicious!

I’ve continued with daily walks with Rizzo. June takes Rocky and you can see how well he walks now. No complaints. But you also see how much he’s aged and it hurts my heart. He’s getting old and we aren’t sure how much longer but he’s been a trooper.

I’ve made a lot of good eats this week. Abalone noodle soup, Indian chana masala, and stuffed salmon with pilaf and veggies. We had hot pot because it was cold out and ordered Kim’s Teahouse and Jollibee. So freaking happy that it’s close by now!

I’m not sure where this week will take me but I’m looking forward to my blood donation and galentine’s.

I skipped walking for about a week or so but we’re back into the full swing of things. Rizzo now needs his coat because he gets so cold. Mum says it makes him look girly which is not false.

Rose’s daughter was kind enough to let me borrow Animal Crossing. I don’t think it’s the game for me but it wasn’t horrible. Thankful I got to test it out instead of having bought it and never played it.

Watching and taking care of Ethan while working was harder this time around. He screams on top of his lungs when Dad is anywhere near so I became designated person to put him down for naps. Overall though it wasn’t too bad.

Brudda, SIL and Emmy came down for the weekend. A little bit after their arrival, I finished the hardest puzzle I’ve done in a long time. Emmy was nice enough to ask if she could “break” it. And had the devilish grin whole doing so. I asked her to help me put it back in the box and she made a face and said “I need to eat my apples” and attempted to walk away. All so that she didn’t need to clean up. I caught on to her well enough and she did help clean up.

It’s always a feast when they’re here which I’m not mad about. I was most excited for El Pollo Loco since it’s been forever!

Saying goodbye to them gets harder and harder as they have more and more of my heart. Always cherish every moment even when they might not always be positive ones.

I met up with Erin, John and Angie at Starbucks. We caught up and talked about work and the like. When Angie left we talked about things that people might say I’m stupid for asking. But I’m so thankful for both of them and their guidance. They never judge, at least not to my face.

Rebuilding myself has been a long journey when your insecurities are put to the test for years. But I’d like to believe I’m stronger than ever.

You can call me Master now. Haha Just kidding. But I’m a Professional Scrum Master now which is pretty cool.

There were days Ethan came up to my room and it wasn’t too bad having him while working. Half the time, I’d put on music and he’ll wiggle around on the bed.

Friday morning, I took Mum to her eye check up. She needs a YAG surgery before she can get Lasik to finish up her cataract journey. Fingers crossed.

We stopped by Starbucks for coffee for me and a sandwich for her. The we spent almost an hour in the driveway talking. It’s rare getting one on one time with her nowadays so it was much cherished.

Afterwards, I went and picked up our Cheddar’s order and headed off to Mallory’s. John was working from home so he got some yum yums too.

We popped the champagne after eating and made our yearly toast albiet late and enjoyed some chocolate chip shortbread cookies she had made the day before. Delish.

Mallory and I “watched” the movie Prom on Netflix. We mostly talked and looked through social media, yet when the ending hit, you bet I cried.

I also tried out Splatoon as well. Only fun if I had someone to play with. After the first round, I got the hang of it though.

I decided to sell Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart to Rose since I rarely play them now. I’ll use the money to buy a different game, maybe.

I took Rizzo over to their house so Katherine can play with him. We walked for 20 minutes before she had to go to her piano lesson on Zoom while I spent a while longer catching up with Rose.

Saturday, Mum went with me to run errands. Mostly to return things to different stores. We stopped by a grocery store so Mum can get some essentials where I was able to snag another Starbucks next door.

That night we watched The Commuter. Ethan had fun in his new colourful cage. I aslo started a new puzzle. One of the hardest due to the stupid crazy design. Ethan woke up in the middle of the night and he thinks the puzzle is hard too.

This morning we stopped by Starbucks to try their new pistachio latte. And whole mum picked up pho, we went next door for Smoothie King. I’m saving it for breakfast/lunch tomorrow.

I was watching my TVB, Death by Zero show until my parents threw Ethan to me. I switched it to Clouds, the movie, and feed him some snap peas. He was restless so after playing next to me while I cried due to the movie, Dad came and picked him up instead.

Sopa de Fideo was eaten through the week which was perfect for you the weather. Today, Ramen Bowl was the best route.

It’s been a day of nothing but lazy puzzling or lazy laying around. Ever since I took the certification test I feel so free. Hopefully I don’t have to study for anything else for a while.