Did you know this past Monday was National Fried Chicken Day? We celebrated with some Church’s Chicken because I’m extra like that.

We had A LOT of presents for Emmy since she was staying for a little while longer. I noticed a package I didn’t order. I contacted Amazon and after they checked out the tracking number, they told me to either keep it, give it away, or throw it away. I guess since it’s fairly cheap it wasn’t worth the hassle. Blades and hot glue gun. The crafter in me is not mad.

Brudda and SIL video chatted with us — mostly to see Emmy and asked if I received a package already. I thought they were talking about the formula for Emmy but it was actually a surprise for me.

Jenny asked me to be a bridesmaid. A shocker for me since I thought she’d keep it with her childhood friends but I’m excited to be a part of her tying the knot. I cannot wait to celebrate their love next year! Hopefully all calms down by then.

Emmy tried to take everything in the box, thinking it was all hers. I did spare a lot of my hearts for her which she was thankful for.

Tuesday, after work, we dumped in her new letters and fishing toys, filled up the new pool, and put on her new swimsuit. She picked the swimsuit herself. Her requirements were pink and mermaid. She did want me to get her a tail as well but I ain’t made out of money. Sorry, booboo.

After swimming around she laid down next to me while I read a book and she watched her Baby John shows with Rizzo.

Wednesday, I had my interview. Nervous was an understatement. I was asked if I wanted to do audio or video and opted to do video since who would ask if they wanted audio?

I put on a nice top, did my eyeliner and eyebrows, and side braided my hair. Emmy saw me and said that I was beautiful because my hair looked like Elsa. This was also the day Emmy learned how to say “I’m scared” in Chinese and uses it now.

It was a tough interview for me on so many levels. I came out unsure but I sent my thank you letters anyway. Don’t worry, I didn’t say, “sorry for being horrible in the interview” or anything like that. I did get responses of thanks and such. The one above did make me feel a little better especially since this person looked a little bored when I talked.

SIL bought a subscription to ABC Mouse for Emmy so I set her up and started her on the assessments. She’s pretty smart for a three-year-old! She plays games and watches videos that ABC Mouse provides and when I don’t need to help her out with it, I’m able to read and do other things.

We got her a kitty on it and I asked her what she wanted to name it. She initially said “cat!” but I said, “Rizzo is a dog and we call him Rizzo.” So she changed her answer to “Chansik” instead which means orange in Chinese. I was too lazy to correct her.

Another package came — pink crocs and new clothes from Sissy. She loves her crocs and wear them around the house. We haven’t had a walk yet with them but hopefully will this upcoming week.

Friday I went over to Mallory’s to drop off some goodies I got her from the Asian market in return of getting the tumbler which you’ll see down below. I bumped into some traffic — road work by her house. Luckily it was quick and we were able to pass by …

… else I would have missed my blood donation appointment. They heard my complaint about the temperature gun and when I failed it this time, they gave me the throw away temperature stick instead and I passed. Guess these bangs make my forehead hot. I was out of there in less than an hour which is record time for automation donation.

I stopped by Sonic on the way home for some ice cream to replenish what I gave. I gave half of it to Emmy. I also bought other snacks for everyone as well.

Emmy got to use her new tumbler. I was going to go to the event and make it myself but due to level one, I stayed home and told the lady what I wanted. I decided to give it to Emmy and personalized it for her. She says she’s like GooJei when she holds her cup because I use the black tumbler.

I had the cutest conversation with Emmy.

Emmy: GooJei (what she calls me), why you buy ice cream, food, and new cup for Emmy?
Me: Because I love you.
Emmy: Aww I love you more.

Yesterday we opened up the scratch-off paper I bought her that came on Monday. It came with 50+ sheets that will her occupied for a long time. She understands the importance of keeping the scratchies in a pile on the table so that it doesn’t fly everywhere. Sigh … what a good kid.

I told her I’ll write “Emmy” on mine and she said she’ll write “GooJei” on hers. She tried — scribble and all. Too funny.

I taught her how to draw a poop emoji — because I’m that type of aunt. You’re welcome.

Today her newest toy came — probably the last toy I’m getting her this visit because I am poor now.

It’s a water mat. Fill the pens with water, draw on the mat, and it dries after a few minutes. This kid wanted to go swimming but after doing this for two hours, she forgot all about swimming. She even said it was too sunny to go swimming because she didn’t want to stop drawing.

We listened to music and sang while she drew. It was so relaxing and a fun time all around. Tracing the alphabet is her thing now and having another place/way to do it other than the dry erase book is a plus for her.

So much good eats this week. Kimchi noodle soup, steak for blood donation, and hot pot. We’ve been doing hot pot a lot but Emmy eats so much more when we do. My go to has been eggs. I’ve been having it every single day for lunch.

Today I wore the tie-dye shirt I made myself. She screamed out “OMGoodness it’s so pretty the shirt! Colours!”

The ones I made for Emmy and Ethan are in Dallas. By the time she goes back up, she’ll probably outgrow them. The one she’s wearing now was supposed to be for Patricia’s niece but I guess I’ll be tie-dying again soon.

It’s big on her and when Mum put it on her she said “I love my pretty dress. Like GooJei.” My heart is so full right now. Can you stay forever?

I’ve been watching Emmy while I work and my goodness it’s a whirl. Luckily I didn’t have as many meetings as I did and when I did it was with people that I was cool with.

She’d do cute things like putting the pillow around Rizzo’s neck and saying he’s a lion and making me watch. Wishing I had more time to give to her during the day but it is what it is.

On Monday night we had a Cousins Video Chat. It was nice to “see” everyone and catch up about the crazy. We joked that our Cousin’s Trip is going to be like this and we should put a fake background for fun.

Emmy and Rizzo had fun sitting outside looking at the moon. She’s so grown!

Tuesday night I made slime using only three ingredients with Emmy. Glow in the dark, glitter slime to be precise. She LOVES it and we played with it for multiple days. She makes random things like cupcakes/cakes out of it and sing us happy birthday. Oh how much fun this age is. She wasn’t as excited about the glow in the dark as I was.

We went and bought groceries on Friday with Mum and June and decided to get some hot pot action in. It was cute when we made Emmy meat and she said it didn’t look the same and didn’t want it. I had to cook it and make her watch for her to understand that the red/pink meat turns brown when it’s finished cooking. After that, she gobbled it all up.

My other meals I’ve been loving lately, eggs with a side of bacon and cherry tomatoes for brunch and super delicious pupusas. I’ve FINALLY found pupusas I like in the grocery stores. Guys, seriously the best thing. I cannot get enough! It’s on my docket of things to learn to make from scratch.

We picked up some fireworks and spouted some simple ones for fun after we had our hot pot feast. Emmy’s favourite was the Doggie Doo Doo and sparklers. There was NO fear — brave just like her daddy.

On Saturday, for Fourth of July festivities, Emmy, June and I made crepes, American Flag crepes to be exact. She was so good next to the stove and gobbled up the crepe so fast without anything on it. Sigh, wish she lived closer so I can have more of these moments.

Sissy and BIL came over with Los Robertos. They sat outside while we sat inside with the door and windows open for communication. We sang happy birthday to BIL and had hilarious moments with Emmy as the center of attention.

Emmy and I had a photoshoot Friday night after fireworks and a shower. Moments like this. She is so silly. #nevergrowup or at least #growupalittleslower

Keeping her entertained has been a struggle as I want her to continue to learn more and do more. She’s so smart and definitely at an age where she can pick things up — like when we say certain things.

She was supposed to go home today but plans have changed and she’s staying with us a little longer. It could be a week or more. Everything is up in the air.

If anyone has any tips on how to entertain a rowdy 3 year old, please don’t hesitate to share.

There were some nice IMs I received this week. Two more weeks until we find out results if we got a job or not. Counting down the days.

Emmy spends time in my room when I don’t have any meetings for a while or if Dad was cooking. She’s really respectful when I’m in a meeting. Such a sweet girl.

We would take thirty minute walks during the day and an hour at night. She ran after I said to stop and she ended up with two bandaids. I taught her how to walk and she hasn’t fallen since.

Id try to get off at a reasonable hour and we’d play with chalks and bubbles outside.

Then we did some shopping, drawings and letter tracing. She’s doing way better with her alphabet!

We even made biscuits and smeared Nutella on a few of them. She gobbled majority of them up through the last few days.

Rizzo loves Emmy here because, extra pets, but he also gets jealous. He’s been sleeping so close to me to where I saw this when I turned over.

June ordered some fried yummies from Black Pearl. I made a nice steak meal since I had a blood donation the next day. I think I got this steak making down!

Friday morning, third time in three weeks. They finally didn’t have an error and I was able to donate. I got a different shirt as well. Probably one of my favourite ones and it’s so soft!

Saturday, after buying groceries with Mum I went and picked up Timothy and headed over to Gordon’s and Patsy’s. Our last crawfish boil of the year. Patsy makes dang good chicken wings and I was able to pack a couple to go.

Brudda have Dad a massage gun which I’ve been using every day. It’s probably the best thing I’ve used since the bed I have currently is so old. New bed coming soon!

It’s been a very tiring week with Emmy but oh so worth it. One more week with her. What activities should we do?

Many said that since my name appeared on the list of recognitions for our Asset’s townhall on Tuesday, I have a higher chance to get a job when we reapply this upcoming week. I’m not sure that’s how it works so wish me luck!

I stopped by work and picked up a care kit Thursday during lunch. They decided to give each employee a bottle of hand sanitizer made in house as well as four cloth face masks. It was nice that I just drove up and they dropped it in the car.

It was also nice seeing one of the maintenance/movers that I’ve known for over a decade there yelling my name when he saw me.

When I headed home after picking up the kit, I decided to pick up a cheeseburger for the red meat I needed since Mallory and I signed up to donate Friday afternoon.

Mum was nice enough to bring home red meat kabobs to help my iron levels as well.

Friday morning Ed came over and we walked Rizzo around the park across from my house. We both wore masks and caught up and after almost an hour we headed back since Rizzo was dying from the heat. I said bye to Ed and ended up going Rizzo a bath since it’s been a while.

After relaxing for a bit I met Mallory at the Blood Center to donate. My screener was horrible at using a temperature gun and deffer me even after I told him to get a different one to ensure I really didn’t have a fever first. I ended up not being able to donate due to human error which is the stupidest reason especially at a time like this.

I ended up going over to Mallory’s house. Mallory, JJ, Jacob and I went and got snowcones from Texas Sno. They had colour changing cups which was pretty cool. We took them home and JJ literally slurped up the syrup. I threw away the last half since it was too much for me. I’d probably opt for a kids size next time rather than a medium.

The treat was great for such a hot day and probably the one and only snowcone I’ve ever had that’s worth the money. I joked wanting to come every time I come over now.

After hours of hanging out I stopped by Starbucks and got my free bakery treat then to Chick-fil-A for my free birthday cookie. The rest was ordered since I was there anyway and knew others might enjoy.

Saturday we went to Souq International Market. It opened last Sunday and we were able to do ALL our shopping in one place. I found my name as a brand and found it funny. I miss Mediterranean food and exited to see so many ingredients. I need to look up some recipes and get to work! If anyone wants to share, I’m not opposed.

We picked up pho and Smoothie King on the way home. I’ve been craving a good veggie juicing and this hit the spot. A little too sweet for my taste but beggars can’t be choosers.

At 2 pm, Thuy and Vu had their Zoom Baby Shower. It was nice seeing everyone’s faces. They had so many friends on the call that there was a page two but I could only get so many in the pic. We all did a round of shots to celebrate Baby Chloe. I cannot wait to meet her as she’s due anytime soon!

Later that night we did hot pot. We are having less and less foods on the table and more vegetables which means our stomachs are getting smaller and we’re eating healthier which is good. It’s taken me years to get to this state.

Today has been straight relaxing. Rizzo and I chilled outside listening to the birds and wind chimes. I cannot believe the weekend is already over but it’s been a very relaxing weekend so no complaints.

12 weeks.

It’s been 12 weeks in quarantine. 12 weeks of working from home. No one really knew it’d be this long. And we really don’t know how long it’ll be this way. But better safe than sorry.

Since let gos are around the corner, hearing this from a pretty high source is always nice. Maybe one day I’ll get there but I am not amazing at work politics so who knows if it’ll actually happen.

We celebrated Dad’s birthday on the actual day with petit fours. Nothing fancy since we already did all of that last weekend. I gave him the second part of his present, hip jackets, that is for Father’s Day as well.

I killed it on making a medium rare steak all thanks the the air fryer. Will need to make a post on it for rememberance sake so I can do it again!

I offered to go to Sonic to get milkshakes and June tagged along. She saw the menu and wanted everything possible. So unhealthy but she was happy. My favourite were the pretzels after I dusted off some of the salt.

I promised to make blueberry muffins but ended up making a Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake. It tastes amazing and June couldn’t stop eating it. Will definitely share this recipe as well to save for future bakes.

What else should I make?