I’m thankful for the advice I get on my future. With the oil and gas going way down, I’m being approached by people I’ve never met at the workplace that apparently knows my skills and work ethic. They’re urging me to stay where I am and only jump ship when it gets to $20 a barrel. But there are questions I’ve been asking myself that I need to answer first. Do I want to stay in oil and gas? Do I want to continue technical work or move on to management? Do I want to even stay in Houston? I’m too young to know what I want but wherever I end up I know is where I belong.

I’m thankful for friends. I cannot stress how much they’ve been there for me this past year. With so many ups and downs you’d think they’ll all run and hide but they’ve stood by me. I’m a homebody but sometimes I’ll want to go out and actually have people around me. It’s nice to know that they’ll come out and entertain me when I need it the most. They take a lot some of my worry away and snap me back to reality.

I’m thankful for the time I’m spending with Mum. We’ve been watching one episode per night of The Amazing Race Asia. China Edition. I love it because they use famous people like superstars, movie stars, singers, etc. It makes it that much funnier. There are some that came from Hong Kong and those are the ones I root for. I could cheat and see who wins for the season because it’s an old season, but I like not knowing. And it’s funny seeing Mum’s reaction to things.

Monday, the 28th of December

I finally went and saw the Hunger Games Series: The Mockingjay Part 2 with Timothy and June. I wasn’t a big fan of the movie but whateves. Got to watch it for free.

After the movie I picked up some goodies and headed over to John’s. We were throwing a holiday party (more of a get together) to the cast and crew of SCC as a thank you for their help this year. Ed had been preparing everything at John’s and I went over to help while Chuck sat on the sofa with his laptop laughing at me. Per usual. Then we headed over to Jason’s with all the food where the rest of the cooking occurred. Ed and I felt we were doing a pop up, serving hungry customers. Food was enjoyed with little to no leftovers. Toasts were made and thank yous were said. Games were played among many other things. I met some new people and got to know some old ones better. It was joyous fun all around.

Tuesday, the 29th of December

I ran some errands early in the morning then went off to DSW to return almost $200 worth of shoes that failed me. I hate shopping in person so I did some online ones and they all failed. Luckily going to the store gave me these goodies for 50% off – each. Heels that actually fit which means I can wear my slacks again. And a bag that fits my Erin Condren planner and Coletto pens among other planner things.

And since Barnes & Noble was next door, I went there as well. I was there for over an hour just looking at all the wonderful books. I tired doing the kindle reading type deal and I just can’t fall in love with it. I like my physical books. The smell of the pages, the flipping of the pages between my fingers, and the creases that show how much a book is loved. I’ll forever buy books if I can and hope one day I can have a library of books in my house of all the ones I love.

I hadn’t eaten all day and blogging seemed like a good idea so I found a little cafe I’ve never been to and ended up at:

Snowflake Cafe and Bakery
11191 Westheimer Rd
Houston, Texas 77042
(713) 782-1827
http://snowflakecafebakery.com

This place is so very quaint and even have a tiny upstairs loft type deal. They have a fake fireplace in the corner by the window with stockings and a Christmas tree up with snowflakes sprayed on the windows. Not too sure if it’s because they named their place Snowflake or if it’s because Christmas just passed but no one would think twice if they kept everything up as every day decor. I guess I can always find out if I come back in like February.

It was quiet upon coming in. Other than the coffee machines going I could hear the telly but it’s very quiet. I guess I went on a weekday where many people are at work so the machines and banging wasn’t continuous. Once I sat down, they did put on music over the speakers and it scared some people. Someone commented that it sounded like an introduction to dub step. It’s a bit distracting but luckily they turned it down. I would suggest that softer music was put but I have my headphones so it wasn’t as bad.

They have an area where you can get condiments and free water which I thought was a nice touch for those that wanted only water. And even some board games if anyone fancied them. The one who was making my coffee and food did come and deliver it to my table. I don’t think they usually do that. Possibly because someone else ordered as well and it was easier? Not too sure but he did carry a drink upstairs to someone as well so maybe when it’s not too busy, they do take things to your table. I did hear him ask the cashier if it was “the redhead” that ordered what he was carrying up.

Latte | $3.25

I ordered a super plain latte just to see how it is here but if I wanted flavoring in it, it would cost $4.60 which I might try next time. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t a latte art design but they did have a super cute spoon and if you know me you know how I feel about utensils.

Spinach Herb Wrap with Swiss cheese, tuna, lettuce, and cucumbers | $5.95

You can pick your own toppings … which I couldn’t make up my mind about and randomly chose those. I would say nothing great with the wrap especially since I felt there were more wrap than filling. And they came with chips on the side which I’m certain is sour cream and onion with ridges. I wouldn’t not order this again, but possibly next time, turkey instead of tuna to see if it’s wrapped better.

Jasmine Green Milk Tea with Lychee Jelly | $3.75

After 2 1/2 hours I ordered another drink. There is a $5 minimum to use a card so I gave them a dollar tip which isn’t a big deal. I really like this drink. It’s very refreshing and I will definitely order this again. I am not a big fan of tapioca, reason for the lychee jelly instead. Best choice ever.

I want to try out the crepes and other drinks and see how they do. This place is less than half an hour from my house. I would say that’s a bit far but if they keep it up having this atmosphere it just might be my new blogging place … even if it’s a drive just to blog.

Wednesday, the 30th of December

Plans to see Apurva are always a good time. We have our moments where our personalities clash and we get tired of each other. Funny how that is.

She came and picked me up at Sissy’s where I went early to hang out. Upon getting in her car, I receive my Christmas present from her. Popcorn and an ULTA gift card for the brow bar. Sweet.

We then headed to brunch at:

Benjy’s
2424 Dunstan Rd
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 522-7602
http://benjys.com

Upon sitting down we received cracker/cookie/bread with applesauce for dipping. I’m not really sure what we ate but the crackery cookie was pretty good.

Lox & Avocado Toast [scrambled egg whites, house cured salmon, cucumber – squash salad,brioche] | $14

Nothing too special. Tastes like something I would make except I would have spinach instead of cucumber – squash salad and Hong Kong style bread instead of brioche. But nonetheless, felt I was eating healthy so it was worth it. I was super full from it which surprised Apurva. I tried one of her potatoes from here and that was so delicious.

I don’t think I’d come back to Benjy’s but if I did, I would definitely order the potatoes.

We went shopping around Rice Village and I was proud of myself for only buying three things. All of which are gifts. Apurva on the other hand went crazy in almost every shop we were in. We went into a photo booth at Urban Outfitters. Happy I have another one to add to the collection! Not a big fan of how it turned out because we were so confused … per usual, but good memories were made.

Apurva needed to pick something up from Whole Foods and I was getting hungry so I went to the salad bar. The chicken noodle soup was saved for dinner. But mmmmmmm …Whole Foods would be a cute lunch date place in my book … and going to the book store. I’m a dork.

Apurva took me back to Sissy’s where I stayed for a couple hours until the traffic died down. Coming home, I received I Dreamed of Jeannie, one of my favourite shows from the olden days. I am super excited to watch it all! Eeeps! The next one I want to get is Bewitched. Yeah … supa dork ova hurr.

It’s been a pretty great three days and I cannot wait for more to come as my second leg of the week is slowly getting planned. Heart is full.

Thankful I only had to work Monday and Tuesday (21st/22nd) before getting the rest of the week off. It was super quiet in the office but I got a lot of work done! Which is always a plus in my book. I got some goodies from work friends one of which had his phone number on it. Not too sure if it’s his work number though … I didn’t try calling.

Tuesday morning, Rizzo didn’t want to wake up. I came back from my morning shower and found him this way … he’s so lazy but he’s so cuteeeeee.

After work I went over and picked up Rose for our dinner date at Thai Cottage where we caught up about so much stuff. Then back to play with her two daughters. The little one is SUCH a cutie. I wish they stayed small. So much cuter when they’re smaller.

The gift Rose’s family gave me. The bag is super cute! And another mug to add to my growing collection for when I move to my own place!!

I ran errands after work on Monday and Tuesday. And when Wednesday came, I was still running errands. Mostly last minute shopping for the extended family and helping out the siblings and parents pick up last minute things. That is the sky Wednesday night. Isn’t it gorgeous? One of my most favouritest pictures.

Wednesday I was suppose to hang out with someone, but per usual, it didn’t happen. Luckily I was able to do Italian with June. I’m not a big fan of Olive Garden but it was close by plus we were craving stuffed mushrooms. I did not even make a dent in the pasta. Then Redbox night with the girls while I wrapped up a bajillion presents to stick under the tree.

B, SIL, and Sammi arrived with Krypto and Pluto Thursday night where I was still wrapping presents and just relaxing with Rizzo. It was a very chilly day before the havoc that was coming. I finally went and got myself a Talenti gelato to try. I love the little container. very sturdy and so far is keeping ice out of my creamy goodness since I take forever to finish a pint.

Sissy and BIL arrived with Bruno and Kato Christmas day. We played video games for hours then Sissy and I went and pulled out our violins. Broken strings everywhere but one … how sad. I want to pick it up again. I bought new strings and just have to put them on. Eeps.

We finished wrapping last minute gifts then headed over to Katie’s for the extended family Christmas. We caught up with the cousins, ate dinner, watched the Rockets game, and had a very, very heated game of Heads Up with boys vs girls. Boys won. I received movie tickets and a marbled box which gave my heart palpitations. As much as I like rock though, I wish it was on there. The box would be even more gorgeous without it but I can do with it. I’min the process of trying to figure out what to put inside.

Saturday was our immediate family Christmas. Morning was breakfast from

Los Roberto’s Taco Shop
3200 S Fry Rd
Katy, Texas 77450
(281)717-8950
http://losrobertostacoshop.com

Carne asada fries to share and a California burrito. I was told this place started in California … but I’m not 100% sure. I think whoever told me lied? … I don’t know. I first tried this place back when I lived in San Antonio. It was about an hour drive from where I lived so I only went a handful of times but it’s always an amazing experience. Glad they have one so close now. I would say that when ordering to go, I wished they wrote what the tacos were. We ordered seven tacos and when I went to count, they only gave us six and told us after asking that we would have to open them all up to figure out what they were. And that they didn’t make the seventh one because the cooks didn’t know what the people wrote on the order list … and left it out. Really? And so they said they knew which one, but let’s just say, they were wrong. Boo … They do it for the burritos though.

We played video games and took naps. Then it was dinner time of hot pot … our usual Christmas meal lately. Those four you see in the front are SHRIMPS. Crazy huh? So freaking good. You can’t even see all the other yummy goodness that surrounded us because our table is too small with so many people.

We got all the puppies sitting by the tree for a photoshoot. The better pictures are on the DSLR but this should do.

We all then changed into our Christmas attire. This year we decided to do Christmas sweaters/shirts. You can see Rizzo had a change of clothes. Spoiled, I know. the one with the tree says “Santa Paws” on it and this one is just an everyday winter looking one.

Gifts I got this year. I’m excited for my Meme box. Sissy said she took some things out of it but I am not sure if she’s joking or not. Cannot wait to actually sit down and unbox it. More video games were played and random nothingness but relaxation. Perfect day.

On Sunday, I had brunch at Hasta La Pasta with Mallory and John then to Woofgang Bakery to pick up some doggie goodness.

Left is a present from Mallory and right was a present I found in the mail from Patricia. I just need a Christmas tree now so I can hang it up!

Few more days until the New Year … plans have been set but we’ll see if they actually follow through. I’m a bit lazy.