Mellie Dee ♥

Lifestyle | Food | Travel

2021 New Year Resolutions

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2020 Top Nine Instagram

My Top Nine this year is so colourful! 6 of the 9 came from the same trip but overall, top nine hasn’t changed – still filled with travel, family, and friends.

I’m currently celebrating Ethan’s 1st birthday and ringing in the new year with family. Fancy dresses and all.

So much has happened this year. So much negative in the world due to COVID, but let’s stay positive and think of all the good things that happened. Mine is being able to focus on myself SO much physically and mentally. And it’s been a blessing to create such wonderful memories with Rizzo, Emmy and Ethan.

Now off to my resolutions!

Recap of 2020 New Year Resolutions

  • Focus on health and fitness – I’ve definitely done better this year. Working from home means less time stuck in the office. This resulted in me having time to do daily walks and workouts. Working from home gives me such a positive mental health as well. I dread the day I have to go back to the office!
  • Read my usual 12 books a year – I surpassed my goal and I am SO FREAKING proud of myself. 14 books and by the looks of the average rating, they were some dang good books.
2020 Goodreads My Year in Books
  • Travel more – Oh the irony. But being able to travel to California before the quarantine satisfied my travel bug since it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. Also, being able to check camping off my list and camping with Rizzo as well.
  • Save money for a new place – I have enough but have decided to hold off on getting my own place. I think I’ll continue living at home as much as I can and probably rent a place for now.
  • Continue building strong friendships – I’m not 100% sure if this happened. You guys let me know. I was aiming to visit some friends this year but it obviously didn’t happen. Sigh.

My 2021 New Year Resolutions

  • Continue focusing on health and fitness
  • Read my usual 12 books a year
  • Write and play more music
  • Continue decluttering the house and reorganizing

Although some have already gotten the vaccination for COVID, we’re still uncertain how 2021 will be. Hopefully I can hold on to these resolutions. Wishing I could put travel more and visit friends but that will have to be saved for another year.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Tattoos, Bread Baking, and Christmas Fun

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2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Baked Amish Friendship Bread

Even though I was off this past week, I had to work as needed. So after sending off the reports to the leadership team, I went and baked the Amish Friendship Bread MacKenzie had given us to grow.

The texture is more like a pound cake but still delicious nonetheless. I made one exactly as the recipe asked and another with a lot of dried minced garlic and everything but bagel seasoning with sesame seeds on top. The later was the winner at our house.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | JJ & Jacob Open Christmas Presents

Wednesday, I went over to Mallory’s to give them their Christmas presents. They were all excited for “Melissa Crackers”. That’s JJ’s face as he screamed “MELISSA CRACKERS!” with enthusiasm and Jacob’s while he chowed down on one.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Rizzo in Penguin Onesie & Christmas Nails

Rizzo and I got into the holiday spirit. He wore one of his many Christmas pjs and I put on some Christmas light nails.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mellie Dee Makes Dinner Rolls

Brudda, SIL, Emmy and Ethan came into town Thursday the 24th. On Christmas day, Emmy and I made dinner rolls from scratch. Always something I wanted to do but never had someone to make it for so it was the best occasion. As Sissy said, “I’ve never seen someone so excited to eat dinner rolls.”

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee, Rizzo, Ethan, Emmy, Hot Pot, Christmas Gifts, Jackbox

We did a video call with the cousins to open presents together after lunch. Then it was our usual Hot Pot for dinner and open presents after. Sissy and BIL came over in the morning to grab their presents so we did a video call as well.

Mum ended up with me as Secret Santa which meant, I bought my own gifts within the limit set. Brudda and SIL ended up getting me a signed copy of Folklore from Taylor Swift! I officially have an autograph from two of my favourite artists that got me to pick up a guitar and write.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy's Starbucks Fail

Day after Christmas, SIL, Emmy, and I went to Target and picked up Starbucks since they had 20 percent off. Emmy accidentally got Tammy to spill her drink a minute after she got it in her hands. Luckily, Starbucks was nice enough to remake her drink.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy, June, Rizzo & Crown Kitchen

I played guitar as Rizzo cuddled up beside me, took Emmy on a walk with June, put on nail stickers on Emmy, and we ate Crown Kitchen’s pizza for dinner. Their pizza is super thin. I think that it would taste better if we ate it there. Their toppings due fall off which makes for a meh pizza. I don’t hate it but it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Rudolph's Light Show | Hockley, Texas | Ethan, Emmy, Mellie Dee

We did the drive thru Rudolph’s Light Show for last Christmas light sensation. Santa’s Wonderland was definitely a better drive thru Christmas light show. This wasn’t horrible, but not worth the cost. The drive to get there was longer than the show itself. I think we were done in less than 10 minutes. Emmy had fun though.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Inkbox Tattoo Prank with Sissy and Brudda

When we got home, we video called Sissy and showed our parents our sibling tattoos. Best prank ever because of how angry our parents were. It was so hard to hide it from our family. I wore long sleeves even though I was sweating and Brudda kept his shirt on always. There where times it slipped but they never noticed.

Brudda bought the Inkbox Freehand kit, I made stencils and drew them all on us. Sissy took off her jacket and messed up the design before it dried so that’s why it looked so bad. Still, Mum couldn’t tell the ugly.

The triangle signifies the three of us. Top is thicker for Sissy, Middle for Brudda, and last one of me. It’s weird but after a while, I don’t even notice it being there.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mr. Donuts

This morning, Rizzo and I decided to leave with Emmy, SIL and Brudda back to Dallas. Ethan stayed behind. We stopped by Mr. Donuts for breakfast and headed out.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy's Ice Cream Cart

When we got back to Dallas they cleaned the house and built Emmy her Ice Cream Cart Christmas gift. She kept trying to feed me ice cream but I told her I’d get diabetes if she fed me any more.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Dallas Eats of the Week

SIL and I picked up dinner from Densetsu. All the sushi rolls and towers, etc. were delicious and plentiful. Definelty a place I’d order from again.

I had other great foods this week. Los Balitos tacos, Raising Cane’s kids meal, Mala Szechuan, sushi, and steak made by Brudda. Gaining weight but I’m finally off and going to enjoy it. Working tomorrow to send reports to the leadership team, then hoping no one else emails me for the rest of the week.

Hope you all had a great holiday celebration!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Camping at Stephen F. Austin State Park

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2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Wine Country Christmas Gift from Work

Work was nice enough to send everyone a Wine Country gift basket. It has wine, cheeses, crackers, olives, etc. I haven’t fully opened it up so I’m not sure what the wine is but I’m sure it’ll be delectable.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Bachelorette & Gift Wrapping with Mallory & Beth | Dunkaroo Dip, Whataburger, Amish Friendship Bread

On Tuesday, after work, I went over to Beth’s, picking up Whataburger for dinner on the way. We had plans to wrap presents while watching an episode of the Bachelorette. Not my type of show, but I love hanging out and doing mindless stuff to get away from the stress of work. MacKenzie couldn’t make it but she was nice enough to drop off some homemade Dunkaroo dip and Amish Friendship Bread Starters for us. I didn’t bring any presents to wrap since I wasn’t about to lug everything but I did help Mallory wrap a little bit of hers.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Plum Planner & Rizzo

Plum Paper delivery came! I’ve always wanted to order from this company so I’m excited to see how they work out. I’m going to find time one of these next few days to put in all the birthdays, and future dates I already know about. Eeek!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Poop & Fart Books, Christmas Gifts

Since I was off Friday, I did some last minute Christmas shopping for the remainder of the people we have left, then wrapped presents just before midnight while watching Castle. I’ve been obsessed with that show and am already a little sad that it’s almost over. Also, I love to wrap presents. Let me know if you need some assistance.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Starbucks, Rizzo & Kato

We were suppose to camp Thanksgiving weekend, but due to the thunderstorm, we rescheduled to this Saturday. Funny enough, it was thundering too. Luckily, we stuck it out and it was a glorious afternoon/night.

Mum, Dad, June, Rizzo, Rocky, and I stopped for some Starbucks then we met up with everyone else (Sissy, BIL, Bruno, Kato, Gordon & Patsy) at Stephen F. Austin State Park around three. I did some photoshoots with Rizzo during our walk with the pups. Kato had crazy leaves stuck on him. He’s so cute!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Rizzo & Tents

Before our pup walks, we had set up our tents on our two campsites. The pups all stayed in the car and I was very surprised that Rizzo wasn’t squealing like a pig as he usually does when he’s not next to me.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Campfire, Sushi, Chana Masala, Self Heating Hot Pot

We got the fire set up for warmth and cooked our foods on the picnic table. We had a camping grill with butane so it made things a little easier. Everyone made their own foods and shared. So much food I didn’t take a picture of everything. These are just the highlights.

I’ve always wanted to try a backpacking meal so when I saw Backpacker’s Pantry’s Chana Masala, I grabbed one. It was much better than I expected for instant Indian food. They say it’s two servings but I felt it could be three or four servings! Definitely something I wouldn’t mind eating again and makes me want to try others.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Night Sky

I love watching the sky change and being in an area where it was pretty dark, it was nice to see so many stars out. Just breaking the cold area destressed me. Oh mother nature. how you always amaze me.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Mellie Dee, Rizzo, Kato, Bruno, Rocky

I took a lot of pictures of the pups because they are all so stinking cute. Why yes, Rizzo did get a camping sweater. Glad I did because that, his furry coat, and a giant furry blanket were enough to keep him warm in the 40-degree weather in the wee morning. I’ve always wanted to take the pups camping and I’m glad I finally get to cross it off the list.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Breakfast, Rocky, Rizzo, Mellie Dee

We all woke up, walked the pups, made breakfast. We sat and talked for a bit more before we started to clean up. Gordon and Patsy gave us Starbucks Hot Cocoa mixes and a Panettone Cake to take home.

It’s been a crazy weekend but it was a very enjoyable one. Although we didn’t get to do much hiking due to the puddles and such, I want to visit more places and just breathe in nature.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Beth’s & Scott’s Baby Shower

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2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Work's NPN Bingo

Work’s new professional network had a late night bingo session. I’ve never gone to any in the past since it’s always downtown but since this was virtual, I said what the hey!

We played three games in one and a half hours. There were three winners for the first one and I ended up winning the last two! I was shocked. We’re getting gift cards so I’m excited! I’m sure it’ll be for Amazon.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Stanley Tumbler, Hot Pot, Starbucks

I finally bought myself a tumbler that keeps hot and pours easily with a cup lid. I use if to store hot water and make tea in the lid. It’s been perfect especially in this weather.

Starbucks had a promotiom Thursday where if you buy a peppermint mocha, they’ll give you a peppermint mocha air freshener. I went Friday and was able to snag the last one. Winner. Winner.

Hot pot has become the norm.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Cheddar's Pickup, JJ & Jacob, Tamales

On Friday, I stopped by and picked up Cheddar’s for lunch and headed over to Mallory’s. We went and picked up tamales from a grandma in the neighborhood. What else did we do that day? I’m not sure but I was there forever doing nothing and it was great.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Daily Walk Sunsets

Daily walks are getting harder with the weather but I’ve been doing some strength training in place of it.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Beth's & Scott's Baby Shower | Setup & Tear Down

Sunday, I went over to Mallory’s where we stuffed cupcakes into boxes and headed over to Beth’s and Scott’s for their baby shower.

Everything was pretty good in the beginning then the crazy came and we had to tear down and stand under the garage instead. Great memories.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Beth's & Scott's Baby Shower | Deocrations and Goodies

Beth being a model with the goodies. Mickey cupcakes and hand sanitizers were given out and people could take pictures with the sign if they wanted to.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Beth's & Scott's Baby Shower | Beth, Mallory, MacKenzie, Mellie Dee

We definitely made use of it. Beth with her hosts for the baby shower.

2020 | Week 39 of Quarantine | Beth's & Scott's Baby Shower | Gifts & Food

When the drive by was complete, we went inside to open the presents that came from the drive by. We ordered Lupe Tortillas for dinner and had a great time with Beth, Scott, Mallory, John, MacKenzie, Dale and their son Jackson.

Scott showed me what he was using to easily hold his phone and gave me one to use. It’s pretty awesome so far. We each got a thank you present from Beth as well and I am EXCITED for everything in it.

When I got back to Mallory’s house, Janna gave me a blueberry preserves which I’m excited for since it’s been awhile since I’ve eaten any.

It’s been a crazy day with the thunderstorm but it was a great one. I’m pooped now. Four days until the weekend.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Music | The 1 by Taylor Swift

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2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Professional Scrum Management Training

I finally took a training class. This one was to become a Professional Scrum Master. I have two chances to take the test to be certified. Sadly, I don’t think I’m ready even after the class. I have to study a bit more first. Definitely super engaging using Mural and find that it was very helpful.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Friends Advent Calendar

I finally own an advent calendar. I’ve been wanting one since I was a kid but not one with chocolates. Luckily, Friends came out with one and I snagged one when it was super cheap. Will report back after 25 days!

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Heights Bier Garten | Houston, Texas | Erin, John, Christopher

On Thursday, after work, I met up with Erin, John, and Christopher at Heights Bier Garten. I had told them I’d only come out if it was outside and they stuck by it. We froze our butts off for over 4 hours. Erin and John are finally back from Japan and we met up and caught up. She got me candies and a Hello Kitty bag. It’s crazy how it’s been over a year since they left for Japan and 9 months since I’ve seen Christopher.

I finally got to drink Saloon Door PB Chocolate beer! Still one of the best I’ve ever had.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Blood Donation with Mallory

Friday, Mallory and I met at the Donor Center and made our usually blood donation. Mallory came half an hour later than me and still finished before I did, sigh.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Mallory's Hamburger Helper & Beth's Baby Shower Favours

I went over to her house afterward to put together party favours for Beth’s baby shower and chomped down on some yummy cheesy goodness. I’ve been craving mac and cheese type foods and this hit the spot.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Starbucks, Hot Pot, Steak

Steaks and sweet potatoes, Starbucks drinks, and hot pot hit all the right spots. The cold makes me a little lazy to workout. June’s been walking earlier and I’m usually still working so I’ve pushed myself to complete workouts from the telly since it’s pitch black out when I am able to workout.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Spotify Unwrapped

Another amazing year with Spotify. Taylor Swift is still my number 1 and as it says, her “The 1” is what got me through 2020. So here goes:

And if you wanted me, you really should’ve showed
And if you never bleed, you’re never gonna grow
And it’s alright now

…

I have this dream you’re doing cool shit
Having adventures on your own
You meet some woman on the internet and take her home

…

I persist and resist the temptation to ask you
If one thing had been different
Would everything be different today?

We were something, don’t you think so?
Rosé flowing with your chosen family
And it would’ve been sweet
If it could’ve been me
In my defense, I have none
For digging up the grave another time
But it would’ve been fun
If you would’ve been the one