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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

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Mum’s Birthday & Thanksgiving

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2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Daily Walk, Relaxing Outside with Rizzo

If I told you we continued to walk every single day, would you believe me? Because you shouldn’t. With the festivities and weather, we had to skip a few days. I will say that running/walking in the rain is actually very therapeutic. Rizzo was not a big fan though. Regardless of what happened, I did spend a couple of hours outside with a hot cup of tea watching my shows to relax.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Annual Holiday Volunteer, Starbucks, McDonald's

It was Mum’s birthday Wednesday so she got to leave early and she joined me while I searched for goodies for the elderly in different stores. Sissy and I usually sign up for a holiday volunteering event and this year we chose to buy a few necessities and assemble the bags to donate.

I got my Starbucks and Mum got a McDonald’s happy meal. She saw the Disney toys and want to collect them all. #kidatheart

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Mum's Birthday | Antonia's Italian Ristorante | Katy, Texas

At night, for dinner, Dad and Mum pulled out their own alcohol so June and I followed suit for jokes. I ordered everyone Antonia’s Italian Ristorante. We haven’t ordered Italian food during this whole pandemic and it really hit the spot. No one had leftovers but me which is crazy since my fettucine alfredo was a kid’s meal and everyone tried out the mussels. Definetly a place we’d order from again in the future.

We video called in Brudda when we did the cake and Emmy sang along with us. Sissy called in shortly after to open presents with us.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Thanksgiving Hot Pot

On Thanksgiving day, Sissy, Brudda, and I stayed on video chat together for over 8 hours. Brudda was in and out of the chat but Sissy and I were there from start to finish – until it was time for us to retreat back to our families to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Sissy mostly worked on her paper while we shopped and talked about random things. Whenever Brudda was on, we talked about random computer stuff and his photography website. There were times of silence but knowing someone is there with you makes it all the best. It’s different this year, but not, since our family has always been connected.

Hot pot was crazier than usual. A lot of leftovers but Mum wanted the feeling of celebration, so much so that we got lobsters. Best addition. We watched a movie together afterward before we all retreated back to our rooms to relax and fall asleep.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Raising Cane's | Annual Shutterfly Calendar

On Friday, we all jumped back on video chat to discuss annual calendar making and Black Friday shopping, all while Sissy continued writing her paper. We make one every year, collecting our extended family members’ pictures of the current year and creating a calendar for the next. I was able to start and send it off to the presses on the same day which is the best feeling.

Mum and June went out shopping and came back with Raising Cane’s for a late lunch for me.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Sayad Mediterranean Grill | Houston, Texas
Pita | Free • Cold Vegetarian Sampler [hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, grape leaves, eggplant with tomatoes] | $16.25 • Mixed Grill [shish kabob, kofta kebab, chicken kabob, meat, and chicken shawarma with grilled tomatoes, onions, and rice] | $21.99 • Cauliflower [fried spicy cauliflower with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29 • Batata Hara [fried spicy potato with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29

On Saturday, everyone had their own thing going on. June had to work, Mum went out shopping, Dad did his own thing, and I worked on random projects. I ordered Sayad Mediterranean Grill for my one meal a day. I’m not trying to lose weight or anything, but I just forgot to eat.

I will for sure order from here again. Everything was made to perfection and I was surprised at how giant their pita was! Their mixed platter hit the spot. It reminds me of Ashy’s cooking whenever I had this at his house. Oh the memories.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Minuti Coffee, Kolache Factory, Sushi

Today, Sissy and BIL came over with Minuti Coffee and Kolache Factory. Mostly to come and pick up the Holiday Bags. She’s going to drop them off at the donation place since it’s closer to her house.

Later at night, Mum and Dad went out and came back with sushi. If you can guess where this is from, you’ll be a genius.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Rizzo, Mellie Dee, Rocky | Atomic Habits Book | Christmas Contract Movie

I was lazy all day. The only day where I had nothing going on. I was able to start my book club’s choice, Atomic Habit. I’m usually a fiction only type girl, but this book is well written so far that I’m able to blow through more pages than I thought.

It was also nice to cuddle up with Rizzo while I watched sappy movies. If you ever watched One Tree Hill and love it, check out Christmas Contract. It stars five of them in this movie which brought me back to high school/college years.

Oh, how naive I was.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa’s Wonderland | College Station, Texas

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2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Presents

I took two half days and a Friday off to spend with Emmy. I got her a 7 day advent calendar to help countdown when her parents were coming to pick her up to go back home. She had fun opening it every night and got to open day 7 with her parents.

One of the days I was off, I took her to Walgreens where she looked at the candy aisle with glee. I didn’t get her anything though since we had planned to get a happy meal from McDonald’s.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Gingerbread Mansion

I took off early on Monday and we did a gingerbread mansion together. She had so much fun eating it while working and was so excited to show it to EVERYONE — my parents and June when they got home, Sissy and BIL when they visited, and Brudda and SIL when they came to pick her up.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy

We did the gingerbread house to get her in the festive mood since I got her tickets to Santa’s Wonderland with the parents and June.

This has always been on my list and I always thought it was very romantic to go on dates like this with a significant other but it never happened so what better time than with everyone I love?

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee

She had fun making faces at everything. I wish they had other foods to offer us but with the pandemic and it being Monday, not many stalls were opened. My parents and June had fun as well and loved the hayride the best since there was A LOT to see. Emmy loved it so much that she asked me to take her to Christmas practically every day after.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob & Mallory

I had Friday off and took Emmy to Mary Jo Peckham Park to meet up with JJ for their playdate. They played with rocks and practically spun around in different things.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob, Mallory, Mellie Dee

These are my favourite pictures I took. They are so cute (and us)! They were both sad we had to say goodbye but we’re already looking at Christmastime when she’ll be back in town to play.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Sunset Walks | Emmy & Rizzo

Per usual, daily walks. Emmy was sad that she was having her last walk with Rizzo. The views have been gorgeous! That bottom right picture has got my heart so happy! It still amazes me how beautiful mother nature is.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Garden and New Plants

Mum and I went to a garden center and I loved walking down the aisle to lit Christmas trees. And I got my second plant. The pot says Cal Cor Plant so I’m not sure exactly what it’s called but I know they’re also known as polka dot plants. They have other colours but these two creates such a Christmas vibe for my bedroom.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Early Thanksgiving, Brudda, SIL and Mum Birthday | Sushi Neato | Crumbl | Whole Foods Cake

Saturday, Brudda and SIL came down and Sissy and BIL came over to celebrate an early Thanksgiving and birthdays of Mum, Brudda, and SIL. I FINALLY got my sushi after a year later! It’s been a no-no in our house since the pandemic but I’m glad we got an exception.

We had ordered Door Dash for Sushi Neato but they were having issues with their app and website. Sushi Neato told us the food had been ready but no person came to pick it up so Sissy and BIL went and got the food. After calling Door Dash, they ended up refunding us the whole meal! Love Door Dash’s service!

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Eats

Great eats for the week includes Starbucks, heart shaped poached eggs, and some of the best pepppered shrimp!

Now that Emmy is gone, it’s back to my usual scheduled meal times. I’m sure being with her makes me gain weight with the amount of times she eats. This girl has to eat a snack before bed. Literally, eat, pee, brush her teeth, watch a few minutes of a show, then bedtime. Crazy but at least it’s consistent.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy and Mellie Dee Selfies

When her parents came, she did not want ANYTHING to do with us. Understandable. Luckily, she had to sleep one last night with me since Brudda got Lasik surgery and couldn’t have a crazy girl kick him in the face in the middle of the night.

In the morning, we brushed our teeth and went back into bed and watched Bluey for a bit so that she wouldn’t wake up her parents. I was able to get a few shots of us together and she even told me she loved me and gave me a lot of kisses.

I miss her but I’m also happy to have the whole bed to myself again. Finding activities for a three year old is exhausting but I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything else.

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine

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2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Rosanna & Duy Wedding

First things first. Rosanna and Duy are finally married! SIL was the matron of honour and therefore to do the whole two weeks thing, Emmy has been over. Their summer wedding became a fall wedding due to the pandemic but I’m glad they were finally able to tie the knot. I wasn’t able to make it but being able to watch it from afar makes my heart happy. Congrats you two love birds!

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mellie Dee

Emmy has been loving being here. I was doing an eye mask and lip mask and her response was, “Why do you have a shoe, another shoe and a lip on your face?” Too cute and funny.

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Emmy Entertainment

Keeping her entertained is tougher as she gets older but we are getting by! Lots of different interactive activities. Dad tested out a tent he bought years ago and Emmy loved being in it.

My favourite is seeing Rizzo and her laying next to each other falling asleep. The cutest!

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Emmy and JJ Playdate

We had a playdate with JJ. I bought them some Bing Su corn dogs which were better than I expected when I dipped it in one of their spicy sauces. Emmy is obsessed with JJ driving her around than actually playing. So weird.

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mellie Dee & Sissy, Kolache Factory & Minuti Coffee

Sissy and BIL came over with Kolaches and Minuti Coffee for us. We played with Perla beads and confetti eggs. We shook our hair like a Pantene commercial.

Emmy also gave us all nicknames from shows she’s watched:

  • Emmy = Owlette
  • Me = Cowboy
  • June = Gecko
  • Mum = New Girl
  • Dad = Wolfy
  • Sissy = Armadylan
  • BIL = Mr. Potato Head
2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | June, Emmy, Rizzo, Rocky Walk

Per usual, our walks. She’s able to hold Rizzo now without help and run as well. Oh how she’s grown. I found it hilarious that she walked June and Rizzo at the same time due to June’s fanny pack slack.

2020 | Week 35 of Quarantine | Emmy Good Eats

Feeding her has also been easier than before. Hot pot is still her favourite.

I was able to get my Starbucks when Mum had her second surgery for her eyes. All went well. We’re hoping for good healing before she gets glasses. Thanks to everyone that asked!

I also went and got myself some PB whiskey, a different brand than what I tried in the past. And for the first time, I found the correct Soju! I am SO excited.

It’s been a crazy week but being able to take half a week off has been amazing. I’m excited to see what this week will bring us before she leaves again.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Ethan and Emmy Swap

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2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Ethan While Working

How do you watch a baby that likes to swipe and bang on your keyboard while you work? Give him teethers and put him in your lap of course! This kept him busy enough for me to churn out some things before handing him back to Dad.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Ethan, Rocky, Rizzo Walk

June and I took him on our walks. He does pretty well during them. He mostly sings to himself, “dances”, and smiles a lot. There was one day where he screamed his head off and did NOT like being in his stroller. This resulted me in having to push the stroller, ensuring Rizzo didn’t get tied up in the wheels, and held him ALL THE WAY BACK HOME. He is not light but I did it.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Ethan Sleeping at Walks

Most days, this is how he ends up. Asleep. I usually go a little longer so he can get in a little more rest before he gets woken up to me taking him out. Then he usually plays a bit more, drinks his milk, before going to bed. He’s pretty easy to take care of, for the most part.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Ethan & Emmy Swap | Cane's

On Friday, Brudda and I met up halfway. Mum came along for the sibling swap. I gave Ethan back, and in return, got Emmy. We stopped by Cane’s for dinner. Mum was super excited because she’s been wanting Cane’s for a long time. Emmy loves their lemonade.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Emmy Entertainment

Keeping an almost 4 year old entertained is tough stuff but we’re pushing through. We have some things planned to do with her and I’ve taken a few days off to spend time with her but mostly because I have a little too much vacation.

2020 | Week 34 of Quarantine | Eats

Foods this week was a treat! Especially the ones where I didn’t have to pay for it. Those always taste the best! Seeing Emmy gobble up a happy meal makes me quite happy since the last time she visited, she wasn’t a fan! Oh, how she’s grown!

Mum had her first cataract surgery Wednesday, on her left eye. So far, everything seem to have gone well. She has her next one this coming Wednesday for her other eye. Once both is complete, she will be able to see far but not close which is not bad at all. Here’s to hoping all goes well!