Mellie Dee ♥

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Music | Death By A Thousand Cuts by Taylor Swift

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Who has been listening to Taylor Swift’s Lover album on repeat? There are a few songs I fell in love with instantly. One of them is this one. I heard it and it brought me back to my thousand cuts that I still feel. Many of those cuts have been healed but there are still a lot. I don’t know if they will every completely go away but one day at a time, right?

Saying goodbye is death by a thousand cuts
Flashbacks waking me up
I get drunk, but it’s not enough
‘Cause the morning comes and you’re not my baby
I look through the windows of this love
Even though we boarded them up
Chandelier still flickering here
‘Cause I can’t pretend it’s okay when it’s not
It’s death by a thousand cuts

I dress to kill my time
I take the long way home
I ask the traffic lights if it’ll be alright
They say, “I don’t know”
And what once was ours
Is no one’s now
I see you everywhere

…

My heart, my hips, my body, my love
Tryna find a part of me that you didn’t touch
Gave up on me like I was a bad drug
…
My time, my wine, my spirit, my trust
Tryna find a part of me you didn’t take up
Gave you too much, but it wasn’t enough

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 2

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2019 Labour Day Weekend | Breakfast of Leftovers

Sissy and BIL went and got Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast for everyone. Brudda and I ate a random assortment of leftovers instead.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Wi Wei Din Chinese Cuisine | Plano, Texas | Pork Ear, Spicy Wonton, Xiao Long Bao

A few hours later met up with Katie’s family at Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine. Pog ears, spicy shrimp and pork wontons, and Xiao Long Bao.

This is by far the best Xiao Long Bao I’ve had in Texas and was happy I got my fix. Still searching for the best in Texas though so if anyone has any suggestions, please share!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | TocoToco | Plano, Texas

We stopped and got boba tea. They have a jelly called crystal noodles and they’re much better than tapioca balls.

I love their decor as well. I thought the wall was little wooden balls but it’s made out of paper. What a cool idea!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Rizzo and Pluto

We went home and all chilled. We watched some weird Chinese movie where a group of friends were helping one friend find breast milk to replace the one she accidentally gave to a client to drink. Some parts were hilarious but it wasn’t really worth the time spent.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | O.D. Wellness Massage and Reflexology

Soon enough Sissy, BIL, SIL, June and I left for reflexology massages at O.D. Wellness. They did a pretty good job in all. SIL went in her own room, Sissy and BIL in another while June and I had our own. They left the room a couple times totaling 6 minutes to get hot stones and hot towels. Overall good and relaxing.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Pool Side Drinkin'

We went back to the house and chilled a bit. Everyone went to dinner with SIL’s parents while Sissy, BIL, Brudda and I went to the pool. We enjoyed a few rounds of passing a ball around and seeing who can swim fastest.

It’s pretty nice getting time with Brudda since he doesn’t live in Houston and we rarely get to see him. And when we do see him he’s always busy with Emmy and things around the house.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Bols | Plano, Texas

We all went back and showered and enjoyed delivery from Bols. Japanese/Korean fusion. I have so much leftover for tomorrow.

All the kids are in the media room watching Spiderman Into the Verse while Sammi watches The Secret Life of Pets 2 on my iPad. Time to enjoy the rest of the movie. Night world!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 1

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2019 Labour Day Weekend | Whataburger Breakfast

We left the house so early in the morning and got Whataburger for breakfast. Emmy are some of my chicken strips, fries, and toast before her nap.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Popeye's Lunch

By the time we got to Dallas Brudda left to get lunch for Emmy, the parents and June. Lots of Popeye’s Chicken but no chicken sandwich. Bummer.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Marufuku Ramen | Frisco, Texas | Geso Fry, Marufuku Bites, Hakata Tonkotsu DX
Geso Fry [fried squid legs] | $6.25 • Marufuku Bites [Japanese steamed buns filled with homemade pork Chashu, 2 pcs] | $6.25 • Hakata Tonkotsu DX [Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth with Chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled egg, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, buta kakumi (braised thick pork belly), corn, nori seaweed and sesame seeds | $14.95

Michael dropped Rosanna off and we all hung out a bit before SIL, Sammi, Rosanna and I, went off to meet up with Jenny at Marufuku Ramen for lunch. Lots of catching up while we stuffed our faces.

Sammi and I decided to share since we were super hungry. My favourite is the squid legs. The Chashu from the buns was a bit dry so not worth it. The ramen was good though we asked for ultra spicy and we didn’t feel the heat. But they don’t skimp on the noodles like other ramen places.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Somi Somi | Frisco, Texas | Ube and Matcha

In the same area was Somi Somi which I got a shot of SIL’s ube and matcha swirl soft serve.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | T-Swirl Crepe | Frisco, Texas | Matcha Azuki Bean
Matcha Azuki Bean [sliced strawberries, red bean, matcha custard cream, whipped yogurt, matcha ice cream gelato, almonds, chocolate Pocky sticks] | $8.99

While they all enjoyed their ice creams we walked next door so that I could get a crepe. I couldn’t finish it even with bare minimum help. Their crepe was crispy yet fluffy. Much better than Eight Turn Crepe.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Diaso | Frisco, Texas | Sammi & Mellie Dee

After our desserts we went next door to Diaso to check out random things. Sammi wanted us to wear masks so she could take a picture. My eyes look so creepy!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Jenny, Mellie Dee, Rosanna, Tammy, Sammi

We had a photoshoot outside and I’m happy about how they came out. I also got a Save the Date from Rosanna. Cannot wait to watch her walk down the aisle next year!

We bid our farewells with Jenny, then dropped Rosanna off before we headed to Queens Beauty supply store near SIL’s home.

By the time we got their everyone else was dressed for the pool. We were going to go as well but with the time the pool was closing for cleaning, the rest of us decided to stay behind and hang out in the media room.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Meso Maya | Plano, Texas | Margaritas (Mango Sangrita, Serrano Berry, Remolino Swirl, Cucumber), Queso Blanco, Carne Asada, Elote con Crema, Charred Brussel Sprouts
Margaritas (Mango Sangrita [fresh housemade mango sangrita with frozen house margarita & tajin salted rim] | $9 • Serrano Berry [fresh muddled strawberry & Serrano pepper, triple Sec, ambhar tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice] | $10 • Remolino Swirl [homemade sangria swirled with frozen house margarita] | $8 •Cucumber [freshly squeezed cucumber & lime juices, simple syrup, triple Sec casamigos tequila Blanco] | $9) • Queso Blanco [ chihuahua, Monterey jack and muenster cheese, housemade white corn tortillas, signature queso poblano] | $12 • Carne Asada [wood-fire marinated steak, homemade sweet corn tamal, crema Mexicans, queso fresco, black bean & cheese tostada, creamy Serrano salsa] | $21• Elote con Crema | $5 • Charred Brussel Sprouts | $5

After they got done at the pool, showers and naps later, we headed to Meso Maya to celebrate June’s birthday with the whole family. Everything was delicious and came out perfect. The only thing I was sad about was being too full so fast!

We came home and all hung out in the media room again before we all retreated back to our rooms. Tomorrow is a new day. Less crazy but hopefully just as eventful.

2019 June’s Birthday | Chatime | Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas

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An early morning where I woke up to the sound of Emmy singing downstairs. We played with her for a long bit before putting her down for a nap. When she woke up, we went off to lunch.

We had places in mind and a plan to do so many things but time was limited since she is still use to two naps in one day. This kid fits right in with our family.

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mango Smoothie
Mango Smoothie [regular] | $4.25

We ended up at Chatime since it wasn’t as crowded. Emmy is used to getting Mango Smoothies when she’s with her parents so we got her one. She seemed to enjoy it a lot and drank way more than we thought she would. Kid approved!

Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas | Xiao Long Bao, "Karaagi" Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken, "Unagi Don" Grilled Eel Rice Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl
“Unagi Don” Grilled Eel Rice Bowl [sweet caramelized Unagi sauce drizzled over perfectly grilled eel, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $9.99 • “Karaagi” Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken [Japanese fried chicken with crisp texture in outside and super juicy and tender on the inside] | $5.95 • Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Japanese curry rice bowl with panko chicken cutlet on top, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $8.99 • Xiao Long Bao [signature Chinese steamed soup pork dumplings] | $6.95

Chatime partnered with Slurping Noodles so we ordered food as well. The price isn’t bad especially with the amount of food they give you. Everything tasted great. But the rice bowls could use more sauce as it felt too dry for us overall.

Emmy loved the popcorn chicken and ate majority of it. June and I both loved the Xiao Long Baos the most. Compared to the place Salim and I went to last Saturday, these actually had soup in it so it’s on the top of my list in the Houston area. But if you compare it to Ding Tai Fung in Taiwan, it obviously doesn’t compare. I’m already wanting to go back for more soup dumplings. Who wants to join?

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mosaic Floors

They also have super cute and calming decor and I fell in love with the mosaic tile floors.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Emmy| Crepe Brulee & Harajuku Fruit Cocktail
Crepe Brulee [served Mon – Fri; fresh strawberries, creme brulee cream, crunchy flakes and caramelized toppings] | $7.99 • Harajuku Fruit Cocktail [fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mango, and banana, whipped yogurt, custard cream and sliced almonds | $8.96

We walked across for dessert. I’ve been here before with Mallory and Leah but have always said I’d come back to try their Crepe Brûlée since it’s only on work days. It was so worth it. I was surprised but the caramelized topping in bites as I made my way down the cone! Emmy ate all the fruit, mostly strawberries, out of both of ours. It’s safe to say this is a hit for any age group.

2019 June’s Birthday Cake

We got home and all relaxed and took naps. We ordered Thai Cottage for dinner to celebrate June’s birthday and had a lovely coffee mousse cake.

I spent a few hours with Emmy, cleaned part of my room, and have packed. I’m starting to donate my old clothes. I have stuff from middle school! How crazy!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – LaCenterra | Katy, Texas

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Team Meeting Lunch

I talk about how work is going great almost daily but it really is. Is it stressful? Are people still annoying as eff? Do I sometimes dread going to work because of the amount of angry customers I know awaits me sometimes? Yes, yes, and sometimes, yes.

But I can say, without a doubt, this was what I’ve wanted to do since I was in college. Is it my dream job? No. But I get to do the things I love and it’s pushing me towards what my I want.

Everything takes time and although I’ve only been in this role for eight months I have learned a lot. I also know that maybe a year from now I’ll hate where I’m at but at least at this moment in time, I am happy where I am with my career.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Ready or Not

Now on to something delicious. June’s birthday is tomorrow so I took her to our usual Houston Restaurant Week at Alamo Drafthouse. You pick a movie, in which we picked Ready or Not, and order off the menu. In their three courses, you pick two for $20 and receive a free movie ticket for the future.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Awake Until The Endgame Shake, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, 2x2 Burger, Seared Tofu Sandwich
Awake Until The Endgame Shake [inspired by Avengers: Endgame, Alamo coffee toddy, Liver & Co Fiery Ginger Syrup, Oreo crumbs, and vanilla ice cream] | Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower [with vegan ranch and celery] | 2×2 Burger [double party, Tillamook cheddar,bred onion relish, lettuce, tomato, 1000 island dressing served with fries] | Seared Tofu Sandwich [marinated tofu, carrot Chow chow, cucumber, herbed Sriacha-soy aioli & cilantro on cibatta served with fries]

June drank all her milkshake and ate her whole burger so I’d say she loved it.

I tried being a bit healthy and went with the vegan options. The tofu sandwich was surprising. I don’t feel ciabatta was the right pairing but the flavour of the aioli was perfect with the fresh vegetables. The cauliflower was a bit too salty but these two dishes are now in my “Recipes to make” list.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Free Tickets

As promised, our future tickets.

The movie was better than I imagined. I won’t spoil it but I will say that I kept getting surprised but the different outcomes. Also, the actress that plays Grace is so gorgeous. I was infatuated by her beauty even when she was covered in nasty.

Four day weekend has begun and I cannot wait to see what unfolds!