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2022 August | Doctors, June’s Birthday, Conferences, Competitions, and Mentorships

August 31, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

August 3, 2022

Finished up one of my embroidery kits with this being the last one. I had the most fun doing this mostly due to the wheels and the surrey stiches.

20220810 | June Chemo | Minuti Coffee & Los Balitos

August 10, 2022

June’s chemo has been mostly us trying to decide what pick up to eat or drink to bring there. Los balitos burritos and coffee.

20220812 | Houston Restaurant Week | Frankenstein | Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse

August 12, 2022

Frankenstein and I went to our first Houston Restaurant Week together. Avienda Brazillian Steakhouse hit the spot for all the pichana I wanted.

August 13, 2022

Lobster was on sale so Mum got us all our own. I went all out and did a seafood boil type meal with sauce from Yummy. Ughhh so good.

20220819 | Annual Check Up & Mia's Table

August 19, 2022

Did my annual check up and found out I in fact do not mind oatmeal but that it was made to be nasty growing up in the sense that my folks never put in flavoring or fruits to help mask the cardboard. When they went to do my EKG, the pads kept falling off. I think they gave up and the lady told me it was most likely due to my great moisturizing skills.

I stopped by Mia’s Table for a quick lunch before having to go to my dermatologist for my flare ups.

August 24, 2022

Another round of chemo, another road of Los Balitos burritos. I usually don’t have anything going on during this time so it was nice that I was able to attend an interactive meeting.

20220825 | Frankenstein | Gen Korean BBQ | League City

August 25, 2022

Went to GEN Korean BBQ with Frankenstein. Over ordered per usual and stuffed our faces. Over a year and a half, we still have some great conversations. And he still listens to my work woes where I “feel” the whole world is ending. Lady at work has been a bully and unbearable to where I contemplated on quitting.

20220826 | Chicken Orzo Dinner a la Frankenstein | Smoothie King

August 26, 2022

I worked out of Frankenstein’s house which I’ve never done before. He woke up super early which is surprising to me as he usually wakes up at night. He left for a bit and showed up with Smoothie King. After he dropped mine off, he left to his garage to work on some things as I continued working with a group on a competition project.

I forgot to pack underwear, gross, I know. And he made the trip to Target with me during rush hour! I then proceeded to get him to drive me to Joann’s to purchase embroidery things for an upcoming project then HEB for dinner ingredients.

First meal he’s ever made me! I thought we were going to cook together like usual but he told me to watch telly and relax. Orzo pasta with lemon chicken and a side of veggies because that’s all I ever want. So damn good that I tried mimicking his at home the week after.

August 27, 2022

For June’s birthday, we had our usual meal and cake. We opted for this pancake ice cream cake because she would always go with Mum every weekend for either IHOP or Denny’s. It’s been a while due to everything going on though. It got a lot of laughs when we revealed it.

20220828 | Hatchet House Texas | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

August 28, 2022

Work has discounts for some activities and they were having a lottery for Hatchet House Texas for “couples”. Axe, star, and knife throwing which Frankenstein was totally down to lose sleep on. We had pizza and beer as part of our meals. I realized I was better at start throwing.

20220829 | IMAGE Conference, Starbucks, Studio X

August 29, 2022

I was able to attend the IMAGE conference even though it was only for one day due to my busy week. It was nice to get out of the normal routine and attend something. Wychico was also there at the same time so we stuck with one another and got Starbucks for lunch as all the other places was filled up. We bumped into one of our leadership team members who got us an invite to Studio X happy hour at True Anomaly. I talked to new folks and networked while munching on tacos and drinking beers. It was nice to see what others were doing in other companies.

20220830 | FEL Competition at Greentown Labs

August 30. 2022

My group and I met up an hour or so earlier to practice our presentation for the first time before heading to Greentown Labs for the FEL Competition. Although we did not win, it was a great experience. I got out of my shell and did something I never would have done, meeting amazing peers who I probably won’t ever see again. I also got a lot of IMs/texts afterwards on a job well done with my presentation skills. If you know me, you’ll know I’m the worst at it so it was nice to hear.

August 31, 2022

I joined WEN to get some mentoring from people outside of work that is in the same field as me. The kickoff dinner was at Maggiano’s where I met some of the folks that would be in my group. We were all mistaken that we would be served dinner but I guess getting some snacks and wine was worth it. The two ladies I met seem to be cool so I have high expectations now.

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bridal Shower

September 26, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Beagle Puzzle, Nails, Sushi Block Legos

Work week was pretty easy since our company got some crazy news. I was able to do my nails, finish the Beagle puzzle and built the sushi block Lego that Frankenstein and I won from Kura.

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Poor Richard's Cafe | Frankenstein | Lomonte's Italian Restaurant | Houston, Texas

Frankenstein was off Thursday so we were able to have a romantic date night at Lomonte’s. The weather was nice out so we sat on the deck listening to the live music performance and talked about so many different topics. We both got a chicken dish that came with a side of pasta. The food was pretty good and the ambience of the area reminded us of Austin.

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Poor Richard's Cafe | Road trip To Dallas | Rosanna's Birthday, Ethan, Rizzo, Mellie Dee, June & Emmy | Bols Rice and Ramen

Friday after work, we drove to Dallas. Upon arriving, we celebrated Rosanna’s birthday, ate dinner from Bols Rice and Ramen and played with Emmy. I was pooped after.

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Poor Richard's Cafe | Plano, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee Storytime

Saturday morning I took the parents, June and the kids to Poor Richard’s Cafe for breakfast. This is our first time and we all ended up liking it. The kids even ate a lot which was surprising … for Emmy.

I drove them all around to run some errands for Jenny’s Bridal Shower and then went back to the house where I read Emmy some stories before we all took a nap.

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Jenny's Bridal Shower

We went and picked up the cake and headed to the clubhouse to set up for Jenny’s Bridal Shower. We took pictures, ate, and played some games. Oh and shots were had. Good times all around. And it was like a mini reunion. Next up, bachelorette!

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | BBQ Chicken and Happy Lemon

We got home and showered before SIL and I went to pick up dinner of BBQ Chicken and Happy Lemon. Korean fried chicken always hits the spot!

2021 | Week 80 of Quarantine | Bucees Keto Eggs, Stardew, Salmon Sushi Rice

We left for home super early. I am running on 2 hours of sleep today! Had breakfast of keto sausage egg and cheese from Bucees on the way. Then it was grocery shopping. After everything settled down, I got online and played some Stardew Valley with Sissy and BIL then made dinner of salmon sushi rice.

Back to work tomorrow but luckily it’s my Friday off. Last free weekend before Ethan comes back down again. What should I do? Sleep sounds nice.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Mandeville, Louisiana

July 18, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Mallory & Mellie Dee | Gloria's | Soju 101 | HMart

On Wednesday, Mallory and I had a girls night. We met up at Gloria’s for dinner and drinks. I am in love with their tamales and I am down to go back again just for it! We had some margaritas and then headed over to HMart to buy some goodies before going to Soju 101. We had soju shots and a sake bomb before calling it a night. It’s been a while since we’ve done something like this and it was a great time.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Rizzo Packed Bags

Thursday nifht was packing day. New bag and new purse. Definitely the best way to travel for a weekend trip. Rizzo wanted to come with.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee | IAH to MSY

The airport was crazy busy Friday morning but I was able to get there early and even get a dragon fruit lemonade thing from Starbucks. I snacked on my yummies from HMart while listening to a podcast.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | MSY & Cafe Du Monde

Flight was pretty quick. I watched part of The Tomorrow War on the plane and when I landed I watched some more while snacking on Cafe Du Monde, waiting for Michelle to pick me up. The MSY airport had a cute wash your hands sign and seat covers. So clean and nice.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Dexter, Mellie Dee, Jack, Zea Rotisserie & Bar

Michelle and I caught up a lot in the car and Dexter came up to me when I got to the house. Either he remembers me or he just wanted love .. or both. I was able to get a good picture with Jack.

We hung out a bit and ordered food from Zea’s through DoorDash. I actually like grits now! How crazy.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Meribo | Covington, Louisiana | Michelle & Mellie Dee

At night Michelle and I had a girls night. We made different stops but due to the how busy all of them were, we ended up at Meribo and I am not disappointed. We had the biggest bowl of brussel sprout appetizer ever that I ended up having it with a total of four meals. And their pasta was great. I told her if I ever visited I wouldn’t mind coming here again.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Max | Bubble Bath

Jack and Claire got the stomach bug from school and so we stopped by Walgreens and picked up some meds. Max finally came out and said hi and I took my first real bath while watching Mother’s Day.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Dexter | Skooter's Grill | Madisonville, Louisiana

Saturday morning I found out that Matt and Michelle were all throwing up too. I kinda knew that would happen. I hung out with Dexter, watched and finished Never Had I Ever and ate lunch through Door Dash by Skooter’s. I was surprised by how much they gave and the food was very delicious.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Jack, Dexter

I took a nap then went to Target to pick up some things for them. Came back and made chicken noodle soup for Jack and played with him a bit. When I went to the bathroom, Dexter followed me and Jack tried to shove toys (train track) under the door and started crying because I was in the bathroom. Haha

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Max & Dexter | Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar | Mandeville, Louisiana

Later that night I ordered food from Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar through Uber Eats. Super expensive and not a good portion size. But it was good enough to keep me full. Max came to say hi but always at a distance and Dexter scared me because he was in my room chilling and I didn’t even know.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | ER with Michelle

This morning Michelle and I went to the ER since she was feeling a lot of pressure and since she had the stomach bug, most likely dehydrated. Luckily they checked her out and she was all good.

2021 | Week 70 of Quarantine | Frog | Skooter's | Madisonville, Louisiana | MSY to IAH

We went back to the house, ordered Skooter’s again as I finished watching TVB’s Sinister Beings. I got to finally see a baby frog (they croak a lot at night) as we walked out the door to the airport. Michelle took me and it was nice to have a good hour with her again before leaving. My flight got delayed but luckily I’ve finally landed and am on my shuttle to my car.

We obviously didn’t do much and it sucked everyone was sick but I’m glad I didn’t get sick. But most importantly glad I got to spend time with Michelle. 3 years until she moves back home! #fingerscrossed

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco Family Trip

June 20, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Local Table | Katy, Texas | Beth

Wednesday, I had plans to get dinner with Mallory and Beth at Local Table. Sadly, Mallory couldn’t go since Jacob ended up not feeling well.

First time Beth and I hung out alone together and I very much enjoyed our conversation while enjoying delicious foods. We both shared things to one another we never really opened up to many people about so it was nice being vulnerable together.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Nitelight Donuts and Coffee

Friday morning the whole family started our drives to Waco. We stopped to get McDonald’s breakfast and once we arrived to Waco we picked up some cronuts from Nightlight. They were even good after being in the fridge a day plus later!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Airbnb

Our view of the backyard. And all the free drinks the last group left over. Saved us a bit of money not needing to buy much.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Mac House

My car went to HEB and picked up some weekend goods while Brudda’s car went and picked up lunch from Mac House. Their menu is very limited and doesn’t taste as good by the time we were back at the Airbnb to eat.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Emmy, Ethan, Rizzo, Bruno, Kato

After eating we all jumped into the pool and had a blast racing. We put each kid in a float while Sissy and I rickshaw raced from one end of the pool to the other. Winner was obviously me every time with Emmy in my rickshaw.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Moroso Wood Fire Pizzeria

After swimming Sissy and I went to Target then picked up food from Moroso. Pizza and risotto. Their risotto was bomb but everything else was just okay. This place was popping though when we picked up our food so must be one of the better food places.

We enjoyed ice creams and mochi ice creams we picked up from Target then all headed to bed.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Magnolia

Saturday morning we left and headed to the Magnolia Silos and Market. We walked around mostly because we were waiting for our table at Magnolia Table.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee | Magnolia Table

While we waited for our food I brought out the glow in the dark tattoos and Emmy chose everyone’s. Something to keep her entertained.

The food came but nothing to special to write home about. Mostly busy due to Chip and Joanna Gaines being famous else, I douby it’d be a hyped up place. Also our food was super cold but our server was perfect!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Kindle, Watermelon Margarita, Blasian Asian, Marvel Card Game

Back to the house where I enjoyed some fine reading and swims with everyone. I went with SIL to pick up dinner from Blasian Asian whole Sissy made watermelon margaritas. Since a lot of people had leftovers we didn’t order as much food. Yay for cleaning out the fridge!

Sissy, BIL, Brudda and I played a few rounds of Marvel card game before calling it a night. But at 3am I got a phone call from our security system that our alarm went off. And my car decided to leave early but no worries. All is good!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Sushihana

Getting back early meant a lot of relaxing time. I went grocery shopping with Mum and June and we ordered different foods from different places. The sashimi hit the spot.

It was a nice trip where our family was finally able to be together in the same house for the weekend and I won’t take it for granted.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine

June 6, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Memorial Monday equaled Ethan and I accidentally both wearing Rockets shirts. We took some impromptu selfies together while he chowed down on some sauceless/brothless macaroni.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | 8th Wonder | Houston, Texas | Friends Reunion | Sissy, BIL, June, Sarah, Jacky, Timothy

June and I picked up Timothy and headed over to Sissy and BIL’s house where we then walked to 8th Wonder and met up with Sarah and Jacky. We drank some beers, picked up Rodeo Goat and ate that at the brewery as well before heading back to Sissy and BIL’s house to watch the Friends Reunion.

It was nice getting to do it with them and remember all the memories with it.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Ethan, Mellie Dee, Rizzo

The rest of the week was filled with Ethan screams and Rizzo cuddles. Ethan left with Dad Friday morning and the house has been super quiet. Two weeks until I get to see him again. Which means another round of stranger danger until he feels safe with me again. Sigh.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Sushihana Door Dash | Mellie Dee & Ethan | Dad's Birthday

We celebrated Dad’s birthday on Thursday, the actual day before they left. Ordered him Sushihana and blew out the candles of cheesecake and mousse cake. Ethan didn’t like his dinner but was all for cheesecake. Silly.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Whiskey Cake | Katy, Texas | Mallory, Beth

Later that night, I met up with Mallory and Beth along with their friend Michelle at Whiskey Cake. I had a whiskey flight which was much better than I thought. Their devil eggs and chef’s board was a hit. I would say the brussels and grits were subpar though. Great conversations and great company.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Cruella, Jacob, Snow Cones

Friday, after work, I went over to Mallory’s to do my laundry since our washer broke and will take a while for a new one to arrive. We tried to start Cruella while Jacob high fived us. We didn’t get far but I did chow down on the free salad that she gave me since I hadn’t eaten all day. We went and got Snow Cones with Beth before heading over to pick up JJ from her mum’s. I got to see her parents and her grandparents, aunt, and cousin. It’s been a long time so it was great to see their faces and catch up.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Farmers Market & Tahicoon | Katy, Texas

Saturday, Mum, June, and I went to the Katy’s Farmers Market. Not a lot of vendors but it was still fun to check stuff out. We then had lunch at Thaicoon. Highly recommend. Great big portions and delicious.

We went to Costco after and I finally got my Melona Ice Cream that I’ve been craving after trying it at Gordon’s and Patsy’s. YUM!

We watched Cruella and I highly recommend it. So much twist and turns. Great acting from everyone. It’s been a while since something surprised me.

2021 | Week 64 of Quarantine | Frankenstein | Cooking Date Chicken Spaghetti and Roasted Asparagus

Today, I drove over to Frankenstein’s and we looked at cookbooks he had, deciding on Chicken Spaghetti. We went to HEB to pick up the ingredients then went back and made it. He says it’s kind of like what he grew up eating, plus or minus a few ingredients. I’ve been craving pasta so it hit the spot. And for anyone that knows me, knows I need to have a little more greens so he agreed and roasted me asparagus. We watched an episode of Money Explained (Student Loans) and it resonated a bit so we were able to talk about it. Then he showed me and explained to me about South Padre’s SpaceX which was pretty interesting.

I’m ready for my four day work week.