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

August 31, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

20220803 | Basic Embroidery Sample

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.

20220813 | Lobster Seafood Meal

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.

20220824 | June Chemo | Los Balitos

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.

20220827 | June Birthday

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.

20220831 | WEN Mentoring | Maggiano's

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.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Barbecue, Houston, Houston Restaurant Week, Italian, Korean, League City, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Pizza, Sandwiches and Burgers, Seafood, Sightseeing, Steakhouse, Texas

2022 July | Dig World, Frankenstein Meets the Family, Reunions, Astros, Planes, More Chemo & Embroidery

July 31, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

20220701 | Postino's Lunch | Katy, Texas | Anna & Aria

July 1, 2022

Went to Postino’s with Anna and her daughter Ari. We ordered practically everything on the menu and had so much fun talking about everything and nothing at all. I loved the food and know what I want next time I go. They accompanied me to Trader’s Joe because I wanted to buy some soup dumplings. I found out I’m one of Ari’s favourite people which is nice to know since she is a teen and they tend to not like anyone.

20220701 | Bucees & The Oaks for Dinner | Mum, Emmy, Ethan

I promised Emmy and Ethan I’d take them out so Mum joined and we went to Buccees to walk around and then ate dinner at The Oaks. The kids loved it and ran around everywhere afterward.

20220701 | Emmy, Ethan, Mellie Dee | Clay Painting & Light Up Balloons

I blew up light up balloons and they painted magnets. Sadly Emmy accidentally broke Ethan’s a few days later. Good thing he’s still young and does not even remember he made this or that it’s missing.

20220702 | Dig World | Katy, Texas | Emmy, Ethan, Mum, Mellie Dee, Michelle

July 2, 2022

Michelle and I made plans to take the kids to Dig World. SO SO COOL! I made Mum go with me since I couldn’t do both kids knowing how the rides were. Michelle brought along her parents as well.

Michelle and I didn’t get to spend as much time as we wanted but it was nice to see her and the kids outside of the house.

Overall it was a super fun experience but super hot one. We went and got Bonchon afterwards and the kids were SO thirsty and SO hungry that they ate the mostest. Then they passed out in the car when we were driving back home, stopping for some fireworks.

20220702 | Science Projects | Emmy & Ethan

I thought the kids would be tired when they got home. LIES. Once they were woken up from their car ride, they were running around like crazies.

I opened a science kit and we did some experiments. They loved it so much that they kept asking to do more and always point to the box when I open the “special” closet.

20220703 | Frankenstein Meets Parents, Emmy & Ethan | Hot Pot, Fourth of July Fireworks, HMart & Yan Tea | Sissy & BIL

July 3, 2022

The day started out with me tearing up as I did Emmy’s hair because I realized I probably won’t ever have my own kids. I’ve accepted it but it’s moments like these that makes me sad but blessed to have moments like these.

I then dropped Mum off at H-Mart while I took the kids next door to get smoothies, popcorn chicken and play games while we waited. They were complimented so many times on how well behaved they were.

Sissy & BIL came over to celebrate Fourth of July early. We played a new game where you use water to stick some foam stuff together to make things. This is also when Frankenstein met my family and this man went above and beyond, showing up with beers, flowers, Fourth of July cookies and chocolate covered pretzels.

We had hot pot for dinner, played games like Mister Murder (Emmy loved finding the murderer — eek) and did some fireworks. I loved seeing how he interacts with the kids. This was also the first time Rizzo did NOT bark at someone. Must be a sign … maybe? hahaha … maybe not. Overall, I think it went well.

20220705 | Emmy, Ethan, Mellie Dee

July 5, 2022

Towards the end of the work day they came upstairs and requested I sing and play guitar. After work we did bubbles, walked the dog, and did some arts and crafts. She loved the string heart and kept telling her Dad she wanted it in her room during their Facetime call.

20220707 | Ethan & Emmy | Day with Goojei

July 7, 2022

Dad was fine beginning of the day so I had to take care of them while I worked. I was excited I got to make them breakfast with Emmy’s help as Ethan slept. Emmy kept reminding Ethan that she helped make his food. I found activities to keep them busy while I was in calls and mostly kept quiet until I hung up the phone.

20220707 | Emmy & Mellie Dee | Longhorn Steakhouse, House of Pies | Katy, Texas

I took Emmy on a Auntie & Niece date since she was leaving that weekend. We stopped by Mallory’s and Beth’s houses to drop off gifts and headed to Longhorn Steakhouse (blood donation the next day) since someone was generous enough to give me a gift card there.

As we waited she sat and did her kids meal games and it’s so crazy how fast kids learn. She kept playing with it until the food came. And while we are we had conversations about random things.

She wanted to sit next to me when we were done eating and asked to take pictures with me. My heart.

we stopped at House of Pies to pick some up for Brudda and SIL since Brudda wanted some last time but didn’t get to.

20220708 | Inflatable Katy & Cocohodo | Katy, Texas | Emmy & Ethan

July 8, 2022

I went and donated some platelets and whatnot and got some cool gifts. They ran out of the 5 gallon mug so gave me a 1 gallon for now even though I already have one.

When I got back I took the kids to play at Inflatable Katy. No one was around so we literally had the whole place to ourselves. No compliants!

I loved watching how they help one another out especially Emmy with Ethan wanting to go with her but was scared at first.

I took them to Cocohodo for ice cream a d chocolate crepes while I had an iced coffee. Emmy asked why she had to share her food with little brother and that I should buy more. Girl thinks I’m rich!

20220709 | Jacob & Pat | Hong Kong Cafe | Crawfish Cafe | Brudda, SIL, Emmy | Houston, Texas | Mellie Dee

July 9, 2022

Jakob and his friend, Pat, were in town and for the first time in 10 years our schedule finally meshed when he was in Houston!

We had lunch at Hong Kong Cafe. Our nerdy selves talked about database and scripting. Sorry, Pat! It was nice to see him and meet Pat. Jakob has definitely changed a lot in 10 years, positively of course!

I went back home for a nap and then did some concrete step making with Emmy before we got ready for dinner at Crawfish Cafe. Brudda, SIL, and Sammi wanted some. I invited Frankenstein to join since we hadn’t had crawfish together not met Brudda and SIL.

I’m sure he was shocked they paid for our meal so we went and got boba and he paid for everyone. And he even got me gummy bear earrings! They’re currently my favourite pair.

20220712 | Bath Bomb Mickey Mouse Butt

July 12, 2022

I just wanted to share a bath bomb I did with the kids because it’s so funny!

20220713 | Gypsy Poet Pizza | Houston, Texas | Jane, Gerald, Nancy, Terence, Bobo, Gerard and Wife

July 13, 2022

Met up with some old college friends from FSA at The Gypsy Poet for some pizza. It was pretty good. And I was surprised we stayed so long! It was nice catching up with all of them.

20220715 | Mia's Table | Blood Donation | Mellie Dee & Ethan

July 15, 2022

Mum, Dad, Ethan and I went to Mia’s Table for lunch. He was leaving soon so we did a last hurrah with free ice cream!

Then I went and donated blood and got free top that is now my go to all the time because of how thin it is.

20220717 | Ethan & Rizzo Adventures | Science

July 17, 2022

Time with Ethan is so easy. He does need a lot of attention but he is always so easily entetained and happy.

20220720 | Chuck E. Cheese | Ethan, Mellie Dee, JJ, Jacob, Mallory

July 20, 2022

He got to go to Chuck E Cheese to see JJ and Jacob while Mallory and I shared some drinks. I find it funny that he thinks Jacob is JJ.

20220721 | Astros v Yankee | Work Team Building | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Pitch 25 | Sissy & BIL

July 21, 2022

The team I was assisting at work had a team away day at an Astros game. Frankenstein decided to get his own ticket that day since he was off so he came and walked with me from Sissy’s house. His seat was on the other side of where I was though.

I opted for the nachos and a beer using work money and it was nice meeting so many new people!

Frankenstein and I met back up a d walked back to Sissy’s where we hung out with BIL until she got off work. We went to Pitch 25 for some munchies and watched the second Astros game before we all parted ways.

20220722 | Mellie Dee | Shine on Heights Salon | Rizzo | Hong Kong Package

July 22, 2022

A new haircut and dye job. The hair was still super long but so far, I’m liking this lady!

I got a package from across the pond. Hong Kong Milk Tea. We couldn’t find any here and it’s my favourite instant drink! So excited. I still have SO much.

20220723 | The Artsy Soul & OG Tea | Ethan, Sissy

July 23, 2022

Sissy and I took Ethan ceramic painting. Ethan did a truck, Sissy did a cactus, and I did a few paw prints: one for Rocky, Rizzo and Artemis. We stopped by a teahouse for boba and smoothies.

20220725 | Karen | College Talk | Homebrew | Katy, Texas

July 25, 2022

Rose’s daughter wanted some college advice so I took her to Homebrew where we drank smoothies, ate pistachio muffins and talked about boys … I mean college.

20220726 | Work | Mango Festival | Baby Shower

July 26, 2022

Work had Mangofest. Free mango things and little shops set up where you can buy things from earrings to salsa. The team I was assisting had a baby shower so we did that as well. I didn’t feel I worked at all that day.

20220728 | Ethan, JJ, Jacob Play Date

July 28, 2022

I took Ethan for his last play time with the boys before he left. Jacob loves stopping him from going and JJ loved picking him up. The one wjere Ethan is holding something in front of him makes me laugh because he had a mouth full of food almost coming out as he looked at himself in the tiny mirror.

20220729 | Ethan Goes Home | Mellie Dee

July 29, 2022

And just like that, a drive to Bucees for a drop off and he’s back home. Ugh, he’s such a sweet boy.

20220730 | Frankenstein | 1940s Air Terminal Museum | Houston, Texas | Mellie Dee

July 30, 2022

Frankenstein and I had a airplane day. We first made a stop at 1940 Air Terminal Museum which is right next to Hobby Airport. it was cool to see some planes up close and what they wore or had on the plane in the past. So much history for how the airport came to be to now a museum since they needed a bigger location, Hobby.

20220730 | Frankenstein | Lone Star Flight Museum & Kemah Thai | Houston, Texas

The Lone Star Flight Museum was our next stop. This was actually SUPER cool to see SO many planes used during war and what not. They also had some interactive things to do.

We stopped for Thai food afterwards before heading home. Look at them deformed heart rices. Haha

20220731 | June Chemo

July 31, 2022

Another chemo session accompanied by breakfast. I’m becoming a pro at working from the hospital.

20220728 | Embroidery | Class of Shirts for Emmy, Ethan, JJ, Jacob

Some crafts for the month includes a whole lotta embroidery things and t-shirt making for Emmy, Ethan, Jacob and JJ. I messed up the sizes so had two extra ones. Hopefully Mallory found people to give those too.

20220730 | Ethan | Puzzle | We Bare Bears Summer Bears | July 4th | Costco | Puzzle Tracker

Puzzles galore. I even made an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my puzzles. Ethan loves to help so he did his own. Maybe he’ll grow to be the puzzle lover and take all my puzzles one day.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Asian, Bars and Pubs, Chinese, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Pizza, Seafood, Sightseeing, Steakhouse, Thai

2022 June | Astros, Beth’s Baby Shower, Vow Renewal, Chuck E. Cheese & Chemo

June 30, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

20220602 | Ethan | Dad's Early Birthday Celebration

Ethan left in the beginning of the month.

Our family had scheduled Dad’s birthday celebration by doing a family trip in San Saba for the weekend. Where is that? No clue. We literally looked all around to find a place that worked for us. Personal pool was a must!

June and I did not end up going so we celebrated Dad’s birthday a day early before they all left for the trip. Ethan helped me decorate. Ugh, such a cutie pie.

20220630 | June Chemo | Mellie Dee

June and I didn’t go because she had just gotten her port put in and her first round of chemo. She didn’t ask anyone to stay back, or tell us to cancel the trip and knowing her, she’d hate if we did so I opted to stay back.

I took off work for her port insertion day and her first round of chemo. During her port insertion day, there was a gift shop selling jewelry and other things so I walked around during her surgery and bought some earrings, a romper and a tweezer.

The location where she was getting all this done was at the hospital she worked at during COVID. She had told one of her old coworkers to maker her treatment since she trusted him.

And during her first round of chemo, I just talked to her as much as I could. We even brought Krispy Kreme donuts to her secondary pharmacy where she worked during COVID. She got to choose who made her treatment and it was nice seeing people pop in and out to say hi to her. We were even able to video chat with the kids since Dad was up there with them so time passed by fairly quickly.

She had two additional rounds of chemo this month. Prior to showing up for her labs before chemo, we would sometimes grab food and drinks. Thankful for my manager for understanding and letting me work from the hospital.

It was pretty easy in the beginning but started to get a little rough the next couple.

20220607 | Frankenstein, Mellie Dee | Astros v Mariners | Shake Shake

June 6, 2022

Frankenstein got free tickets from one of his coworkers. Dang good seats too. He brought his camera and we stuffed our faces with Shake Shack. The pics are taken from him. Such detail. He had a good one with their arm all funky.

20220610 | Blood Donation | Mallory & Mellie Dee | Tiff Treat from Monica's Baby Shower

June 10, 2022

Blood donations with Mallory. We got free towels. I also came home with cookies for winning a baby shower game through online.

20220611 | Beth's Baby Sprinkle Shower | Mallory & Mellie Dee

June 11, 2022

Mallory and I threw Beth an ice cream baby shower. We had games and a whole lot of diabetes (cookies and ice cream). I made the poofs look like mini ice cream sundaes with a shower gel on the side as party favours. I’m so late at posting that Caden is already born.

20220611 | New Bed Frame | Rizzo & Mellie Dee

That night I went home and built my bed frame. Loving it so far! So does Rizzo. He wouldn’t leave. I guess he likes this more than sleeping on the floor.

20220616 | Bunco | Won Most Buncos

June 16, 2022

They needed an extra for Bunco at Mallory & Beth’s neighborhood. I won $20! I do love this neighborhood. They have so many things going on. Sadly at the moment, it’s too far away (and getting too expensive to move there).

20220620 | Frankenstein | Memorial City Mall & Mikoto Sushi

June 20, 2022

Frankenstein was on my side of town for his internship class so he decided to make time for me by literally waiting over an hour at Memorial City Mall while I finished up working, got ready, and drove over there.

We walked around a bit and I bought puzzles because SALE!

Then headed to Mikoto for dinner. All you can eat. We laughed so hard at his two little flavoured sashimi compared to the regular sashimi. Can you find it?

20220624 | Artemis, Mellie Dee, Frankenstein | Top Gun Maverick | Star Movie Grill | League City, Texas | Dave & Busters

June 24, 2022

Since Frankenstein’s Aunt and Uncle had a surprise vow renewal this weekend, I went over a night early to have a little date night. He was stuck at work when I got there so I walked around Bravo, a party store nearby, and then headed to his place.

This is the first time Artemis was so loving (because Frankenstein wasn’t around!). She even laid next to me in bed while I realxed.

Once he got home, we went and watched Top Gun Maverick at Star Cinema Grill. We ordered ALL the foods and a giant pitcher of sangria. It was our first theater movie and he even got the whole experience where I cried pretty much non-stop through the movie. So much feels. I’ve watched it a second time since and it’s still just as great.

We played some games at Dave & Buster’s nearby and had the funniest experience taking pictures because it was SO horribly executed. When we were walking back to the car, I accidentally dropped it and his response was “just leave it” because they were so bad. But I loved it because the memory is too hilarious not to.

20220625 | DoorDash The Flame Tacos | League City, Texas | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Pam & Steve Vow Renewal | Galveston, Texas | Poretto Beach & Tremont Hotel

June 25, 2022

We ordered The Flame Tacos for breakfast/lunch and later got ready for the vow renewal at Poretto Beach. We met others at the Tremont Hotel for the bus ride to the beach and my goodness … it was SO gorgeous. We spent a lot of our time afterward at their rooftop after having some finger foods at the reception hall.

20220630 | Emmy & Ethan's First Chuck E. Cheese | Mellie Dee

June 30, 2022

I took Emmy & Ethan to their first Chuck E. Cheese experience. Ethan was scared of the mouse but overall they loved it and asked if they could go back again. They also ate more pizza than I thought they would! Not having kids, and maybe never having kids but having this experience made it feel like I did for a split second. Great memories I’ll remember forever.

20220630 | Emmy, Ethan, June | Crystal Making

We had many adventures together like making crystals, eating ice creams, bath bomb surprises, and more. These two are so fun and I always wish they would move closer.

20220630 | Puzzle | Manhattan Skyline, We Bare Bears Vacation Car, Majestic Cafe, Friends The Experience, Haul

Some puzzles I finished this month. Manhattan Skyline, We Bare Bears Vacation Car, Majestic Cafe, Friends The Experience, Pickler’s Haul. I might have made some of these names up but the Majestic Cafe is the most pieces I’ve done … 2000 in two days isn’t too bad.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Japanese, Pizza, Sushi, Weddings

202204 | Arizona Trip | 1st Anniversary

April 18, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Wingstop | League City, Texas | Ronny Chieng Speakeasy

Thursday, April 14th

I worked until almost 6pm. I had plans to go be at Frankenstein’s by 6pm! It was crazy but pushing through and finishing chapter one of my paper for work class was worth it because coming back Monday, I didn’t have to worry too much about it.

Anyway, I finally made it to his place after 7pm and he pranks me by making me think he packed the smallest duffle bag for the trip because I tend to pack “a lot”. Hey, I’m a girl. We have more things!

I hadn’t eaten all day and only drank one bottle of water. My hands were shaking and although I was not hungry I knew I had to eat. We watched Ronny Chieng Speakeasy on Netflix and ate our DoorDash Wingstop for dinner and headed to bed.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Hobby > PHX | Phoenix, Arizona | Mellie Dee

Friday, April 15th

We wake up SUPER early for our 6am flight. We both like being at the airport early. Yay. We were lucky and got the whole row to ourselves. I mostly played on my iPad and watched Flashpoint before opting to sleep with music in my ears.

We arrived at Phoenix, picked up our bags and headed to our rental car. We were upgraded twice and went on our merry way. It was the one we initially wanted but realized wasn’t necessary so it all worked out.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Original Breakfast House | Phoenix > Flagstaff
Garden Hash & Eggs (mix “hash potatoes”, peppers, onions, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and cheddar cheese, topped with two eggs your way and served with toast, biscuit, or pancakes) | $13.95 • Green Pork Chili Benedict (two tamale cakes topped with green pork chili, two poached eggs and scratch hollandaise sauce) | $15

We started driving to Flagstaff stopping at Original Breakfast House since we hadn’t eaten yet. There was a wait and they even had a sign that if it was a busy day, your group will only have an hour and a half before getting kicked out! How crazy!

The food was better than expected, and they give you a lot! We both had leftovers. Frankenstein’s tamales were perfect. The masa was super sweet to me as well but he thought they tasted normal. I opted for the biscuit and ordered their sausage gravy to go with it. The biscuit was sweet which was weird for me. Also having asparagus in my hash was different. Not a fan but I ate all the veggies I could.

This place has cinnamon rolls which I really wanted to order but was so full to do so. The whole time I was there, I noticed every few minutes another cinnamon roll was being served to another table so it must be a hit!

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Downtown Shops | Macy's European Coffeehouse & Bakery

When we got to Flagstaff we parked the car and walked around downtown. We mostly went into shops I looked up and wanted to check out.

  • Babbit General Store
  • Bright Side Bookstore
  • PJ Chilcottage
  • Blackhound Gallerie
  • Basement Marketplace
  • Zani’s

He just wanted to take pictures of downtown so it worked out since I dragged him everywhere. We stopped by Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery for a quick pick me up before continuing around downtown.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona

Afterward, we stopped by Lowell Observatory. My man loves all things space and this is the place where Pluto was discovered!

I typically dislike tours or “lectures” as they put it but our lady was THE BEST. I did not fall asleep and I retained a lot more information than I thought I would. Either I have to admit to Frankenstein that this shiet is interesting or maybe, just maybe, this is literally the best tour guide ever.

The telescopes are GIANOURMOUS. I was actually disappointed that it was too windy to use. Luckily their cluster of smaller (compared to the giant ones but the cluster is still huge) telescopes were able to be used later in the night.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Shift Restaurant | Flagstaff, Arizona | 1st Anniversary | Mellie Dee
Chef’s Tasting Menu | four courses + intermezzo | $70/person

We checked into our little house we rented. It was super cute and perfect for just the two of us. We laid around for a bit since we hadn’t really stopped since we arrived and then made a pit stop at Basha’s for water. Then it was time to check into our reservations for our first anniversary dinner celebration at Shift.

We didn’t know what to really order so we opted for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Our first ever Chef’s Tasting Menu. If one person wanted to do it, everyone at the table had to.

We started out with tap water for me, sparking for him, and Paloma for me and a bourbon for him before our courses started to come.

  • 1st Course | Roasted Red Cabbage (fermented soy, Greek yogurt, pickled caraway seed)
  • 2nd Course | Mushroom Cavatelli (spicy miso beurre blanc, maple eel sauce, pea vines)
  • Intermezzo | Sorbet (evoo, sea salt, chevre)
  • 3rd Course | Escolar (coconut corn broth, piquillo relish, curry walnut dust, chive oil)
  • 4th Course | Mint Chocolate Churro (variations of chocolate, earl grey gelato)

I loved every course and if I had the money, I’d do tasting menus everywhere! It’s nice to get a bit of everything. We were both surprised about the cabbage and made me want to go home and try to do the same. It was better than I expected it to be. The dessert wasn’t bad. Nothing to write about but it was nice to have gelato since our first date was Menchie’s. He said it’s not the same since it’s not frozen yogurt but I’d like to think any form of ice cream, gelato, froyo is okay.

My favourite hands down was the sauce from the second course. If they mix that with the escolar from the third course, I think it would be the perfect pairing. Frankenstein on the other hand loved the third course.

My leaste favourite has got to be the intermezzo. The goat cheese and sea salt ruined the sorbet in my opinion.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona | Night Sky

We headed back to the Observatory after dinner to catch the stars. Sadly the moon was shining so bright that it was hard to get the kind of pictures we envisioned. They’re not bad but could be better. Next time, we’ll check the moon calendar before booking flights to see stars.

We looked through those telescopes I mentioned earlier and bought things at the gift shop as a memorabilia.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | The Fred Harvey Restaurant | Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, Arizona | Mellie Dee

Saturday, April 16th

We woke up early and drove to Williams. We grabbed our Grand Canyon Railway tickets and ate a buffet breakfast at The Fred Harvey Museum. The tater tots and bacon were top tier. I joked I was going to snag some in my bag to eat on the train.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, Arizona | Mellie Dee

The ride was a little over two hours but it was better than driving an hour and wait to park for another hour. They kept us entertained. They had a newspaper with facts, information, and coupons for restaurants. And once in a while they’ll have stories to tell about an area we were passing by.

What really kept me entertained for a long while was the family sitting in front of us. The little girl kept trying to get our attention … until she passed out from exhaustion.

The little cross picture are communication lines they used back in the day from the Grand Canyon to Williams. It’s still up, even though they don’t use it.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Grand Canyon, Arizona | Mellie Dee

When we finally made it to the Grand Canyon, we were let out and were free to roam about the whole entire area. We walked and took SO many pictures. I love that he is the same so there was no anxiety of “oh crap, I shouldn’t take one” because half the time, he was too. We walked into the market place area, shopping a bit before jumping on the bus to head back to the train.

I got off the bus prematurely which could have been catastrophic if we didn’t make it back to our train by the allotted time. Luckily the couple in front of us, as well as the lady managing how many people can get on a bus at a time, let us on. Whew. Then we had an issue where we couldn’t check in since internet up in the canyon was spotty. Yay boarding group C!

On the ride back we were stopped by the bad guys. They were literally on horses! And even had two of them get on the train and once the train started going again, they walked through demanding money. The kids LOVED it. I even heard one said, “see you later bad guys!”

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Northern Arizona University | Fratelli Pizza | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona
Works (red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, black olive, red onion, green bell pepper) • Flagstaff (hippie favourite! pesto, sun dried tomato, mozzarella, artichoke heart, ricotta, garlic) | $13/small 10″ pizza

When we got back at the depot, we walked around the shop and then drove back to Flagstaff. We passed by Northern Arizona University where Frankenstein’s coworker got their doctorate there. It was super pretty so he walked around for a short bit and got a few pics as evidence that he did check it out.

We decided on Fratelli Pizza for dinner. Two small pizzas that was still TOO much for us but we shoveled it down. Per usual, veggie meat pizzas are to notch. I was very surprised by artichoke on pizza though. I actually liked it although their sun dried tomatoes were too hard/chewy so I picked those off and gave them to him instead.

We were about to head back “home” when I realized the Observatory was still opened and I wanted to get the cap. He had gotten one but I was on the fence. Glad he was willing to go back so I could get it. It also gave him a chance to ask questions about one of the telescopes he was interested in to understand what programs it was using.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 3 | Flagstaff > Phoenix | Chase Field | Gallo Blanco | PHX > Hobby
Gallo Guacamole (avocado, red onion, serranos, fire roasted tomatoes, orange segments, salt, line, cilantro & cotija with chips) | $6 • La Bomba Torta (al pastor, asadero cheese, lettuce, mayo & tomatillo salsa with pineapple) | $13 • Barbacoa Taco | $3.75 • Campechano Taco (longaniza, al pastor, carne asada) | $3.75 | Red Eye Coffee

Sunday, April 17th

Our last day, we woke up later than all the previous days and made our way to Phoenix. I had found a family owned Mexican restaurant but when we got there, it was closed … Oh Easter.

He found out Chase Field was close by so while I searched for a new place, he drove around and snapped pictures the best he could.

We ended up grabbing food at Gallo Blanco. Seriously one of the best Mexican foods I’ve ever had. Their al pastor is top notch although their guacamole could be better. Mostly because I’m use to the Texas way with a lot more vegetables and smooth. Theirs was SUPER chunky and I found a few avocado skins in there as well. Frankenstein said it’s to show how authentic it is.

We dropped off the car and went to the airport. We walked through different terminals to get our steps in and watched planes take off. With us being in boarding group C, we were lucky to find seats next to one another.

By the time we got back to Houston, I was pooped. We picked up our bags, got on a bus to get my car, drove him home, before heading home myself. Luckily I was home a little after 9pm which just feels like a regular day to me so work wasn’t too bad – especially since I got to work it at home.

Our first trip on our first anniversary was memorable. We did a lot and nothing at all. I came back, although tired, but refreshed. I’m not sure when our next trip will be but I’m ready …

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Arizona, Breakfast and Brunch, Chef's Tasting Menu, Coffee and Tea, Flagstaff, League City, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Phoenix, Pizza, Sightseeing, Texas, Williams

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine

July 4, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Sissy & BIL's | Water Heater Installation | Bruno & Kato, Selena + Chef, 7 Spices, Seafood Sandwich

Monday morning, I arrived at Sissy & BIL’s. They were getting their water heater put in and needed someone to be at the house. It was nice working at a different location for a day. I was able to watch Selena + Chef (I finished the whole season that day) while I worked and Bruno and Kato laid on me. I even got to order from 7 Spices. Their food came out amazing and was a little bummed I ordered so little but it was enough to fulfill me.

Later that day when they came home, we ordered food from some place I don’t remember and watched an episode of Parenthood. I got the seafood sandwich with a side of soup and it was wonderful. I saved the other half to take home to Mum.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Jury Duty

I had spent the night at their house since the next day, it was my Jury Duty. I had signed up to do virtual but I never received an email. When I showed up they told me mine was virtual but since I’m here, to stay. I ended up being chosen to be on grand jury. Before you tell me I should of been more opinionated, I’m just going to say this – they only ask about your schedule. It’s going to be for twice a week for three months. I’ve told my line manager so on days I have to go to jury duty, I’ll have to also work after if I get off early. They did give us a pretty good lunch and apparently on those two days a week, we’ll be getting that as well.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Frankenstein's New Kitty

Wednesday morning, Frankenstein surprised me that he now has a kitty. Apparently when he left the hospital, someone had found a kitty and he offered to take her in. She doesn’t have a name yet but he’ll be naming her after some space stuff. I cannot wait to meet her tomorrow! I hope she likes me more. Doubt it though.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Mallory, John, Robbie, Emmy, Jacob, JJ

Later that day, I went to pick up some beef jerky that Ricardo had sent down. I had taken Emmy with me and remembered that I was going to stop by Mallory and John’s to see Robbie. He was in town for a day and they were doing dinner. I stopped by where Emmy got to play with Jacob and JJ while we talked and ate. It was nice to catch up since it’s been forever. Emmy and I then stopped by Pet Supplies Plus and saw some kitties up for adoption. After seeing Frankenstein having one I want one now. Maybe one day.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Orange Mountain Puzzle, Ethan, Tangled Puzzle

Thursday night I finished my mountain puzzle. Sadly a piece was missing from this one too. UGH. I don’t know if it’s because of the kids or because of the company because it’s the same company as the previous missing piece puzzle. Luckily, my Tangled puzzle was safe; different company though.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Emmy, Ethan, Jacob, JJ Playdate, John, Mallory, Uncle Julio's

Friday, after work, I took both Ethan & Emmy to Mallory’s. John was home too and was able to finally meet Ethan. They all played a long great. Ethan and Jacob, Emmy and JJ. Not fights and great deal of sharing. I ordered food from Uncle Julio’s and drinks (duh) and relaxed. After a long while of playing, we headed home. With the kids both asleep, I know it was a good day for them.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Nuestra Casa Bakery Cafe | Pedicure with Mum & Sissy

Saturday morning, Sissy came over so that we could get pedicures with Mum. We stopped by Nuestra Casa Bakery Cafe. This place is so tucked in that I would have never stopped by if Sissy didn’t ask to. They have nice pastries like sweet bread and empanadas, among other things. I am going to stop by here again to get more in the future.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Starbucks, Emmy, Tie Dye with Sissy

We stopped by, got Starbucks, and begin tie dying with Emmy. Our hands were all blue since Emmy doused her shirt with so much blue, the pink didn’t show up anymore. Her shirt ended up being pretty good though.

Sissy and I then went and dropped off a lot of stuff to UPS and stopped by Diaso to do some shopping we didn’t need before we got back home where she played with Emmy a bit before leaving.

A few hours later, Brudda and SIL arrived and I was finally child free. This is when I started and finished my Tangle puzzle while listening to music.

2021 | Week 68 of Quarantine | Starbucks, Armadillo Escape Room Adventures, Russo Pizza, Camel Up, Hot Pot, Sparklers

Sunday morning started off with SIL picking up Starbucks before everyone showed up at our house. Sissy, BIL, Gordon, Timothy, and Sarah joined Brudda, SIL and I to Armadillo Escape Room Adventures. We won, but we did get a lot of hints we didn’t ask for. We assume because we were on Novice.

Afterwards, we picked up Emmy and pizza from Russo’s and headed over to Katie’s house so that we could hang out with Joanna, Kiran, Jasmine, Katrina, Jacky as well. We ate pizza and played board games. Then we headed home for dinner of hot pot before heading back for sparklers. These sparklers were from Joanna & Kiran’s wedding YEARS ago. But they still worked and the kids had a lot of fun.

Everyone leaves tomorrow which means relaxation at it’s finest.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Coffee and Tea, Fast Food, Houston, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Pizza, Seafood, Sightseeing, Texas, Venezuelan

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