Marleau Monday - Go SHARKS

Patrick Marleau of our San Jose Sharks has scored 9 goals for the last 5 games.  It's too bad he couldn't do another one so he could have the real record of two goals per game for five consecutive wins.  Now that I reside here there is no question that I should be cheering for the home team SHARKS.  Unfortunately we won't be able to see them play live because the tickets are a little expensive specially the ones in the lower section which is what I prefer.

Actually Jeff likes watching at home because he likes the play by play comments.  Of course it is a different atmosphere seeing it live, but I don't mind watching at home because our TV does a great job.  Last night's game celebrated some special numbers.  It's the coach McLellan's 200 game win, it's the goalie Niemi's 100 win, and it's Patrick's most goal tying a 95 year old NHL record.  In summary, our Sharks has won all their five games.  Is it because they had so much time off?? Maybe the hockey season should be shorter or maybe not.  Next game will be against their rival DUCKS but they are still at home so hopefully another win.  I have change my nail polish this week to support the Sharks since I only have two T-shirts with the Sharks logo.

The color is possible a shade less than the Sharks color.

Solution Sunday - How to keep warm

Did I mention already how my husband is so thoughtful? He is always looking out for me.  The other day another package arrived shortly after my daughter's package.  Since it was addressed to Jeff, of course I don't open anything if it's not my name.  He does a lot of ordering on line and he has not mentioned anything about a new toy.  When he came home, he opened the package and there it was, a new toy for me.  It's my new electric blanket for when I am sitting in our living room watching TV, blogging, reading or whatever it is that requires me to sit down.  I have been using it for a few days now and it keeps me warm and it is very comfy.  I believe it's a cheaper way to keep warm when we get those cold weather than blasting the heater.  The temperature control keeps it at a perfect setting for a number of hours.  Now that I have tested the new toy, Jeff will be ordering one for him.  If he can find a nicer more girly color, he will keep the older one and I will end up with the new one.  See, he is very thoughtful and such a wonderful person.

Do you have an electric blanket to keep you warm?  Do you use just a regular throw when you are relaxing in your couch?  Do you wear those fuzzy slippers to keep your feel warm?

Biddeford Plush Denim Heated Throw

 

Saddest Saturday - No Roger No Maria

If the finals for both men's and women's does not include Roger or Maria, then I am not watching at all.  I can't even talk about it so this is the last line for this topic.

But before I finish today's post, I have to make a comment on the other semi-finals game between Sloan Stephens (USA) and #1 Victoria Azarenka.  In case you did not watch it, the young 19 year Sloan lost but I think she could have won the second set if her opponent did not take those two pretend medical time out.  I cannot believe the tour committee allowed that to happen when in fact Victoria was just having a panic attack because she thought she was losing the set and match.  She was complaining about her chest or whatever.  She might be #1 but what she did was unacceptable and I hope she loses today against Li Na. That's all.

On the happier note, our San Jose Sharks has won 3 games in a row (two away and one home game).  Today they are playing again Avalanche and I am a little bit of a traitor because I was an Avalanche fan prior to moving to San Jose and now I have to cheer for the home team - Go SHARKS.

Home Opener game against Coyotes

Feeling great Friday - Scrub and more

Sometimes I love treating myself with something that I truly enjoy,  a day at the SPA.  Since the place that I have been offered some good deals on their services, I decided to take advantage of it.  At first I was going to take my girlfriend Nikki there but something came up and she could not make it.  I re booked my appointment and this time instead of just a massage, I had also booked a sweet sugar scrub.

Yesterday I left early and had lunch at the Big Basin Cafe.  I had an American Club panini and a cup of spicy chai latte. 

American Club panini (turkey, bacon, cucumber, lettuce on a sourdough bread)

  

Spicy and sweet chai latte

I arrived at Preston Wynne Spa a bit early which gave me time to change and read one of the magazine in the waiting area.  The first service was the scrub which was so different because after the application of the scrub, my body was wrapped like a burrito and then was covered by a tent that steamed my whole body for 15 minutes.  After a quick shower, the stress zone massage began using some special creamy body butter bamboo scent.  All of this took about one and half hour.  This experience was so great I left the SPA like a new person.  My massage therapist is really good at relieving all the knots that I might have.  I am so glad that I found this place but more importantly, I found Natalie.

Truthful Thursday - Overjoyed

On Tuesday morning I received a knock on the door and it was our lady postal delivery.  She said "Suprise!".  The package that looks like a shoe box was from my daughter.  I knew she was going to send me a package but did not really know what would be included except for my insulin pen which I had asked her to pick up at Walmart.

Upon opening the package, I could not help to be overjoyed because as I take one item after another, it was all a surprise and I felt so loved.  My SIL gave me four new golf outfits which are so classy and feels so comfy and so in style.  I also received a Zester which I have been wanting to have after my sister's visit.  She told me that I need one for when I make lemon bread or anything that needs zesting.  Jeff received a nice utensils specially for making his ham and eggs.  Gamble received a set of Angry Bird pillow case which I know he will love to sleep with.

 

Do you love getting surprise packages?  Do you like surprising someone instead?

What Wednesday - Library chore

In case you are wondering what I do when I volunteer with my MIL at the library, here's some of our duties and stories.  We go once a week for a couple of hours which is not really a lot of time from your day.  We can still do lunch, maybe get some groceries or do a bit of window shopping.  It's going to be almost a year since we started and next month we are having another book sale which was what got as started.  Just to explain that we volunteer for the Friends of the Library, although part of the library, we report to two wonderful ladies who are also volunteers.  Upon arrival at the library we get our ID tags and immediately start working on sorting the books that have been donated by people, stores, or organizations.  There is really nor right or wrong in the sorting but they ask they you at least place it in the shelves that you think is the closest to the type of books.  Then there's a small corner in the library called the Nook where we keep re stocking with newer arrivals.  People who look through these end up buying books that they like for a very minimal fee.  Sometimes I have to clean up and organize both our room and the nook.  I love arranging the books by colors within each category as well as arranging the book displays.  My MIL is such great partner at the library because she just goes along with what I want to do or fix.  We get the job done is a short time and feel such pride in keeping the room tidy and organized.  Next month we will have another Book Sale and of course we will be working the day prior to the sale.  The day we volunteer at the library is also my day with my MIL and we have a fun day.  

Thrifty Tuesday - Retirement allowance

Just sharing some things that I do to save some of my retirement allowance monthly.  I am sure most of you don't even have to watch your spending since you are still working.  Today I really did not have anything interesting or creative but hopefully you might find something new that you can try.

• Since I volunteer at a golf course - I don't pay for my round of 18 and it's unlimited whole year round.
• Learning how to do all the nail art - Although every now and then, I would get a pedicure, I can do both manicure and pedicure which is at least a $40 savings per month, that is if you are going regularly to get your manipedi 
• Eat meals at home - it's nice to eat out some time when you forgot to take out something to cook or no left overs or just don't have the energy to cook.  It's not only healthier, it's very inexpensive to make a wholesome meal.
• Housecleaning - some of my girlfriends due to their work schedule and commitments, have a cleaning lady that comes once a month or every other week.  Well, I am the cleaning lady and my assistant Consuelo takes care of our home.  I guess if you can afford it, why not.  It gives you more time to do other important things in life.
• Knowing where the sales are for groceries, etc.  This is something that helps in your weekly shopping - knowing your prices and where they are on sale.  This does not mean that you have to spend hours cutting coupons and driving around to different stores for the sales.  
• Inexpensive fitness venue - Jeff and I play tennis at several public courts without fees and no reservation required.  I bought my hula hoop for $25 which is great to use while watching TV.  I have no gym membership because I am not into it because I like doing something that's fun.  Some people buy those expensive membership and most times they don't even get there. 
• As for doing errands, I would try and coordinate my route so that I am not going back and forth using extra gas.  Unless it's really needed, I normally would wait until there's enough to get to make the trip.
• Books and more books - since I volunteer at the library and I have a Kindle, I don't buy books or magazines.  If I see a book that I like to read while sorting, I can just take them and return after I am done. 

That's it.  After all that, I guess I did have a lot to add to this post.  Sometimes it's just a little tough to get started but as soon as my fingers start typing, the rest follows.