Famous Friday - Happy Chinese New Year

This morning when I checked our mail, I was surprised to find a red envelope with some Chinese characters and some fancy stickers.  Of course as soon as I saw the stickers I knew it was from my MIL.  It was address to Jeff and I, he opened it and inside was a red envelope and a very crisp Jackson.  For those of you who are not familiar to the faces in the US dollar - it's a $20.  Jeff told me that it was for me and not him since he never got this type of card until he married me, so it must be for me.  I did not argue with him because I was just happy to get the card and even happier to receive a crisp US dollar.  So what is special about the year of the Horse.  There is so much to read on it but I though I would pick three most important things about this year.

• The year of the Horse is the year of action
• It is the year for expansion and exploration
• New opportunity for travel, business and adventure

Now it all depends on whether you believe all of these zodiac and predictions as well as how it affects if you were born during the Year of the Horse and how it affects other animal symbols.  There will be a lot of celebrations, parade and of course the majority of Chinese restaurants will be busy.  I look forward to getting one of their special desert that only is available during Chinese New Year.  Come to think of it, I don't even know the name but I will recognize it when I see them.  To all my friends who are celebrating this famous holiday,

 

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

 

Tequila Thursday - It's OK not to blog everyday

Each and every day that I miss doing a daily post, I truthfully feel that I have let my readers or followers down.  If you were one of those, my apologies.  When I first started blogging, my daughter told me that I don't have to do it everyday.  If I remember it correctly, during the first year, I did not miss a lot of days.  Then the second year, I am sure I missed more.  Now, I don't feel as bad missing a few days, but still does not feel right.  My daughter reminded me again, that it's OK to do three to four times a week.  It will make it more interesting and get the attention of my readers.  Truthfully, when I miss a few days, it's because I'm sick or not feeling good.  On that note, I am happy to report that I believe my colds is on it's way out, just a little sore throat - possibly from all the coughing.  I am also happy to report that I am back sewing and have a couple of projects lined up.

I found some old fabrics stored under the bed, it was timely as I wanted to make new placemats

It's also timely to show this scarf made by my sister for Gracie (Jeff's cousin) - a die hard Broncos fan

I have never seen anything more beautiful as this - Tequila inside - what's not to like!

 

Sweet Saturday - What is a long playing?

Sometimes in life there's something simple that makes your day just so wonderful.  When my cousins were leaving for their trip to Manila, they ask me if there was something that I really like that they can bring back.  At that time I couldn't think of anything and I did not really want to inconvenience them.  A few days ago they came back and they give me a nice treat - a Long Playing.  Everyone knows that a long playing aka LP is a record or as they call them now vinyl.  I couldn't help but laugh because when I saw the treat, it was my favorite from when I was a kid.  It's made of peanuts and panutsa (unrefined brown sugar?).  Since I can only eat a very tiny piece at a time, this long playing treat lasts for a while.  So if you have not heard of this treat, I would like to introduce to you my Long playing aka sweet peanut.  It's really interesting the way they have renamed it - a great way to advertise and for curious tourist.

Frustrating Friday - Why does it take so long?

Are you one of my followers that wonders why I missed so many daily post?  For those of you who really knows me, you probably have figured it out.  Yes I am sick again.  It all began after golf Tuesday of last week.  I didn't think of it because it felt like it was just my asthma because the quality of air was bad that day.  Then when it started getting worst, then I knew I have one of those colds that have been going around.  The only problem with me getting it is that I cannot take any of the OTC stuff and therefore have to depend on natural items to help my sore throat, congestion and a tremendous amount of coughing.  Today is the ninth day and I am still not clear but feels a little better.  There was no headache, fever or achy muscles, just a little bit tired when I start my coughing bouts.  After the third day of that, Jeff started experiencing what I did on my first day.  Whatever it is that is going around, it is still in our house.  I've been missing golf, volunteer work and get together with my friends.  Two weeks is all I am going to give it and hope that it goes away.  It is interesting that there are so many people getting sick and not just in our area, even my friends and family in Canada are going through the same stuff.  So for those of you who are healthy, stay away from the people who are sick or getting sick or recovering from being sick.  No hugs, no handshake, and definitely to kissing.  Unless you have taken those OTC (over the counter) stuff, be careful.  Just reading the side effects will definitely make you stay away from it.  Take care and for my family and friends experiencing the Polar Vortex, please stay warm.

SIDE EFFECTS - Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur.

Meticulous Monday - My difficult client

Taking a little break from doing the same thing over and over is a good thing.  After making a number of pin cushions and finishing the new born baby order, I decided to accept an order from one client.  At the beginning I thought it would be an easy order because it was small and I have done a few for my daughter before.  The order - a manly ear bud holder.  The client - my husband.  The cost - $0.00  and so I began.  I started cutting the fabric and figure out what he was actually wanting me to accomplish.  After one proto type, I realize how meticulous he was.  We discussed it, he drew something, I tried pinning the fabrics, and so on.  This went on for at least half an hour.  Finally I think I figured it out but he was still not satisfied.  I was getting frustrated that I decided to quit for the day and told him that he would just have to accept what I've done.  For now it's off the drawing board but I know that we will have to revisit as he still wants the manly ear bud that easy to put away and take out. After all that, I forgot to take a photo to share.

Sack Sunday - NFC and AFC Championship

It's a little funny that I am blogging today about football when I still don't understand some of the rules and their play.  But even if my knowledge about this sport is limited, I know which team I would like to see during Superbowl.  I really don't care who our opponent would be as the Patriots is there.  During the season, if the Patriots are not playing we tend to watch the 49ers.  Jeff is cheering for the 49ers today and I will be too and as soon as the Patriots starts playing, then I will be keeping whatever it is that I can cross to help them win.  If this is the case, then 49ers and Patriots will both be attending the Superbowl.  This season I have watched a lot of the NFL games even if the above teams were not the ones playing.  It was more like a learning experience and Jeff usually explains if I have a particular question or I would actually really listen to what the referee would say after a penalty.  Another interesting point is that I know already most of the quarterbacks for each of the team.  A few years ago, the only thing I'm good at is naming all the different teams in the NFL.  After this season, I am happy to report that I really enjoy watching NFL Sunday and MNF because I understand the play, maybe not all, but enough to know what just transpired.  OK, it's time to watch the exciting game of football.  Whatever team you are cheering for, good luck and maybe the best teams win.

 

Selection Saturday - I think I'm done

Like any other sewing projects that I start, once I've done at least a dozen then it's time to quit. It has been a fun couple of weeks doing my pin cushion collection.  Although I don't do it every day, it still took some of my time each day to finish a few pieces.  Each and everyone of the piece is special because I really try and not to have something that is identical.  I guess that is why it takes longer at times.  Picking the fabric, the colors, the accessories (accent) for each is the most exciting time during my couple of hours on the project.  Every time I finish a piece and I think it's too cute, I usually send a photo to my daughter.  She is probably getting tired of seeing all those pin cushions.  One of the piece will be for my friend's daughter.  It's funny how she likes the same pin cushion as my daughter.  I am guessing it's their age or just similar taste.  My sister just told me that she also like the same chevron style.