Truthful Thursday - US open has begun

For the next two weeks I will be recording a lot of tennis matches and at the same time I will be watching them without commercials.  US Open tennis 2012 began on Monday and it will continue until the 9th of September.  Sometimes I will watch it live but I prefer to watch the recorded one so it will take less time which is the smart way to watch.  As usual I will cheering for the same favorite players in the Women's and Men's group.  

Men's Group:  Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, and Milos Raonic 

Women's Group: Maria Sharapova, Samantha Stosur, Li Na and Maria Kirilenko.

I am looking forward to watching the matches as well as checking out the latest in the tennis outfit design.  Maria Sharapova always has a day out fit and an evening outfit.  Truthfully I think she is the best dressed tennis player, very classy and so coordinated.  As for the men's,
it has to be Roger Federer, simple design, great fit and very dashing. Good luck to all my favorites.

W's Wednesday - Why.What, Where, When, Who

WHY - because I don't have anything interesting to post but I did not want to miss a day.

WHAT - would you do if you ran out of things to blog? Would you miss it for a day or two or would you just write whatever you can think of that particular moment like what I did today.

WHERE - would you like to go today if you had a few extra grand of funds that you secretly put away a long time ago and just discovered it today.

WHEN - was the last time you took a day off just to do something you have been dying to do?

WHO - is the most interesting man in the world?  For me and my friends, the most interesting man in the world is Brock.  Today he will be celebrating his 51st birthday and I am sure he will be having a drink or two or maybe 10 at their regular dive bar in Brampton.

Brock, happy birthday and maybe you have many years of happy times, rounds of golf and of course the special thing that you do during the month of May.

Brock, my daughter and Sandra (awesome friend from Chicago) taken during my retirement party of 2010.

Timely Tuesday - Gold Star Clearance

While my daughter was visiting a couple of weeks ago, we did a bit of shopping at Kohl's using the discount cards/coupons that I received in the mail.  On one of her purchases, it happens to be the Kohl's cash back.  Since she was not going to be able to use it, she left me the paper coupon and I marked it on my calendar as a reminder to use it.  Yesterday after lunch, I thought of stopping by to see what I an get for the $10 coupon.  Since my hubby was with me, I told him I will be very quick as I know what I am looking for.  It was so timely and it must have been my lucky day because I found a really nice Jennifer Lopez sandals.  The regular price was $59.99 and I got it for $8.99 which was perfect including tax for my coupon.  You can be the judge if you think that I am very good at searching for bargains.

A very comfy sandals with soft elastic and of course a bit of glitter for Vegas.

 

Maybe Monday - Yellow and Orange

When it comes to preparing for a trip, I am always think of what color scheme I would be wearing in order to help me pack.  This upcoming trip to Vegas, I have chosen Yellow and Orange and a neutral color like black or beige.  Of course I have to change polish to make sure it matches.  It's a great way to mix and match your outfit as well as only taking one extra foot wear.  I would usually wear a flip flop on the day of travel and then a pair of sandal for a little more dressy outfits.  The awesome thing about traveling in the summer is that you don't have to pack all those bulky clothes and jackets.  It will also be so easy to accessorize if you are only limiting your colors to two.  If you are particular with make-up, again the palette you will choose with be in accordance with your chose of color scheme.  One of my BFF travels a lot for work and I should her how to pack using the color theme.  I am so happy to see that she's now an excellent packer and her business travels has been a breeze.

 

Orange pants from Marshalls for $16

Lauren Conrad summer top from Kohl's for $9

Yellow purse from Ross for $8

I had to use a shimmering yellow because the brighter yellow was too thick.

Do you have a special secret when it comes to packing for travel?  Do you roll or fold?  Can you get away with a back pack for a four day trip? 

Soulful Sunday - 31 ways to remember G

Today is Sunday.  Today my son Gino would have been 31 years old.  Today as I write this post, I am torn whether to be happy and Celebrate his birthday without him or be sad as I remember all the great memories I have of him.  Yesterday I tried to write a poem for today but I ended up with only two lines and got stuck as my heart felt the same pain on the day he passed away.  So I thought of just remembering thirty one things that are still so clear in my mind. Happy birthday Gino, may you have eternal peace in your new home.

1. You were a good little boy who made it so easy for me to be your mom.
2. You were a good student who made it easy for your teacher to educate you.
3. You were a great basketball player who made me sit on the bleacher and asked me to be quiet like the other mothers.
4. You were an awesome T-ball player and I enjoyed watching you hit a home run.
5. You were a good little business man who saved your allowance and ask me to put your child benefit check in a higher interest savings account.
6. You were a respectful son who never raised your voice or use inappropriate words.
7. You were a good listener to all your friends and you only hang out with cool ones.
8. You were a wonderful grandson who loved going to the corner store with your Lolo.
9. You were a terrific nephew to your Tita Pinkie who loved you as her own son.
10. You were a thoughtful brother who loved surprising your sister with nice gifts.
11. You were an excellent friend to the "GIRLS" when you don't hesitate to take them shopping.
12. You were a very funny guy when you do your interpretation of the "Happy Dance"
13. You were an obedient son when you just get in your car to pick me up when I was stuck in New York after an awful re routing of flights.
14. You were affectionate when you have a bad day and you just lay your head on my lap like a little child needing his mommy (you were 26).
15. You were a very reliable friend who was always there for all your "BOYZ" when they need you.
16. You were organized specially for getting all your friends together.
17. You were never ashamed of taking your mother to the pubs that you hang out with your friends.
18. You were very much into music although I would never encourage you to audience for American nor Canadian Idol.  I miss playing SingStar with you.
19. You were a creative cook who loves to experiment.  I miss your roasted potatoes and the special hot dog/ketchup and rice for breakfast.
20. You were so into the album of "Air Supply" when you were 2 years old but won't admit it later in your life.  That's how I knew that you will love music.  Vinyl, CD's, 45's and later on Itunes.
21. You were a little sensitive when you were young and I believe it stayed with you.  I am so sorry that I asked you to return your Christmas gift to me.  I think I really hurt you.
22. You were charismatic, loyal and kind - you kept your friends intact for almost 20 years.
23. You were very generous even at times it might cost a little more than you can handle.
24. You were easy going as you get along with friends of friends, extended family and co- workers.
25. You were a supportive brother to your sister when you did a marathon Kareoke at your Tita's house. Both of you were so drunk it was very funny to watch.
26. You were very smart when we played hide and seek, you thought it was a great place to hide in the DRYER.  A little scary for me.
27. You were so patient when you tried teaching me how to do the running man dance move.
28. You were so cute when you dressed up for Halloween at the age of 4 as a little Sheppard boy and when ask who you were, your response was " I am Jesus".
29. You were very soft spoken specially when you requested that I don't go to the same dance club that you and your friends go and hang out.
30. You were extremely honest and truthful and most of all you "Say it like it is".
31. You were you and you did your best to leave something special in all of us. 

 

Selective Saturday - Just venting

As much as I enjoy sewing different things like, baby's bib, seniors bib, aprons, baby booties, shoe bags, totes, little girls skirts, men's boxer shorts, etc.  I don't really want to get into selling them because the cost of making them might be inexpensive but it's all about the time it takes to do them as they are all customized.  Each and everyone of them are made with different design, fabric and accessories.  Most of the items that I have made for the past couple of years, I have given them as gifts but lately I have received some payments which was really nice as it covers the cost of the materials.  You are probably wondering where am going with this.  If you remember in one of my post last week, I made a couple of bibs for the mother of our friend.  Apparently she loved it and the caregiver gave her number to our friend as she wants to find out how much it cost for my special one of a kind Bib.  Yesterday morning I contacted this lady and I advised her that it would cost between $10 and $12 per Bib.  As soon as she heard the amount, she immediately said that she has someone in her office and that she would call me later.  What is weird was that she does not have my number so how can she contact me.  I know that there's call display etc., but I knew that it was just her excuse because she did not want to pay the amount I gave her.  Of course the day ended and I did not get the call back.  My first instinct was right, I was not going to call this woman because I wasn't really sure that I want to go into this business, but I thought I would call just to see how much they are willing to pay.  I guess I am done venting. 

FITBF - Almost missed but glad to follow along

Last night I stayed a bit later to see if the wonderful Ms. Lauren will post her Fill in the Blank Friday earlier.  But I got tired so I thought of just doing it this morning.  Since I had some errands already lined up, I did not check her blog until after noon, almost mid afternoon EST.  Well here is my version of FITBF and if you have no idea what to blog today, then just follow along with Lauren.

1. My favorite thing to do on Friday is reminisce what I have accomplished during the week as well as rewarding my self with either a golf game, a nice lunch or a quick nap.

2. This Friday I am not volunteering at the library because I am doing something that I love.

3. The best thing about the weekend is hanging out with my husband either at home or outdoors just doing what we feel like doing, it could be tennis, day trip or our projects or just simply relaxing.

4. Now that summer is over, I am feeling excited because where we live it feels like summer every day.  Another great thing about living in sunny California, I don't have to put away my flip flops or shorts.

5. The best thing I did this summer was my daughter's visit, my visitors (friends) from Canada.

6. The thing I am looking forward to about fall is playing tennis and golf with cooler temperature.

7. If I had to be stuck with one season for the rest of my life, I would choose summer because I have lived in places where it feels like you only have two seasons, spring and winter.  Although I love the autumn in Ontario, honestly I love waking up with sunny blue skies and no snow, sleet or humid temperature.

Trial Thursday - Another project

One of my co-worker at the place where I volunteer ask me if I could make a skirt for her little girl.  After work yesterday,  I stopped by at Hannock Fabrics to pick up a fabric that is fitting for a little girl skirt and I also picked some interfacing for the Fabric Wallet that my daughter and I started making.  After doing all my house chores, I immediately started cutting the fabric and started sewing the skirt.  It took all of 45 minutes for me to complete this trial skirt for this new order. 

This was made without pattern.  It's for an 8 or 10 year old little girl.

There is an outstanding order for a couple of aprons which I need to finish by the end of this week.  If you remember I talk about making seniors Bib for a friend's mother, well I received a text from her and apparently they loved it.  I also got a name and telephone number of the manager of the Nursing Home who is asking for the cost of the BIB as she is very interested in ordering a few more for the other patient.  For now I am not sure if I really want to do this but I will wait until after I make the call before I make my decision.

Withdrawal Wednesday - Is it normal?

It's a different kind of withdrawal when you want to spend as much time with your daughter but she's only here visiting for a short time.  After dropping her off at the airport yesterday, it all began.  I asked Jeff if we can stop and have lunch at the Taco Truck where I took my daughter.  We ordered almost the same kind of Tacos and ate in the car.  After my hair appointment, I went back to Macy's because my daughter and I just stop by there for a few minutes to check out the store.  When Jeff picked me up at the Hair Salon, he noticed that I was still a little sad so he took me to dinner at one of my favorite place for Oysters.  We also stopped at Big Lots so I can check out their supply of those quarter fabrics which my daughter and I used for our sewing projects.  As soon as I got home, I saw our coffee table with all my nail supplies because we left it last night so I ended up doing my manicure.  That's my Wednesday Withdrawal.  I did a lot of the things that I did with my daughter except without my daughter.  I know it will be a while before she returns but I am very hopeful that she'll be back sooner than later. Before I forget, thank you my daughter for doing yesterday's guest blog.  You can be my guest anytime at CPBB or my blog.

More fabrics for wallet, eyeglasses case or make up brushes.

Fresh Oysters - Happy Hour at Hawgs

Hawgs special clam chowder

Essie nail polish with white and yellow dots

Timely Tuesday - Time to go

 
Hi there! I'm Luckie's daughter and I have been here visiting my mom for the past eight days. I am leaving today so I offered to guest blog.  Usually when I am on vacation, the days fly by but luckily for me (and my mom), the week didn't go by quickly. When I first arrived, we went shopping almost everyday from morning until dinner and then over the weekend, we did many multiple sewing projects. Some people find a massage or baking relaxing, well, for my mom and I - ironing and sewing is relaxing for us (but we also enjoy massages too!).

If you haven't been to San Jose, it's a very laid back city. I find that NO ONE is ever working - everyone seems to be shopping. On a Monday afternoon, there is some traffic and the parking lots are full. There are lots of Mexican restaurants or food trucks to eat from and I find that the most unique and famous place to go to is Psycho Donuts. I mentioned that I did a lot of shopping and if you could see my carry on luggage, it's busting at the seams. We went to Kohl's, Ross, TJ Maxx, Gilroy Outlets, Ulta, Target, Trader Joe's, Daiso, basically all the stores we don't have in Canada.

While I was visiting, one of the days happened to be my SD's birthday (SD stands for stepdad). We ate at one of Guy Fieri's restaurants, Johnny Garlic's to celebrate. We also got to eat some delicious cupcakes made by SD's mom. I like to call her Sticker Lady and she is the nicest woman you will ever meet. She baked me tons of cookies to take home.

I want to thank my mom and SD for the hospitality at CPBB and for making my stay an enjoyable one. Their home feels like my second home. I get three meals a day (most of them home-cooked) and my laundry gets done. I really don't have to lift a finger so it's a nice way to relax when I get some time off work. We had lots of laughs and I learned the 50 states and their capitals. It's going to be hard to say good-bye but it's nice to know that hopefully I will always be welcomed back (unless I was a horrible, annoying guest).

Maybe Monday - More Projects to Show

This past weekend was spent doing crafts with my daughter.  It was actually my daughter doing all the sewing and I just became her assistant.  I did all the cutting and a bit of ironing and she sewed each and every piece of her projects.  She completed all the Fabric Wallet that will be given to family and friends and some for her Blog give away.  She also tried making some Micro Fiber Wiping Cloth which can be used for your computer screen, cell phone, tablets and eyeglasses.  Since there was a bit of time left before we went out for dinner yesterday, she was able to make another item that I was not allowed to see until it was completed.  I am so happy that my daughter was able to do all these sewing and felt very confident using my sewing machine.  She was able to operate it, change thread, use different bobbin and fill it with other color thread.  I think she has inherited some of my skills when it comes to sewing.  Here's more photos of all the items she completed yesterday.

More Fabric Wallet - Excellent sewing - I gave her a Silver Medal

Micro Fiber Wiping Cloth - I gave her a Bronze Medal

This was the surprise project.  She did everything from cutting to sewing to ironing - GOLD.

Sweat Shop Sunday - OMG

If only I knew that my daughter would have gone crazy sewing a project this passionately, we should have started earlier in her visit.  We started early on Saturday morning because I had to make two senior bib for a friend and it had to be finished that morning.  After that she decided to try to make one of this so called Fabric Wallet.  Well, after she made one for her self, she wanted to make a couple more, and then another couple more.  Then she started showing it to her friends and it just turned into a sweat shop.  She would choose the fabric and I would cut them as well as the batting and she would start sewing them.  I would let you decide which one would be your favorite out of all the ones she has finished.  When she woke up this morning one of her fellow blogger wants one and is putting her order.  We are having so much fun doing our mother/daughter craft day and I am so proud of how had improved her sewing skill just by doing these wallets over and over.  There's so much more to finish because it will a give away on her blog.

 

 

It's too bad that I don't live in Toronto anymore, otherwise my daughter and I would be a great team to open our own ETSY shop.  Maybe I will just have to wait until she comes back and we can pick another project that we can go crazy making them.

Simply Saturday - Sewing again

Just a quick post for today.  A simple day doing simple things.  Maybe to some sewing is not simple but today I am going to try and finish a couple of orders.  One outstanding order is for one of my reversible apron.  I will definitely show a photo once it is done.  The second order is just a recent one.  I am sewing two senior bib for a couple of ladies who are needing this special cover when they are having a meal.  This will definitely keep their lovely tops very clean.  After these are done, my daughter and I will try to do some other project that she can sew with my guidance. We hope your weekend will be as simple as ours but still having a good time.

A bouquet of flowers for you.  Thank you for stopping by today.

FITBF - Hot Stuff

I can't believe that I am doing this again, two Fridays in a row, but since it was really easy to do and I can actually relate because of our weather lately in San Jose, I am just so glad that Lauren brought it back.

1.  The best thing to do on a hot day is be inside any of the air conditioned places.

2.  The best place to be on a hot day is the infinity pool of any Caribbean resort.
3.  The best thing to eat on a hot day is a mango cream popsicle from Trader Joe's.

4.  Hot days are my favorite out of all the four seasons - SUMMER.

5.  My go to uniform on a warm summer day is white cotton shorts and cool cotton top.

6.  The scent that reminds me of summer is the Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil..

7.  My favorite thing about summer is lots of day light special if you live in Northern Canada where the sun does not set until midnight.

Truthful Thursday - Spontanaeous food tasting

With my daughter visiting, we were very adventurous with our lunch, snack and dinner choices.  At first we were all set to have lunch at Ocean Blue Sushi but when I told her about the Taco Truck, she wanted to try it and so I took her to the one that everyone was raving about. It's called Tacos El Toro.  OMG, it's so tasty and as soon as the man handed my lunch, I started salivating.  There was 3 tacos pastor (BBQ pork) on my place with mild salsa and two lime wedges.  Anyway, my daughter ordered two different tacos and because it was so good, she ordered another one.  If you are ever in Sunnyvale, CA drive along El Camino Real and you can find the truck around Remington and El Camino.  Anyway, here's what it looks.

The next one is not really our lunch, it just so happen I was driving to a particular plaza and my daughter got so excited and asked me to go with her and check out this particular restaurant.  Once she got closer, took a photo and went inside, she said I really should try their chicken wings.  The person behind the counter offered to get one piece to just have a taste.  He served it in such a cute tiny square bowl and I took one bite and OMG, that has gotta be the best chicken wing ever.  I am so glad my daughter introduced me to BonChon Chicken.  I have seen it since I moved here and never thought of stopping by to check it.

Before I forget, here's a big happy birthday wish to my hubby who does not really like to make a big deal about his birthday.  I guess I will just sing at tiny tiny happy birthday song.

 

Welcome Wednesday - Johnny Garlic's Open

One of my favorite show on the Food Network is Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  I am not sure how long I have been watching it but I told myself that when I move to California I will ask Jeff to take me to Guy Fieri's restaurant.  One weekend we finally got a chance to dine at Johnny Garlics in Santa Rosa, California.  We had a great meal but it's a bit far to go just for dinner.  A couple of months ago while watching his show, I seem to recall that he was opening another restaurant in the San Jose area.  We tried to find it and could not find the location or anything about it.  Yesterday my daughter and I were out and about and sure enough I saw the Johnny Garlic restaurant at the Plant shopping center.  So welcome Johnny Garlic to San Jose.  Now we don't have to drive all the way to Santa Rosa to try out some of the other meals on the menu.  Thank you Guy for bringing your restaurant closer.

 

 

Toonie Tuesday - Only Two and under

For those who are wondering what is a TOONIE, it is the name of the Canadian two dollar coin.  Since I did not have a lot to post, my daughter suggested doing Toonie Tuesday.  Yesterday after she arrived, we went for lunch, did a little shopping, home cooked meals and then I gave her a mini pedicure and I did both my nails and toes after.  We did it at home so I am saying that only cost us both less than $2.  What else was under two dollars?  My daughter wanted to have In and Out burger because they don't have it in Toronto.  My cheese burger was $2.  While at our Oakridge Mall, I wanted her to try the snack called Roti Bun which was only $1.50 and we just split it.  I guess she was not really impressed as I was.

While shopping a Trader Joe's I found more items under $2, like my Mango Popsicle, Fig Butter and some Salsa we wanted to try with the Blue Tortilla Chips.  

Day two of my daughter's visit and we already spent yesterday out and about sharing stories, laughing and doing crazy things.  She did survive her first solo flight yesterday and I did not even need a sign when I picked her up at the airport.  We found her and she found us without using our cell phone.  She found it a little hot yesterday and hopefully the next few days will be a little cooler.  I am definitely going to enjoy every moment of her visit.

TOONIE

 

Maybe Monday - No more sleeps

No more sleeps because it's the day my favorite daughter arrives

I am still not comfortable with 101 so Jeff will have to drive. 

Our week will be filled with fun but does not include sky dive

We'll be sleeping late but at least we don't have to wake up at five. 

The weather will be hot for the first two days of her stay

We'll try to keep cool so no walking near the shore nor the bay.

When Gamble comes over, my daughter will show him how to play

I know I will miss her when she leaves, but I know she'll be back one day.

This was the only photo of us during her April visit.  I will try to take more photo this visit.

 

Sweaty Saturday - It's like a heatwave

If only I was skinny and young, today I would be wearing a two piece bikini the whole day.  You probably going to ask why?  The response is all about the weather.  We are experiencing some hot summer day and night.  My daughter will have a week of sunshine and very hot weather without the humidity like Toronto.  The forecast for next week is three digits but it seems to have started yesterday.  But like what I keep saying to people asking how I like living here, the same answer I give, "there's no winter, no shoveling of snow, and you can wear flip flops all year round and not to forget, play golf and tennis 300 days.  I am allowing 65 days of rain in total for the whole year.  You have to realize that I have had many many years of living in the great white NORTH.  Now I can say this life in California a reward for all the harsh winters, frozen roads, cracked lips, very dry skin and slip slidding on black ice.

Do you like hot or cold weather?  Would you rather live some where else than where you are living now?  If you are given one place to live, which place would you pick?

FITBF - I love filling in the blanks

When I got up this morning, I realized that I forgot to do a post for today because I stayed up late watching the Olympics.  I immediately checked my Google Reader and found that it's Miss Lauren's birthday weekend and she is turning 28 (my favorite number).  I can't help but join in today.

1.  The age I will be on my upcoming birthday is   60 - OMG, I am very old  .

2.   The best birthday present ever would be   to be able to have a party with family and all my friends in an all inclusive resort and celebrate for a week.

3.  My favorite birthday to date was    my 50th birthday when my daughter helped me planned it and there was at least 168 guest. But it was also the party where both my son and daughter were present plus their friends. 

4. Birthdays make me feel    very very happy. I love celebrating life and love that I feel great each and every time. I wish that I had a party for every year but so far I can only remember my 7, 30, 40, 45, 49, 50 and 55.

5. The worst birthday I ever had was   my 7th birthday when my parents planned a  party and unfortunately there was a big storm in the forecast so my parents told me that they are cancelling the party. I guess I got so mad that I cut out all the day 28 from each month of our calendar.

6. When I was born  my father won some sort of lottery and that's when he said "this is my lucky child.

7.  So far my favorite age has been   28 - three months after my birthday, my son was born. I did not know about the "champagne birthday" but that was that year.

Happy Birthday Lauren, may your day be filled with love, happiness and good health!


 

Truthful Thursday - Only five more sleeps

Five more sleeps before my daughter's first solo flight to visit us

I know she's a little nervous because it's not the same as taking a bus.

She'll be fine for sure and her morning flight is direct so that's a plus

I hope I'll have everything ready even if I don't make a big fuss.

We have not made plans on what we will do when she gets here

But we want to see a movie that's not scary and without any fear.

Shell have a list of stores to check out, some are far and some are near

And Jeff will drive her back to the airport, so she won't shed a tear.

Daughter

Mother

Witty Wednesday - Not old but witty

Now what is not old but witty?  They are the 3 old guys that sort of adopted me at golf.  They are golfing Monday to Thursday and I get to join them any day I can.  I recall the first time I played with them, I brought some sweet treats.  From then on, they always look for me to join them.  After our first round, we have lunch together at the parking lot where there's lots of shade.  It's kinda like our own tail gate party with our own picnic chairs.  Now that I am part of their group, I make sure that I bring them a different sweet treats.  After lunch, we go for another round of 9 holes. Yesterday when I joined them, they were so happy to see me. I asked them if they found another lady to join them.  One of the guys answered

"we're old but we are not stupid". why would we replace you.  What they really meant was why would we replace someone who bring us treats.  When we reach the 5th hole, I had such a good shot, one of the guys said "be careful, we don't want you to hurt your baking hand".

Each one of them have a different sense of humor but all are very witty.  I have missed a week and when I returned the following week, the two guys said "Oh we missed you so much what happened?, then the other guy added, "you don't really miss her, you just missed her sweet treats!.  I love golfing with them because they are so easy going, very funny and of course very relax and just enjoying being able to golf.  While having lunch, I ask all of them if they make their own lunch.  One of them says, "we golf 4 days a week and gone most of the day, do you think we will have the guys to ask our wives to make our lunch. We might be old but we definitely are not stupid.  My old but not stupid golf buddies - Ed, Dan and Jim - thank you for adopting me in your team.

Maybe Monday - My Ecclectic Post

Not a lot of words just some photos with captions taken during the past weekend.  This is my first time posting more photos than just words.  I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

My $30 pink/purple bicycle I bought from the house down the street.

Sunrise Margarita from Aqui's (made with OJ, Sangria, classic Margarita slush)

If you look close there's a Mom deer and two fawns

Seafood Pasta from Ladera Grill of Morgan Hill

Full moon taken across the parking lot of Lucky's Supermarket

 

Sinful Sunday - but not a real SIN

Sinful - ungodly, wicked,  or  Sinful - over the top, extraordinary.  I believe today's post described the second one.  Here are some of the sinful lists that I love or would love to have, do or experience.

• My new favorite drink AMF - it's sinful because it has at least four hard liquor (Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila) and two very sweet mix (Blue Curacao and Sweet&Sour).
• Steak and lobster - this has been my all time favorite specially when the steak is done perfectly(medium rare) and the lobster is a nice size and cooked just right.
• The Ranch Golf Course .
• Dubai resort - when this particular hotel was being built, I was actually in Dubai.  I think the name is Burj Al Arab.  It's very unlikely that we can afford to stay there.  But it's still a truly sinful hotel. 
• Lotus Elise - if you recall on one of my previous post, I parked beside this car in the parking lot of Lowe's.  It's nice to know that the owner shops there and possibly a handy man.
• Tennis bracelet - this is probably one of the oldest and longest sinful piece of jewellery that I love to have but with real diamonds, it does become just another item in the wish list.
• Spa - when it comes to pampering yourself, this is one of the all time ME time.  Spending a weekend at a very luxurious SPA where you can get a massage, mani-pedi, exotic drinks, exciting meals and decadent desserts.  Maybe even horse back riding along the beach (bucket list), a golf and tennis lesson, not to forget relaxing in the lazy river.
• Dessert - PF Changs Banana Spring Roll,  Gordon Biersch Warm Apple Bread Pudding, BJ's Pizookie Trio and last but not least Caper's White Chocolate Creme Brulee.
• Las Vegas aka Sin City.  What is sinful is the gambling but it's so much fun when you are winning.  But it's not just the gambling, it's the food, the drinks, the shows, the people and just the fact that they DO NOT SLEEP.

Secret Saturday - Secret sharing

Secret is only a secret if you keep it to yourself.  Once you share it with someone, even just one, it is not a secret anymore, right.  But today's blog is not about me sharing you my deepest secret.  I am sharing a different kind of secret or maybe I should not even call it a secret.  Here's a few of my so called secret.

• Secret dessert - when I was craving for Bubble Tea, I thought there was no store that sells them in our area.  Last Thursday I found a place called Heavenly Dessert and they carry so many flavors of tea and milk tea.  I guess they call it Pearl Tea instead of Bubble Tea. 
• Secret reaction - every time my favorite tennis player - Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are playing, I get very edgy and really excited with heart pounding. There was a time where I just wanted to fast forward so I can see who won instead of watching how Roger won. Yesterday's semi finals between Federer and Del Porto did it again. Today Sharapova meets S. Williams (I want Maria to win) and tomorrow Federer faces Murray.
• Secret store - when I am looking for something different with a great price, I like shopping at Tuesday Morning and DD's discount.  After golf last week, I bought eight outfits and six pairs of socks for Gamble for his birthday in September. Total cost $48
• Secret court - There are several tennis courts within five minutes of our home but when I play with my practice partner Bob, we always pick the secret court.  It is tucked away on a not so busy street behind a couple of big buildings. 
• Secret door - this is the project the Jeff is working on in our guest room.  It is a secret door that is hidden behind a bunch of fabric frames.  The door leads to a storage room.

Can you pick which 4 square has the secret door?

FITBF - It's back and I am joining in

The first time I saw this Fill in the blank Friday on my daughter's blog, I thought of doing it since it seemed to cool.  Then I actually ask how she does it and then I check the link.  Since then I have been following Lauren's blog.  Some weeks ago, she was feeling a bit tired of it but today I found that it's back and so I decided to join in.  Sometimes I can't join in because it seems a little young for me.  Anyway, I hope I am doing it right.

Thank you Lauren

1.  I am proud of   the three different volunteer work I do three times a week .

2.  This weekend I will   be golfing with three guys from Jeff's work while Jeff will be working on his projects at home  .

3.  A secret dream I have is    to collect all the poems I wrote for my son and somehow make a small book as a keepsake. 

4. I can't handle    baby sitting anymore as I don't have a lot of patient and can't stand to
hear them cry for a long time. I also can't handle relatives that are users.


5. The most annoying thing in the entire world is   telemarketers both on the phone and in person. I feel bad that it's their job but sometime there's too many calls per day.

 
6. The most relaxing thing in the entire world is   getting a full body massage. I finally found an awesome therapist who can really release the knot and relieve any type of tightness in your body.  She even did some type of hair pulling and my head feels lighter now.
 
7.  I think everyone should  try to really enjoy life and don't waste time on daily drama, small stuff and people that gives you stress. After my son's death, the expression "Life's Too Short" has definitely hit home.  

Truthful Thursday - Dislike versus Hate

Lately we have been getting more and more telephone calls that are really starting to annoy us.  I think saying a hate them so much is too strong statement so I would say I am really disliking them.  My sister and my daughter have given up their land line and I guess that is the only solution to this issue.  We get calls from companies looking for Jeff's X.  She never even lived in our current address and we really don't know where she is.  We are always wondering how they got Jeff's home number and there is no communication between him and the X for over 6 years.  The rest of the callers are telemarketing selling insurance, solar panels, credit cards, cleaning supplies, you name it.  We don't answer any of them but it annoys me so much when they interrupt my naps.  Sometimes I forget to turn the ringer off and that's when there will be more calls during the afternoon.  

Do you have any suggestion on how you deal with these callers?  Do you just ignore those calls?  Have you also given up your land line and just have a cell phone? 

Does this actually works?

Wishful Wednesday - August birthdays

A very busy month for birthdays that is why I am posting this today so I can send one awesome birthday greetings to all my family and friends.  Until about a couple of years ago, I did not realize how many of our friends and relatives are celebrating this month.  To all of the August celebrants, I wish you many more years of happy birthdays and may all your wishes come true.

• August 6 - Mike of Edmonton, Alberta (x brother in law)
• August 8 - Russ of Mississauga, Ontario
• August 14 - Becky of San Jose, CA
• August 16 - Jeff my favorite hubby 
• August 16 - Anjay of Oakville, Ontario (my son's best friend)
• August 16 - Gil of San Jose, CA
• August 18 - Lisa of San Jose, CA
• August 25 - Tom of San Jose, CA
• August 26 - Gino (I will always remember him on this day)
• August 26 - Carlos of Milpitas, CA (Jeff's best friend)
• August 26 - Marie of Burr, Saskatchewan 
• August 26 - Allister of Toronto, Ontario
• August 28 - Gord of Brampton, Ontario
• August 29 - Brock of Caledon, Ontario 

I think there's enough candle for each and everyone of this month's birthday celebrants

Of course there is also the special week where I get to hang out with my favorite daughter here in San Jose.  There is only 12 more sleep and I can't wait for her arrival and spend every special moment doing the things that she loves to do, cooking for her and just enjoying her time.  I know she is a little uncomfortable travelling alone but I know that she will do very well.  Thank you Mike (SIL) for allowing your wife to take the time and visit her mom.