Soulful Sunday - Why can't I do it?

What is it that I cannot do?  Why can't I not do it?  Is there a much better time to do it?  I'm talking about opening a box.  A box that I took with me because I was not able to deal with it before I move to San Jose.  A box filled with my son's things, papers, sympathy cards, etc.

I am in the process of making a stepping stone for the tree that we planted in the backyard.  There is a piece of paper that I needed from that box that will be part of the stepping stone.

When I opened the box to look for this paper, something hurt inside, there's still that pain.

I took that piece of paper, close the box and walked out of the room.  It has been five years since my son passed away and each time I try to open the box to sort it, I always end up crying and it was still too painful.  When my sister was here last May, we said we were going to do it but never did.  My daughter suggested that I ask one of my girl friend who lives in this area because they would be someone not related to me.  One of my BFF says that there is really never going to be a good time but if I am not ready, then it's not a big deal.  There is not a Sunday when I don't think of him, I guess that's why I writing about him today.  Some days I do some baking to get my mind busy and today its a recipe that I found online.  There's a crumble on top and it makes it so special. 

Best Blueberry muffins 2die4

And here's a song by Train that I like listening to when I am on the road going somewhere on Sunday.

Simply Saturday - Short and Simple

Two years ago while I was helping my MIL with some of her uncluttering exercise, I found a  tiny book called BITS & PIECES (a monthly mixture of horse sense and common sense about working with people).  I took it home and place it somewhere in one of the cabinets and never really read until last night.  That's when I got the idea of maybe sharing some of the contents.  You have to understand that the book was published in 1971.  

• The most valuable gift you can give another is a good example.
• Be kind.  Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
• You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
• The best way to forget your own problem is to help someone solve his.
• Temper is what gets most of us into trouble.  Pride is what keeps us there.
• Wouldn't it be nice to be as sure of anything as some people are of everything.
• Anger is often more harmful than the injury that caused it.
• The goal of criticism is to leave the person with the feeling that he's been helped.

Whether you are returning to work on Monday or maybe doing some volunteer work or maybe just meeting a friend, remember to enjoy the day and embrace life.

 




 

 

Friendship Friday - My son's best friend

This post is dedicated to my son's best friend Anjay.  They have been friends since grade school.  Today I hope that he is celebrating his birthday with their friends.  I know that he misses my son because they always go out on his birthday.  Happy birthday Anjay, wishing you all the fun and excitement that only birthdays can bring.  On behalf of your friend G, here's a some of your great times together.

 

Truthful Thursday - Random issues for this week

Each day we experience some positive and negative interaction with people in all walks of life.  It could be as simple as the driver letting you go first or as rude as driver not stopping when you are at a cross walk which so happens to be right in front of the police station.  Today is not all about the things that annoyed me but it's also about people who made a difference.  Let's begin with Monday.  I was craving for some bubble tea so I stopped by the one on the way to my MIL's house.  The girl who was behind the counter was so helpful and was making sure that she got all the choices and options for my drink.  I did not realize it could be that complicated but she was very friendly and bubbly.  Next is our dinner experience.  It so happen that we are back to the same restaurant that I thought we would never go back.  Jeff's cousin was in town and she wanted to dine at the Firehouse and sit outdoors.  Our waitress was young, pretty, skinny but was lacking the personality to work in a place like that.  Maybe it's because we were female and she has no interest in being nice.  She did not smile at all, most of the time she's got this pout as if she did not want to be there on a Monday.  So again, that restaurant is really not going to be my choice next time.  Tuesday was shopping day for birthday gifts as Jean and I both needed to get something for our husbands who are celebrating their birthday the same day.  We decided to go to Macy's and the sales person named Rosalina was very helpful and friendly.  She took the time to find what we were looking for.  Later that evening, Jeff and I had to return some items in exchange for something he prefers to wear.  Luckily, Rosalina was working still and she was able to assist us with the exchange and again was extremely helpful.  Wednesday was a bit more negative when it comes to being on the road.  Some drivers are just inconsiderate and are describe as jerks.  In fact in the Today show this morning, they talk about a particular type of driver who owns a particular type of car and survey says they are in fact "Jerks".  On my way home,  I had to cross the street to get to parking lot where my car is located.  I guess the lines on the road for crossing is just a suggestion for some drivers.  One cannot just assume that the car will stop if you have stepped down from the curb and actually need to cross.  I've experienced this many times and I am now very careful when crossing.  In some small town where I use to live, when pedestrian step down from the curb, the cars on both direction stops, and let the people cross even if there are no big white lines painted on the road.

Maybe you have to be a celebrity for the drivers to stop.

 

Wagon Wheel Wednesday - I can't get that song out of my head

Before I start today's post, I have to share this song that I can't get out of my head.  The other night I was watching the CMT Festival Concert and one of the last performer was the lead singer of the band Hootie and the Blowfish and he sang his latest hit.  Just in case you don't know what I am talking about, here's the video.

Actually today, I just wanted to show the latest item that I bought from the store Tuesday Morning.  I was going to post it yesterday but I completely forgot about it.  They were so cute and it was so appropriate, so I bought it for myself.

Apron

Tea Towel

Although these colors does not match the kitchen decor or colors, I still love this set and will only use them when and if my girlfriends who loves golf is visiting.  Until then I will keep it in our linen closet.  It's mid week and I wish everyone a happy hump day.  Have you ever seen the GEICO commercial

 

Terrible Tuesday - but great weekend

What a terrible feeling when I miss so many days of not doing my daily post.  I hope you will all understand and forgive me.  It had been a busy weekend with lots of socializing and fun filled day.  The days just go by so fast when you a truly having fun.  Last Saturday we met up with the people around our neighborhood for our first coffee morning.  We had a very good turn out and we hope we can do this more often as a way to really get to know our neighbors. Almost everyone brought some type of goodies both home made and store bought.  Our host provided coffee to refill our cup.  Some of the people we already met from a previous meeting and the others were all new to each other.  It was amazing that some have been living in the neighborhood for years and don't actually know their neighbor.  We stayed for about an hour and a half and then it was time to meet Jeff's friend for some tennis.  It was a beautiful sunny day as always which was perfect for the game.  Playing doubles was easier for everyone because it is less tiring.  I was paired with Carlos while Jeff was paired with Mark.  The last time we played Jeff and Mark creamed us so this time I told Carlos it was our turn to win.  The pairing was very evenly match and could have gone either way, but Carlos and I won this time.  We decided to have lunch at the Elephant Bar which has a wild selection of meals.

The services was great and the food was very tasty.  Check out the photos.

My lunch - Salmon roll from the appetizer section

Mark's lunch - grilled chicken and shrimp

Jeff's lunch - Shrimp jambalaya

Nora's lunch - a very big salad

Carlos lunch - Tri tip with mashed potatoes and green beens

Maybe Monday - Matchmaking

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match,
Find me a find, catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match

Does anyone remember that song from Fiddler on the roof?  Matchmaking was the old way of finding that special someone.  I am not a registered matchmaker but I can at least say that I found a match or I should say a perfect match for some of my friends.  Here's how it all began.

Some time in the late 90's while working on an assignment in Ottawa, my friend Suzanne and I had a bet.  She said that if I find her a man, she would find me another assignment so I could return to Ottawa for a couple more years.  I shook her hand and started my search.  It did not take me long to find one.  A good friend of mine introduced me to his co worker named Jerry.  After talking to him and finding out more information, it clicked, this was the man for Suzanne.  I arranged for all of us to meet at a pub one day after work and introduced them.  A year or so later, they got married and to date are still happy married.  Unfortunately I could not attend their wedding due to a family emergency but they did thank me for connecting them together.  #1 match.

In the last place of work before I retire, there were quite a few couples that work there not necessarily in the same unit.  One of my long time friend Ralph who I knew prior to his joining our department.  It's funny but I actually met him at a bar with his buddy.  We had become friends since that time.  At that time our unit had added some new officers, young officers and one particular one caught his eye.  I have to say that I encouraged him to hang out with her but he was still hesitant because it was sometimes difficult to have a work and love relationship.  I suggest that he tries to keep it very private and I arranged for them to have a date and I believe I chaperoned at least 3 or 4 dates.  You probably already know the ending.  We attended their wedding at the end of August 2009 and they now have two kids, happily living in some small country town in Quebec. #2 match. 

As for my #3 match, I am just doing the early stage.  So if any of my friends out there that are still single and interested in meeting a wonderful guy, let me know if you are still available.