Sickly Saturday - Murphy's Law

It all began when I told one of my golf buddy during our weekly round of golf.  I was bragging that I am lucky that I did not get sick when Jeff got that nasty cold stuff.  He had it for at least three weeks.  When I first noticed he was coughing and sounding congested, I started drinking this home made tea with lots of ginger, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey.  I made sure I consumed a cup in the morning and one at night.  As you know this year I opted not to get the flu shot since every year that I get them, shortly after I get sick.  Well, after that Thursday and Gil said "knock on wood", sure enough I started feeling not so good on Monday.  The bad part is that my BFF from Texas was still visiting.  She was so understanding and we ended up just hanging out at home.  The next day I took her to SFO and I went home immediately to rest.  There was no coughing or sneezing or headache, but a little achy muscle and lack of energy.  I continued to just take it easy and when I feel a little energy, I would do some of the house work.  The next day I am back where I started.  Yesterday was the first day I felt a little better until about dinner time when I felt nauseous.  I am still not sure what I had for the past week but I am happy to report that today is a much better day.  From now on, I won't be bragging about feeling very good or healthy.  I'll just accept it and enjoy the days that I am feeling great.  

 

Therapeutic Tuesday - My own way

Everyone has their own way of dealing with health and life issues.  Some are dependent on the company of people, others on alcohol/drugs and the rest on something less tragic on their health.  However you deal with it in order to make you feel better is entirely up to you.  Most of my therapeutic way seems to work to my day to day health issues.  For example, when I have any type of muscle aches and pains, I would slap a patch of Tokuhan to the specific area.  This is very similar to those heat/cold patches like Salonpas.  Before going to bed is the best time to use it and by morning time, the pain seems to disappear.  When it occurs during the day or while golfing, I would make sure that I use a couple to ensure a few hours of coverage.  Going for a massage is another way to get all the little kinks and knots taken away.  I remember when I was still working, I would go every other month or maybe once a month depending on how my body feels.  Here's a list of some of my therapeutic ways to fight those day to day health issues.  As I get older I am trying to find a more simple and healthier ways.  

• Getting a massage
• Eating your favorite food, dessert or snack
• Listening to clean classic hits
• Reading a good book
• Taking a short nap (anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes)
• Going for a short walk just to be outdoors
• Watching a Hallmark movie
• Taking a really hot shower
• Drinking your favorite cold or hot beverage
• Chatting on the phone with one of my BFF
• Sewing a small project that's quick and easy
• Writing a letter (snail mail) to friends who loves getting them.
• Something crafty like drawing or card making

My sister sent me these are they are only available in Canada.

She also sent these after I called her one day wondering if they still made them.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
         

Superbowl Sunday - I'm cheering for the other team

Superbowl 50 is here in the Bay area and for a whole week there were so many things going on and it is causing a lot of inconvenience for residents of the area.  Even though the Levis Stadium is in Santa Clara, they have a couple of Superbowl activities (tent) and more downtown San Francisco and San Jose.  For us, we just stay away from those areas for this week.  We are having a small group of friends for our Superbowl party.  As you know my team is not playing so the excitement is not as great.  But we still will be watching the game at home with our friends.  I have planned a simple menu instead of the original one that consists of steak and lobster.  This time it'll be some finger foods and a variety of desserts.  Without the Patriots, I would now have to pick a team to cheer for.  Definitely not the Broncos because they are the reason why the Patriots are not in Superbowl 50.  I think the Panthers will win and I hope they win with a lot more points between.  Whoever you are cheering for this Sunday, may the best team wins. 

 

 

 

 

 

Satisfactory Saturday - It's that time again

When is it the best time to reorganize your closets and cupboard?  Usually when you have company coming is the best time to do it.  But for me, it is when I see that it's not as organize anymore.  If I remember it correctly, it has been at least 6 months since I cleaned and put my cupboards in order.  It is amazing how many things you will find and some of the items might have expired.  One of the other reason why I had to keep it organized is when I would ask Jeff to get me something in the cupboard and he can't find it.  Now he can see where everything it and even if he can't I can describe to him exactly what I am looking for.  Not only did I do the kitchen cupboards, I also reorganized the bathroom vanity and under the sink storage.  I am sure you are interested in seeing what I have accomplished, right?

It was definitely a satisfactory feeling after spending less than an hour organizing this cupboard.  I love trying to fit each box or bottle or canister in whatever space I have.  I also have some baskets to hold whatever items need to be categorized. 

 

Threading Thursday - Sewing again

It has been a couple of months since I have used my sewing machine.  One of the reason why I am not starting any project is that my automatic threader is not working properly.  I will have to ask Jeff to take a look at it and maybe he can fix it like the last time it.  The threader makes it easier for changing thread and inserting through the very tiny hole of the needle.  Although I can do it manually, some times it does take a few extra seconds sometimes minutes it get it in.  I have a couple of kitchen towels that I wanted to sew and it has been sitting on top of my machine for a month.  It will only take me less than an hour to complete them but sometimes I just need a little motivation.  Since we have company coming this weekend, I thought I should get them done so we can put away my sewing machine and sewing box.  In total I finished three kitchen towels that I can use for gifts.

I made two of these from a kitchen towel that I cut in half.

I only made one of this because the other half of the towel I use for the above.

 

Wholesome Wednesday - Homemade goodies

Yesterday I woke not feeling good so I decided to take it easy.  I started with checking my blood sugar level, do my insulin shot, eat my breakfast and then I took a nap.  It seems that taking a short nap always energizes me.  Next thing I know, I am baking some cookies.  Since some of the ingredients were already out, I decided to make more things.  By lunch time I have made a couple of items.  After lunch I continued baking since I was feeling much better.  Now I am going to share what I have made after four hours.

Six layer bar also known as magic cookie bars.

Oat Coconut muffins.

A very easy lace cookies.

Caramel Crunch Bar - this is the first time I am trying a recipe I found on the package.

In addition to the above, I have made Brownies using a chocolate cake mix.  There was a video by this lady from Sugar and Spice.  I have never made brownies before so I just hope that this would work.  I added some nuts and chocolate cherry kisses.  The photo I took does not look appetizing at all but I will wait for my brownie tester (Jeff) to see if I get an "A".

 

Mishap Monday - Celebrate the loss

February 1st, a new day, a new week and a new month.  As you may recall, two weeks ago my favorite NFL team lost at the AFC.  My broken heart was just starting to heal when some of my favorite tennis players started losing, some even as early as the first round.  Rafa left after the first match.  Federer and Ferrer lost during the semi-finals.  Maria S. lost at the quarter finals.  I started feeling really bad during the last week of the Australian Open.  Then for some reason things change on the weekend.  There was something to celebrate.  You are probably wondering how can a loss be a reason to celebrate.  For those of you who know me and tennis, you will have figured this out.  The men's finals was just OK since we sort knew that Novak will win as he is currently in the zone or at his prime.  For now I will have to wait until the next tournament which is the French Open in May, Wimbledon in June and US Open in late August.  Good luck to my favorites.