Step On It

I don't know about you, but everytime I go to a new place I can't help but compare the different concretes I step on. It never diminishes my amazement how a crack on a pavement can make or unmake the quality or ambiance of a place.
Lately, there is a very noticeable new trend in the concrete world. It is what is now called decorative concrete.
I visited a friend who just had her kitchen floor remade. The tiles looked like they came all the way from an Italian mine. You can just imagine the surprise on my face when she told me it was concrete, pure and simple.
Another trend is drawing on the floor. One example is a floor etched with a grapevine that gracefully winds diagonally across the room floor. Perhaps you would prefer a collage of toys in your little angels' playroom. How about colorful fruits and vegetables, even utensils, on your kitchen floors or walls? Those will surely be, in the words of my grandkids - COOOOOOOL!!!
There are now concrete contractors whose portfolios are readily available. And their portfolios can speak for themselves. All you have to do is flip through the projects that they have finished - be it a simple loft, or a chain of hotels, or industrial buildings - and deciding will not be too hard. And, what more, no project is too small for them. Be it a patio or driveway to be paved, they are ready to make you avail of their professional services.
On another positive note, only quality materials are used for structural concrete and decorative concrete projects.

Welcome to this world, CJ!

Our friends, Fina and Larry, are (according to Larry) now officially Lola and Lolo, respectively, after their daughter, Chelo, gave birth to her own beautiful bouncing baby girl, CJ, yesterday morning. Presenting CJ as she greets us all while her dad Ryan and mom Chelo and Lola Fina proudly and happily beam over her.

I Do, I Do, I Do

What was that very first thing you thought about when he asked you to marry him, beside the YES that had been at the tip of your tongue all along?
For me it was not the dress nor the reception but the ring. I knew I wouldn't get an engagement ring so, in my mind, I had been playing that image of our ring bearer handing my hubby an engagement-wedding ring set to slide through my ring finger. As soon as we were sure there would be no oppositions to our plans we headed to find our dream Wedding Rings, which, during my time, in my place and of my hubby's ability to pay, was either yellow or white gold only. Adding diamonds was even a big question of "can we or can't we?"
How different it would be if the choosing is of today. I will be opting for the newest, most long lasting material like those black titanium rings so that no matter how many dish washings I may do my ring will still look as brilliant and flawless every day. The material can take handling so in-laying of extra precious stones for added style will not be a problem.
On the other hand I might choose from a selection of a tungsten carbide rings because of its great scratch-proof quality. Then, I might even be able to squeeze hubby's hands for a necklace and/or bracelet.

What I feel like eating right now!

Looking for that special someone?

I know of a woman who recently got divorced after almost twenty years of marriage. While their going separate ways was amicable, I could feel the hurt and longing every time I see her. Everytime I see that commercial on men and women finding their supposedly perfect partner, I think of her. I thought of telling her about it but I never got the chance.
There is this Dating Directory that, I would describe, very thoughtful of its clients. Why? Because it is not a "one-size-fits-all" thing. Do you want someone from another culture than your own? Or, will you feel more secure if someone you date is from your own country of origin? Then this is for you. Do you find religion, or sexual orientation a factor in selecting a date? You're head on! Or, maybe you prefer your exact opposite. You are given that choice, too. Age being another factor? No problem.
Dating Directory is a secure, customer friendly place to explore. One is led to a desired site with security provisions. One, if he so desired, can get acquainted with someone through chat rooms, even. But as in everything else, someone's maturity and discretion will be an asset. Happy hunting and hunt safely.
By the way, this will be a good place for that woman I know to try another chance at happiness, don't you think so?

Thinking of My Three Sons

Because I have just one-and-a-half more weeks to go before I hit the freeway to get to work again, I decided to tidy up one of the cabinets in the living-room. What would normally take me about an hour took me thrice as long because the cabinet holds photo albums, long-ago gifts, loose pictures, old receipts, planners, cd's, dvd's, etc. (you name it, it is there). In one of the albums, I found inserted a yelowish antique looking sheet of paper. I almost couldn't read half of the printed poem, but the title and the poet's name are still clear. I can't remember anymore if someone gave it to me, or if I found the poem myself, but I know it is very very old. I must have kept it thinking of my three sons.

To My Grown-Up Son
by Alice E. Chase

My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast,
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no children's games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now lie still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to .

Sweets for the Sweet Tooth

"Want to come with me?" hubby asked.
"Where?" I asked back.
"I need some greens for the salad."
"Oh, no. Just go by yourself. You can, can't you?"
Hubby knows very well why our conversation goes that way. He knows that if I went with him we would end up with more than greens in our basket. And he knows too that he can bet his life on it that I did I would visit the candy shelves first before the special item on our market list.
My favorite among the sweets spread out on any supermarket shelf would be anything with chocolate, nuts, and caramel. If peanut butter is added then it will definitely be in the basket.
Rock Candy is another hypnotic item for me especially if it contains orangey or lemony flavors. Letting the candy melt slowly in my mouth is simply heavenly. But I also love biting and chewing into a Hard Candy just so I can have my hand into a new one sooner. While we don't usually stock up on candies in our pantry, we do buy bulk candy during halloween time. Kids in our neighborhood already know of our "generosity" I would often notice some making that second round, which we didn't mind but rather found amusing.
Candies with chocolate, caramel, nuts and peanut butter? If you have those, remember me, please.

Drink and be merry .....

Thinking of how to celebrate in style? Do you want your guests to remember your party or that special event you will host? By all means make the drinks do the work. Start with
Chocolate Martini,
2 oz. Vodka
1 ½ oz. Crème de Cacao
Piece of chocolate for garnish
Coat the rim with powdered Cocoa

truly a fusion drink of vodka and cacao creme. Hmmmm, doesn't that sound, or should I say taste, interesting already? Or, are you into adding subtle colors in your drink? Then have some pomegranate in it, like in:

Pomegranate Martini
1 oz. Vodka
½ oz. orange liqueur
3 oz. Pomegranate Juice .

And for that final kick, have a glass of
"Cosmojio" from Jim Lee’s Starlight Room
White Rum
Simple Syrup
Lime Juice
Mint Leaf for Garnish .
You can have all these, and more, and you will not regret if you'll give Dallas catering a chance to serve your party needs.

Come Back, Please

I've been trying to blog again the way I used to but the fluidity of thoughts just don't seem to seep into my brain. I have things encircling in my mind but as soon as I hit the Create button, everything evaporates. The simplest sentence I can't even form. I need prompts, and even with such, it takes me the longest time before I can compose a paragraph. I think I need a writing pad with me all the time so I can record every spark of idea that flashes before me.
Oh, how I miss those times when all I needed to do was place my fingers on the right keys and words just rushed in. I hope those times will come back soon.

Smooth It Out

I was watching a favorite TV series last night where contestants were being either interviewed or let to do their craft. In each case there were several close ups of their faces where, because of high definition feature in the latest technology nowadays, nothing can be hidden anymore. What amazes me is that even under heavy make-up marks left by heavy attack of pimples or acne are still very noticeable. I can't help but wonder how some of those contestants feel when they are not wearing any make-up.
I had my own bout with chronic pimples when I was in college. What annoyed me most was that they attacked me at the most conspicuous parts of my face. They didn't come in droves, thanks for that, but they still affected me emotionally. Try to imagine a girl excitedly preparing for her first dinner date when all of a sudden the tip of her nose started bursting into redness putting Rudolph's own into shame! How I wish I had available for me an acne treatment that I could take so that the toxicity in my blood can be cleansed. If you, or any of your relatives or friends, have problems with pimples or acne, look into what acneticin can do for you.
It may boost your self-esteem even more.

Life Changes

Hubby would just nod and smile each time I would tell him how much I'd prefer to go before him. I've been cuddling in my thought that if ever one of us had to go it would be me first. I had been so sure in that thought and so comfortable in relying on him for almost everything until ......
This morning we had to wake up early because he had an early morning appointment with his opthalmologist. While he was in the examination room I couldn't help but think of how our lives have changed, or interchanged. He used to drive me to my appointments. These last four weeks, I have been doing the driving around for him and the funny thing about it is I really can do it! Ah, I am grateful I still can do it!

Peace of Mind

I woke up at the usual time. Then I took a quick shower, had a banana and coffee so I could take my daily medicine. I thought I still had time to listen to the weather report and had my car filled up in the nearby gas station. Then I was off to work.
I found the traffic to be OK that morning. In fact I still had a few minutes to spare before signing in in the Main Office. As I was climbing the stairs to my classroom, I felt uneasy. Before sitting down at my desk, I drank half a glass of water thinking it would make me feel better. I couldn't point my finger to what I was feeling or what was happening to me. I thought I was going to throw up so I called our secretary. She sent one of our assistant principals who suggested we call 911. Even as I was thinking of my classes for that day I said yes. I was taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital where I underwent some testing after which they took me to my healthcare provider's hospital which happens to be with the Kaiser Permanente California. My doctors released me from the hospital only after they were sure that I was OK and that I knew the cause of my problem and that I understood what I needed to do so I will stay healthy. They also made me promise that I would call them for any questions I may have regarding my health.
Have you, or any member in your family, postponed going to a health provider because you thought you couldn't afford it? Or, have you put on hold your consultation with a healthcare professional because you were not sure you can trust him with what ails you? You are not alone. But there is help available to you. Give Kaiser Permanente Colorado a visit and see for yourself. There is a healthcare plan that will fit your health needs. Professionals are ready to answer your questions right away (Yes, they have a chat room) even as you are cruising through your possible choices.
If you happen to be in the area, go to Kaiser Permanente Georgia and have your peace of mind.

SURPRISE ME

I always look forward to my birthday and wedding anniversary. My friends and relatives try every skill and talent to surprise me but each time someone would accidentally spill the beans, so everything has become so predictable. Next time, this is how I would like it to be......
My choice for a theme is an ocean cruise. My invitations will be done on an ocean green linen paper with the letters embossed. Tropical fishes and sea shells will decorate the edges and enclosed in an envelope that is shaped like a cruise ship. The same design must be carried out on the menu and place cards. For the menu, I will choose from a selection of sea food - fish, shellfish, abalone and sea weeds. The buffet table must also be a picture of what islands are rich of in terms of produce - pineapple, coconuts, berries, papaya, island veggies, etc. And of course, orchids at the center of each of the guest table that is covered with sateen in sand color. And for dessert, I like tiers and tiers of mini cupcakes flavored with tropical fruit essences and frosted in rainbow colors. The sound of water, whether that of rain, fountain, river or creek, must also be audibly soft to every guest. And let's not forget entertainment - every kid and adult will enjoy his own brand of music. One thing though, no alcohol.
If I didn't have the privilege of having such 50th birthday ideas years ago, I am sure I can have those now for our 50th wedding anniversary.

Glad We Did

As we were waiting for our favorite show to start, hubby and I decided to have our dinner first. Midway through our "date" we heard a pop - a sound similar to that of a light bulb breaking. At first we thought it was from outside but when we were ready to finally watch our program the TV was all black. But the sound was on. We tinkered with the remote. Nothing. That's when we settled for our nineteen-incher.
When we bought our plasma TV three years ago, we were unsure of whether to get an extended warranty on it or not. We couldn't be any happier we did. Now we have a brand new LCD TV, same size inch by inch, but from an A-1 manufacturer. And we didn't have to pay anything.

Eco-friendly Relaxing

I still remember our first living room set.
A friend didn't like the set that her husband bought for her so she asked me if I wanted to have it instead. For the discount she offered I said yes even before she finished her sentence. It was a set with settee and two single-seaters plus two side tables and a glass topped coffee table. The cushions, very seventies, were pleasingly plump, thick and wide. (Three years later we re-upholstered the set with mustard yellow linen material). What attracted me most enough to buy the set were the robust, undulating rattan legs and arms and back rests. They looked so hardy and strong yet cuddly.
Three kids and forty years later, the set is still around. One of my sisters repainted and reupholstered it one more time and is now using the set in one of her patios. Seeing the pieces in pictures that my sister sent me brings back memories of those early years not only of our married life but of those of our children's growing years.
Conservatory Furniture heightened those nostalgic feelings even more. The company offers a wide range of designs for their living room and dining sets. You can even download their product/company brochure and be more informed about their collection of designs (which are very "today"), fabric samples, showrooms, financial choices and product care. One thing that any homemaker will find very practical is their use of removable covers so those can be dry cleaned.
Wish I had that luxury before my kids were potty trained!
And more than anything else, I believe there is no other eco-friendlier product than this.

The truth and nothing but........

I may have published this before (because I get this in my mail at least once a year) but I never get bored reading the truth in what Mr. Ben Stein says in this essay that he recited on one CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a Nativity Scene, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says 'Thou Shalt not Kill, thou Shalt not Steal', and 'Love your Neighbor as Yourself.' And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

The truth and nothing but the truth, so help me GOD!!!

A Promise

Is there someone you know who is falling into the cracks needing help but doesn't quite know how to go about it? If you are a friend or a relative you can help that someone. There is a private drug rehab facility that promises only the best recovery experience for its clients. It offers various treatment programs and follow-ups after a client is discharged.
If you need it, then get it!