Seeing as  how my date, on last evening, only went "okay" at best, there is absolutely no reason that I should be posting about Engagement Rings. None! But, before going to see Secretariat we had  gone into Barnes & Noble where I came across a magazine ad for CARAT* Jewelry Company. The reason why I'm so very excited about this discovery is that it could very well aid me one day in an idea that I've been fostering for years. Please feel free to use it for yourself, if you'd like.

For years, I've jokingly (?) said that, in lieu of an actual diamond, I will be purchasing a Cubic Zirconia for an engagement ring. Without question, I will be very upfront with my fiancee and let her know about my intentions. I will also let her know that if we make it to our fifth anniversary, then I'll gladly replace the CZ with a real stone. Possibly even adding an additional carat or two as an added bonus for her patience. 

While I consider myself an optimist, I'm also a realist. With the divorce rate being what it is today, the thought of losing a wife AND a ring equal to three month's salary (per DeBeers) leaves me a little skittish. Of course, I have considered that she may feel that things aren't working out, not let me know this, and then choose to stay 5 years and a day -you know, just until the big upgrade takes place, but I'm willing to take that chance. 

During these time, more than ever, should marriage still be honestly looked at as a long-term investment (of the heart) or until debt do us part?

I just got back from archery class, which is down the street from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I haven't been in a few weeks, so my arms are just a tad bit sore.

Because I was never a Boy Scout, when I came across an ad, a few months back, for the Pasadena Roving Archer,  I thought that it would be great fun to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. Honestly, maybe I was more intrigued at being allowed to shoot an apple off of someone's head. You know, someone like an ex-girlfriend or an annoying co-worker. Come to find out, though, requests like these are surprisingly frowned upon at the range. Can you believe that? Well, at least the "Granny Smith" that I'd taken along, made for a hearty snack. 

My first time there was interesting. After an hour and a half training class, the beginners (me and a bunch of twelve year olds!) were finally allowed to shoot up the town. Okay, more like the bulls-eye target perched on a haystack from ten yards away, but you get the idea. The staff at Pasadena Roving Archer is extraordinarily knowledgable, as well as, patient and friendly. I've only been about 7 or 8 times, but each time it's been a great deal of fun and good to see a fair number of parents participating  with their children. (Age requirement = 10 and up)

Be be sure to get there by 8:15 on Saturday morning to claim equipment and a spot. The first lesson is FREE and $5.00, thereafter.

Tonight is my big date. (Well, maybe not big, but hopefully a very nice time.) Even though iPic Theatres opened in Pasadena last December, this will be my first time going.

For the most part, I have given up going to the movies. It seems that no matter where I chose to sit, I usually find myself seated near the person that either wants to talk incessantly or chew their food quite loudly. (or both!) When did popcorn becomes so noisy? Hopefully, tonight will change my opinion of the movie going experience. While, this seems to be the perfect environment to see a film, at $29.00 per ticket, I had to think long and hard before hitting the "ok" button when I purchased the tickets online -Netflix ($5.00) vs. Gold Class ($29.00x2).

Since this is the only theatre of its kind in California, this should really be a special treat. We are going to see Secretariat. I thought about Paranormal Activity 2, with the hope of my date getting scared and wanting to hold on to me for comfort, but then I thought, what if I get scared? I just couldn't take the risk. Secretariat, it is.

...though it probably shouldn't be on a first date. Too often, men buy roses (especially red) because we've been taught that they are the perfect flowers for a lady. Well, this is only true if it is her favorite flower, which you probably wouldn't know on a first date. If you must give roses, then colors like yellow or pink would be safer choices. I did floral deliveries in high school for a local florist, so one thing that I've since come to enjoy is going to the Los Angeles Flower Market in downtown. Since, I have a date this weekend I got up early and was at the mart around 8:30.

With such an intoxicating scent and fullness of bloom, Casablanca Lillies are incontrovertibly my favorite flower to give to someone special, as well as, to myself. (Well, to my apartment, actually.)

And Calla Lillies would have to be my first runner-up. ("...in the event that the winner, Casablanca Lillies, can't perform their duty, then the first runner-up...") This potted version is perfect for adding a life to a space - especially the bathroom - and requires very little maintenance, making it perfect for someone, with two brown thumbs, like myself.

Gerbera Daisy seem to last forever and a day. Whenever I've given these, I've only needed to add a large grosgrain or satin ribbon (NO cellophane, please) in a contrasting color and I'm finished. Also, since they are not really such "serious" flowers like a Rose, they are always a safe, non-threatening  option. If the lady in your life does indeed like flowers, then I suggest finding out exactly which type/color of flower is truly her favorite and stick with it. Trust me, getting it right will makes a difference.

LOS ANGELES FLOWER DISTRICT
766 Wall Street
Los Angeles, Ca  90014-2316
213-627-2482

HOURS:
Mon, Wed, Fri  8am-Noon   ($2 Admission)
Tue & Thur  6am-Noon   ($2 Admission)
Saturday  6am-Noon   ($1 Admission)

I recently posted about the decline of penmanship and the writing of letters/notes  in today's society. For those claiming to be too busy, in lieu of sending handwritten letters, I suggested a new website that I've been using, Paperless Post, which offers very nice e-stationery at its best. Well, a couple of days ago, I came across this brilliant, new technology from Pilot Pen. It allows you to create a font using your own handwriting, so that in your rush to spirit off your next email, you can now "handwrite" your correspondence after all.

...start by printing out the template and filling it in...

...using your best penmanship...

...then, upload the template using your scanner, digital camera or web cam.
And just that quickly, you're ready to start typing/"writing" your letter. (Similiar site: yourfonts.com)