Wanting what you get and Getting what you want

I would like to think that I am an independent being and that my mind rules over any irrational emotions I might have - towards a person, event, issue or idea. But lately I have been battling the expectations and unexpecteds in my life.

I do not mince words, for I believe life is so short to talk in codes and risk not being understood. For people to know what I want, I tell them. And for my expectations, I do the same. I get it all out and lay my cards on the table and let the pieces fall where it may. And I had always hoped that wanting something is an human character design flaw. We set ourselves up for failure if our wants are not met, even if we work hard to avoid failure sometimes preventing to fail takes so much of our energy we forget to put some more of that spent energy into making it succeed. Most of the time, what I want and what I get are 2 different things, but other times, they are zen.

The otherside to the proverbial coin, is that sometimes, I also get what I do not want. Now that is always a doozie. I get all worked up about things that come my way that I really try to avoid since I do not want them - yet I end up with them.

Case in point - a relationship woe is something no one wants, yet it tends to just creep up on you and may or maybe some of my own vison tunnel syndrome that I might have called up it myself. I hate misunderstandings with loved ones, but it happens. When you throw in humans in a mix, something bound to give and fall apart.

But above all these gloomy side of wants and gets, I like to think that when the unexpected and the unwanted come my way, those are the trying times but those are the times that allows me to grow and seeks to better define who I am and my relations to others.

It is good to want something, it keeps me motivated to work harder. And when I get what I want - I am very grateful and I give back. When I get something I do not want - I take the lumps with the gravy and dust myself off, wipe the tears and after a deep sigh, I nod my head and say - I have learned something here and then - never look back. For from that point on, I am a better person and capable of better love to others. And in the end that is all what we want and that is what we wish to get and give.

About last night...

I forgot the camera, of course. Sorry about that. So my two other friends and I went to dinner and yes we ended up at a Mexican restaurant. I would have loved to share a picture or pictures of the "ensalada" that I had with you but if I had remembered to take a picture it would have been of an empty plate. It was scrumptious!

I had a steak salad. I know that does not sound like a Mexican dish but it was what I wanted, the waiter took my order and I he was fine with it. Medium rare, all meat not grizzle or fat or anything gross like that sliced and place on a bed of iceberg lettuce (shredded not in torn pieces), no tomatoes, a good helping of chunks of Roquefort cheese ( no imitation) and a delicious vinaigrette dressing over some real crispy onion rings. It was served on a larger than usual salad plate. It was just right, exactly as I wanted it.

I went wearing a nice summer white eyelet blouse and black slacks. I wore my strappy ivory open toed high heels and took my GV black with gold trimming bag with me. I was comfy since it was a peculiarly warm evening.

My friends were great. We had a long conversation and 411 is up to date. There were some questions about what I am doing, what they were doing, how is married life, etc. Being with girl friends can be such a stress relief. This is one of life's pleasures.

My friends looked great, one was wearing white jeans (hot item this summer) with a red top, and the other was wearing black jeans with a navy blue top - they both looked gorgeous.

The Mexican place we ended up in was a good choice since I got lost getting there - I am not much of a navigator. I guess even with a GPS, I would still get lost UNLESS it is implanted in me and it would beep just like the lo-jack. But the ever handy cell phone came to the rescue. I do not like driving in general, being driven is more like my style.

Again next time, I promise I will take the camera. Scouts honor!

That was what happened last night...It was a great dinner with great friends - regardless of where we ended it would have been a nice evening nonetheless. The divine salad was just an added bonus for the evening.

Dinner with the BFFs tonight

Well we have finally decided to meet tonight. After a few days of wrangling dates, time and place where we (my 2 Best female friends) can have this dinner, it was decided Tuesday- a perfect date. After numerous bouncing back and forth of emails asking about what we want and where should we go - we have decided 7pm, tonight.

This is always the case with busy lives. Before emails, people actually picked up the phone and dialed and spoke to friends to set up things like this. People still dial - cell phones or voice activate dialing the cell phone. With busy friends, we tend to do what seems to be technologies aid in making our lives better and more efficient - it doesn't. But since both my BFFs are in the office most of the mornings, emails is the best way to get a hold of them and you have a better chance of getting a response this way.

I will take my nap this afternoon and get ready for dinner later. I am not sure exactly where we are meeting but I think I will just wing it, I have an idea where it is but not 100%. OK, so I can call but when you are meeting 2 girls at a parking lot of a restaurant - it will not be that easy! - you see we have not decided which restaurant we are going to go to, so we will meet at this general common parking lot of a big business/ restaurant row complex.

Second, this is our first dinner together, the 3 of us, since the last single member of this trio got married a few months back. We are down on the 411, so some updating is needed.

I will tell you tomorrow what happened and where we end up. I am sure Hooters is not an option, we just wanted to get a good laugh and suggested that right out. We have several choices, Indian food, Thai food, Fusion cuisine, Mexican food, Japanese - but really 3 women trying to make up their mind, that should require some margaritas, cosmos and even a martini for me. We'll see. This will be fun. And I am up for it.

Oh and BTW if I remember my camera, I will take a picture of the dish that I will order, just so I can post my first picture here and I can share, ok?

Comeback tomorrow and see what I have for you.

Guess who came to join me for my morning cup of coffee...

Yesterday was a Sunday. And boy, oh boy, was I up for a nice surprise.

First, I made myself a cup of joe (something I had not done in a very long time). What was extra ordinary about this past Sunday was that I was joined by someone for coffee. It was a quick encounter but I had a splendid time about it.

I welcomed into the living room a tall, utterly jaw dropping (though now follicle challenged at 55, the son of a milkman from the streets on the poor side of New Castle England. Music is all he ever wanted to do, he said. I love his music and art, his accent, his yoga and well-toned body, his song writing abilities, his god-given talent to play stringed instruments, his love for his wife and children. His music is fabulous. I listen to it all the time. I have his CD in my car right now. More potent than the jolt of caffeine that was inside my hot cup of coffee was when he flashed his smile and sang me a song. I just but melted right there on that very spot (OK, I was seated - but it made for an very good visual) and it was truly a relaxed yet splendid experience. You gotta love this guy.

Picture this, as I sit here and breath, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, is in my living room singing me a summer song. How fab! The voice, the lyrics, melody and the tune- WOW does not begin to cover it - for it is like none other. Of course we all know him commonly as STING.

You know the member of the band POLICE (they are reuniting for a series of concerts)? Ring any bells? Well, it was a nice morning indeed, and as I finished off the last few drops of my coffee, I listened to the rest of his song. Lulling, soft and mellow voice, comforting and connected. I think his music has matured as he has. Very nice.

He was being interviewed on TV, you see. With my hot cup of coffee at hand and STING singing in the background, it was a promising start of what will be a very good summer.

And after the long absence of coffee in my morning rituals, I think I will only make it once again when the right guest decides to come and join me. Oh and BTW, I am taking up yoga again, I started yesterday.

Driving and Drivers in Buenos Aires

OK here is the deal, today I will not write about my favorite burger place, I know I had stated a day ago that that will be blog topic but, I changed my mind, The Ultimate Diva does not feel like getting burger today - another day.. perhaps.

But in exchange for one meat related topic let us go over to a meat lover country, where else could that be but the Asado Country, of Argentina (Buenos Aires) and let us take a glimpse at my experience as I drive and be amongst drivers of this city - I know will incur the wrath of die hard Buenos Aires fans (short for FAN-ATICS) out there with this - but I say - bring it on - what I speak is the truth, and sometimes other just cannot handle the truth!. Let me remind you that this is MY (as in MINE and MINE ALONE and has nothing to do with you!) blog and today I want to talk about how I love driving in Buenos Aires but how I hate BAD drivers in BsAs. If you think an article like this will raise your blood pressure, now is the time to exit this blog. Let it never be said that you were not warned - this can get ugly!!

Read and re-read this blog before sending me any comments, because what I am about to write about is true and these are my experiences so DO NOT TELL ME that this is negative - because I already know that - the other fact is - IT IS TRUE and indisputable.

I have seen and have been driven around BsAs by very good drivers. My own porteno drives fairly well. Claudio drives extremely well. I had a Tienda Leon driver show me how it can be possible to drive with respect and courtesy on General Paz and I made sure he knew his driving skills impressed me and believe me, I am one passenger that is very difficult to impress. Though I love the streets of Buenos Aires, it's those BAD ASS drivers that get my skin crawling. Argh! I have driven on streets were order and rules are followed and I have also driven on roads without visible lanes, street lights and names, where anarchy rule; I have properly schooled and licensed to drive for more years than I care to count, so I have been around and have seen alot to know what I am talking about.

This is an open letter to all BsAs drivers (or so they call themselves). I point my finger to the BAD, BAD drivers and commend the goods one.

In BsAs, the jerks should not be allowed to be on the road. I am not talking about character flaw jerk (otherwise that would eliminate 90% of all men and women drivers on the road), I mean the ones that are in such a hurry but they really are not getting anywhere- kind of jerks, AKA Bully drivers with their hazardous driving skills, lack of respect to other motorists, darting in and out of lanes with their big trucks kind of jerks. Why then didn't they leave their point of origin 10 minutes ago, huh?. Are their cars really that fast that they think they can get to where they want in 5 minutes, as it the roads will be empty just for them? And to think about it this drive they need to take will a regularly be a 15 minute drive? Other cars on the toll road have every right to share the freeway (albeit their cars are old, without stoplights and not road worthy) they too paid the toll just like you did. So share or learn how to share, buster!

And those drivers that commute on Pan-Americana with their faster, newer model, sleek looking cars or even more powerful cars, this does not entitle you to practice you Steve McQueen maneuvers while risking the lives of other motorists. Remember Steve McQ. had stunt doubles when he made those movies - HELLO! And trust me, your delusional and pseudo-Formula 1 driving skills will not qualify you to take Montoya or Alonzo's position on the racing circuit. Speeders, fast drivers and reckless drivers are 3 classifications of irresponsible drivers, which one are you? Drive safely, the life you save maybe your own or your loved ones. And think about this, so horrible is it to die in a freeway, with all your beautiful face and body mangled and everything - do you really want others to see your last moments looking hideous like that? And the freeway is a means to get from Point A to Point B, not a go cart course where you try to show off your driving skills (or lack thereof) and your Daddy's brand new car. Grow up will you!

And think about all the love ones that will mourn you should you die when your body and cold metal hit the guard rails and the cement when you crash at 160km/hr. Think about them first when you drive on the freeway as if you have a death wish. If you really want to kill yourself, why drag others with you, huh?

And by golly, what is with all the HONKING?! 85% of drivers on the streets and freeway of BsAs is fascinated with the sound of their own car's horn. They create opportunities to press that horn and they do so every chance they get. What is with that? Is it to draw attention to their rusty- tetanus giving- dilapidated-collection of metal they call car? Or is it to announce to the people on the streets that they are driving the newest car on the market and that they look so darn cool behind the wheel? Is that nuts or just simply shallow, or maybe simply immature? Or maybe yet, people honk at other drivers to tell the ones in front of them how slow and stupid they are. Slow drivers are known to be called "domingeros" -like a leisurely drive that only come out on Sundays to drive - thus the name. Honkers hold a special place in my heart because they do not really know what they are doing - they are morons behind a powerful, deadly machine called cars. Guys who honk for no apparent reason have a need for attention and sadly they have to honk at the whole world to get a dose of look-at-me pill. Tsk- tsk. Shallow and Insecure and therapy comes to mind. Noise pollution is just that p-o-l-l-u-t-i-o-n, so stop it already.

I have also seen a lot of improvements on BsAs drivers. A few years back it scared the beejesus out of me when I saw that hardly anyone stayed within the designated lanes, now I have seen improvements and some drivers moving towards obeying road rules. But for those who do not understand how this works, you stay within the broken white lines and not straddle or align your car on the white line. To do the latter is simply...loco! Like I said, there are improvements on this department but I am hopeful one day, everyone will understand why the lines and lanes are there.

Courtesy is observed at times. I have actually seen other drivers in the streets of Palermo and portions of Belgrano yield and let others go first giving up their right of way - to show courteous behavior. I am sure those that do this either have a sense of good manners or have actually travelled outside of Argentina and into countries where this practice is not an exception but a norm. And how about letting pedestrian go and cross the street without honking to hurry them up. It has happened and I have witnessed it a couple of times - refreshing to see chivalry is alive in the streets of BsAs. I am hopeful more will do this in the future.

Increase in seat belt usage after it became the law . I see more and more drivers and passenger use this life saving device. How much love can you show the young ones when you endanger their lives when you do not use seat belts when they are inside your car? Seat belts are in cars for a very good reason - use it. Remember you never know when accidents can happen and by then it might be too late to strap those on.

Blinkers or signal lights are standard in all cars, yet I have to see more of the drivers use this. I have seen drivers use them intermittently but I hope more of the BsAs drivers would try using it once in a while, it would help make BsAs streets a better place for all of us motorists. I am not sure about you but until I perfect my mind reading abilities, blinkers can really give me a good indication what you want to do, make a left, change lane to the right, you are exiting the freeway, those kind of things. Using it could be life changing even, try it sometime.

I am for the proper use of all 21st century gadgets and everything but what is the deal with texting and driving on the side streets of BsAs. I saw one car stop in the middle of traffic for no apparent reason, no potholes in front of him or anything (I know it was not a pedestrian) like that but that guy was actually texting as he was driving, now how freakin' dangerously crazy is that.

And the drivers that litter, argh!!. These people are the at the bottom of the food chain. People who litter show lack of respect to their own country, the environment and to their fellow portenos. People who throw their cigarette butts and candy wrappers out their windows shows lack of finesse, and do I dare say - lack of education. I will be brutal about this because it is offensive bad habit. Don't you love your country Argentina? So why are you getting it dirty? Walk the talk, I say. if you truly take pride in your country, do not litter. I am asking you to pick up trash, just do not litter. Do your share of helping clean up the country you call home. And those that throw their bus tickets on the ground are no better than the drivers who litter the Pan Americana - they are derelicts who I am sure will not mind should anyone go into their homes and dump trash in the middle of their living room because they do the same to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires. If the generation before you have been littering without giving it much of a second thought - NOW you know differently. How degrading is that to be caught littering - you are part of the problem and not part of the solution to the beautification of this city. Shame on the people who litter!

Sidebar comment:

I thought it was funny when one time I saw a guy with his buddy - drinking and driving. No do not get your panties in tissy - I did not mean alcohol - I meant mate. The two were passing their mate gourds and sipping alternately from the same bombilla. I guess it is common to do this while driving, especially during cold weather season. I usually see coffee drinkers doing this in other parts of the world- but mate - that was something to see. It is safer to drink mate than any alcoholic beverage though, that I much I can say.

My open letter to the drivers of Buenos Aires will not stop here. This is not the end of it. Every time I see something that is not good in the streets of BsAs, I will write about it here. Every time I see something that is commendable in the streets of BsAS, I will write about it here. It is important that the new generation of people living in BsAs be held responsible and be positive and contribute to the betterment of such a lovely place.

People who visit BsAs walk away always remembering how scary it is to be in its streets, driving or being driven by taxi drivers. We can change that misconception for there are good drivers out there it is just that the bad ones out number the good ones. And I am positive, it can only get better from here.

Now after all that is said and you had a moment to take a deep breath and let the facts sink in - now tell me that this observation is not true?

Best Burger

Where ever you might be, can you tell me where the best burger joint is in your neighborhood?
Tomorrow, I will tell you where my favorite burger place is.

A Day at the Spa

Lately, I have been feeling like my chakras have been out of whack. Tell tale signs of these are the sudden blemishes on my skin, my hair feels dull or falling out and I get irked so easily and not even time in front of the mirror can please me. So off I go to my....hairstylist and colorist.

I used to have one of each, a hairstylist that strictly just cuts my hair and I had a colorist that only does colors and color consulting for me. The reason I had for doing it this way was - if my house needed electrical work, I call an electrician and if I need some carpentry work done - yup - I call a carpenter. It is logical to get the right person with training for a particular job need, right? That was my line of thought until I met -my Mary.

She is the best thing that happened to me since sliced bread, really and cross my heart. Pinky swear!!

She has done wonders to my hair. I am capable of damaging my hair in every conceivable way and she fixes it. And I have done some atrocious things to my hair in the past. Now my hair is under her exclusive and exquisite care. I listen to her give the Sermon on the Mount on what I am doing wrong with it, how I should care for my hair, how to and not to expose it to too much heat and sun, hot oil treatment every weekends and how often to shampoo, conditioner, etc. etc. etc. And I listen to this just for a haircut!

Well today, I need more..a whole lot more. I decided to have some color and highlights to get myself ready for summertime - we always have a great time doing something to my hair every summer time. It is our time to explore and think outside the box, so to speak. And because of that I was at the Spa/salon for a longer time. And the best thing about all these beauty pampering is I get free "therapy session". No, Mary is not a psychologist either - she is just a good listener. As my hairstylist she knows how my personal life is going by the present state my hair is in. I talk to her, she listens. And I talk some more and she listens. She never really gives me concrete advise - which I like but she listens and that I like. She tells me what I tell her and often times I just make more of an issue that it really is - DIVA behaviour 101. So I get to see how intense I am sometimes and she shows me the error of my ways without throwing it back to my face. Subtle but effective. You gotta love this woman. She reads me like - not like a book, nor by the lines on the palm of my hand but by my hair. How fantastic is that? If I am happy in my love life - my hair has lustre, she says. If I am not so happy - my hair is dull! BINGO!! Give the girl a prize. I know she is right, even my chackras know it. Out of balance = out of whack.

Well after several hours of doing the hair coloring, blow drying and flat ironing, I felt better already. She truly cares about her clientele and I like that. I have now been going to her for years.

She always firmly but politely tells me what hairstyle would and would not work for my face shape and lifestyle, that is the bairstylist quality I like about her. She is a sweetie. She always offers me bottled water and that at the right temperature that I want it to be. Talk about service.

When she shampoos my hair she uses the right product so my scalp does not itch nor will cause it to dry and has color protectant, I am sensitive to harsh chemicals. She conditions my hair with a good massage and the water temperature is always perfect. She knows what I like. And last but not the least she gives me a very good towel to dry my hair, I am particular about that. She works at a Spa Salon that is immaculately clean and well kept. The restroom is so spacious and utterly stain free, it smells good in there too. Everything about this Spa is top-knotch. Service is so above the even higher standard ones that I cannot imagine going to any where else -Mary knows what I need and that is all that matters to The Ultimate Diva. I know I am high maintenance and this will not change anytime soon. My best thoughts are created when I am being pampered.

Just to give you the degree of what role Mary has in my life, the day before I came back to the US from a three-week trip to South America and my hair was a mess after the harsh weather changes, the change in diet, the plane temperature and stress, I made a phone call to her to make an appointment for right after I got home from the airport.

My hair is my crowning glory. And as The Ultimate Diva, my hair is very important to me. I spend at least 3/4 of an hour preparing it should I be going out with friends.

After the intensive haircare, I walk to my car and I feel 100% better already. I think a day at the Spa with a haircare provider who help lift not just my hair do but my spirits as well can do wonders to my world. My next appointment is middle of next month. Well wait and see if any thing has changed in my personal life by then.

My hair looks and feels great for now, by the way. It has the lustre, silky smooth, with volume and shape, and movement that I needed. I just have to work on that peace and beauty on the inside to exude peace and beauty in the outside thing. I should be fine in another day.

What's on the lunch menu?

It is a very nice and sunny day in Southern California today. An ideal and idyllic day in paradise. Weather here never seems to disappoint me. It is always sunscreen and sunglasses weather...ahh summer time in heaven.
The cool breeze coming from the ocean is just perfect right now. I am about to start my lunch. I have my slightly chilled bottled water, and my salad. This is no ordinary salad, I have waited 8 weeks or more to have one of these salads. Oh no, not because it was not available but because I have been travelling for roughly that length of time and was not able to get myself one of this.

What I have in front of me is a chicken chipotle salad (CCS). People in California know exactly where I got this.

Imagine this...a tortilla baked to form the shape of a shell (bowl), nice and crispy. Then on top of that is a good heaping of shredded iceberg lettuce, and on top of that is a big breast of chicken that was grilled to perfection (grill markings and all) with a slight hint of teriyaki soy on it - this is sliced and diced to mini-bite size pieces. To that, a fair amount of salsa is added - not the sauce kind but chunky tomatoes, cilantro, onions and jalapeno finely diced. The jalapeno is a nice touch to give the salsa just the right amount of kick to it. Then grated parmesan is generously sprinkled on top of the salad.

The salad dressing, I always ask to be given to me on the side. I never want my salad wilted and soppy with dressing when I get home with it. So it is always on the side. The dressing is made up of ranch style dressing blended with dried mexican chipotle chili that have been reconstituted and placed in a food blender with the ranch dressing. The consistency is grainy but smooth at the same time, just like the way I like it. This specific salad dressing is an excellent concoction to top the chicken salad. I relish every bite every time I have one of these salads.

I like very good and well prepared salads, in general. I love Cobb salads too but that sounded too heavy and too much to have for today. Fresh ingredients and the fusion of taste and texture is important to me, and I think this CCS is just right.

Water was perfection in itself... this is also one thing I miss when I travel..my favored bottled water. No, not flavored, just my favorite bottled water. I know it is water but when I am not in California and I have to settle for that particular destination place's local water, I can last with that for awhile but then I have to eventually settle for second best - Evian.

I, The Ultimate Diva, would like to thank you for your company and my chipotle chicken salad that I truly enjoyed for lunch today. I had fun. And I will see you again another day. Toodles!

Four positive thoughts about Buenos Aires

I went to Buenos Aires again recently. It was not my first visit - and I am hoping not my last either. One can always say negative things about any country they visit (since it is not home - duh!) like things that irritate them, bug them and downright get on their nerve kind of things but I would like to begin this blog with a series of positive observations I have for a beautiful place called Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I miss the following about Buenos Aires. First, the "almost" family members that I have gained through all my numerous returns to BsAs. Second, I reside in a splendiforous place where hip is happening and the who's who of BsAs hang at night and on weekends. Third, I get to have my city life and yet blessed have the peace and quiet the country life has to offer - yummers! Last but definitely not the least - good sustenance.

Let me expound on these topics further. The "almost"family part is a group of people that I have learned to love dearly all these years that I have been visiting BsAs. I keep their love and generosity close to my heart. I prefer not to go into specifics about my "almost" family members - I tend to get too sentimental about it. This special group of people include a friend-by-association. His name is Claudio, a wonderful and sweet family man. He has such a tender soul, understanding nature, full of life lessons, fair sense of justice, patient spirit and gifted with a giving heart. The man knows how to listen and care. He defines friendship and even takes it to higher and different level. Even my own porteno thinks he is an amazing person. I concur.

Then there is the gem of the crop - kind people like Rogelio - the encargado where I live. This man is so dedicated to his (excellent and quality) work. He takes pride in his duties and it shows in every possible way on everything he does . He is a hero to me. He cares for his family and his responsibilities to the building that the pride he exudes is contagious. His type of workmanship is a dying breed. I am fortunate to be a recpient of his perfection kind of work. I am surrounded by the beauty and the pride he takes in doing his job and he does it very well. When in Buenos Aires, it is always a good idea to be surrounded with very good people. It keeps one perspective positive, and keeps your sanity intact.

Oh, let me not forget the street sweepers. I so love-love these guys. They keep the streets and sidewalks clean from the fallen autumn leaves and the scraps of paper. Is there anything better than that?

Second thing, I love about BsAs is the neighborhood I live in. It is a happenin' place. Anyone who is anybody has to be seen here and continues to be seen in this very trendy 'hood. The people are vibrant, the eating joints are bountiful, the cafes in each and every corner are full of life, the smell of brewing java perks me every time I turn a corner and the ice cream parlor on Miqueletes -what else is there to say except this decadent almost sinful to pleasurably consume icy treat rapturously melts in your mouth, always wanting to savor each and every drop with a lick after lick, the never ending running of ones tongue over one's lips...hmmm...oops, I digress. This place is buzzing and so energetic one cannot help but be infected with the vigor and life that it pumps through the veins of Las Canitas. ..and I so also love the idea that in my particular some corner of Las Canitas...get this... there is a policeman there at night, how great is that?

Third, though I have fun and I live in my own little corner of the world when I am in BsAs, I look forward to the peace and quiet the country life avails me. The sight of open field full of trees, the vision of icy patch of green fields covered with ice after a dewy evening, the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of chirping birds, the quiet and slow paced country lanes, the sight of clear blue skies that goes on forever, the feel of crisp and brisk breeze blowing as you stand still on the driveway, the wonderment on seeing tero-tero hopping on a grassy knolls or tugging at that worm from the ground. You can almost taste the tranquility if you just take a second and close your eyes and open your heart to nature's bounty. Blessed!

Last but not the least, I miss the saladitos, the fresh Sancor milk, vegetables, the (deliriously delectable other white meat) pork, yamani rice and the ever oh, so tasty steak meat. (OK so I am a carnivore - so bite me.) I love meat. I keep the food chain real and just like the way it is by staying exactly where I am supposed to be on it. The mere thought of a sizzling steak on a grill gets my own juices running and drool is apparent - instinctive almost. Let me not forget, the sweets from La Rosa - heehaw!! Though I like miga, but I do not die for it. Give me saladitos and a glass of milk and boy, oh boy - I am one happy camper. I have savored some red wines in BsAs, but have yet to try Argentina whites - and until I have had the pleasure of having both, my verdict is still out on that topic.

Things that I will not include on this what I miss about BsAs list is shopping. I love shopping in general, so I can do it anywhere. I do not miss the sport.. excuse me... that activity.. at all. I can do it anywhere. Shopping is only good as the shopper is and not where or what you are shopping for - this is one of my many mantras actually.

There are certain things I miss in BsAs because it is not home to me.. not yet anyways . I am comfortable in my present summer surroundings since I have been here most of my life. The idea of being in a foreign place learning its different culture, language and everything is a formidable idea to me. But I guess, I am up to the challenge. I will not be alone in this venture for I have "almost" family and friends there (what a comfort!). I have a very nice place with very good food available to me (yess!) good respite on the weekends (ohh yeahh!) and I can make a good time of it (cross my fingers). So I guess, I miss BsAs because I am somewhere else during its winter time and summer time. BsAs is my in-between place to be. I am willing to give it my best shot. I like new things, experiences and adventures included. (It is not living in the wild with no indoor plumbing and running electric current, so I am game with that!!) Everything else, I will be able to manage with some honest to goodness good ol' college try.

And as it is right now, I love it just the way I am doing it. I learn to value what I miss and miss what I have learned to value - and that is always a good thing even for The Ultimate Diva.

I wonder how good I will really feel if I wrote about what-I -do-not-miss- about- Buenos Aires, huh? Well..we have to wait and see..another day... I will write about them... and that is a promise.

Electronic Stores and Boys

I spent a portion of my day at an electronic store yesterday. I am not sure what to make of that occurence since electronics store are not exactly (or ever, that I can remember) on the top of my TO DO list.

There were no more than usual crowd at the electronic store considering yesterday being Father's Day and all.

Having said that.. I concluded that I only go to this particular electronic store - a major gargantumongous electronics store in Southern California - because the boys in my life love going there, but I am starting to like going there as well - oh, pawleezz, do not get me wrong. The store neither have a make up counter there nor jewelry section in there.

But it is a perfect place to see grown men act like boys.... they drool over the latest softwares, you could sense increase in pulse rates and heart beats when they have on their hand recently released video games and they get animated upon seeing a great deal on a 2GB memory card, not to mention ON SALE items like mother boards, video game consoles, larger than their living room PLASMA TV. These things can actually bring hints of twinkles in their eyes not last seen by the women in their lives since - OK - like never!

This particular electronic store not just huge but the selection on one item is endless and mind boggling to say the least. Grown men acting like little boys let loose in a toy store. Well, they are in a toy store! It is just that toys here cost in the hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
The excitement is too much for some and the increase on testosterone level, a tinge of adrenaline and a touch of euphoria is almost evident on others. Men go gaga over the latest- largest capacity- as- long- as- it- is- wireless gadgets. The lingo spoken amongst these guys is in a world of its own.
I could see that the women these guys walk in with ( ok, majority of them) cease to exist as soon as they pass the posted WHAT IS ON SALE THIS WEEK ad on the right hand side of the entrance. I have never seen men sprint so fast to get to the memory card adapter aisle as I see them in there. Women are left to fill their time perusing through movies, dvd and mandane stuff like printing paper, cameras and IPODS while their man run around hardly able to contain their glee as they hop and skip up and down the aisles surrounded by technical and electronic gadgets.
It is a sight to behold if ever you witness one. Try walking in one of these stores sometimes. The male of the species take on a different demeanor and character when surrounded by these doodads and thingamagigs, modems, sound cards,video cards, flat screen monitors and oh the endless selection of microphones, DVDs and headsets... phew! I think men morph instantenously when they near this place - you know.

Well, as for me, I have decided long ago that for the boys in my life as long as they are happy with their occasional visit to their "candy store" of choice, I am willing to go with them and even wait for them as they search for that illusive calculator, movie DVD or cable BUT I then should also be allowed to go to my own "candy store" of choice. I have stopped trying to make sense of the boys in my life's obsession with electronic toys and their drive to have them all. More importantly, as long as they can fix my laptop when it is down, I am cool with that.

So for a free afternoon matinee with grown men loosing their heads (just an expression) over "techno" stuff - I was wondering if I should suggest to management placing some recliner chairs by the HDTV, plasma TV sections some refreshements and popcorn, where manicure and pedicure would be available for a fee, while the women sit and watch their "grown boys" go in and out of aisles in this electronic store.

Oh now that I think of it, there are refreshments and snacks by the register area - they should seriously consider moving them to the entertainment section. It would make more sense there than where it is right now.

I might even drop that suggestion off sometime next week when go back there by myself as I pick up the concert video that I was looking for, just a thought.

And as a last piece of observation, I wonder if women ever thought of going to these electronic stores, this one store in specific and others in general.... to find themselves a man, you can see what they are really into before attempting to strike any conversation with any of them. These places are alot livelier than going to church, potlucks and bingo, blind dates arranged by well intending friends, and a lot safer than bar hopping and makes more sense than speed dating. My last single BFF just got married a few months ago but if she was not, this place is exactly the place I would advise her to go and "scan" some prospects.

Oh and BTW, I think I should really go back there soon, they said they will have the DVD of the last season of the TV series I like. Definitely on my TO DO List for next week.

Shoes

I deem it appropriate that being The Ultimate Diva that I am that my first official post on Another Day will be about a topic closest to my heart...shoes.


My love affair with shoes started really early on. I remember the first ones I wore when I attended my first flowergirl gig for my uncle's wedding. They were white mary- jane type shoes with a silver snaps. I wore them with white socks that were lined with white laces.

I remember my first communion shoes, those were the first ones my mother and I shopped together for. And every start of the school year, there was nothing more exciting for me than looking for those black leather shoes - Hmmm... those were the days.


As the years progressed of course, my taste in shoes just got higher, in heel height I mean. When I was in college, I only wore high heel shoes that were 3 inches, no lower. I believed that the high heels made your ankles look slender, I actually still believe that. It also helps raise one's buttocks, it gives it a lift like no other.


Each special occasion of my life I remember what shoes I was wearing. I am just silly that way.


Today, I went to my favorite shoe purveyor. I only buy shoes that I fall in love with. A pair or pairs that I know I simply MUST HAVE. Today I saw one, black high heels designer shoes, fits like a glove and my toes are happy and yes it is 3 1/2 inches high, lower than what I have been wearing lately but summer is here and they will go very well with the 3 skirts I also got today.
I found it in record time too - it clocked in a little over an hour after I walked in the store. That is a record for me. Looking for shoes can take hours - but I felt lucky today. And I was!
I do not fall in love so easily but good shoes always please me. There is nothing like a pair of well made, good looking and luxurious pair of heels. Shoes completes the ensemble so to speak. Good purse, yes; great make up, yes but killer shoes - OH YEAH!

I had fun today - any day one can find a wonderful pair of shoes - is indeed a very good day.
I think I will wear this particular pair of shoes to a dinner party tonight.

Now, at this stage in my life, each day is a day to celebrate so no special occasion needed for me to remember the shoes I wear. A nice cup of coffee with a close friend is a reason to celebrate - and that deserves a good pair of fabulous shoes too. So whenever I can, I slip them babies on and I have a good time with it. That is my shoe story.

Shoe shopping is never the retail therapy for me - for that is reserved for jewelry.

Happy shoe shopping Ladies! And good luck.
The Ultimate Diva

Another day..begins

Today June 15th, 2007, I finally decided to take the plunge. I created my own blog.

Through this blog I hope to keep in touch with more family and friends than I can ever imagine with just the traditional email form.

Disclaimer:
I am certain that not everyone who read this blog will agree 100% of the time with my postings. I am accepting of that - and to them I say, "TOUGH!"

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!