Kim hmmm...I certainly feel for you in this case. I'm thankful for all the computer nerds at Comcast and Belkin that always seem to be able to fix my problems. I've been where you are and it isn't fun. The one problem I couldn't understand in your post was this one; I would be browsing and it would work fine for about 5 minutes, then all of the sudden the browser wouldn't work anymore and I couldn't update anything. When you say the browser would stop working do you mean your connection went down? Or you couldn't surf on the computer that was wireless? If you mean the wireless computer wouldn't surf, check on this; On the lower right hand corner of your screen there should be a little monitor icon with three little lines that represent your wireless connection. If you hover your mouse over it you'll see the name of your wireless network, speed and your signal strength. If you have anything less than "excellent" as your connection strength that could be causing a problem and making your browser die. Something in your area could be interfering with your wireless router, things like a tv or cordless phone or large piece of metal. What you do is you go into your router and change the number that your wireless router is broadcasting on. It may take you days or weeks to figure out which to broadcast on until you get the best one. You may also have to move the computer that the router is connected to another area to give you a better signal. As far as the other parts about security and firewalls, that stuff is way too technical for me, but your router comes with a firewall built in and if you have windows XP you should also have a firewall. So having one that you went out and bought may be a little over kill, unless you can get someone to come to your house and set it all up so nothing interfers with each other. I think there is a computer forum here, you may want to check it out (if you haven't already) and see what the people there have to say. Good luck.

How old is your white concrete? It is more sensitive to atmospheric moisture and is usually said to only be good for 3 months or so, then it's compressive strength dwindles. You might try the exact same methods using fresh gray cement, and see what happens. If that turns out all right, the problem might be with the age of the white Portland. But if the gray breaks too, there is something wrong elsewhere. Three parts sand shouldn't be too much. On this particular forum, I am always uneasy when someone says "pour". To make strong concrete, you need to use the least amount of water you can get away with, and if you are literally pouring it into the mold, I suspect you're using too much water, which will also reduce strength in the project. If you aren't already, reduce the water, adding it only gradually, so the mix is about the consistency of cottage cheese. If you grab a handful and squeeze it, it should hold it's shape without cracking (too dry) or dripping any water (too moist). If you're soaking, may I assume that you aren't using any type of strengthener type of additive? Usually, soaking is not recommended if you are. Also, if you're staining after only a week, you're doing it too soon. You need to cure the concrete for 28 days before you do any staining. I don't know what too-soon staining would do, but it's not recommended. It may interfere with the curing, but I don't know. Sue

I like Linda's suggestion. I did something similar a few years ago. I wanted a very Spanish Colonial lamp, but everything I found looked too new, too cute, too generic, or was too large for the space I needed. Still searching, I walked into an antique store in Old Town Albuquerque and fell in love with an antique chalkware santo (statue of a saint). The owner suggested a lamp place to take it to. There, they created the perfect base for the statue and attached it with museum putty, so that it wouldn't be ruined by glue. The post curves around my statue and I was able to pick the perfect shade for it. I love it and always get complimented on it. It's the perfect size, one-of-a-kind, beautiful, old, and adds so much character to my room. You might be able to find a great piece of pottery in the right color and have it attached as mine was. The lamp base itself was not very expensive to have put together. Lynn

I so appreciate everyone's comments. I went last week and got multiple chips of the same colors, taped them together (so my sample spot is a whopping 4" long instead of 1x1, but still, every little bit helps). Jagl, that Maison Blanche color is really lovely, and so is China Doll, which is quite close to it. But in the end I'm guessing we'll do Moderate White, which is a white with lots of tan in it. Marys1000, thanks for the tip about that brochure full of off-whites -- that's how I found the Moderate White. And I'm liking Sand for my kitchen and DR, so perhaps I'm close to making a decision. I think I'll live with it for a few days. Randita, thanks for the help with the finishes! I've heard good things about the Cashmere paint, but my boys (and husband!) are capable of marking up walls in places where you wouldn't think any marks would get, so I should probably go with eggshell for the bedroom. Much appreciated. You guys are great. Thanks for the input and the pics. I'll post again when I finally make my mind up!