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

Well I ended up going out today and buying a mattress, I've had it with the couch and delaying fixing the bed-- this forces it to be done so I went with the Temp Cloud Supreme. I just tossed a S&F-one of the ones you might be talking about. Beautyrest has their new "black" line, so S&F is revamping their line too now. To be honest, I've never seen or slept on a Kingsdown, I think that is the manufacturer for EA beds. (my buddy at EA says they won't work for a platform, you need the box spring to make it work. (Worse case I can return or exchange the Temp. The "heavenly Bed," I used to layover at all the Westins when UA owned them. They are ok, but you can load up your own bed to make it like that. I used to have a nice pillow top something when first out of college, then a thick featherbed from ScandiaDown, then NICE sheets, and a down quilt and pillows also from Scandia. I slept on that forever until my dog (no longer alive ) got sick and peed all over it. I think from that point forward, I have had trouble with mattresses. :( plus during that time I flew all over the world and started my career of jet lag ........... I am HOPING this one might work. and I sleep cold, husband does sleep hot, but always has to have a fan blowing on him year round - so he has to adjust. My sleep is more important. He can sleep on a brick uneven floor. He falls asleep in a minute no matter where and on whatever . HATE THAT SOOOO JEALOUS. I need ambien (doc prescribes it for you medical folks) every night for the last 20 yrs. (literally, my job has messed me up, at least I had 8 yrs of good sleeping with my line of work before the issues kicked in!,those were the days......bed is coming on Sunday, I'll keep you posted. I'll most likely still stay on the couch and air it out for a bit LOL!! (smell) I've had latex pillows before, they stink too. (smell) I did toss those, I can't ever change from down pillows!

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I think you're correct that using a mix of colors and textures will make both of us happy. DH has agreed to a different color island, but doesn't like the look of painted uppers with stained lowers. He says it's "trendy and weird." I don't understand his logic, but whatever. I am so FRUSTRATED because he cares what the kitchen looks like but doesn't offer many suggestions of his own. He says I can do "whatever," but wants veto power over anything he really hates. Which is pretty much anything that strays from what's on our builder's website. I've decided that I can no longer look at photos of any kitchens with white; it makes me sad. I'm looking for inspiration from stained kitchens that I DO like. So, here's what DH & I can agree on: - a wood species with a very subtle grain - DONE - simple cabinet design without a lot of ornamentation - DONE - a medium or dark stain that doesn't have strong red or yellow undertones - getting there - a light, subtle granite that doesn't hog the spotlight - considering Giallo Ornamental, which should meet that need - a wood floor that contrasts with the cabinets - getting there - doing something very geometric with the backsplash - painted island - still undecided. I love the idea in theory, but I need to figure out how to integrate it with the rest of the design. I'd love tips on how to do this. Would it be accurate to say that given all our neutral choices, the backsplash needs to be the star? In case you're wondering, DH is making concessions, too. Our compromise is that I'll concede quite a bit on the kitchen, but I get full reign to do pretty much whatever I like in the bathrooms. Two of the three bathrooms WILL have white cabinets. :)