New Job, So Far

It's my second day at my exciting new job. Why exciting? Well, it's a growing company and it's currently experiencing the usual growing pains of a successful fast-growing company. I'm tasked to make it these growing pains bearable and as short as possible. What could be more exciting than that?

Well, I'm on coffee break now and I'm using it to write this short rave. The purpose of this share? Well... I just want tell the world how grateful I am. It is true what they say, there is joy in the little things in life.

It's Monday! New Day, New Job!

It's Monday and I'm up at 4am. I'm excited to start my new job as the head of fabrication for one of the biggest creative firms in Manila. I have to be at the office by 7am for a meeting with my new boss. After which, I'll be meeting the fabrication team by 7:30am. I'm pretty sure today will be a busy day.

I do have a bit of apprehension because I'm starting this job as an addition to my current work as an architect, interior designer, and design and build contractor. But, I'm up for the challenge. Good luck to me. Oh... and good morning everyone. See you tonight.

Growing a Green Thumb

For the past few months, I've been attempting to be a gardener. I must confess that I did not approach it systematically. Watching Home and Garden TV you'd think that maintaining a garden is easy. I mean how hard could it be? I already have the basics at home.

• A garden with lush plants (started by my dad when he visited over Christmas)
• A constant supply of tap water and the occasional rainshowers
• Sunlight -- lots of that here in the Philippines

What more do I need to know? 

Chlorophytum (Liliaceae)

PROPER CARE: 

Light: Must have bright light with some direct sunlight. Keep them out of hot midday sun which may scorch the leaves.

Temperature: Warm room temperature is suitable. They do not thrive in temperatures below 45 degrees F.

Watering: During the active growth period, water plentifully as often as necessary to keep the potting mixture thoroughly moist. In the rest period water more moderately enough to make the mixture moist throughout but allowing the top half-inch to dry out between waterings. any further drying out may result in temporary bleaching of foliage (which will clear up when plants are watered) and permanent browning of leaf tips.

Feeding: Every 2 weeks throughout the year, apply standard liquid fertilizer to establish plants (those that have begun to produce plantlets).

Potting and Repotting: Use a soil-based mixture (1 part sterilized fibrous soil; 1 part medium-grade peat moss, ground tree bark, or leaf mold; 1 part course sand or fine perlite;  add a balanced granular or powdered fertilizer according to instructions on the package). When potting or repotting, make sure to leave plenty of space for development of the mass of translucent water-storing tuberous roots that the plants produce; pots should allow the top part of the root ball to lie an inch below the rim. Repotting becomes necessary when the fat roots have forced the mixture upward to rim level so that it becomes difficult to add water. These chlorophytums may be moved to larger  pots at any time.

(Text Source: Reader's Digest Success with House Plants; Photo Source: http://takeawaytrends.com/)

New Blog, No Particular Purpose

Hi I'm Kikay Reader. I started a book blog last February which you will find at http://kikay-reader.blogspot.com. I started that blog to share my love of reading. But, just like any human being, my interests are not limited to books. 

When it comes to interests, I must confess that I'm like a person with multiple personalities. 

I love 

...crafting (sewing, crocheting, beading)

...arts, design, and architecture

...computers, gadgets, and up to date technology

...mocha (my dog)

...anything Japanese

...observing people

...hanging out in coffee shops and milk tea places

...games

...fashion

...graphics

...eating out

...going out with friends

...bookhunting

...bargain shopping

...etc.

I love a lot of things.

 I'm currently:

... learning how to garden

... learning to cook and eat healthy

... starting an exercise program I can keep.

Anyway, in this new blog, I intend to share anything and everything that comes to mind. Hopefully, all of them would be useful to my readers.