Red Dress Ink Fans discussion
Random Thoughts
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Starting a new job on the 20th! Many thanks to Tara for letting me know there were openings at the place she just started at. I'll be wo..."
Thanks! :)
It went fast for me. I hope it does for you too. Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "You're welcome! I am glad you got the position!!!
Stacy wrote: "Ok, here's my totally awesome random thought!
Starting a new job on the 20th! Many thanks to Tara for letting me know ..."
Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "You're welcome! I am glad you got the position!!!Stacy wrote: "Ok, here's my totally awesome random thought!
Starting a new job on the 20th! Many thanks to Tara for letting me know ..."
Congrats, Stacy! And good luck!
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Stacy wrote: "Ok, here's my totally awesome random thought!
Starting a new job on the 20th! Many thanks to Tara for le..."
Thanks!
Still waiting for my preordered shopaholic book to arrive! Bit scared because reading comments on Sophie's fb page indicates many many fans are really disappointed with Becky and the ending. Bit scared!
Oh no! I'm still waiting for the library. As much as I love Sophie Kinsella, some of the later Shopaholic books weren't my favorites.
I am listening to it and it's okay. It just doesn't seem the same.
Just got my copy...going to give it a whirl...
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She said this book was very much based on her own experience in Hollywood during the filming of the movie. It was funny because she talked about a scene in which Becky got stuck in a dress in a fitting room while a shop assistant was waiting on her and the very same thing happened a few weeks ago to Sophie while an Italian stylist was waiting on her.
Also, another cool thing she said is that the name Sophie Kinsella is made up of her middle name and her mother's maiden name, so in a way, it still really is her and not just something pulled out of nowhere.
And she's super nice, really appreciative of her fans. During Q & A, Morgan raised her hand. I had no idea what she was planning to ask having never read the books but saw the movie a few times. When Sophie called on her, Morgan told her, "When I grow up, I want to be a writer just like you." Of course that got a lot of awwwws from the rest of the audience and you could tell that it made Sophie's night. So she said thank you to Morgan and told her all of the benefits of being a writer. (This isn't the first time Morgan has talked about being a writer, and has even written a few super short stories. Hopefully someday, fingers crossed!)
How cute!!!! I hope Morgan does follow her dream! I've opted to re-read all of the shopaholic books before starting the last one to try and recapture the magic of the series!
Oh my gosh I have missed so much!!! I don't know where these past couple of months have gone. Work has been really busy, and my reading stopped for a little while. Can I also admit that I'd be a much more productive reader if Netflix wasn't around? Haha. And after summer ended, all my shows started back up. (OMG Revenge...what?!?!) Reading is definitely my love, but after work when my head hurts from reading so many emails...I sorta just want to watch TV and not read anything the rest of the night. So I guess that's why I haven't read so much. BUT I've made a pact to find a better balance, so I am back for good. :)I seriously loved getting back on Goodreads and seeing that there were 68 unread messaged on this board. And I read every single one! :) I've missed talking about books!
I was FINALLY approved for something I really wanted to read on Netgalley - SAVING GRACE!!! Ahhhh!! I'm not too far into it, but I will post a review once finished. :) And on top of that I just found out that Sophie Kinsella AND Emily Giffin's new books are waiting for me at the library. AND my favorite author Heather Wardell reached out to me to beta read her new book. Clearly everything is falling into place for me to finally get back into my normal reading groove.
P.S. Stacy....you...met....Sophie...Kinsella?!?! Calling it awesome is an understatement. And what Morgan said - so cute!
Mod
That's funny, we were watching Burn Notice pretty heavily on Netflix until football all the shows started back up. Now we've only watched a few episodes of Burn Notice in the last few months.
And YAY! I was approved for Saving Grace as well! I was shocked! Congrats on the beta read for Heather Wardell too! I was able to sign up for Sarah Pekkanen's street team on Facebook. So far, it's been kinda cool. She asked for name suggestions for a character in her book.
Yeah, the Sophie Kinsella signing was a lot of fun, and it went really quick. I loved the dress she had on. (Can't remember if I said that before.)
Mod
I like it so far, it's a WAY better environment. The people I worked with at Griffin were friendly, but they were all so reserved all the time. The people I work with now are a lot of fun and the environement is reminiscent of the environment at the job before Griffin (the mall office).
It's a lot to learn, but I passed the Section 125 test on HRCertifications.com, so I'm all set with that. I've learned how to complete enrollments and change forms, and am in the midst of learning plan renewals and approving/denying claims. The claims can be confusing because there are so many variations on HRA plans. One group has one set of rules, while another has another set, and so on, and so on. We have somewhere between 420 and 440 groups with HRA plans and some of those have Flex too. We have a Flex department, but if a group has Flex and HRA, they belong to the HRA department. I was told today that once I've mastered claims, I'll be on the phones next. After that, I should be fully trained. I like that they don't rush it though. It's been a lot to learn and I'm jealous of those that have been there longer and know more than I do. LOL
Another cool thing is that we get to wear jeans and sneakers every day if we want to. And I was told business casual for shirts, but it's pretty laid back. My boss had on a white burn out (I think that's the style...when you can see through it in some places but not others) t-shirt with the word, "love," written on it and a black cami underneath today.
They also have ways for you to earn extra money with referrals to the sales department. I'm not going to go into detail on that, but they buy lunch for the entire staff on the last Friday of every month and last week, they were giving out gift cards to employees that had referrals result in proposals and sales. But there's no pressure to do that. Either way, if any of my fellow book nerds would like to recommend BASIC (www.basiconline.com) to your HR department and tell them to tell the sales people that I sent them, I wouldn't have any problems with it. ;)
And Kourtney, I'm lost on the emails....is it my turn, or were you going to send a follow-up? :)
It's my turn but something happened that I can't talk about yet so I'm sitting on my hands trying not to share. I can share when I'm back from my trip!Speaking of which I am off to the UK tonight!!! So excited! First time out of the country ever! We head to London to watch the dallas cowboys and then off to Scotland for many friends and family greetings. Only downside is the constant rain. Boo! Can't wait!!!
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Have fun in the UK, and safe travels! So jealous and excited for you!
Kourtney, so exciting!!!! You'll have to tell us all about it when you get back. :) How long are you gone for? Oh, and go Cowboys!!!I'm actually going out of the country as well this weekend! I'm going on a cruise! It seems to surreal that I don't think it's really hit me yet. It's starting to get reallyyyy cold here in Texas. As in...40-degree weather. Which seems crazy because I feel like it's been a pretty warm year. And in five days I'll be on a cruise, sailing into 80-degree weather. Ahhhh! I can't freaking wait. Every day this week I wake up and think 7 more days! 6 more days! And today it's 5 more days! I don't think I've ever been this excited in my whole life.
Hello everyone! I know that it has been a while. The Library has been busy plus our browsers are outdated.
That being said Stacy congrats on the new job! I hope that it is going well! Congrats also on meeting Sophie Kinsella.
Kourtney have a safe trip! Have fun!
Bianca it looks like you have a strong start on your blog. Congrats for being approved for Sarah and Jane. Private message once you get your blog set up because I might be able to send some authors your way.
So here is what I have been up to! I was named a Pinterest Contributor for DCPL (my work). I am still learning Pinterest and how it works. I am crossing my fingers for possible promotion or another project. I will explain more later. The blog is going so well that I may have to start saying no. I am currently working on reviews for Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer. I also have Jane Green and am possibly working on a big giveaway for later in next month. I am crossing my fingers that I will get Sarah Pekkanen's book. I worked with her publicist last time.
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I'm actually going out of the country as well this weekend! I'm..."
Bianca, I am now officially jealous of you too. :) Have fun on your cruise!!
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I know that it has been a while. The Library has been busy plus our browsers are outdated.
That being said Stacy congrats on the new job! I hope that it is going well! Congra..."
Thanks Jencey! The job is great so far! And Sophie was awesome!
Mod
Sounds awesome Jencey! Congrats! Pinterest is a lot of fun, I think so anyway. :)
Happy Monday everyone! I am back fresh from vacation and all I can say is that it was AMAZING.Thankfully it didn't rain too much - there were days that the sun came out but WOW being from California I was FREEZING. Makes me scared for Christmas when we go back again!
The Dallas Cowboys' game was so great - and yay Dallas won! It was surreal though because 98% of the stadium had no clue what was going on. Then you had every NFL jersey under the sun represented in there so imagine watching someone cheering for Dallas but wearing a New York Giants jersey (the enemy!) - so surreal! Then huge plays would happen for "London's team" as the press was calling Jacksonville, and no one said a peep! It was crazy. But my team won so I walked away a happy happy girl.
Meeting Scott's friends was a blast. Everyone was very nice and we thankfully all got along. For those on FB you know some of my news - Scott proposed in Scotland when we were at a castle featured in the movie The Decoy Bride! One of my favorite rom-com movies!! I didn't see it coming and still can't believe it happened!!!!
As for my other news I've been trying to hide...we haven't announced this yet on FB but will in early December but I'm bursting with the news - I'm pregnant!!! We are due mid June 2015. Not sure if anyone noticed how I don't comment as much and my reading has slipped to almost nil again. That would be because of all of the non stop sleeping and running to the bathroom I've been doing. Although in Scotland we went to about 4 bookstores so I was able to buy some UK books I can't find here - and most excited for Marian Keyes new one. 100 pages in and I'm hooked (but thanks to lil baby it's been tough finding the energy to continue reading!)
A lot of huge life changes happening - and a lot of new books to read! I'm back at work today wishing I was at home snuggled in bed reading a book. We can dream :)
Mod
Thankfully it didn't rain too much - there were days that the sun came out but WOW being from Califor..."
GAH!!!!! I DID guess it!! I told Greg that you were either engaged or pregnant!! :)))) SO happy for you and SOOO excited for you!!!
And still jealous of your trip, but it sounds like you had an amazing time! I've never seen that movie, but I'm going to have to watch it.
Are you going to have to move again? Do you have enough room? When do you find out what it's going to be? Are you going to find out? I'm so excited for you!!! Congratulations again and again! :)
Thank you! We will eventually have to move but not until after the baby comes. There is a smell in our home that is making me physically ill so I'm ready to move out now! We will have enough room in the meantime as we have a spare bedroom that was originally a guest bedroom but now will be the nursery.I absolutely want to know what sex the baby is! I want to know now! I have a feeling it's a boy and Scott thinks it's a girl. Whenever the dr can first tell us we want to know! I have another dr appt this upcoming Friday then after that we switch to once a month.
Can I just say again how surreal this all has been!?!?
Kourtney wrote: "Happy Monday everyone! I am back fresh from vacation and all I can say is that it was AMAZING.Thankfully it didn't rain too much - there were days that the sun came out but WOW being from Califor..."
Congratulations!
Hi! I am a renewed person to this group, I was a committed member back in 2009-2010 but life got the best of me and I lost contact, I have since moved and have 2 kids but would love to get back in the swing! I miss the group and reading. My kids have consumed my time and I need to get reading back on my list for some "me" time, lol! Stacy, you are so dedicated, thanks for keeping this going! It is great to see the group is not only still around but active and thriving!
I am currently reading, Jodi Picoult's leaving time, how Kids Raise Parents and, Amy Poehler's Yes Please.
I can't wait it get to know you all!
Hi Ladies! I have been MIA since this summer. Life has been so hectic & crazy lately. Bought my first house, being a Grandma is wonderful, work is crazy busy, and overall--life is good. Planning on getting back in the swing of things and also participating in the challenge that begins in January.Hope all of you are doing great! :)
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I could hardly believe it myself the whole time I was pregnant. And to be honest, sometimes I STILL don't feel adult enough to have a kid. :)
The smells are fun when you're pregnant. I had a huge problem with mayonnaise when I was pregnant and still can't stand the smell of it!
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Joanne!! So great to see you back, I've wondered about you. :) How's the Amy Poehler book?
Sometimes life can really get in the way of things that we'd rather be doing, I'm glad the group is still here for you when you had the chance to come back. I love this group, and while I may not have as much time to devote to it as I used to, I still try to get in here at least once a week.
Feel free to join in on the group challenges or the quarterly challenges. :)
Mod
I'm happy that everything is going so well for you! As I said to Joanne, life can get in the way. :) Glad to see you plan to get back into the challenges!
Kourtney Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
Thought that I would jump in and introduce myself-I'm not a new member, just a quiet one. I'm a single mother of a 14 year old. Grad school killed my love of reading and I'm just finally getting back to it. 2014 has been a year of rediscovering reading and what I like to read.
Thank you ladies!!! I'm scared, excited, thrilled and exhausted all at the same time :)Welcome back Joanne! Doesn't it feel great to have a place to return to!??
Julie - good to hear about your grandma! And welcome back to you as well!
Jill - welcome to posting!!! Any favorites so far of what you have begun reading again?
Kourtney wrote: "Happy Monday everyone! I am back fresh from vacation and all I can say is that it was AMAZING.Thankfully it didn't rain too much - there were days that the sun came out but WOW being from Califor..."
CONGRATS, KOURTNEY!!!! So so happy for your and Scott. :) That's adorable that he proposed at the castle from your favorite rom com.
What Marian Keyes book are you reading that you're hooked on? I only read one of her books, but it was slow and I didn't care much for it. I need to give her another try!
Joanne wrote: "Hi! I am a renewed person to this group, I was a committed member back in 2009-2010 but life got the best of me and I lost contact, I have since moved and have 2 kids but would love to get back in..."Hi Joanne! Welcome back. :) I haven't read as much earlier this year either...got busy with life and work. But it's always great to come back and know that Stacy is doing an amazing job with this group. :)
Jill wrote: "Thought that I would jump in and introduce myself-I'm not a new member, just a quiet one. I'm a single mother of a 14 year old. Grad school killed my love of reading and I'm just finally getting ..."Hi, Jill! What are you studying in grad school? I graduated with my bachelor's degree a couple of years ago and sometimes think about grad school.
Julie wrote: "Hi Ladies! I have been MIA since this summer. Life has been so hectic & crazy lately. Bought my first house, being a Grandma is wonderful, work is crazy busy, and overall--life is good. Planning on..."Julie, I'm glad being a grandma is going wonderfully! How many grandchildren do you have?
Makes me miss my grandma...she lives in Brazil, so I haven't seen her in like 8 years. Maybe longer. But we do chat over phone sometimes and my aunt Facetimes me when they're together. :)
Sorry for the four separate posts...I should've probably combined them into one. I was too excited from all this good news that I just couldn't wait to post! Then went back, read another comment, and had to post right away again! Haha.
Bianca wrote: "Julie wrote: "Hi Ladies! I have been MIA since this summer. Life has been so hectic & crazy lately. Bought my first house, being a Grandma is wonderful, work is crazy busy, and overall--life is goo..."I only have one, so it's a new, fun, and exciting experience for me! I love my little Brock so much. On the other hand, I babysat him for 7 hours last weekend so the kids could pack up their condo to move, and I have to say......I was exhausted! I'm only 44, and it totally reaffirmed why women in their 40s shouldn't have babies! Well, maybe not all women, but definitely me! LOL
Bianca wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Hi! I am a renewed person to this group, I was a committed member back in 2009-2010 but life got the best of me and I lost contact, I have since moved and have 2 kids but would love..."It took me forever (almost 5 years) to get my masters degree in Educational Diagnostics- Special Education assessment. I am a single parent and started when my son was young and could only handle a class a semester. I graduated over a year and a half ago and am still looking for a diagnostician job. Until then, I teach special ed-life skills.
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Hi Jill! Glad to have you! Sorry I didn't reply sooner, l've been neglecting the group the last couple of weeks. (Sorry everyone!!) I've been neglecting reading pretty much too, unless it's an audiobook. I think I got a little burnt out or something.
That's awesome that you've gone through grad school! Congrats! I know it can be tough finding the job that you want after graduation. Good luck with that. In the mean time, it sounds like you are doing an awesome job at helping shape young lives.
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Awww, thanks, Bianca! I haven't been doing so well the last couple of weeks though. :( Sorry about that.
I really like the new job, but literally being on the computer all day working (a new concept - actually having work to do all day at my job!), the last thing I want to do is get on the computer at home.
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Ha ha, they are a lot of work! I was One and Done, and mine STILL runs me ragged, mentally, at the end of the day most days. And she's only nine.....can't wait to see how the next nine years are going to be.
I just recently found out that I'm going to be a great aunt....not all that pleased about it since my niece JUST turned 17. smh But our family will stick by her and support her any way that we can.
Stacy wrote: "Julie wrote: "Bianca wrote: "Julie wrote: "Hi Ladies! I have been MIA since this summer. Life has been so hectic & crazy lately. Bought my first house, being a Grandma is wonderful, work is crazy b..."Oh wow! 17! That's great that your family is accepting and willing to support her, though.
How was everyone's Thanksgiving?! I can't believe how fast these last two weeks have gone by. The week before Thanksgiving I went on a cruise. Then when I got back I had a 3-day work week and left for St. Louis for Thanksgiving. And now it's Monday, I'm sitting at work, and all my trips for the year are done. I've been looking forward to these trips all year...how fast time flies!
17?! Yikes. Went to Black Friday sales and I swear we saw a girl who couldn't have been more than 14 walking around with her 14 year old boyfriend and she had to have been 6 or 7 months pregnant. Good ole Scott looks at me and says "I told you you are going to be one of the oldest mothers in a parenting class" AAAHHH!!
Bianca - Thanksgiving was good for us. We spent time with my family but we went to a restaurant this year so that we wouldn't have to do any cooking (I can't stand the smells of food cooking anymore!) I hate the feeling when all of your vacations have finished and there's nothing to look forward to! Luckily I have one more as the week of Christmas we are heading back to Scotland to spend Christmas with Scott's family. 3 weeks to go!
Hello everyone! Stacy glad to have you back. Kourtney so happy for you! Bianca where did you go in St. Louis? I used to live in the Chesterfield area a gazillion years ago. Welcome new people to the group!
Thanksgiving.....UGHI was so sick. Thank goodness we weren't having our dinner until the Saturday afterwards. I was still a little sick, but able to power through. It was crowded, hectic, stressfull--but wonderful!
Besides, I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate my quiet, stress-free home if I didn't endure a little craziness once in a while, right? :)
Jencey, I went to Clayton! That's where my boyfriend is from, and his family lives there. He said Chesterfield is close. :)Kourtney, that's a good idea! And then you got to save all the time you would've spent cleaning up after. :) Where did you eat/what type of food? Yeah, it does suck that vacations are over, but I do have some days off for Christmas and New Years, so that will be fun!
Julie, so true! That sucks you were sick. I'm glad you are feeling better, though, and got better before the big dinner!
My allergies were TERRIBLE! They were bad before I left Dallas and then stayed bad while I was in St. Louis. They're finally calming down a little. And I FINALLY scheduled an appointment with an allergist. I'm going in next Wednesday the 10th, and I'm actually really excited. I want to know what I'm allergic to and get it fixed!! I think they're doing the skin test on my back, which will be...interesting. I'm hoping I'm not allergic to dogs or anything good like that!
Red Dress Ink Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
The Friday Night Knitting Club (other topics)The Billionaire Who Wasn't (other topics)
Vanishing Girls (other topics)
Vanishing Girls (other topics)
You (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Alyson Noel (other topics)Heather Wardell (other topics)
Starting a new job on the 20th! Many thanks to Tara for letting me know there were openings at the place she just started at. I'll be working in the H..."
WAHOOOOO!! Congratulations!!!