Red Dress Ink Fans discussion
Random Thoughts

I have allergies that pop up everytime the weather drastically changes or when the pollen rolls in. So far I've been lucky to avoid the allergies everyone has been experiencing, and the nasty head cold going around. Phew!

I am trying hard not to be. I live on Zyrteck and was everything I wear with the pollen being so high here.
Maybe that's why I've been having an almost non-stop headache for the last week (that or stress from this construction BS). I guess that means I should start taking the allergy meds.
BTW - haven't heard back from the second contractor. SMH
Contractor #3 up tonight - but they're the ones that called and said they aren't sure they can complete the whole project. Ugh! Called a new one today and he's supposed to call next week to set up a time to come out for an estimate. And I have two others to call yet....
BTW - haven't heard back from the second contractor. SMH
Contractor #3 up tonight - but they're the ones that called and said they aren't sure they can complete the whole project. Ugh! Called a new one today and he's supposed to call next week to set up a time to come out for an estimate. And I have two others to call yet....

Anyway, random thought for the day - IS THERE A NEW SHOPAHOLIC BOOK COMING SOON?! Stacy, I saw you mentioned me in Sophie Kinsella's Facebook post about "a new book in Becky's world" and I FREAKED!!! How freaking awesome. I hope there is a new one! When I finished the latest one I totally thought she ended it perfectly so she could write another one. Eeeee I hope so I hope so I hope so!!
Also, so random but I want to buy all of the Shopaholic books again. I have them all on my Kindle and paid full price...ugh. But I noticed that they are all in the clearance section of Half Price Books for like a dollar each. And I LOVE having a hard copy of my favorite books on my bookshelves at home. So I may buy them even though it would be a waste of money. But for a dollar?! Could be worth it. Haha.
Bianca wrote: "Stacy, have you gotten a hold of any contractors yet? Ahh...so annoying.
Anyway, random thought for the day - IS THERE A NEW SHOPAHOLIC BOOK COMING SOON?! Stacy, I saw you mentioned me in Sophie K..."
LOL, YES! There will be another Becky Bloomwood book! YAY!!! It's on here, I marked it as To Read, but naturally, I can't remember what it's called.
Contractors....well, we met with three last week and are waiting for quotes. One of them, we both really liked and he seems like he's reasonably priced, so we'll see. Supposed to hear back from him today. We have two more that we're supposed to meet with this week. I'm starting to get really nervous about it the deadline for having the room finished (at the very least) is only 37 days away.
Anyway, random thought for the day - IS THERE A NEW SHOPAHOLIC BOOK COMING SOON?! Stacy, I saw you mentioned me in Sophie K..."
LOL, YES! There will be another Becky Bloomwood book! YAY!!! It's on here, I marked it as To Read, but naturally, I can't remember what it's called.
Contractors....well, we met with three last week and are waiting for quotes. One of them, we both really liked and he seems like he's reasonably priced, so we'll see. Supposed to hear back from him today. We have two more that we're supposed to meet with this week. I'm starting to get really nervous about it the deadline for having the room finished (at the very least) is only 37 days away.

Random thoughts for today: I am in a book slump. Ugh!!! I've been trying to get through the 7th (and last, for now) book of Enchanted, Inc. I do love the series, but I started watching Dawson's Creek FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER recently and I am hooked. I like starting new shows because I can watch them at the gym on my iPad while I'm on the treadmill, while I get ready in the mornings for work, etc. And trust me - I've tried reading while getting ready and it did not work out too well! Haha. So now that I'm hooked I fell behind on reading. I also still need to watch the OC. I know I'll love it, but they're not available on Netflix and I don't want to buy them, so I guess I am not going to watch it until I can borrow it from someone. Haha.
I've never read the book 1984. I've also never heard of it until recently. I feel like I'm the only person who hasn't. Haha. So that's coming up shortly on my to-read list. There are a bunch of "classics" that I wasn't required to read in high school, and I totally need to get through those.

Two things I had a bad habit of collecting series and never reading them as well as dvds. I have a few shopaholics your more then welcome too and I have all 5 seasons of dawnsons creek that if you want I could mail you if your willing to mail it back to me. They are brand new. The books you could keep or I could paperback swap them to you.
We did hear back (HOLY CRAP!) from the contractor. He's meeting with us tonight to go over everything.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an egress window and probably a bathroom with a stand up shower. The bedroom is for Greg's 17 year old daughter, and the rest of the basement will be for his boys (almost 12 and recently turned 10). Their part is easy, just framing and sheetrocking - other than adding in the electrical they'll need, and putting in another heat vent. Emily's room is mostly easy too, same as the boys' section, but putting up a wall to divide it. And a door, of course. And a closet that will also enclose the drain pipe for the toilet, shower and sinks.
The guy said he could do it all, fully finished, for $25 a square foot. Since I'm a DIYer and super cheap, I asked him what we can do to make it cheaper. So it sounds like we'll be painting and buying/installing the insulation for the walls. I'm good with that. That stuff is easy. He joked, saying we could save $500 and dig the hole for the egress window, and I non-jokingly replied that I would start it. :)
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an egress window and probably a bathroom with a stand up shower. The bedroom is for Greg's 17 year old daughter, and the rest of the basement will be for his boys (almost 12 and recently turned 10). Their part is easy, just framing and sheetrocking - other than adding in the electrical they'll need, and putting in another heat vent. Emily's room is mostly easy too, same as the boys' section, but putting up a wall to divide it. And a door, of course. And a closet that will also enclose the drain pipe for the toilet, shower and sinks.
The guy said he could do it all, fully finished, for $25 a square foot. Since I'm a DIYer and super cheap, I asked him what we can do to make it cheaper. So it sounds like we'll be painting and buying/installing the insulation for the walls. I'm good with that. That stuff is easy. He joked, saying we could save $500 and dig the hole for the egress window, and I non-jokingly replied that I would start it. :)

Two things I had a bad habit of collecting series and never reading them as well as dvds. I have a few shopaholics your more then welcome too and I have all 5 seasons of dawnsons creek ..."
Dawn, you are awesome! Thanks for offering. Dawson's Creek is actually on Netflix, so I am watching it there and don't need to borrow it from you. :) Let me look into the Shopaholic series - I have about two in paperback and the rest on my Kindle. I'll check which ones I have. You are too sweet!
Did you like Dawson's Creek, by the way?! Not too many of my friends have seen it, which is surprising to me.

Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an egress window ..."
Is it bad I had to look up an egress window? I live in Texas, where we don't really have basements. Or at least I've never seen one here. The first basement I ever saw in my life was in St. Louis and I was so excited by it. Haha. When I was little I had a constant fear of tornadoes. I think the movie Twister did that to me. Every time it rained, even a little sprinkle, I would freak out and wish I had a basement to hide in from the coming tornado. Which thank God never came!
Anyway, that sounds like fun! Is that all do-able in 37 days? I have no idea how long it takes to construct all of that. Haha.

Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an egress window ..."
Who did you end up going with? Did you talk to the guy I sent you?

Two things I had a bad habit of collecting series and never reading them as well as dvds. I have a few shopaholics your more then welcome too and I have all 5 seasons of da..."
I love Dawson's Creek!! I used to watch it when it was on TV and then I stopped so when Netflix had it watched it all over again. I hope they do a Dawson's Creek reunion!!! Right now Best Buy has the whole series for $25...just an FYI :).

Random thoughts for today: I am in a book sl..."
Don't worry Bianca, I never heard of the book 1984 until I read your post. I love Dawson's Creek also! I have been in a book slump as well and I am reading 4 books right now and haven't finished one. I have classes right now too and that may be part of the problem along with work.

Random thoughts for today: I ..."
Haha good to know I'm not the only one who hasn't heard of the book! And wow...$25 for the whole series?! That's awesome.
Did you ever watch Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23? It was actually a really cute and funny show on ABC. It ended abruptly and awkwardly, though, which sucked. But James Van Der Beek was in it, and he played himself! I had never seen any shows with him before that. Haha. So I've been meaning to watch Dawson's Creek for a while. In Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 the characters told James Van Der Beek that they wanted a Dawson's Creek reunion! So they kind of played around with that...hopefully they have one!
The reunion I really want is Friends!! My favorite show of all time...always has been and always will be. So obsessed. Man...all these shows need to come back!!! :)


Don't Trust the B in Apt 23 - LOVED IT! I binge watched it on Netflix and thought it was so funny! I used to be annoyed by James Van Der Beek, but fell in love with him after this show. What made it even better for me - I didn't realize a friend of mine was on it so I'm watching it then POOF there's my friend Wayne! (one of the joys of living in LA with many many actor friends)


Kourtney, I LOVE Drop Dead Diva. The new season just started this past Sunday, but I haven't seen it yet. I think there were two episodes in one night! It's such a good show. I love Jane/Deb!!!
And haha no shame in Toddlers and Tiaras! I've never seen it, but it looks crazy!


Same here Kourtney! My job is slow right now and I been trying to read on my phone too. There is a new show starting next week I think that has James Van Der Beek in to. I can't wait to watch it. I also loved the show Don't Trust The B in Apt. 23. I was sad it was cancelled.

I started to watch Drop Dead Diva and I got distracted by something and never went back to it. It's been on my Netflix list for a long time. I hope to get back to it soon.

Random thoughts ..."
I did watch that show also Bianca and loved it. I hated that it ended and I loved that he played himself. There is a new show coming on next week with him in it too, at least I think it's next week.
I LOVE Friends! I have all the seasons on DVD! I watch the reruns on TV too all the time. That is one of my favorite shows of all time. I hope they will do a reunion, that would be AWESOME!!! Who is your favorite character? I love Rachel and Ross, of course.
Bianca wrote: "Stacy wrote: "We did hear back (HOLY CRAP!) from the contractor. He's meeting with us tonight to go over everything.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an ..."
LOL, yeah, when you live in an area that can have tornadoes, a basement is a good thing. :) However, living in one and the possibility of a fire is why the egress window is a MUST.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an ..."
LOL, yeah, when you live in an area that can have tornadoes, a basement is a good thing. :) However, living in one and the possibility of a fire is why the egress window is a MUST.
Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "We did hear back (HOLY CRAP!) from the contractor. He's meeting with us tonight to go over everything.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an ..."
Yeah, actually, that's the guy we're going with. He's more expensive than the one company we had come out, but the guy was so smarmy, I didn't like him. Plus, they never called back or provided a non-verbal quote.
This guy has a really cool online software program that allows you to see the entire project, budget cost and actual costs. You can also use it to contact him and all messages are right there for reference. We're going to go to Lowe's tonight to look at materials and get an idea of what we want.
So thanks for sending that! He's really nice and very knowledgeable. I showed the quote to Terry (he used to do construction before he started at Westwood Mall) and he said it was pretty reasonable.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bedroom with an ..."
Yeah, actually, that's the guy we're going with. He's more expensive than the one company we had come out, but the guy was so smarmy, I didn't like him. Plus, they never called back or provided a non-verbal quote.
This guy has a really cool online software program that allows you to see the entire project, budget cost and actual costs. You can also use it to contact him and all messages are right there for reference. We're going to go to Lowe's tonight to look at materials and get an idea of what we want.
So thanks for sending that! He's really nice and very knowledgeable. I showed the quote to Terry (he used to do construction before he started at Westwood Mall) and he said it was pretty reasonable.
Kourtney wrote: "Oh and Dawson's Creek is in my queue on Netflix...now you're making me want to watch it faster! But first I have to finish watching season 5 of Drop Dead Diva. Should I be ashamed to admit I starte..."
Big Drop Dead Diva fan here. :) I binge watched it last year on Netflix when I first found it.
Bianca, you're right, there were two episodes Sunday night. Just watched them last night!! So good, as usual!
And yeah, I've watched a few episodes of Toddlers & Tiaras. Those moms are freakin' nuts!
Big Drop Dead Diva fan here. :) I binge watched it last year on Netflix when I first found it.
Bianca, you're right, there were two episodes Sunday night. Just watched them last night!! So good, as usual!
And yeah, I've watched a few episodes of Toddlers & Tiaras. Those moms are freakin' nuts!
Dawn wrote: "Stacy,
How is grandma doing???"
Thanks for asking, Dawn. She's.....doing. She's at home, but she's sleeping a lot. So the strength she built up to be able to go home will quickly fade. Basically, it's all about making her comfortable. Doctors can't put a time frame on it (obviously), but say she could (could being the operative word) have another year. It's hard to say. So I'm just trying to make sure I get back to my normal every other weekend visits with her.
How is grandma doing???"
Thanks for asking, Dawn. She's.....doing. She's at home, but she's sleeping a lot. So the strength she built up to be able to go home will quickly fade. Basically, it's all about making her comfortable. Doctors can't put a time frame on it (obviously), but say she could (could being the operative word) have another year. It's hard to say. So I'm just trying to make sure I get back to my normal every other weekend visits with her.
And my random thought for the day:
I'm loving the Milli Vanilli channel I created on Pandora. There's something about 80s pop music that always seems to perk me up. :)
And YES! In case you didn't read my response post to Tara, we have a contractor!!!
Time for the mess to start, LOL! :D
I'm loving the Milli Vanilli channel I created on Pandora. There's something about 80s pop music that always seems to perk me up. :)
And YES! In case you didn't read my response post to Tara, we have a contractor!!!
Time for the mess to start, LOL! :D

Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a bed..."
Awesome! I am glad you went with him. He is so very nice and I don't think he would steer you wrong.

Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Putting in a b..."
I would definitely have a basement!!! LOL!
Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "We did hear back (HOLY CRAP!) from the contractor. He's meeting with us tonight to go over everything.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Pu..."
Yeah, we have a problem area with a giant pipe coming down from the bathroom and part of it goes in front of the edge of one of the casement windows, which unfortunately is right where we wanted Emily's bedroom to end. We weren't real sure how to handle it other than enclosing the pipe in her closet so we still had access. But we weren't sure about how to keep the window from being blocked. He had an instant solution, I was impressed with that.
The only thing is that he said he could do it all for about $25/sq. ft. which came up to just over $14K. The written quote is just under $20K. I don't know where the jump in price happened, but it is just a quote. And he's willing to work with us and let us choose our own materials, so we can probably save some money there. And, he's perfectly fine with us doing some of the prep work and painting to cut costs on labor.
Greg and I are going to finish painting his office tonight and we need to get started on the prep work stuff. Hopefully, this guy will be able to start in about a week after he gets the permits.
Basically, we're finishing half of the basement. Pu..."
Yeah, we have a problem area with a giant pipe coming down from the bathroom and part of it goes in front of the edge of one of the casement windows, which unfortunately is right where we wanted Emily's bedroom to end. We weren't real sure how to handle it other than enclosing the pipe in her closet so we still had access. But we weren't sure about how to keep the window from being blocked. He had an instant solution, I was impressed with that.
The only thing is that he said he could do it all for about $25/sq. ft. which came up to just over $14K. The written quote is just under $20K. I don't know where the jump in price happened, but it is just a quote. And he's willing to work with us and let us choose our own materials, so we can probably save some money there. And, he's perfectly fine with us doing some of the prep work and painting to cut costs on labor.
Greg and I are going to finish painting his office tonight and we need to get started on the prep work stuff. Hopefully, this guy will be able to start in about a week after he gets the permits.





You're welcome! Yes that is what it's called. I couldn't remember. I have to set my DVR to record it on Monday. It looks like it's going to be funny.

LOL! You made me laugh Suzanne!!

Basically, we're finishing half of the..."
That's great that he is willing to work with you and let you do some of the work yourself. There are some contractors that won't because they want to make the money themselves. Have fun with picking out materials. That's one thing I like doing :)

I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Stargate Atlantis, or the White Queen fans?
Suzanne wrote: "I once thought I wanted to be a lawyer. Then I realized I just wanted to be an actress who played a lawyer on tv. ;) haha. True story. All because of Nora on "One Life to Live.""
I feel that way after movies sometimes. How fun would it be to be an actress? :)
I feel that way after movies sometimes. How fun would it be to be an actress? :)
Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Stacy wrote: "We did hear back (HOLY CRAP!) from the contractor. He's meeting with us tonight to go over everything.
Basically, we're finishi..."
Yup, I already made a list of things we need to look at. :)
Basically, we're finishi..."
Yup, I already made a list of things we need to look at. :)
Jencey/ wrote: "Stacy,
I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Stargate Atlantis, o..."
Never heard of White Queen, what's that about? Also, I never got into the other two shows. I don't usually watch sci-fi type stuff. Though I have been watching Almost Human and SHIELD (is that the name of it?) with my bf and they've been pretty enjoyable.
He's been watching a show on Netflix called Merlin, and all I can do is look at him with a raised eyebrow. He laughs and says he knows he's a geek. :) I told him no more making fun of Drop Dead Diva.
I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Stargate Atlantis, o..."
Never heard of White Queen, what's that about? Also, I never got into the other two shows. I don't usually watch sci-fi type stuff. Though I have been watching Almost Human and SHIELD (is that the name of it?) with my bf and they've been pretty enjoyable.
He's been watching a show on Netflix called Merlin, and all I can do is look at him with a raised eyebrow. He laughs and says he knows he's a geek. :) I told him no more making fun of Drop Dead Diva.

I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Stargate Atlantis, o..."
I am struggling with allergies right now. My throat is killing me and I keep sneezing. :(

I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Stargate Atlantis, o..."
I used to watch Stargate Atlantis but haven't in a long time.

I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there any Alias, Star..."
Do you remember the books The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter? These books are all by Phillipa Gregory. Starz carried the 10 part miniseries. You can buy the episodes on Amazon. The White Princess will becoming out in the future.
Now Alias is not science fiction. I love that show!
Jencey/ wrote: "Stacy wrote: "Jencey/ wrote: "Stacy,
I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there a..."
Never heard of them, but I have heard of the author.
Sorry, yes, Alias is one of those crime shows, right?
I'm glad the contractor thing is working out. I had another random thought about allergies! Who is struggling out like me! On the television front is there a..."
Never heard of them, but I have heard of the author.
Sorry, yes, Alias is one of those crime shows, right?

Anyway, I haven't seen any of those shows, Jencey. And Stacy, I don't like all sci-fi, but some I love, like Hunger Games and Ender's Game.

Bianca can so relate. I hate having to plan my life around the pollen count. It has to be sad when you are checking the pollen count like you would the weather report. LOL! On the shows maybe you might like the White Queen since it is historical fiction?
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Alyson Noel (other topics)Heather Wardell (other topics)
Bianca - I have issues with seasonal allergies too, but it sounds like you have way worse issues than I do! Mine usually result in stuffiness and a headache that lasts for days unless I take the daily OTC stuff.
There's still too much snow on the ground (though it is FINALLY melting pretty quickly) for pollen to get to me. But I can see grass, albeit brown, dead grass, but still grass! I haven't seen grass in MONTHS! Almost forgot what it looked like. ;)