Red Dress Ink Fans discussion
Random Thoughts

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 cou..."
Cool! I'll have to check that show out then. :)
Emily Giffin's The One and Only comes out in May. I'm so excited! I was going to buy it, but I found out my library is getting 30 copies and I was able to get in line at number 35. So it won't be a long wait.

Stacy, have you read Divergent? I haven't read those books yet.
Bianca wrote: "Stacy, have you read Divergent? I haven't read those books yet..."
I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book that I got with my first month's credit. Already listened to it and gave it three stars, but it was more like 3 1/2. It took a long time to really get going. I know there's a lot of back story to fill the reader in on and that the next two books will likely have a lot more to them, so that's why I pushed through with it. Otherwise, I probably would've stopped listening. And, the very fact that I listened to it, probably made it easier. If I had been actually reading it, I probably would have gave up. I hate to say that because so many people love it, but it just took forever to really go anywhere in my opinion. I'm glad though, that I stuck with it, because I do believe the next couple of books will be good.
I'm waiting until my next credit is available on Audible and then I'll get Insurgent. With that said, I guess it still wasn't that good to me that I had to jump right to the next one. :/ I was going to try to see the movie while it's in theaters, but I think I'll just wait for DVD.
I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book that I got with my first month's credit. Already listened to it and gave it three stars, but it was more like 3 1/2. It took a long time to really get going. I know there's a lot of back story to fill the reader in on and that the next two books will likely have a lot more to them, so that's why I pushed through with it. Otherwise, I probably would've stopped listening. And, the very fact that I listened to it, probably made it easier. If I had been actually reading it, I probably would have gave up. I hate to say that because so many people love it, but it just took forever to really go anywhere in my opinion. I'm glad though, that I stuck with it, because I do believe the next couple of books will be good.
I'm waiting until my next credit is available on Audible and then I'll get Insurgent. With that said, I guess it still wasn't that good to me that I had to jump right to the next one. :/ I was going to try to see the movie while it's in theaters, but I think I'll just wait for DVD.

I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book that I got with ..."
Totally understand. I didn't really think the movie trailer was that interesting, so that's why I haven't been in a rush to read it. I know books are always better than the movies, but still. If the trailer and the back of the book cover didn't do it for me, I'm usually not in a rush to read it.
Bianca wrote: "Stacy wrote: "Bianca wrote: "Stacy, have you read Divergent? I haven't read those books yet..."
I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book th..."
I never knew what either were really about other than being set in the future. And I heard so many positive things about the book series that I had to read it.
I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book th..."
I never knew what either were really about other than being set in the future. And I heard so many positive things about the book series that I had to read it.

Just add a quick random thought:
My mom had surgery a year ago for scolosis and a week ago one of the rods they put in her back broke. We are now awaiting news of when the next surgery will be. Please keep us in your prayers. :(

I did the Audible Groupon where I got the membership for 3 months for $0.95 and that was the book that I got with ..."
Stacy, if you thought it took forever to go anywhere in Divergent, be prepared for more of that in Insurgent. I was SO bored for most of the book and it took me forever to finish it! In my opinion, it just drags until the end, which was really good & luckily mostly made up for the rest of it.

As far as Insurgent goes, I'm actually really liking it! I was told "oh Divergent is so good but the other two books are crap" so I started dreading that I bought the trilogy. I thought Divergent was too slow and Twilight/Harry Potter-esque for my liking, and it finally picked up at the end. Insurgent starts off right where Divergent ends and I find it to be much more interesting, although I am only a little less than halfway through. I already spoiled the last book so I'm more eager to see how she gets there and if I agree.
Jencey - I'm not sure if it's still available, hopefully it is! And will do for your mom!
Suzanne - Ugh, great. Good thing it'll be an audiobook. It's easier for me to push my way through those. Crazy though, all the "action" was at the end of the first book, I would think that the second would be full of it since there's a third.
Kourtney - maybe not so "ugh." I don't know. I guess I'll have to wait until my next Audible credit is available and we'll see.
In other news - signed the contracts with the contractor last night and there is now a sign in my front yard. And the construction nightmares have already begun. I had a dream last night that Greg told the guy he needed to do the project for a cheaper amount and the guy said no and quit the job. So we were back at square one.
I will be so much less stressed when this is all behind us.
Suzanne - Ugh, great. Good thing it'll be an audiobook. It's easier for me to push my way through those. Crazy though, all the "action" was at the end of the first book, I would think that the second would be full of it since there's a third.
Kourtney - maybe not so "ugh." I don't know. I guess I'll have to wait until my next Audible credit is available and we'll see.
In other news - signed the contracts with the contractor last night and there is now a sign in my front yard. And the construction nightmares have already begun. I had a dream last night that Greg told the guy he needed to do the project for a cheaper amount and the guy said no and quit the job. So we were back at square one.
I will be so much less stressed when this is all behind us.

I will keep in mind for next time. I know those groupon coupons cycle around. Thank you for the prayers. I hope your frustrations are alleviated soon.

Jencey, I'm so sorry that happened to your mom! Definitely keeping her in your prayers. :)
Jencey/ wrote: "Stacy,
I will keep in mind for next time. I know those groupon coupons cycle around. Thank you for the prayers. I hope your frustrations are alleviated soon."
Thanks Jencey
I will keep in mind for next time. I know those groupon coupons cycle around. Thank you for the prayers. I hope your frustrations are alleviated soon."
Thanks Jencey


Oh no, sorry, Jencey. Let us know how the surgery goes!
Jencey/ wrote: "Here is the update. Surgery is a week from this Friday. Apparently this happened because the bone didn't heal from the previous procedure."
That sucks. Good luck to her!! Hopefully it all turns out right this time.
That sucks. Good luck to her!! Hopefully it all turns out right this time.


Congratulations Julie!
Julie wrote: "It's official--I'm a Grandma! Brock Liam entered the world this morning after over 30 hours of labor. So incredibly happy!"
Wow! Congrats!!! :)
Wow! Congrats!!! :)

LOL, no worries, Dawn! Glad you got out of Jury Duty quickly!
Grandma is about the same. I visited her on Sunday, but wasn't able to stay long. She was tired and just wanted to sleep. So it was maybe a five minute visit.
Have fun training. :)
Grandma is about the same. I visited her on Sunday, but wasn't able to stay long. She was tired and just wanted to sleep. So it was maybe a five minute visit.
Have fun training. :)

Congrats Julie!!!

Jencey/ wrote: "Audible has a groupon coupon? Well that sounds like a play on words. I will have to check it out. I am currently going through what is available at the library or what the publisher sends me to ..."
Stacy wrote: "Jencey - I'm not sure if it's still available, hopefully it is! And will do for your mom!
Suzanne - Ugh, great. Good thing it'll be an audiobook. It's easier for me to push my way through those. ..."
Good Random - construction starts tomorrow, there is an end in sight (next month).
Bad Random - my car wouldn't start yesterday. Cross your fingers that it's just a dead battery. No time to deal with it until after work today.
Bad Random - my car wouldn't start yesterday. Cross your fingers that it's just a dead battery. No time to deal with it until after work today.

Good Random: Going to New York this weekend for an extended weekend trip!!!
Bad Random: I can't find a new job and am SO BORED at my current one.

Good Randoms: Got confirmation that my Georgia State Taxes were paid. I got to see the new Captain America movie.
Bad random: Dad had to have a major procedure to shock his heart back into rhythm.
Kourtney wrote: "Oh I wanna play! (And fingers crossed for you Stacy!)
Good Random: Going to New York this weekend for an extended weekend trip!!!
Bad Random: I can't find a new job and am SO BORED at my current ..."
That is an awesome random!!! (The NY one, not the job one.)
Good Random: Going to New York this weekend for an extended weekend trip!!!
Bad Random: I can't find a new job and am SO BORED at my current ..."
That is an awesome random!!! (The NY one, not the job one.)
Jencey/ wrote: "Tara Thanks!
Good Randoms: Got confirmation that my Georgia State Taxes were paid. I got to see the new Captain America movie.
Bad random: Dad had to have a major procedure to shock his heart ..."
OMG Jencey, I'm sorry your family is having health issues. Sending good thoughts your way!!!
Good Randoms: Got confirmation that my Georgia State Taxes were paid. I got to see the new Captain America movie.
Bad random: Dad had to have a major procedure to shock his heart ..."
OMG Jencey, I'm sorry your family is having health issues. Sending good thoughts your way!!!
Awesome Random - It was just the battery!!! Off to see Jane Green tomorrow!!!!
Bad Random - have to go to court today because my ex won't agree to changing our parenting time to alternating weeks. Since we separated/divorced over eight years ago, I have my daughter Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. He has her the other days. My opinion: she needs stability during the school week. Alternating weeks aren't exactly what I want, but it's a close enough compromise.
However, that "doesn't work" for him. For him. It's not about him. It's not about me. It's what's best for her.
So, in about three hours, I'm going to be sitting in a court room, hoping I didn't waste $100 on the filing fee.
Bad Random - have to go to court today because my ex won't agree to changing our parenting time to alternating weeks. Since we separated/divorced over eight years ago, I have my daughter Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. He has her the other days. My opinion: she needs stability during the school week. Alternating weeks aren't exactly what I want, but it's a close enough compromise.
However, that "doesn't work" for him. For him. It's not about him. It's not about me. It's what's best for her.
So, in about three hours, I'm going to be sitting in a court room, hoping I didn't waste $100 on the filing fee.

I hope everything works out for you in court. Let me know how it goes.
Stacy wrote: "Awesome Random - It was just the battery!!! Off to see Jane Green tomorrow!!!!
Bad Random - have to go to court today because my ex won't agree to changing our parenting time to alternating weeks...."


Jencey, I hope your Dad is feeling better
Thinking of everyone!

Tara wrote: "Sorry I had to cancel on going to Jane Green tomorrow...I am so bummed. This sinus infection needs to go away! It's all I can do to go to work everyday with this crap :(. I will however still be go..."
LOL, but the Vera Bradley trunk show will be there again and again. Jane Green, not so much. ;) Hope you feel better soon though.
LOL, but the Vera Bradley trunk show will be there again and again. Jane Green, not so much. ;) Hope you feel better soon though.
Ok, well, at first I thought yesterday was a huge waste of time. We met with a "Domestic Intake Specialist," (DIS) that is basically a glorified title for a mediator with no decision making authority.
I want alternating weeks because it's better for Morgan, he wants the schedule to stay as is, or change so it's easier for him. He would like it if she was with me Monday & Tuesday, him Wednesday & Thursday, and then alternate weekends. I don't agree with this because she's still back and forth between two houses during the school week. It's not stable in my opinion.
So, because we can't agree on a schedule (surprise, surprise), we have to go to court for real. *rolls eyes*
I had to keep from laughing while I was there because again, all I kept hearing was me, me, me, from him. Never once did I say how alternating weeks actually causes me to go from 60% custody to 50% custody. Never once did I say anything about how it would affect me whatsoever.
I talked to someone at work this morning about it who has been through custody situations in the past. He said it sounds like her dad is treating this more like visitation rather than joint custody. He's more concerned with how much he'll actually get to see her, and have fun with her, rather than sharing the responsibility of caring for her as he should be doing. Custody is about providing for her and making sure there is someone to watch her while working, not about making everyone else bend to your schedule.
His biggest complaint is Monday nights. He's a car salesman (that should tell you enough right there, no offense to anyone else, but he is the definition of Smarmy Narcissistic Car Salesman), so he doesn't work normal business hours. Mondays, he says he leaves for work at 7:45am and doesn't get home until 9pm because his drive to work is 45-55 minutes. He was saying he'd never see her on Mondays. And that it was rude of me to say that his wife, Morgan's step-mother, is there and can take care of her. That she shouldn't be expected to do that. Well then why the F did you marry her? She's a step-mother, meaning, she is supposed to help be there for Morgan, and not just for the "fun" parts either. Besides, she already takes Morgan to school three days a week and picks her up one day a week - every week. She doesn't work, why is it so rude of me to assume that she may want to be involved with and help care for my daughter? You don't marry a person, you marry the family.
Anyway, he's getting all bent out of shape over it, and I think it's ridiculous. He acts like two Monday nights out of a month are the end of the world.
I thought about bringing up the fact that he has her get up at 5:45 every morning he has her, and that I don't get her up until 7:20 on the weekday mornings that I have her. And that's another reason why the alternating weeks would work because I'm sure the different times mess with her internal clock, among other things. But I didn't because I didn't want the DIS to say that we need to work together to have a common time between the two houses. With him, there is no working together. It's his way or nothing. There is absolutely no reason for her to be up that early, especially when he's not the one taking her to school, when the school doors do not even open until 8:33am! So his claim that he wouldn't even see her is BS. And he doesn't put her to bed until 9pm, so I'm sure that he'd get home in time to at least say goodnight to her.
Anyway - as I said, at first, I thought it was a huge waste of time. But now I know his reasons against and can plan to argue accordingly. :)
I want alternating weeks because it's better for Morgan, he wants the schedule to stay as is, or change so it's easier for him. He would like it if she was with me Monday & Tuesday, him Wednesday & Thursday, and then alternate weekends. I don't agree with this because she's still back and forth between two houses during the school week. It's not stable in my opinion.
So, because we can't agree on a schedule (surprise, surprise), we have to go to court for real. *rolls eyes*
I had to keep from laughing while I was there because again, all I kept hearing was me, me, me, from him. Never once did I say how alternating weeks actually causes me to go from 60% custody to 50% custody. Never once did I say anything about how it would affect me whatsoever.
I talked to someone at work this morning about it who has been through custody situations in the past. He said it sounds like her dad is treating this more like visitation rather than joint custody. He's more concerned with how much he'll actually get to see her, and have fun with her, rather than sharing the responsibility of caring for her as he should be doing. Custody is about providing for her and making sure there is someone to watch her while working, not about making everyone else bend to your schedule.
His biggest complaint is Monday nights. He's a car salesman (that should tell you enough right there, no offense to anyone else, but he is the definition of Smarmy Narcissistic Car Salesman), so he doesn't work normal business hours. Mondays, he says he leaves for work at 7:45am and doesn't get home until 9pm because his drive to work is 45-55 minutes. He was saying he'd never see her on Mondays. And that it was rude of me to say that his wife, Morgan's step-mother, is there and can take care of her. That she shouldn't be expected to do that. Well then why the F did you marry her? She's a step-mother, meaning, she is supposed to help be there for Morgan, and not just for the "fun" parts either. Besides, she already takes Morgan to school three days a week and picks her up one day a week - every week. She doesn't work, why is it so rude of me to assume that she may want to be involved with and help care for my daughter? You don't marry a person, you marry the family.
Anyway, he's getting all bent out of shape over it, and I think it's ridiculous. He acts like two Monday nights out of a month are the end of the world.
I thought about bringing up the fact that he has her get up at 5:45 every morning he has her, and that I don't get her up until 7:20 on the weekday mornings that I have her. And that's another reason why the alternating weeks would work because I'm sure the different times mess with her internal clock, among other things. But I didn't because I didn't want the DIS to say that we need to work together to have a common time between the two houses. With him, there is no working together. It's his way or nothing. There is absolutely no reason for her to be up that early, especially when he's not the one taking her to school, when the school doors do not even open until 8:33am! So his claim that he wouldn't even see her is BS. And he doesn't put her to bed until 9pm, so I'm sure that he'd get home in time to at least say goodnight to her.
Anyway - as I said, at first, I thought it was a huge waste of time. But now I know his reasons against and can plan to argue accordingly. :)

Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Sorry I had to cancel on going to Jane Green tomorrow...I am so bummed. This sinus infection needs to go away! It's all I can do to go to work everyday with this crap :(. I will howeve..."
Jencey/ wrote: "Oh Stacy! I have a feeling I know the way this will go. Good luck!"
We'll see. As the saying goes, anything can happen.
I don't know when we have to go back yet - she said it could be two to five weeks.
We'll see. As the saying goes, anything can happen.
I don't know when we have to go back yet - she said it could be two to five weeks.
Tara wrote: "I know. I had to buy my ticket through Ticketmaster and its non-refundable too. :(
Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Sorry I had to cancel on going to Jane Green tomorrow...I am so bummed. This sinus inf..."
That sucks
Stacy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Sorry I had to cancel on going to Jane Green tomorrow...I am so bummed. This sinus inf..."
That sucks

Good random - I'M OFF TO NEW YORK TONIGHT FOR THE WEEKEND!!! Can this day be over so I can be on my way?!!?

Anyway, Stacy, keep us posted on how court goes! And Jencey, keep us posted on your family. Hope everything gets better for you both!
And I hope everyone has a really awesome weekend!!!

Bad random. I saw the movie Divergent yesterday. I can tell you I thought it was better than Twilight. Dad was at the hospital.

Bad random: I can't seem to get over this cold/sinus infection and whatever else it is. It's been 4 weeks today that I have been sick. Also, it's Sunday and 70 degree and I am stuck doing finance homework. YUCK!
Good random: It's finally warm, 70 degrees in parts of Michigan!

Jencey/ wrote: "Hi everyone! I was very busy yesterday. Good random mom had her surgery and they basically reinforced her back with two rods on the weak side. She is resting and recovering in the hospital.
Bad..."
Kourtney wrote: "Bad random - my reading challenge is going to suffer the next two weekends
Good random - I'M OFF TO NEW YORK TONIGHT FOR THE WEEKEND!!! Can this day be over so I can be on my way?!!?"
That's another awesome random. :) Hope you had a great time!
Good random - I'M OFF TO NEW YORK TONIGHT FOR THE WEEKEND!!! Can this day be over so I can be on my way?!!?"
That's another awesome random. :) Hope you had a great time!
Bianca wrote: "I've been MIA too! Like I mentioned before, I'm addicted to Dawson's Crrek. I've been binge-watching when I'm not at work, so I've been putting off reading. I'm almost done with the series, though...."
Well, I got the notice. We don't go back until the first week of June. Ugh! Bright side - gives me more time to prepare.
I have been slow in my reading lately too. I guess the book I'm reading right now just isn't drawing me into it. It's a Net Galley book so I feel I need to finish it, but it's feeling like a chore. I suppose though, that's my honest review - I disliked it so much that I couldn't finish it.....
Speaking of shows - does anyone watch Game of Thrones? I think I remember mentioning it before about how I'm kinda into it, but don't tell my BF because then he'll be all, "I knew it!" LOL :)
Anyway, last night's episode, all I can say is IT WAS ABOUT FRICKING TIME!!!!
Well, I got the notice. We don't go back until the first week of June. Ugh! Bright side - gives me more time to prepare.
I have been slow in my reading lately too. I guess the book I'm reading right now just isn't drawing me into it. It's a Net Galley book so I feel I need to finish it, but it's feeling like a chore. I suppose though, that's my honest review - I disliked it so much that I couldn't finish it.....
Speaking of shows - does anyone watch Game of Thrones? I think I remember mentioning it before about how I'm kinda into it, but don't tell my BF because then he'll be all, "I knew it!" LOL :)
Anyway, last night's episode, all I can say is IT WAS ABOUT FRICKING TIME!!!!
Jencey/ wrote: "Hi everyone! I was very busy yesterday. Good random mom had her surgery and they basically reinforced her back with two rods on the weak side. She is resting and recovering in the hospital.
Bad..."
Glad to hear your mother is doing well and I hope your dad gets better soon!!
I'm waiting until it comes out on DVD to watch.
Bad..."
Glad to hear your mother is doing well and I hope your dad gets better soon!!
I'm waiting until it comes out on DVD to watch.
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)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Alyson Noel (other topics)Heather Wardell (other topics)
Yeah, the Dystopian stuff, I like that too. :)