House ehancements

I have been motivated lately to spruce up my house from The Motivation Station! I'd been wanting to paint my hallway a bright blue sort of color. Can't really describe it much more, other than I just know I'll know it when I see it. So, I think I'll do that this weekend. Those of you that know me know I like color, and lots of it! I'm more of a bold decorator, rather than an earth tone decorator. Here's a photo of my living room, how awesome does the orange walls go with the red couch? When would you ever have thought "orange is a great color for a living room?" But it works, doesn't it?

I'm thinking the overall vibe is a little too warm. I want a pop of some cool blue. I've been searching for couch pillows, but haven't found the right ones yet. But that's also the reason I want to paint the living room. When you first walk in, you can see the hallway in the back, so I'm thinking the contrast of blue will really stand out against the orange and look amazing!

I'm thinking of something along the lines of the Blue Feather below. Although, I'd love something more dramatic like Sea Ridge, but am afraid it might be too dark.

behr colors

Well, I know this wasn't the most exciting post, but it had been awhile since I'd posted much of anything, and this is what popped in my mind to talk about.

I'll think of some new deal breakers and get back on the bandwagon soon!

Gossip Girl Returns March 8

And I couldn't be happier! I have been actively missing it! And it returns the day after my 30th birthday! Thanks for the wonderful gift CW! I know you did that just for me! :)

 

tvfanatic.com

I'm totally digging the hot pink dress amist the sea of black.

Yes, I am aware I will be 30 when this returns, but will be squealing like a giddy little school girl the whole time! I just think I need to keep L as far away from this as possible! This is a side he really doesn't need to see for awhile! ;) Although, in my defense, the target demographic is females aged 18-34.

Dealbreaker: Momma's Boy

Now, we all want a guy that treats his mom with respect, because there are tons of issues with guys that have bad relationships with their mom's, but one thing you do not want is a Momma's Boy!

What exactly is a Momma's Boy?

He may or may not still live at home, but regardless, he talks to his mom every day, he doesn't make a decision without consulting her first. He says "my mom this" and "my mom that" in every other sentence, usually paired with "my mom's cooking is better than yours" or "I never learned how to do laundry because my mom always did it."

Why you should stay away from him?

You'll never be good enough. You'll always live in the mom's shadow. And not only will you never be good enough in his eyes, you'll also never be good enough in her eyes. These men are usually the ones with the insufferable mother-in-laws. Besides, do you want to be a woman who is loved and protected by her man, or a mother to both him and your future kids?

Just to reiterate, you want a man that loves and respects his mother, just not one bordering on an Oedipus Complex!

"Oedipus and the Sphinx" by Gustave Moreau

 improbable.com

 

catoonstock.com

 
 

"Momma's Boy" on NBC

Is anyone else noticing this is the second deal breaker that had it's own reality TV show (see Basement Dwellers)? If some writer/producer thought these people were so pathetic they deserved their own reality TV show, then you should not be dating them!

Happy Valentine's Day

Yes, I know it was yesterday, and yes, I know I'm probably insufferable because I'm in that infatuation stage with L, but he is super great!

First, I am one lucky lady. Look at these gorgeous flowers! The one on the left is from L. He had them delivered to my work! (Note to any guys out there, flowers at work are always a plus. They show you thought about it in advance, plus it makes all the people at the office jealous, and you spend most of your time there, so it's a good place for them to be). The ones on the right are from my favorite uncle. So sweet! Like I said, I am a very lucky girl! They make my whole house smell amazing!

For Valentine's Day, L made me dinner. It was so cute. He was all busy chopping and dicing and cooking while I sat there and sipped on wine. He made lasagna, which I thought was a very ambitious choice, but he exceeded my expectations! I only felt slightly bad I underestimated him! ;) Also, it wasn't just your run of the mill lasagna, no, it was completely gourmet! Very impressive! We had wine, and salad and bread and my favorite Ukrops cake for dessert! He's just so amazing! I am 100% into this guy. I know, like I said earlier, I know I'm insufferable at this stage, just gushing on and on about how great he is! But he is!

Anyways, whether you were coupled up with your main squeeze, or out painting the town with your girlfriends, I hope you all had a wonderful day. It's not just about loving that special someone today, it's about love to everyone special in your life; parents, family, friends. So, don't sit around and mope if you're single, realize how much love is in your life and how lucky you are to be surrounded by such amazing people!

Too Many Online Girlfriends... Deal Breaker

And not talking about cybersex, or chat room girlfriends, although, news flash, that is a deal breaker in and of itself!

I'm talking about those guys with 1,000 Facebook friends, and when you scroll through them, they're mostly girls. While you are perusing the types of girls, you'll note that they will likely fall into one of two categories.

1. Total skanks, most likely the fake profiles that try to solicit money. Are you serious? What kind of guy would be so desperate to appear well liked by a beautiful woman, that he would accept this friend request? He's probably addicted to porn. Deal breaker.

2. Just regular girls. This type of guy could go two ways. The first, he could be secretly gay, and not know it. That's why he has so many girl friends, and no guy friends. Ok, obviously, you don't want to be part of this beard drama. The whole not wanting to touch you because he's gay and doesn't know it will get old. Trust me, I've been there. On the other hand, he could be the type that really gets around and immediately facebook friends any girl he's been out with once, or chatted up at a bar. These guys aren't serious potential. They don't know what they want, so they keep all their options open. One day, he may decide to settle down, but until that day comes, you don't want any part of him.

doobybrain.com

"Reality" Deal Breakers

If he's ever been on a reality TV show... deal breaker!

Not all reality TV shows are created equal, however, you should treat each equally in that it is a total deal breaker.

Think of the Bachelor-type shows. Guys that go on these shows don't really want to find love. I'm sorry, I don't buy it! They just want to have lots of gorgeous women throw themselves at them, and then have the chance to sleep with more than one girl, and not get slack for it. Think about it. Why else would none of these "marriages" work?.

Apprentice/Survivor-type shows. Although these are two different genres, the premise is the same. Males here, once again, are ego maniacs. You don't want to date a guy that thinks he's that great that he deserves to be on reality-TV and thinks he could win some sort of big prize. These guys are only in it for the money, and you'll probably never be good enough, or at least that's how he'll make you feel as he's cheating on you.

The Hills/Jersey Shore-type shows. These men are the definition of attention whores, and straight up man-whores. Similar to the group above, you'll never be good enough. Ladies will always be throwing their panties at them, and they'll upgrade in a minute. One day, they'll wake up to find they're alone at age 60 with no one to love, or they'll be a Hugh Hefner type. Neither are the type you want to get involved with. Deal breaker.

Geek shows. Okay, geeks that want to get laid. They think this is the way to becoming cool. Sorry. Not the case.

Basically, the premise is the same. Men go on these shows for the after affect. The ladies that now recognize them everywhere they go. The easy lays they know they'll get as a result of the show. If you see them out at a bar, or meet them at the grocery store, run away. It is a deal breaker ladies. Show some respect for yourself!!

Oh, and the same goes for men. Obviously any woman on these shows is an attention-whore as well, and likely an aspiring actress who thinks this is her big break!

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Texting Dealbreakers

I know I've written on texting before, but the number one way to know a guy is 100% NOT WORTH IT is if the following situation goes down.

You go out with him, maybe you have a great time, maybe it's just an okay time, but at the end, you think "if he calls, I'll go out again." Maybe you don't even go out, you meet him at a bar, a concert, whatever, and he gets your digits. A few days go by from either the date or when you met him, and you don't hear from him. No biggie, you think. But then, it's Friday night, you're out with your girls, and your phone goes off! It's him! Can you guess what the text says!? I know you can, because I KNOW you've gotten it before!

U out?

Forget him! Delete his number! I know you are tipsy, but he is not worth it! This guy is a jokester! He is not interested in dating you! No matter what! Do not reply, delete his number and forget he even ever existed! Girls! Save yourself the embarrassment, the drama, the headache that is going to be this guy!

If he can't be bothered to call, and he only wants to text late at night... DEALBREAKER!

 

google image search

Basement Dwellers

If he lives in his parent's basement, DHA! Immediately! Deal breaker!!

And I don't care if you get to be on a reality TV show either if you date him.There is just no excuse to date this loser! None!

vh1.com

Dealbreakers with SJP

I almost forgot I wanted to do another theme this month! I guess between the injuries and the snow, it slipped my mind. This month is dedicated to deal breakers! Yes, those things that a guy does that is a show stopper. A DHA moment.

I'll try to do each of these based on a guy I went out with. Others will be based on just general knowledge. Today's is based on a guy I went out with...once.

If he wears more hair gel than Pauly D on Jersey Shore...Dealbreaker.

  mtv.com

For your viewing pleasure. One of my favorite TV shows, and one of my favorite plot lines.

Worst Cities for Hair Health

Today, just poking around on websites, following one link to another, I found "The 13 Worst-Hair Cities" by totalbeauty.com.

Number 12 was Albuquerque, NM! And I will vouch for this. Only 3 days there, and both my hair and skin went to he11! My hair was so dried and fried. Although the lack of humidity kept it at bay size wise (I forgot my straightener, oh the horrors!), the texture of it was not good. I also have dry skin, and my face was constantly red from being so dry. I was literally slathering on the lotion all day long, and it was immediately soaked right up. When I finally got home, my face felt like it had gone through the ringer. Just very sensitive to the touch, quite red in the cheeks, and not looking as radiant as usual.

It made me wonder, however, do people that live there have more oily skin, or less dry hair? Sort of a survival of the fittest idea? I just couldn't imagine the shape my skin would be in if I lived there. Or does it get used to it? I have to wonder.


Albuquerque is so difficult to type!

Another snow day here in VA. Although it is pretty, it's getting quite old. We're normally lucky to get one inch per winter, and we've already had two storms at a foot and a half each. And it's always on the weekend. L's coming over tonight, to get snowed in! Yikes! I'm freaking out! Is it going to be too much to spend the weekend together? Locked up in the house? With no where to go? Or, will it make us that much stronger? Will keep you posted!

Britney Spears WTF at the Grammys

Seriously, what is she wearing here?

At the Grammys on January 31

The Day After

On Monday, I called my supervisor and told her I wouldn't be coming in today. She told me I should go to the doctor, just in case, and therefore it'd be documented for worker's comp. Worker's comp!? Can you believe it? This is getting serious!

So, I went to see my orthopedic doctor. Yes, I have an old person/injury doctor. RE works at the practice as a physician's assistant (btw, when you're as clumbsy as me, it is SUPER to have a friend that knows what's going on). Anyways, because of my running injuries, I have been to see the orthopedist more times in one year than I've seen my PCP my whole life practically! I am pretty healthy when it comes to flu, colds, strep throat, etc., but not so much when it comes to my body. That has gone to hell in a handbasket in the past 3 years or so!

Anyways, I got a sling for my arm, which my shoulder still hurts like a b!tch! He said he thought I just bruised and sprained my rotator cuff, and at my age, probably nothing worse than that, but to watch it and if it doesn't have any improvement in a week, then they'll want to do an MRI. Good thoughts and prayers are welcome, as anything more serious could mean physical therapy, or worse, surgery!

Of course you know when you get an injury, you find out a very large number of people have suffered from the same ailment. Apparently, I have the fact that it never gets back to normal to look forward to. GREAT. How can one day, one second of your life, ruin it forever? This is beyond annoying. It hurts like hell to move my arm, and even just sitting here, it's throbbing. Such a pain in the butt.

Today, I finally got through to the worker's comp people. They're going to file it and I guess the third party administrator is going to be calling me sometime soon. I can just see the mess this will turn into already!

The only good thing that happened was L came over on Monday with dinner to take care of me. He is so cute. And also that RE is an amazing friend. Well, I already knew that, but she was so amazing on Monday. Just totally there the whole time while I was with the doctor. Willing to come over and help me with anything. So, thanks RE, you're the best!! :)

Literally, my worst day ever 1/31/10

So, as you all know, I ended up spending an additional day in Albuquerque, which was nice and I had a very lovely time. Well, that all was about to be ancient history on Sunday, which turned out to be the day from hell!!

I get to the Albuquerque airport around 5 am, as my flight is scheduled to leave at 6 am. Nothing unusual about my day so far. I get some water, get my book out and sit at the gate. Around 5:45, I hear an announcement that there are some technical issues with my plane, and we're going to be delayed about an hour! Well, that was settled, I was going to miss my flight! I went to the counter and the woman told me the 2:20 was booked, so she would hold me a spot on the 6 pm! 6 pm! I cried! That's nine hours in the airport! At this point, I should drive home, in my new bug that I think I'm planning on keeping. Well, I'm still optimistic. I'm a sucker like that.

The plan arrives at 9:20 am on the dot. My connection is at 9:25, but I'm hopeful it's a little delayed. After all, both flights to Albuquerque were, my first one back was also, plus there's the snow issue. So, I'm thinking, maybe, just maybe I can make it!

I get off the plane and I start hauling ass. Full out, balls out sprinting through the airport.

Suddenly, and the details here are a little murky, I find myself heading toward the ground. As I see the floor rushing up to meet me, the thought running through my head is "wow, this is going to be embarrassing." I don't manage to catch myself and I slam hard into the floor. As soon as I made contact, there was no room for thoughts of embarrassment, all thoughts were turned to intense, excruciating pain like I don't remember ever feeling before. Some kind strangers help me up, and my knees, shoulder, hands and head are all throbbing. I sort of half jog/half miserably walk to my gate, and of course, the plane has left.

At this point, I start crying. Well, I went into a little corner and start bawling. I'm in intense pain, I have 9 hours to spend in the airport and I'm a hot mess. A good cry always makes you feel better, well, sometimes anyways.

After I calm down a little bit, I go back to the desk, and she informs me there is in fact seats available on the 2:20. I am mixed between relief at not having 9 hours at the airport, and livid because I probably wouldn't have been in such a panic mode if I'd known there was this earlier flight.

The woman at the American Airlines counter was very helpful. She got me some bags and filled them with ice, and I spent the next four hours alternating between icing my knees, my shoulder, and walking so my knees didn't get stiff.

Finally 2:20 rolls around and I board the plane. Once the plane is loaded, we're sitting there and the captain makes an announcement.

"By now, you're probably wondering why we haven't taken off yet (it's 2:45). The maintenance people found an issue and we'll need to replace a part. If it's in inventory, it should take about an hour to get replaced. If it's not, this plane will be out of service."

Are. you. kidding. me!?

Thank the Good Lord they had the part, only about an hour and 15 minutes delay for my second flight of the day. Seriously, why is the 9:25 am flight the only one all weekend that left on time?

I get back to Richmond, and one would think I'd made it home safely. No such luck! I now have to brace the snow and the terrible plowing job that Richmond does to make it back home. With a bum arm. At this point, my shoulder was aching. I didn't have much movement in my shoulder, so it was a little difficult to drive, especially considering the road condition. L and D both did offer to come pick me up, very sweet, but I needed my car so I could get to the doctor's tomorrow! Something is wrong with my shoulder.

I finally made it home safely. And there was a small light at the end of the tunnel. There was a parking space shoveled out smack dab in from of my house. I would have felt guilty except for the fact it was exactly in front of my house. So I took it, got drugged up on some Tylenol PM and hit the sheets.

Stay tuned for Monday, also known as the Day After.

Here's a picture of my knee. Lovely, isn't it?

 

And don't worry, my shoulder hurts worse than this looks!

Albuquerque Take 2

My flight on Saturday was canceled. Apparently they shut down the entire Richmond airport because of the snow storm. No flights coming in whatsoever. I was a little bummed, I wanted to see L this weekend, but the bummed feeling didn't last too long. Here I was in Albuquerque with my adorable red bug while everyone at home was snowed in with no hope of getting out. Time to explore the city!

I started my day off with a manicure. Yes, even in Albuquerque, there's parts of me that will never change.

Next, I headed up to the Sandia Mountains. These mountains were formed over 1.4 billion years ago and boast some of the highest elevation in New Mexico. The rocks are mostly mica and granite, and apparently turn pink when the sun sets, hence the name Sandia, which means watermelon in Spanish.

Here's a view from the base of the mountains.

 

 Amazing aren't they? 

This is also the home of the world's largest passenger aerial tram way, the Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway. It also has the world's third largest single span for a tramway. I heard this was a must do attraction while in Albuquerque. The tram goes up 2.7 miles to the top of the mountain, and raises 3,819 feet. It was completed in 1966 by a Swedish engineer who thought these mountains deserved the same sort of tramway as the Alps. This is not something to do if you are afraid of heights, but it made a magnificent and very picturesque ascent up into the mountains.

 

 

Here's the tram as seen from the top of the mountain.

 

 

There is also some ski slopes at the top, along with a restaurant with the most beautiful view. I heard drinking margaritas during sunset is a must-do for Albuquerque-ans.

I'm also assuming the houses at the base of the mountains are where all the well to do live. There were some gorgeous mansions, all in the Spanish style, complete with the most breathtaking views.

 

After Sandia Peak, I went shopping, and for some reason the Marshall's there is kick-ass! We all know I love me some Marshall's, and I was really upset I only had a carryon and couldn't buy the entire store up!

I went back to the Rio Grande to walk for a bit. I was feeling the itch to get a good workout in, but hadn't packed any gym stuff. Although it was only 3:30, the sun felt really low. It felt much later, I'm not sure if that's because of the high altitude or not.

That evening, I had a nice dinner, alone at Il Vicino in Nob Hill. I did feel a little lame sitting by myself on a crowded Saturday night. But hey, I didn't really care. The evening was really nice. I headed back home where I watched some TV, read my book and went to bed early to catch my rescheduled flight at 6 am.

Or so I thought...stay tuned.