Corona Red Roses

Bathroom Remodel - Update

So, way back in February I started talking about finding contractors for my bathroom remodel, I told you all about my remodeling blues. Then, I gave you some pictures of the demo work in April. Well, now I finally have my actual "after" pictures.

Of course, I still don't have it all done. There's no picture of the new light fixture nor have I found a cabinet for over the sink. But, I am working on it. At least this gives you an opportunity to see what I did get done.

Now, when you walk into the bathroom, you see the new shower curtain and the new door knob (which does match the new fixtures).


This is the new shower/tub surround.


This is the new sink, new shower curtain and the new mirror!


I really like it so far. I'll let you know when I get closer to the end. Besides the two items I mentioned above, I do want to mount a chair rail and I want to paint the lower half of the wall pink, so we'll see.

Hope you enjoyed a peak!

posted by Corona Red @ 9:21 AM 5 comments

Harry Potter - The Chosen One or The Boy Who Lived

Just wanted to let people know...

Yes, I read Harry Potter 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I thought it was great.

I picked up the book at one of those midnight parties at a small gift shop in North Carolina. They had a cauldron with dry ice in it, stickers, a real owl from their local nature conservatory, and bumperstickers. I got two for my car "Dumbledore's Army" and "Avada Kedavra (if only)." Of course, after reading the book I'm not sure I want to put them on my car or not.

I will say only this to everyone -- it was one of my favorites. A bit slow in the middle, but totally worth it. I laughed and I cried. I read the entire book within 18 hours of receiving it and then I read it again. I just couldn't believe it. Of course, some people I've talked to weren't surprised at all by what happened. I sure was....

posted by Corona Red @ 5:03 PM 6 comments

Women Friends...The Good, The Bad, and the Strange

Women friends...I've spent a great deal of time thinking about this lately. I have some terrific girlfriends, some not so great and the strange.

The Terrific

Rose and B are some of the greatest friends ever. Rose, in particular, is the woman I would choose to be my friend every day of the week and twice on Sundays. She's just amazing. She totally knows me and never judges. We talk about everything. I have no secrets from her (except this blog which she knows exists but doesn't know the name of it). Rose and B are both great listeners. Basically, I can call any time day or night and they are totally there for me. Last week, when I broke with Jay, I called Rose on my way over there and talked to her about it. She said she was home, offered to open a bottle of wine and talk afterwards. She knew I would need that. Of course, I joke I keep her around because she knows where the bodies are buried.

The Not So Great

This weekend, I went away with a group of women I used to work with (at a college in North Carolina). There are normally six of us - three married, three not, three still in higher education, three not. Only five of us could go. We went to one of the girl's (Flo's) parents' condo at a small North Carolina beach. It was fun. I haven't seen the girls in almost a year. And in some ways, I really love them all. However, four of them are really "not so great" friends. Flo is awesome -- totally warm and loving, not judgemental. She is always interested in my friends and family and is genuinely a great person. The other four are different. Two of them are rather bitchy and judgemental. I can be a bit bitchy myself, but I try to keep it under control. It's like they are trying to make me feel bad about choices I have made. One wasn't there, so I am reserving judgement. The other one is just kinda "blah" - I don't find her very interesting for some reason. But they can also be great listeners and I do enjoy their humor and stories. I really wanted to get the Harry Potter book on Friday night and they were all happy to go with me - no complaining or harassing me about the book. It was very cool of them. So, most of them are "not so great," but they aren't strange or bad friends either. Flo, however, belongs in the terrific territory.

The Strange

So, the strange ones. There are a couple. The best example is Joce. Joce is a woman I used to work with. She's in her early 50's, never married, and bitter about it. She's bitter in general. She's obsessed with hockey right now. She's also the worst dresser you've ever seen (she wears mismatched pastels from head to toe). And she complains like crazy. But, something about her keeps me friendly with her. Last night, I ran into her in the courtyard outside work and she proceeded to go on and on about some hockey player and how excited she was he was coming to play in the U.S. I have no idea who this player is. But, if it makes Joce happy, I'm okay with it.

If they move past driving me batty, then they move into the Bad Friend category. I don't really have those anymore. I just cut them out of my life. I don't need friends like that. I cut one person out last year and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Sometimes, friends seem to drift away rather than be pulled. Last week, I was standing at the airport in North Carolina and my cell rings. A woman says "this is a voice from your past." And I had no idea who it was. I was a bit spooked at first. Turned out to be one of my closest friends from college, Cat. She got married right out of college and we tried to keep in touch regularly. I lost touch with her about three years ago. And she called out of the blue. I couldn't believe it. It was great to reconnect with her. I really enjoyed talking with her. Cat is just a wonderful, funny person.

So, it's been an interesting week of female friends. Just thought I would share.

posted by Corona Red @ 11:56 AM 3 comments

Questions

I got these interview questions from Katya. I thought it would be interesting. If you are interested, see the rules below...

Here goes...

1. who would your ideal dinner guest be, present or past

My ideal dinner guest would be Hillary Clinton. I think she would be fascinating to talk to -- about family, the past, her future plans. I would be interested in hearing her perspective on the state of the country and the world.

A close second would be J.K. Rowling -- as I am dying to know what happens in book 7. Alas, I don't think she would tell.

2. If you could have a special power, what would it be

I would want the power to do magic. Magic can be used to make things grow, to do the cleaning, and to save innocents.

3. Given the option would you like to live forever

No. I feel like is a cycle and I want to experience every aspect of it. I also could not imagine my life without my friends and family in it.

4. What three words best describe you

Loyal, friendly, and forthright.

5. Which TV/Book/Film character would you like to be and why

I would love to be Harry Potter. To be able to perform magic and save the wizarding world from Voldemort. It would have amazing challenges and amazing opportunities.

Now the rules.

1. Leave me a comment saying 'interview me please'
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here)
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions

hope you enjoy...

posted by Corona Red @ 3:34 PM 0 comments

The Boyfriend Has Left the Building

Tara, Katya, Leesa, Amy, and Jay - thanks to all of you for your help and support. It really helped me to finally do something about this relationship. You have no idea how much.

So, it's officially over.

We met for dinner at a neutral restaurant halfway between my home and his. I didn't really give him any set-up. Just said let's meet for dinner. He arrived about 10 minutes late (of course). Then, we chat through dinner -- nothing in particular, just how was your day and how are your friends kind of stuff. So, I am looking for an opening. I finally segway somewhat awkwardly into it.

I started with asking if he was happy with us - our relationship. He hesitated and said something about not wanting to get into it tonight. I said this was his shot. He had better answer. He said yes. He had no complaints. I asked where he thought it was going. Wow -- should have seen him start to sweat at that. He hymms and haws about how he doesn't really think about it. He isn't thinking about marriage right now. I almost laughed. I said "of course you're not thinking about marriage -- neither am I, believe me."

I told him everything I discussed in the previous blog and more. I talked about how I thought he was emotionally unavailable and that maybe it was due to his Catholic sense of guilt or his family. I told him that I didn't want to be in this relationship alone.

His response: "You're right. I can't argue about anything you just said." WHAT???

He says he has the "blahs." What? Then, why did he get on www.match.com? He said it was because he thought it would shake him out of it. I told him I can't make him happy -- only he can. I told him his affect is flat -- he just never seems to be there emotionally and that is not right. It's not natural and he will never be happy nor make anyone else happy until he does something about it. He needs to see a therapist. He needs to want to get better.

After about one and a half hours of talking all about our relationship, I finally asked what he thought we should do about this. He at first was like "well if you want to see other people I guess that you could." I started crying at this. That isn't the problem and it's not a solution. I said I think he needs to get therapy and when he's ready for a relationship, he should let me know. Until then, I told him we should stop seeing each other.

He finally looks a bit distraught and asks if we can still be friends. He said he really liked taking me flying and wanted to do that again sometime. I told him sure.

You know the weird thing. He saw a picture of me from my purse and said I looked pretty. I told him that was the first compliment he had given me in 9 months. And then, he said he really like me, too. Unlike any girl he has ever met. Another compliment. So, two in 9 months. And only the second time he told me he liked me -- in 9 months.

He already e-mailed me twice today asking how I was doing and asking if he could still go no travel with me next month. I'm not sure about it. But, I'll keep you posted.

posted by Corona Red @ 3:41 PM 6 comments

Need a Lift?

This made my day! So cute - it made me smile!

You should check it out!

posted by Corona Red @ 4:51 PM 2 comments

The Boyfriend

Several of you have asked. So, an update....

The boyfriend and I are going on our 9th month together now. And it's really weird still.

I have never been in a relationship where I was so insecure about the guy. I've never had a boyfriend who I thought didn't really want to be with me. They usually thought I was the greatest things since sliced bread. They couldn't wait to see me, they wanted to sleep with me, and they wanted to kiss me all the time. Past boyfriends have told me I'm beautiful, my hair is beautiful, or they wanted to bury themselves in the "girls" (aka breasts). They wanted me to feel good about myself, them and our relationship. I've never been hidden away from family and friends. And I've never been so unsure if someone wanted to marry me. And I don't like the change.

Jay doesn't like to kiss me. Weird - I know. He doesn't like French kissing -- something about his facial hair makes it not scratchy. (Of course, my response - "well, then shave it off!" If you had to choose between kissing the wo/man you date, wouldn't you do what you could to be as physically close to that person as possible? I know I would.)

Jay never has a compliment for me. He has never said I look nice, better yet beautiful. Never said he liked my outfit or my hair. He's never said anything mean either. My body just seems invisible in this relationship. Once I was going through some old photos with him and wanted his opinion about something -- anything. I practically begged for an opinion about me and his only commute -- well, I liked your hair with bangs. Bangs!! That's the best he could do.

Jay doesn't really normally seem to want to see me a lot. He's been out of the country for about three weeks. He got back on the Fourth of July, but said he was "too tired" to get together. Now, in the past three days, he has called me like five times to try to set up a time. So, we'll see. Of course, I'm free on Saturday night, but he has some football thing he wants to go to until 9 p.m. Now, what man chooses football over seeing his girlfriend? It's not even a game -- just a bunch of old players doing autographs at the mall.

And in the past eight months, I haven't met one friend or family member. In fact, he has only told one of his sisters about me. No one else. He says his friends know, but yet I haven't met him. He's been out with my friends, met my parents, and had dinner twice with my sister and her family. I am certainly not hiding him.

Did I mention how uninterested he was in my body? We have little sex. He doesn't hold my hand much. He really seems rather uninterested. And the sex itself -- don't get me started! He has no clue. Barely touches me while we are doing so. I have to take the lead each time. He doesn't have any idea how to seduce a woman. It doesn't get really sweaty nor adventurous. I can't even get into all the issues.

So, what is the deal?

He was home for two days in between his two trips, but I was on a work trip to Atlanta. So, he called me several times to chat. I teased him asking if he missed me. And he can't even say that.

There's zero romance, zero passion. You know that I haven't gotten flowers once in that time frame. I love flowers!

I don't understand what he wants. And I am frustrated. So, yes he might be history after this weekend.

Each time I have thought this was going to happen, he does something that is kinda sweet, nice even. So, we'll see. And every time, I've fallen back into this mess.

I like him so much, but I can't stand being in this relationship. Does that make sense?

posted by Corona Red @ 4:42 PM 4 comments

London and the Bombing

I had to say something this morning about what happened in London. Several coordinated bombs in downtown London...will it ever stop?

I can't believe that these terrorists think they are going to accomplish something. Maybe, they don't care about accomplishing anything. According to MSN.com, some group calling themselves “The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe” is claiming responsibility. And if they didn't claim to, someone else would have just for the bragging rights. These groups have no soul, no humanity.

After 9/11 and Spain, it's now London. There seems no way to completely stop this from happening.

Even here in D.C., terror alerts are rising. I was told to expect to see officers with machine guns on the Metro today. My sister called and wanted to pick me up. Everyone at work is talking about this bombing.

I am really so frustrated and dismayed. All I can say to Katya and everyone else in the U.K., I am profoundly sorry. After experiencing multiple terrorist acts, I know it can shake you to your core. You lose a bit of that innocence. You lose a bit of yourself. Be strong. I will keep you in my thoughts and my prayers.

The world once again should mourn for the loss of the both the innocent and our innocence. To all UK citizens, I offer my condolences.

posted by Corona Red @ 12:00 PM 0 comments

Another List of 100 Things You Didn't Know

Here's my second attempt at 100 things you didn't know about me.

1. I was a big baby - 10 pounds, 2 ounces and almost 24 inches long.
2. I rode a camel at a zoo.
3. I have taken a flying lesson in a small private plane.
4. I lived in a fraternity house with 48 men for two years.
5. I don't have a computer at home.
6. When I am reading, I concentrate so much that I don't see people approaching me.
7. I ride the metro to and from work each day.
8. I work a compressed schedule - eight 9-hour days and one 8-hour day.
9. So, I have off every other Friday.
10. I met George Bush (senior) at a speaking engagement - who knew he was actually funny?
11. At the age of 16, I went to the beach for the first time.
12. I was the editor of my high school and junior high school yearbook.
13. When in high school, I was president of the Environmental Concerns Society and captain of the Debate Team.
14. In junior high, I was voted "Most School Spirit" with my sister.
15. I had perfect attendance only one year in school for my entire scholastic career.
16. When I was ten, I shook a nine-year-old girl and yelled at her for biting my sister on the forehead (of course, I yelled at my sister, too, for letting her).
17. I've only rode a horse once - at the Berlin Zoo - almost fell off.
18. I don't really know how to swim.
19. My brother calls me the "reasonable" sister.
20. I spent my 31st birthday in Graceland.
21. While I enjoy most music, I love country music.
22. My favorite food is schnitzel (a German dish).
23. I collected shotglasses for over 20 years.
24. I have over 200 shotglasses.
25. I love to do crafts, but I'm pretty bad at them.
26. I'm chronically late.
27. I love teenage junk movies like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Save the Last Dance."
28. I'll see almost anything that has Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Drew Barrymore or Julia Stiles in it.
29. My favorite classic movie is "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."
30. The last Broadway Musical I saw was "Mama Mia."
31. Last summer, I saw "The Boy From Oz" on Broadway in New York City.
32. I am planning my vacations using a book called "1000 places to Go Before You Die."
33. I have been to just over 35 places in the book so far in my life.
34. This summer, I'm renting a beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with two girlfriends.
35. Three friends and I are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands for February 2005.
36. I love both Phish Food and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream from Ben and Jerry's.
37. I like to make lists - mostly "to do" lists.
38. I have an IPaq which I find I have separation anxiety from if I don't use it every few hours.
39. I don't know anything about MP3s.
40. I still haven't figured out everything my IPaq does.
41. I have been a bridesmaid at least 6 times - maybe more.
42. I've been the wedding photographer three times.
43. My favorite dog is a Saint Bernard.
44. I believe all cats should have royal names like Lady, Duchess, King and Princess.
45. I also believe in giving animals middle names -- how else will they know they are in trouble? 46. I consider myself a liberal on most political issues.
47. I proudly call myself a feminist.
48. However, I have read "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus."
49. I still would love to have a traditional wedding with the white dress, the flowers, and an amazing man waiting at the alter for me.
50. While I love to garden, I only started doing so about 3 years ago when I bought my house.
51. In my garden, just a few veggies and herbs I have are lemongrass, corn, basil, rosemary, and string beans.
52. Hydrangeas are my favorite shrub - I have two in my yard.
53. While working for a small private university, I advised the historically black fraternities and sororities.
54. I attended a regional meetings for the National Pan-Hellenic Conference (the body which oversees the historically black fraternities and sororities).
55. Since I am 5 foot 9.5 inches tall, I have to buy tall pants.
56. I love capris, mostly because I can buy them anywhere.
57. I hate ankle pants as I always think they look too short.
58. I can't imagine not living near my best friend, Rose.
59. I was a certified peer Sex Educator in college.
60. To this day, I kept a video we used to show in our classes.
61. Yes, I did put a condom on my head on more than one occasion.
62. I have been in love a few times, but none lasted forever.
63. I never regret anything I ever did, only the things I didn't do.
64. Somehow, in moving elementary schools, I missed out where they teach how many inches in a foot, yards in a mile, etc..
65. I still struggle with measurements as a result.
66. I don't think I figured out there were 12 inches in a foot until the seventh or eighth grade.
67. Sometimes, I think I am too selfish to ever have children.
68. Sometime, I want children so much that I dream about sperm banks and orphanages in a foreign country.
69. I've never done any type of illegal drug.
70. When I started college, I was a journalism major.
71. Then, it was communications.
72. Then, it was health education.
73. Then, I ended up a sociology major because I liked the classes best.
74. In college, I took a class where I had to go to a funeral home and plan my own funeral.
75. I am in the midst of filling out my living will.
76. I have two nephews and two nieces, with another niece on the way.
77. When I was in junior high, I wanted to change my name to Samantha.
78. I have two tattoos - a rose on my back and a broken heart that says worthy of love.
79. I have considered getting more tattoos - but I hate to spend the money.
80. If I decide to have kids, I think I will have the broken heart removed - it's right where my belly would expand.
81. I love fireworks -- I want to clap after them each time - no matter how dorky that sounds.
82. I love romance novels, but the sex scenes get me a bit more hyped than I would like.
83. I never thought I would be in a relationship like the one I have now.
84. I also showed students how to put a condom on - using a plastic penis - the guys called it the crystal penis.
85. I went to therapy in graduate school as part of my degree.
86. I was a bit shocked to find that my serious high school boyfriend is married now.
87. I am very verbal and sometimes the filter between my head and my mouth doesn't function. 88. Lately, I really want to smack my team lead.
89. My mom used to make most of clothes when I was small.
90. None of those clothes had buttons because she didn't know how to make button holes.
91. I do have a favorite aunt and uncle.
92. I don't have a favorite niece or nephew.
93. My younger sister is now making more money than me.
94. I've very annoyed by this and feel like I'm failing to live up to my potential.
95. I totally missed out on applying for a great job because I got too busy at work.
96. I got my first French kiss from a 16 year old guy when I was 12.
97. I was about 5 feet, 7 inches at the age of 12.
98. My favorite color to wear is blue.
99. Even though I love lists, this one is getting on my nerves.
100. I haven't seen my boyfriend in almost three weeks -- I'm almost ready to let him go.

Thanks for visiting!

posted by Corona Red @ 5:59 PM 2 comments