February 2013 ~ 30s & Life

Thursday, February 21

Dear Gemstones, "Is it time to leave him?"

Dear Gemstones,

Thank you in advance for listening. I feel like I can't turn to my friends right now because they will judge me instead of helping me. I have been dating this guy (Rick) for about 7 years now. We have had some issues on and of but we always seem to find our way back together. This past Valentine's Day he promised to take me out to dinner - due to our work schedules we don't get a lot of date nites. Anyway, I was very excited. I bought a new dress, got my hair done, and had a few girlfriends over to help me get pretty. Long story short - he never showed and never called. I was utterly embarrassed. The next day his excuse was that he was doing something for his mom and couldn't get away and his phone died. I know he does a lot for his mom but I am really at my wits end with dealing with his crap.

Please help!

Friday, February 15

FASHION!

Kerry Washington / Olivia Pope by brenda-cheeks featuring high heels

Valentino sheath dress / Christian Louboutin high heels / Blue Nile white gold jewelry / Anne Klein jewelry

Thursday, February 14

Dear Gemstones, "I have bad friends..."

Hi Gemstones!

I hope that my email gets answered because I really need some unbiased opinions. Once you see what I am asking you will understand why I can't ask my "friends" for help. It seems like I always let bad friends in my life, they end up being just horrible to interact with. Eventually I decide that it would be just best to separate myself from them for a while. But somehow I forgive and end up interacting with them again.

The same thing happens over and over with different groups. I thought I was pretty good at judging folks character but now I am second guessing that. Some of these people have been friends for 20+ years others I have recently met. I'm starting to think that everyone on this earth is a terrible friend.

How do I stop letting bad friends in my life? Could it be me?

Wednesday, February 13

Valentine's Day Simplicity

I love love. And Valentine's Day for me used to be all about loving out loud. I mean, public displays of affections, receiving ridiculously sized balloons and bouquets at work. I wanted everyone to know I was in love — to see it, hear it, smell it (the flowers, that is). Hey, everybody, I'm in love! Look at me! For some reason, though, I'm not feeling all that this year. Not that I don't love flowers, balloons and chocolates. I do, but I think I want something different now, a quieter celebration. Maybe start a new tradition.

Last Valentine's Day, my guy and I had only been together a few months so I wasn't expecting any grand gesture. Actually, I'd planned to carry on as any other day. But after work, he showed up at my door unexpectedly with flowers and a card and we spent the evening on the couch watching TV.

I think I want similar simplicity this year. I don't want to fight crowds at restaurants. I don't want to break the bank buying gifts. I don't want to lug flowers and balloons home from work. I just want to cook my love dinner, watch whatever crazy TV shows he chooses — oh, wait, it's Thursday. We'll be watching "Scandal" — and cuddle on the couch. Because in the end, we're the only two in our relationship, right? Just the two of us, on Valentine's Day and every other day.

Who knows? Maybe next year, I'll be back to wanting all the over-the-topness, or maybe this is a permanent change for me.

I'm curious though, how will you be spending Valentine's Day, Gems? And special traditions?