Tammi's World

I just need to vent....

First - my keyboard is screwed up again. So no little "emotions" are possible. You'll want to read between the lines........

My job.

Sucks.

Can I just say that? Let me explain.

I'm a sales person. I have a bit of experience behind me. It's not my first time at the Rodeo. Plain and simple.

So I work for a company that doesn't believe in the individuality or decision making ability of the individual. Not. At. All.

I'm used to being given my accounts - whether I'm inside or outside sales - and running my desk as if it were my business. Oh - management is there if you need help, but it's your business. Pricing, delivery, promises, extra charges, solutions. It comes from us. Within guidelines of course, but we know our markets, we know our customers. We know what it takes to grow the business. That's why you pay us above average pay for this area. We ain't dummies.

Not so here. I get bids to quote. I hand them off. No input at all. I just fax it out when it's done. Then get in trouble when I don't get the order.

No input on pricing at all. In fact - no reasoning or logic behind the process - at least not anything that has been offered as an explaination.

I'm terrified to make a decision in case I do something wrong.

Now - we handle all the calls. I've got a full desk. All three of us do. We offer solutions. The answer? "Duly Noted." Then nothing happens. So - we take the calls. We have to wait for answers. Wait for someone to give us solutions.

If it weren't for the spreadsheets I make and maintain I haven't used a braincell in 6 months.

And now things are bad. Folks are complaining, parts are late, we're losing out to better pricing. And all we in inside sales can do is look at each other and say - I knew it. I said it.

Add to that the fact that now we are responsible for collections, rejections, quality, accounting. Oh - we still don't have a say. We're just responsible.

It's insanity I tell you pure and simple. My first thought in the morning is NOOOOOOO PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME.

I know I'm lucky to have a job. I know I'm lucky to have a job that pays decent money. But DAMNNNNN. I just wonder how long this can last.

Ok - I feel a bit better now. I'm gonna go have a piece of pumpkin pie. Thanks for listening. I needed to get that off my chest.

Today

Today is my Adoption Birthday. Today I became one of the luckest people I know.

I've talked about my family on several occassions. They are a special group of people. I cannot express how blessed I feel to call them My Family.

I have lived my life knowing that I was loved. I have lived my life knowing that I can do anything and no matter what - it's ok. I have lived my life knowing that no matter how dark it gets, my family will always be there. Always.

Mama Vi is my best friend. It's hard right now, with everything going on. I miss her. Oh - sometimes I still see that warm loving woman who built her life around her family. I cling to those moments. I love those memories.

I couldn't have asked for a better Father. My only regret is that I didn't have him longer.

Dee is about the best sister you could ask for. Oh - we still have our "moments". But when the chips are down - she is EXACTLY who you want at your side.

I've been lucky in my extended family too. I have to tell you folks - I have the GREATEST Aunts and Uncles. Each with such a strong personality. Each so different. The common thread that runs through them all is that they are such strong, faithful people. They love the Lord, their family, Life. They have inspired me in more ways than I can say.

Growing up there were 5 of us cousins that always hung around together. Constantly. We were brought up more like sisters than cousins. I was the youngest. And the most gullible. Oh the stories I could tell y'all.

Anyway - there are a couple of the girls that I have only gotten closer to. Both are still living in Florida. Myra is one of the most tender hearted women I have ever known - with a goodness so deep throughout her that she glows. I miss her so much being up here again. While we didn't spend as much time together - at least when I was down there it FELT like it.

And then there is Sonia. The closest thing to a Big Sister I'll ever know. I cannot even begin to tell you how much she means to me. Without her these past few years I don't know WHAT would have happened. And oh.....you would like her. She's wacky and wild, nurturing and thoughtful. She knows me better than anyone. We have this thing, this little saying. I'll tell her I love her. She say's she loves me too. Then I remind her that she has to - she signed a contract when they "bought" me. Silly I know - but it makes us laugh every time.

And her family is my family. You might notice "Carmen" commenting here. That is my niece, Sonia's daughter. I am so proud of her. If I had a daughter I could only hope she would be like Carmen. Then there is Chris - Sonia's son. What a TRIP he is. He's got his Mama's soft heart. And sense of tradition. Oh - and he is such a good daddy. His son Junior is the light of our lives. His 2nd birthday is coming up and it just breaks my heart that I'm going to miss it.

My - I did get carried away - didn't I. But you see - I love my family. I KNOW how lucky I am. And today is my day to WALLOW in that knowledge. Today - is my Birthday. The one the really counts in my book.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood is skipping down the road when she sees a big bad wolf crouched down behind a log.

"My, what big eyes you have, Mr.Wolf."

The wolf jumps up and runs away.

Further down the road Little Red Riding Hood sees the wolf again and this time he is crouched behind a bush.

"My what big ears you have, Mr. Wolf."

Again the wolf jumps up and runs away.

About two miles down the road Little Red Riding Hood sees the wolf again and this time he is crouched down behind a rock.

"My what big teeth you have Mr. Wolf."

With that the wolf jumps up and screams,

"Will you knock it off, I'm trying to take a shit!!!

Done

I signed the lease on the new house tonite. It's mine as of the 15th.

Looking around I can't help being torn.

1. I cannot WAIT to get out of the freezing cold hell hole. And yes - in this instance Hell is FRIGID.

2. What have I done?? How in the world am I going to get this place packed up in 15 days? Oh, I know much has been left packed-but I got kitchen stuff to get moved - has to be the first thing. I'm making beef stew on moving day. I have clothes to finish sorting - that's one way to force the issue. Hell - I just got some of the damned Christmas stuff out. 15 days. Oh. My. Goodness.

But I'm excited. It's a home. AND I found an extra bonus tonight. I have a garage door opener. Yes - I don't even have to get out of my car to open the garage door.

I'm such a simple girl. Really - see how easy it is to make me happy? *grin*

I've already got a plan. That should surprise NO ONE that knows me. I've scheduled the switch over of utilities. I've already put the request in to forward my mail.

I'm renting a Uhaul or something. I have to. My wall unit is 6' x 6'. It would kill us to try and lift into a pickup truck. Plus - my furniture is big girl furniture. I want healthy happy people moving me. I can't feed them if they're in the ER.

I'm going this weekend to buy a fridge. I'll have to wait on the dryer until January. But I've gone this long. A bit longer isn't going to kill me.

So...it's all set. Settled. Done.

I'M OUTTA HERE.

Public Service Announcement

It's funny. When I go through my "received calls" list on my phone - 99.9% of my personal calls are from bloggers. How very cool is that.

So I figure I'll just save time and make this announcement here.

My cell phone has been cancelled. My boss gave the number out to a bunch of my customer - so I get business calls on my personal cell phone. I am not being reimbursed for that. Not making me happy.

Also - I only get a signal for about 20 mins a day - over by work. Why on earth am I paying for a cell phone without a signal?

So - I turned it off. Just forgot to tell anyone. And I'm not getting another one until after the move. Too much going on.

I'll let y'all know how to get 'hold of me. I just didn't want you to worry.

More Than a Blog

One of my favorite people - Matty, Mr. Blackfive - has an interview posted over at Milblogging.com.

What an incredible man he is. Really - think about it. He's a family man. He has an involved career. And this little thing called a blog. A blog that is changing lives. A blog that makes a difference. A blog that makes things happen.

You need to head over and read this interview. It gives you a glimpse into the man he is. Really - no need to be scared. *grin* And by the way, Matt. Thanks for the mention....you name dropper you.....

I must be insane....

Well I went and looked at the house tonite.

First thought? I don't like the color blue. The carpets are blue, the kitchen - blue. The basement? Blue.

BUT....all of my living room furniture will fit - the bar will even fit in the living room. The kitchen? Ok - blue counters and not so pretty wall paper. BUT....brand new cupboards, new NICE stove. 2nd bedroom - perfect for an office. The bathroom is just fine. Fancy? No. But just fine.

The basement is the size of where I live now. It will make a GREAT family room. I'll paint the flippin' walls as soon as it's possible.

It has a tiny one stall garage - attached to the house. No going outside to start my car. No DE-ICING THE CAR IN THE MORNING. That's huge for me.

The bedrooms are very tiny. But do-able. I know I said that the kitchen had to fit my table. Well...it's got an island. With huge cupboards to hold big kitchen type stuff. I could get some comfy stools and it's perfect for every day. I could put the kitchen table downstairs and....I can make it work.

Oh Oh Oh - and storage. Storage. Storage.

AND - yes there is more - it's closer to work. On a quiet, dead end street. I hear there is a small park near by. Oh. My. Goodness.

In a word - I could do this. Here's the catch.

She wants me to take possession on the 15th. That's December 15th. That's about 18 days from now. I'd need to pay her and buy a fridge by then. Oh, and rent a truck.

But I'm going to try.

Oh, AND - it's got central heat AND air. Central heat. Central air.

Oh yeah - I'm gonna figure out how to pull this off - you better believe that.

WooHoo. I'm very excited. *grin*

Distracted

Ohhhhh, it's such a Monday. After a four day weekend - half of which was spent with a fever, I just about can't deal with the fact that it's Monday. In fact - if I could I'd just keep replaying yesterday over and over and over again. But no. This is real life and I have got to get to work.

It's a good thing I'm a graceful loser. I'm going to be catching some serious shit at the office today. My Buc's couldn't close the deal. They some how managed to let their Number 1 fan down and lose to the Chicago Bears. And you can bet your last dollar on the fact that I will take some serious shit over this. But it's only fair. Because as good a loser as I am - I'm a much much worse winner. Oh yeah, I gloat, I dance, I will remind you of the win for months, no years to come. And I've always believed that if you dish it out you damned well better take it.

Sigh. But I sure do hate losing.

In other news - tonite I go look at what I have deemed "the cracker house". A couple of things will determine if I take it or not.

1. Will my kitchen table be able to be used? I love my kitchen table. I NEED to serve meals with folks sitting around said table. If I can't find room for it there - the deal is off.

2. That the landlady will work with me. Let's face it - times are kinda tough right now. I don't have money just sitting around waiting for me to spend it. Never mind Christmas.....So I need her to be a little flexible. Everything get's better the end of January. Dollars will be dispersed and I will actually receive some. But seriously - I have to beleive that she will be so excited at the prospect of renting to ME that she'd agree to ANY terms. /sarcasm

So - I'm a bit distracted. And I'm stalling. This could be a really, really good day. Or not. I choose Good. I'm kinda fond of those silver linings.

A Bit of Business

Ok - Dinner is going well - thank you for asking.

And yes, my Bucs lost to the Bears. The good side of that is I didn't lose all my friends.

AND ND won yesterday. Always good.

But you know what has me grinnin' like an idiot? Dancin' with joy? Gigglin' like a school girl?

Florida State 7
Florida 34

GO GATORS!!! Hey Carmen??!! Do ya STILL miss me?!?!?!?!?

MORE - Cooking with Tammi

Cooking in the dark....that's what I'm doing.....cooking in the dark......

Yeah - oh yippee. This has become a real adventure - let me tell you.

I got the pies done - not happy with them, but they're done.

I was working on the cranberry salad when - Blam...the blub blew in the kitchen light. The ONLY kitchen light. Guess what? I can't find my stash of light blubs. So.....I was cooking with my flashlight on the counter beside me. Until I finally just gave up.

You know - I've always admired my Amish relatives for doing things "the hard way" but - honest to goodness - I never really wanted to try it for myself.

So anyway - that was at 1:00am There is no all night anything here in my little Stephen King town. I finally gave up and went to bed around 2:00am.

Got up at 6:00am and made coffee. Only to discover I was out of cigarettes. NOT GOOD.

So I got dressed and ran to the store. Well, I got partially dressed. I put pants on - do I get credit for that? I bought some light bulbs and cigarettes. Sat down at home and had my morning coffee and smoke.

I'm in pretty good shape right now. I can actually relax. But let me tell you - cooking Thanksgiving dinner in a wanna be kitchen - well, let's just say after this, ANYTHING should be a breeze.

Hmmmm....wonder what could possibly happen next.........

But you wanna know a secret? I can't get the damned smile off my face. I'm enjoying myself more than you could possibly know......

Do You Hear That Thump?

Yeah, that would be my beloved Grandma, rolling over in her grave.

I cannot believe my luck. As I mentioned earlier, my Thanksgiving is Sunday. So tonite I'm making pies, doing eggs, making the cranberry salad and finishing the relish tray.

The problem? My oven. It has bad baking rays. Seriously. They don't bake evenly and it's harder than hell to make anything turn our right.

So I did my pumpkin pie first. Single crust - no big deal. Yeah - well It ain't pretty but it's pumpkin pie. I just had to bake it a lot longer than usual. So I wait a bit then put in the double crust dark sweet cherry pie. That would be the problem child (so to speak). I used my handy dandy pie crust shield and I had to bake and bake and bake. Ok - I expected that after the pumpkin. So finally it's far enough along that I can take the shield off. Well - the evil baking rays must have been laying in wait. Damn....It's not bad - but it's not my pie.

So - it's 11:30 and I'm just finishing up cleaning up a bit. I can only hope the damn oven cooperates tomorrow.

But I've never had a problem with my pies. Ever. Grandma would be so ashamed.

It's Not Just Me!

Damn! I'm just soooo jealous! Ogre totally rocks in the Holiday Decorations department.

Go over here and check it out - he's got a picture.

Dude - you are DA MAN!!!!

Shhh...it's a secret....

Guess what? I figured out how to bring a bit of Christmas to this dismal abode I call "house". Yep - I've gone and decorated. Oh not much - by Tammi's Standards. Just enough - almost. I couldn't find the boxes with my most precious and favoritest stuff in them, but that's probably a good thing. That way I won't mess them up next time I move. But I did find some stuff...oh yes I did.

There are candles a plenty. :-) And Santa's every where you look - He's even in the bathroom takin' a bath! I have just a hint of garland - too much is bawdy. I have soft pillows and candles, and pinecones and candles. There are angles and candles and my favorite Christmas mugs and candles. I did unpack my Christmas teapot - HEY! You have to have tea during the holidays. Oh, and I have a few candles out.

I've managed to get most everything back into the storage room and after a bit more picking up and cleaning in the morning I'm ready. I'm ready for the traditional Lighting of the Christmas Stuff.

Now - there's no tree. Well, there's a mini tree - but you know what I mean. And I do miss it. But next year. Oh yes, there is always next year.

So tomorrow I'll have a home filled with the scents of the holidays. Pies baking, candles burning (cause you do realize I have a couple candles, right). I'm pleased with how it came together, for the most part.

Yeah, I think I caught that holiday spirit. Watch Out!!!

How 'Bout a Party??

It's the holiday season and yes, we're all busy. BUT....and you knew there'd be one..... wouldn't it be cool to get together? You know - a holiday party of sorts. Of course this would be a bit AFTER the season - but think of it as just an extension.

T1G has offered to pull together a shindig. At the now infamous Fritz's Wooden Nickle. Yes - that's right folks. He has actually invited as many bloggers as can make it to his hideaway, his retreat, his home away from home. WTF is he thinking?!?!?

Oh well - he'll learn eventually. Meanwhile - let's take advantage of his lack of judgement. Head on over and peruse the details and then leave him a comment. BUT REMEMBER: only commit if you're really gonna make it. We don't want to leave any one in the lurch.

Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy - I love a good party!!!!!!

I'm Gonna Need a Plan

So I want to go out for Breakfast. I cannot begin to tell you how hungry I am this morning. But.....it's gonna take a plan and some serious work.

You see, I've managed to trap myself in my own home. And yes - I'm serious.

Let's see if I can explain. Yesterday, when not napping, I decided to sort though that damned storage room of mine. And I mean seriously sorting through. I started pulling boxes out and putting them everywhere. I put some in the bedroom - now I can't get in there. I piled boxes up in the kitchen - now I can't get to the back door. I have boxes of books piled up in front of the front door. Yep - you got it - can't even get to that pile of boxes, due to the other pile of boxes in the living room to there. I got boxes piled in the bathroom. The only true path in the house goes from this chair at the kitchen table to the couch. I do have a clear visual from the couch to the TV. And I can carefully make it from the living room to the bathroom. But - that's about it.

So...in order to get dressed I have to move the boxes out of the bedroom doorway. Then, I'll need to move the boxes in the living room to, oh, maybe the kitchen and get them out of the way so I can get to the boxes in front of the door. I have no idea where I'm going to put those - I just know I need out the door cause there is a big breakfast out there somewhere with my name all over it. I may be a lazy slug but food is definitely my motivator.

I just need a plan.

Black Friday

From popping around the Blogsphere it looks like most people had a pretty good Thanksgiving.WooHoo. Here in Tammi's World it wasn't bad at all. I slept - alot. I got some work done in the Storage Room from hell. Well, actually - I got a lot of stuff moved out of there - now I just have to fit it all back in. Yikes!! But that's ok - I like a challenge.

Today - today is Black Friday. The busiest shopping day of the year. Folks were out and about by 5:00am. That's in the morning. To Shop. 5:00am to shop. I don't get it. Never have...but obviously I'm in the minority here.

Most of my friends/family are big BF shoppers. They start planning weeks in advance. Now there are websites that help you put together your plan. The papers all cater to it. Everything is centered around it. Heck - Kmart now starts on Thanksgiving Day with sales going.

No. And No again. And honest to goodness you couldn't pay me enough to get anywhere near a mall or store today. Even when I was a sales rep - I didn't do it. Oh - my boss told me too - but I flat out disobeyed. No One wanted some sales rep around when they could be selling and making commission. So I managed to steer clear of that trap.

I love a good bargin - but I just can't take the crowds. Or the traffic. It's just not worth what ever I could save. Maybe I'm just not frugile enough. I don't know I just know that today - I'm on the hunt for someplace to eat breakfast - I'm starving! And then it's back home where I can putter some more. I've got candles to put out, pretties to place and well..whatever I want. And that does NOT include shopping of any sort.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving All.

I'm not going to be making the drive to Indiana - more because of not feeling well (and not wanting to get Mama sick) than the weather.

I'll have my Thanksgiving on Sunday - and I'm looking forward to it.

Meanwhile - being a history buff I found T1G's tellin' of the History of Thanksgiving...well, entertaining. Go check it out. Ya might learn something.

And - in the spirit of Thanksgiving I'd just like to say how thankful I am for my life, my friends and my family. I am grateful to those who serve to keep us safe. I am just so thankful for so many things.....life is good.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am Really Not A Nice Girl

I am soooo torn.

I don't feel 100%. I've got so much I want to get done around the house. I've got a 23 lb turkey to prepare, stuffing to make, goodies to bake, decorations to dig out.

I'm supposed to leave early tomorrow morning for Indiana.

I cheered when I heard they were supposed to get slammed with a snow storm tonite. Maybe, just maybe it's my "out".

Then I hear we're supposed to get an ice storm tonite. I actually did the happy dance.

Surely No One would expect me to drive 4 hours in such terrible weather - when I'm sick.

Well, no one except my mother.

But I got news for you. If I wake up in the morning and the world around me is ice....and if I hear there is a snow storm in Northern Indiana I'm keepin' my ass ta home. Pure and Simple.

I'm evil. I'm a bad daughter. I. Am. Tammi.

Too Late!

So I get this email from a friend....too little too late as far as I'm concerned but GREAT advice for y'all!!

Avoid The Flu....

Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.

Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.

Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system.

Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.

Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible.

Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.

Get plenty of rest. OR.....

Take the doctor's approach.

Think about it...

When you go for a shot, what do they do first?

They Clean your arm with alcohol...

Why?

Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS.

So......

I walk to the liquor store. (exercise)
I put lime in my Corona...(fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio..(fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh....(eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)
The way I see it...

If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!

My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass is better than one in the ass!"

What a Sweetie!!

OK - I'm finally going to have to admit it. I'm sick.

Not horrible, just...sick. The worst part is my voice is going and my throat is killing me. I sound terrible. I can handle the body aches, stuffy head and stuff. But my throat has always been my weakness. (Plus - Sunday the Bucs play the Bears - they NEED me to be able to yell!!)

I was having some trouble falling asleep last night. Finally took some cold medicine and when it hit - it knocked me on my ass.

I never heard the alarm. But I heard the phone.

I answer the phone and it's just the sweetest voice. "Tammi? I thought you'd be awake!!"

I glance at the clock. 6:00am.

"I should have been!!" - is the only reply I could think of.

"Oh - this is Raging Mom! I just wanted you to know the roads are horrible the farther east you get."

What a complete sweetheart. Thank you RM! For the wake-up and the warning.

Think About It

Go Here to Sgt. Hook's and read a Thanksgiving post that will make you think.

THIS is only one of the reason's I'm so glad he's blogging again.

A Glint of Hope

Well I called on a house today. It's about 20 mins. closer to work. 3 bedrooms with a garage. Washer & Dryer hook-up (very important) and on a dead end street.

I spoke with the owner. Seems like a nice lady. She kept emphasizing how small it is. 2 bedrooms on the main floor and one in the basement.

I'm not telling her how small the place is I'm in now. I need some kind of an advantage.

I drove by tonite. Yeah - it's small. About the size of my Condo in Bradenton. Not bad. From the outside. I just need to make sure my stuff will fit - and that I can actually have room to cook in the kitchen.

I asked if it was a "cooks kitchen". She said SHE thinks so...much the answer I expected. We'll see. ANYTHING would be better than where I'm at - but I also don't want to be moving again in a year or two. I want to settle in. I want to put down roots. I want to flippin' unpack.

So - We'll see. I'm getting the official tour tomorrow after work. Then early, early Thursday morning I make the drive to Mama Vi's. I'll have plenty of time to think about it.

Still - promising......

Break It!

I've been tagged by the Alarm Clock meme. Tagged by my BlogSis Bou - who's trying to convince me she's freezin' her ass off in Pensicola. Yeah....she forgets from whence I come. But anyway.........

Here we go.

1. Do you use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning?
I didn't from the time I moved to Florida. Unless I had an early morning flight - usually I wake up on my own around 5:00am. Now that I'm back in the midwest I don't dare NOT use it. I think it's a mental thing - first time I've HAD to be at work at a certain time in a long while....

2. What time do you set it for?
5:30am

3. Do you hit the snooze button? If so how many times?
Yep. I wear the damned thing out some mornings.

4. Have you ever abused an alarm clock?
Yes. More in my youth. I'd throw the damned thing, bury it, what ever. And if someone was stupid enough to try that whole - place it across the room and make her get up to turn it off thing - yeah, well let's just say Humpty Dumpty had nothin' on that clock.

5. It’s time to spread some “It’s Blogcess” linky love.

Rules of the game, so I have been told:

First: Copy and paste questions #1 thru #4 to a post on your site. Answer the questions to the best of your ability. Then copy #5 and include the link. (Make sure to link to: “It’s Blogcess”, which is the link in #5. Because it’s always polite to link to the one who started the linky love.)

Fourth: Email the owner of, or post on the blogs that you have tagged, to inform them that you’ve tagged them.

Like the many alarm clocks I've had in my life - I'm breakin' this too. See - I'm not really such a nice girl!!

That's Disappointing

You are Snoopy!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

One of my nicknames is Linus. I thought for sure.........................

(stolen from Doyle over at A Cool Change)

Shoot

Keyboard is screwed up. Missing letters. Damnit.

No time to figure it out - damn...it's Monday.

However - Bucs won yesterday. Bears won yesterday. I didn't fall to my death in the storage room from hell - so I guess it's a good day.

Oh - and the ONLY reason I'm digging the Christmas stuff out now is if I don't start digging I'll never find the crap. It won't look like Christmas til after Thanksgivi g. Promise!!!

Happy Mo day folks.

Sometimes it's Good to Break a Promise

Today I'm breaking my promise to myself. Oh, it was a stupid promise, but still - I like to think I am a woman of my word.

I swore when I moved into my little postage stamp I was NOT going to decorate for Christmas. #1 - I couldn't put my tree up (it would take over the entire living room) so that sucks some of the joy out. #2 - there isn't anything I can do to this place to make it feel festive. #3 - everything is in the back of the storage unit and it's really not safe for me to be climbing around back there by myself.

With the house being so quiet this past week I've had a little too much time to spend inside my own head. Not really a good idea sometimes - but anyway. I realized by keeping that promise I was punishing myself. Well - don't that beat all! I've been a good girl this year. I deserve a little holiday spirit. Damnit - I'm decorating. So there.

With today being a solo football Sunday, and given that I'll be gone most of next weekend I thought NOW was the perfect time to start.

So that's what I'm doing. I've got some sauce simmerin' on the stove. Still in my new flannel jammies. Game playin' on the TV. I'm crawlin' (carefully) into the storage room and, one by one, pulling out what ever Christmas boxes I can get to. Oh, I can't put it all out. No Way. But I'm selecting certain things and placing them with care. My cousin says watching me decorate for Christmas is better than T.V. I'm kinda persnickity.

So that's what I'm up to today. Ya wanna come over and help? It'll be fun!!!

What An Honor

My blogdaughter, and long time friend, is in the process of adopting a child. Both she and her Darling Husband are a part of the family I choose. My close, personal friends.

I received a letter in the mail. From Florida. I have been asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their personalities, sense of responsibility and, well, basically what kind of parents I think they would make.

Wow. How do I convey the genuineness of who these two people are? How do I get across their warmth, compassion, sense of responsibility? How do I even begin to say how blessed any child could possibly be to become a member of their family?

I'm just so touched that they asked me to be a part of this process.

So - I'm putting off my chores for a bit. I need to sit down and really concentrate on how exactly to say - Hell Yes! They will be FANTASTIC parents.

Thank you Lee Ann. You honor me deeply.

Confession Time

I have a few projects I need to finish. The big one is sorting through the clothes I must admit I'll never use up here.

This is where the confession comes in.

I. Am. A. Clothes. Horse. They say the quickest way to beating an addiction is to admit you have a problem. There it is. In black and white.

For over 15 years I've had very high profile jobs. Jobs where it really mattered how I dressed and the image I gave out. Also - I did a lot of socializing with business. Cocktail dresses galore. But...given all that - I still went just a little bit over board.

Let me give you a couple of examples.

I have over a dozen:
*pairs of black slacks. Yes - black slacks. Oh, different styles, but still...all...black.
*pairs of grey slacks. Now these are all different shades and styles.
*black tops. Sweater, shells, tanks...black. All Black

I have 2, count them TWO green silk suites. The same shade of green. The jackets are just slightly different.

I have 3 "little black dresses".

I have 7 white tops. 2 exactly the same. EXACTLY.

I'll stop there. Let's just leave it with I got a lot of flippin' clothes.

Many of these are just not going to work up here. Plus - for the first time I have a job where I don't have to *dress*. I just gotta be business casual. That could be a problem. I don't have business casual.

So....it's out with the old so I can get some practical stuff. Warm sweaters. Cords. Colored jeans. Boots. You know - northern stuff.

Plus - my turquoise spandex skirt wasn't the hit up here it was in Florida. Yeah - that's gotta go now too.

So that's what I'm doing tomorrow. My goal is to finally, finally finish up the sorting and packing up of the old stuff. Damn - I don't know what I'll do if I end up with only one closet full of clothes. That's never happened in my WHOLE life.

Next....shoes. You don't even want to know!!!!

Already?!?!?

What a week. Between Cody (or lack there of), the King of Idiots as a boss, shop losing dies, cold and well some other stuff I'd rather not discuss - it's been a hell of a time.

I am just so flippin' glad it's Friday I can't tell you. And I just realized last night that next week is Thanksgiving. Holy Crap. Where has the year gone?!?!!?

Thanksgiving. Last year this time I was preparing for my first solo drive across country to pick up Mama Vi and bring her home to Florida for a month. A month that ended up changing my life in ways I never imagined.

This year my plans are all changed for the holiday weekend. Originally Mama and Dee were going to South Carolina for our annual family get together. I was looking forward to 4 days of cooking, puttering and well, just being. We found out my Aunt has cancer. Again. Everything is on hold. So I'll be heading to South Bend on Thursday morning. But I've managed to "ruin everyone's holiday" by insisting that I return Friday night. I want some time in MY house. With MY friends. I have a turkey I want to cook. I want to make MY idea of Thanksgiving dinner over the weekend. I want MY pumpkin pie. (are you seeing a theme here)

For so many years Thanksgiving was mine. If I choose to go home it was great. But mostly I spent it alone. And I was GREAT with that. I got my Christmas stuff out, cooked, shopped, did whatever my little heart desired. I'm realizing my life is not my own any more.

But please don't take that as whining. I'm not. I'm just settling in. Creaking like a foundation of a house does every now and again.

Anyway - I was just sitting here reflecting on all the changes. I'll probably be doing that a lot over the next few months. It's my nature. Look back to understand now. To learn. To smile.

But Holy Crap! Thanksgiving?!?! Next Week?!?!?

Ode to Jammies

I am soooo in my happy place right now.

Oh, my home sucks. It's cold as well...shit outside (12 degrees this morning). I hate my job. But I'm soooo in my happy place. Right now. Right this very minute.

"How can that be?", you ask. I'm wearing new flannel jammies. And they are comfy, light yet warm. And not terribly unattractive (compared to others I've had).

I went to Penny's tonite. As much as I shouldn't I needed a couple of things and they are having a sale. I usually cannot buy "jammies". Normally they are mens large lounging pants. Even then they aren't long enough. But I noticed flannel jammies were 50% off. So I figure what the hell. No one's gonna see them anyway. If they look like capris So What.

I just got home and put them on. Oh. My. Goodness. The pants are actually "normal" length. Yes - they fall below the ankle. They are roomy and soooo very soft. Drawstring waiste - an NO hole/opening in the front. They're GIRL jammies!! WooHoo!!!

Now - I'm not thrilled with the fact they are covered in clouds - but hey, like I said. It's not like they'll be seen all that often.

So I'm gonna curl up in my chair, read a few blogs, have a cup of tension tamer tea and just flat out relax. In my new flannel jammies.

I'm a simple girl - really.

A Message to Bou

My dear friend Bou is seriously having a very rough time. In fact - as she shares, these past few weeks have been a hell I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

It breaks my heart to know she is going through this.

In her post she bares a bit of her soul. And she turns off her comments. That's mostly because people are often idiots and she really doesn't need any shit right now.

So - I just wanted to let her know: I love ya darlin. We're prayin' for you and those sweet, sweet boys of yours. You are NOT in this alone!!

That's MY Friend!!

BLOGGERS BREAK SONY

Another great example of Bloggers Gettin' It Done!!

Teresa, BlogSis extraordinaire, first told us about this little gem HERE. She continues to educate us HERE and HERE and HERE.

Bottom line? DON'T BUY SONY CDS. Period. But head on over, get the full story and then spread the news.

BTW - Teresa? Thanks for making sure we know this stuff. What would we do without you?!?!

A Needed Laugh

I just had to share this!!!

O.M.G.

It's happened.

That white stuff? Yeah - it's flippin' SNOW!!!

MORE: Raging Mom tells me there's ice to go with that snow...oh yipee!!

And - as a service to my readers - just something to keep in mind....when looking for a place to live, if the landlord tells you it's easy to keep the house warm - just remember the man is moving to flippin' Minnesota! What does he know of WARM!!!!!

Humilty

I'm a somewhat proud individual. Sometimes too proud.

Every once in a while I need a little lesson in humility.

Today is that day.

I still have my window air conditioners in. It's gettin' kinda cold. They actually said we might see SNOW tomorrow.

Sunday the wind was so strong THROUGH my house it had the curtains blowing straight out.

So, T1G has generously offered to come and get those damn things out of my window so I don't turn into a block of ice.

Yeah T1G!!!

He's popping over today, before he runs some errands.

Yeah!

Oh Shit!! Can I tell you what a complete disaster my house is?!? Seriously. NO ONE has seen a home of mine look like this.

I have no choice. I can't freeze in my own home. No time to finish my several projects which have scattered SHIT through out my house.

I'm humbled by my own laziness.

Last One

Honest - this is the last Cody story - but I have got to share this with y'all.

Tonite I had to take the rest of his things over to his new home. I have been dreading this since I left him on Saturday.

First thing I hear this morning, from one of the girls I work with is how much the family loves him (she knows them) and some funny stories. None of which surprised me or jumped out begging to be told.

So I arrive with his stuff. I see him through the side pane of the front door. Playing with the boys. The doorbell rings and he runs to the door. He sees it's me and, yeah - he's missed me.

Anyway, we're all chatting and they are telling me what a great dog he is. Then they hit me with the big story.

I had warned them that he likes to party. He was spotted at that party trotting around with not just a cigar but a bottle of beer.

I guess they had some family over Saturday nite to meet The Boy. Sitting outside they had a cooler of beer. Cody kept trying to get into the cooler. Finally the one guy handed him a can of beer and said "Fine! If you can open it you can have it." (silly silly man. This is, after all, MY dog.) Cody flipped the can over and next thing they knew there was beer every where and Cody was in heaven!

Oh yeah, you can move away from the family - but once a Bad Example....always a Bad Example.

Damn I'm gonna miss that dog.......

A YEAR!!

Holy Shit! In all my pity-partying I forgot that today is a very important day.

It was one year ago today that I became the Disney Wedding Singer. Even more important - my very good friends were married.

It was a beautiful wedding. The likes I have never seen before. I'm still waiting for my picture (hint hint) but the memorie...ahh the memorie is clear as can be.

D & K...Happy Anniversary my friends. 1 year. Wow.

Oh, and thank you for giving me my music back.

A Milestone? Updated - NO

Holy Cow - I'm only 176 visits away from 50,000 hits on this site. Wow. That blows my mind.

Hmmmmm what to do to celebrate? What to do. What to do.

Anybody got any ideas? After all - it's all about y'all!!!!

Well Shit! I really need to get my head out of this dark place it is this week - I'm over 1,000 hits away. That's at least 2 weeks, so we got some time to plan.

Excuse me while I go and hide this red face of mine!!!

He's Gone

Cody has officially left the building.

I took him over to meet the family that was interested in him and they are - wonderful. He was a bit shy at first (believe it or not) but was soon happy as a pig in slop. I could tell that they'll be perfect for him and with their children he's perfect for them.

I left him there. And proceeded to cry the entire drive home.

The little boy said I could come visit when ever I want. I told him "Thank you, but it will hurt my heart too much."

You see - I know this is best for him. And actually best for me too. Except - I'm alone again. Once again, in order to do the right thing I lose. And I'm just selfish enough that I don't like that. Not one little bit.

So I'm going to hunker down on the couch. Cry a bit and then...well I'll have to see what's next. Right now - I just need to cry.

Whiney Weekend

Yeah - this weekend is gonna suck. Wet socks.

Let me see if I can explain. Now, you know how I work my way into a story, twistin' and turnin' til I eventually get to the point. Yeah, that's pretty much how this is going to work - I'm just sayin.

I've mentioned on several occasions how very small my home is. Ok - not home, abode. Small doesn't cover it. But it works. Add to that I'm not thrilled with the area, and the fact that it's not secure (problem locking doors and keeping critters out) and, well, it sucks.

So I've been looking for a new place. It's very high on my list of "must do's". Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a place to rent that will let you have a dog? Holy Cow.

Also - Cody is a very energetic puppy. He's not small by any means and just loves to run. He is so cramped in this place - it's kinda sad.

Also - I'm gone 12 hours (min) a day during the week. He's 9 months old. Again, not all that small. AND trapped in a pen all day.

That all adds up to the right thing being finding a new home for Cody.

On the off-chance I asked one of the girls at work if she knew anyone that would love, treasure and appreciate a puppy such as mine. (**side note: if I were a dog - it would be Cody. He has my personality. He talks, runs, gets in your face...yeah - he's me.) Well, shit. She did. We emailed pictures and they fell in love. They have 3 boys and a nice sized house, yard and are really "dog" people.

I'm taking him to meet them today. Unless something goes horribly "wrong" I'll be taking him back over there tomorrow morning and leaving him.

Leaving him.

Leaving.

You can pretty well bet that I will be posting some sappy, emotional "tribute" to my baby tomorrow. Yeah, that's pretty much a given. I'm just sayin'......

So today I'm playin' with my boy. Trying to squeeze in a few more memories. He knows something is up. He's being very cuddly and sweet. I'm alright with that. Very much so.

Anyway - it's gonna be a whiney weekend in Tammi's world. Just a bit of real life forcing it's way in.

Note To Self:

Do NOT go "have a few drinks" after a horrible, terrible, sucky day/week at work on the weekend you have to give your dog up.

You will NOT stop at 1.

That's a given.

No, no hangover. And y'all have Army Wife to thank for no drunken blogging. Cause I had a doozy almost finished when she called.

But yeah - I sooo know better than to drink if I'm mad or sad. Last night was both.

My new formula for life? 6 (double) Appletini's + (-no food) = Don't Do It!!!!!

Thank You

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

Author Unknown

Cool Tribute

Every year my "server" (GoDaddy) does a tribute to celebrate the Marine Corp. Birthday.

This years is pretty cool. Check it Out

Thank you GoDaddy. Stellar job.

(btw - not real "dial-up" friendly.)

United States Marines

Today we honor the United States Marines. You see - it's their birthday. 230 years of pride, honor, history and sacrifice.

The Marines' Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma,
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of UNITED STATES MARINES.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze,
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job --
The UNITED STATES MARINES.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By UNITED STATES MARINES.

T1G has a great round up of Marine Bloggers - many I hadn't found yet. Head on over and click through the list. Wish them all a Happy Birthday.

God Bless the United States Marines - once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

***Oh and this is the PERFECT day to donate via the Marine Team to Project Valour IT**

Good News/Bad News

According to THIS article.....

YEAH!!! Coffee doesn't cause high blood pressure in women! In fact it might even help your heart!! Good News!!!

YIKES!!! Colas ARE believed to contribute to high blood pressure. Bad News.

I drink a LOT of coffee. More now than when I was told to cut back. (I take direction well.) Luckily that means I've cut back a bit on the soda. Oh, I still have at least 64 ounces a day. 32 at lunch at 32 for the drive home. Then there is the can or two in the evening. Still - it's less than it was.

Now - if they could just make good coffee that didn't keep me awake at night I'd call this GREAT news!!!!!

Lost in Tammi's World

I've mentioned on a couple of occasions that I am, um - slightly directionally challenged. It's rather ironic, don't you think.

Me - the Road Warrior. Me - the woman that will jump behind the wheel of a car and drive cross country...without a map. As soon as I need to know how to get some place, let's just say it's ugly.

I've been able to hide this little defect in myself for a while now. I actually do pretty well - if I'm by myself. As soon as I have someone with me I screw up. And...I always get lost the first time I go anywhere. It's a given. None of those mapping programs do a thing other than get me in the general area. I'm gonna get lost. Promise.

Now, in sales you NEVER EVER want to take your boss with you on your first call with a customer. #1 - you need a chance to build a relationship, to click as it were. #2 - you need the chance to do some recon, so you know a bit about who they are and what they do. But most importantly #3 - you need to flippin' know how to get there.

Let's take this morning for example. Traveling with the boss, meeting him at my first call. I mapquest everything the night before. Review with the atlas and it all seems golden. Until I get off of 88 West. Mapquest has me all over these back country roads. Roads that don't have street signs on them. I can't tell where to turn, where to go straight - I have no idea where I am. Did I mention I'm out in Bum F*ck Nowhere?!?!?!?

I call the Boss to tell him I'm close, just don't know when I'll get there. I'm lost. He asks me where I am. *does anyone else find that question odd in this circumstance?*

I finally just start laughing. I'm laughing so hard I pull the car over. Sitting in my car, laughing - tears pouring down my face, music blaring and no idea where the hell I am. I only know I'm close to Iowa (corn, corn, corn, corn). Finally I just text message T1G cause I just need to know someone else will laugh along with me. The message? "I'm soooooo lost"

To make a long story somewhat shorter, I stumpled upon a major highway and finally found a gas station that could tell me where I am and how to get where I need to be.

I told my boss I need a GPS system for the car. He agreed. Hmmm....Christmas is coming, and I've been sorta, kinda good.

Hump Day

Yep. It's Wednesday.

I'm traveling today. Goin' to meet customers! WooHoo
With my boss. Damn
It's a beautiful day - sunny and warm - and I'll be driving over 400 miles. WooHoo
With ~800 pouds of aluminum parts in my trunk. Damn

I don't know about y'all, but I've had a rough week. Head on over to VW's for some Wednesday Humor! We could all use a laugh!

Can you just see....

ME in this joke? Really. I think I may have found a new career.....

Perfect!!

I heard this story on the way to work this morning. They were saying how this study was done over the past 10 years at the University of Oregon.

It seems that beer helps you fight disease and especially cancer. The darker the beer the better.

Now you have to know how hearing that does this heart good. At least I know my dear friends T1G, Blackfive, Eric, Ogre, Phin, Harvey - oh hell, just about everyone I know - is on the road to a healthy lifestyle. WooHoo.

Many thanks to Teresa for posting the link (especially when I couldn't find the damned thing)

Oh, and next round's on me!!!

NOW I understand...

....how Bou stay's so svelt and shapely.

Sorry - I just couldn't resist. Hey-if we don't laugh, we cry. Season's almost over!!

Just Damnit

Well shit. I hate it when things actually balance out. I know - you're probably scratchin' your head over the fact that I, the woman who craves balance, actually typed that out loud. Let me explain.

In many ways I'm very happy with my life. HOWEVER, there are some downsides. Hence the whole balance reference.

I asked my boss for a raise today. Explained how I feel I add value and that, given the additional responsibility I have, they are getting a very real bargain. I also explained that there are different ways to motivate different people. For me, right now....it's ALL about the money. So he went to his boss and pitched it for me. They called in his bosses boss (also his father and the owner). They discussed this situation in the corner office. With the door open. Loudly. I was mortified. (and I don't think I'll be getting any more money.) That Sucks.

Add to that the fact that for several different reasons (more added today) I'm going to have to give Cody up. It's killing me. I do think I found a wonderful family that will love him and work with him - but I really don't want to do this. HOWEVER, I can't find a place to move that will let me keep him. Also - given the above paragraph it looks like I'll be taking a second job. I can't have this sweet, ENERGETIC puppy cooped up for 18 hours a day. It's just not right.

So - I've got good things goin' on. And I got shitty things goin' on. Me and my damn quest for balance. What ever happened to "It's all good!"?

Project Valour IT

OK - from all reports we've had a very successful weekend for Project Valour IT. But we need more.

Come on folks - think about it for just a second. Think how much our Warriors sacrifice for us. Just think about it. Then dig. Dig deep into your pockets and donate.

This is what I'm gonna need for you to do. Click that button below and type in a number - $5, $10, $100 - what ever. Every bit helps.

You're supporting an important cause. You'll feel good about yourself. It's a win-win.

Oh - and I'll be especially happy if you help the Marine's pull ahead....

Watch out Army - an advance is in process!!!!!

Be True

So I get this email the other day. It's from a guy I used to date. One of those "chain" things - stuff I usually hate. BUT...I was just really surprised to see something from HIM. Hadn't heard a peep outta the guy since Christmas last, hadn't seen him in almost 2 years.

Let me just tell you a little background. This guy had me at hello. Seriously. We met on a blind date and I was at the bar a bit before he was. My first sight of him was as he walked into the bar on the phone. Holy Shit. He was the most beautiful human being I had ever laid eyes on. HOLY SHIT. Seriously - I almost snuck out the back door.

I didn't. We had a wonderful dinner and a great friendship began. I discovered that we have similar backgrounds (both come from very religious families). The guy is scary smart. Oh - and was in the Air Force. Owned his own business and had the funniest sense of humor. Damn - we laughed alot. Down side? The guy could out talk me.........made for some damned long conversations.

But let me tell you - a more messed up man I have yet to meet. WILD! Holy Cow. And if anything bad could happen, it was going to happen to him.

He was also, to be completely honest, not a very nice guy. Oh, not abusive. Not at all. Just.....selfish. But knowing him I realized he was just running. Running from pain, fear, lonliness. Just flat out running. After a bit of a broken heart on my side we ended up being really good friends. Then just friends. It never would have worked. Ever.

So - fast forward to the email. I throw him a note back askin' how he's doing. You cannot imagine my surprise when I hear he's very involved in his church, getting his second Master's Degree and leading not one but TWO troubled teen groups.

And he's happy. He's content. I'm thrilled for him.

He's come full circle. I don't know what happened, what chain of events led to these changes but I'm just grateful that he's in a better place.

It's curious isn't it? How many times we are our happiest, the most complete when we are just true to who we are and just stop running.

It Just Doesn't Stop

Tornado Kills 17, Injures 200 in Ind., Ky.

This morning Army Wife called to make sure Mama Vi and I were alright. I hadn't heard about the tornado yet. (We are waaayyy north of this.)

Oh. My. Sweet. Lord.

It's awful. And the body count keeps rising.

I'll take a hurricane over a tornado any day. At least I have a fighting chance to prepare or leave with a hurricane. This bad boy came out of no where.

Keep these victims in your prayers. Especially pray for the rescue/recovery folks. My sister is on her way down.

God Bless 'em.

For the girls....

I am a girl. Honest. Really. So I have a few girly impressions from the game that are flashing back. You guys probably don't want to read this - so I'll put them in the extended entry.

Seats were in the north endzone. Endzone. The whole game it was just asses upon asses. And I'm not talkin' about the fans (although there were a few of those, too). DAMN ladies - there is nothin' on earth as pretty a sight as a whole line of tight asses. No wonder I don't remember much of the game. ;-) Oh, I saw some great plays unfold - that was cool. But then...they'd line up again and away my filthy little mind would go.

And there is one wide reciever. #83 Jeff Samardzija (kinda cute, even with helmet head) ANYWAY I kept tellin' T1G that guy's too skinny. I need to feed him. Oh, he's a damned good reciever - just too skinny. Nice ass though. ;-)

Now - as a football fan, I would have really enjoyed seeing more of the plays as they occured. But as a sick, twisted, demented woman - yeah - the view ROCKED!!!!!

Where to start.....

Wow.

I was at a Notre Dame home game. I walked past the same golden dome I've walked by a million times in my youth, but today it was different. I looked up at my friend Touchdown Jesus - and today he was smiling on me. I was at a Notre Dame home game.

I left the house about 7:45am. Got about 3 blocks away and realized I had forgotten the tickets. I figured that, even though I'm fairly charming, I was still gonna need those so I turned around and got them. Picked up T1G and we were off.

Once he got me on the best route to South Bend....long story.....the trip passed quickly. I was so excited. With every mile that passed I got more and more antsy. Every once in a while I look over at my prisoner, uh I mean traveling companion, and say....I'm going to a Notre Dame Game. And smile - ok giggle. It was kind of a joke. Sorta. I really wanted to be all cool and suave. Yeah, like that's a remote possibility.

We made great time. We were early enough that we got to stop by the College Football Hall of Fame. It was my first visit there but I have to be real honest. I was so psyched about the game I couldn't focus. I was talking and laughing and well, just not paying all that much attention. I do know from the skill tests I have horrible reflexes and my balance, well, let's just say I won't be walking any tightropes in the near future. It is a cool place and I regret not taking advantage of the visit - but today was all about the game. ALL about the game.

We found a parking lot at St. Mary's college, parked and grabbed the gear. It was warm today - around mid to upper 60's. I barely needed my fleece jacket. We were cutting it a bit close and missed the F16 flyover. Well, they flew over us - I just didn't see 'em. LOL Those damned reflexes again.

By this time I was practically dancing. I could barely speak coherent sentences - so they tell me.

Going into the stadium I'm grinnin' like some fool. I'm talking to anyone that will make eye contact. I'm surprised T1G didn't walk off and leave me.

We found the section and were making our way to the seats a guy teasingly says "Man - I thought you were gonna leave". I looked at him and smiled. Then I said "I've waited my WHOLE life for this." He looked surprised and smiled then said "Congratulations. Enjoy".

As we get to our seats I just look around. I'm here. I'm really here. Oh, and the seats were fantastic. Right in the middle of the north endzone. Touchdown Jesus was lookin' right over our shoulders.

I can't tell you much about the game. Honest. I just know I was there. I was at a Notre Dame home game.

AND we won. What an added bonus.

From there we swung by Mama Vi's for vegetable soup, sandwiches, cheese, crackers, veggies and dip and pineapple cake - I come by this cooking thing honest, don't ya think?? While there my best friend Sharon and her husband stopped by. They got to see some of the pictures from last weekend. I've been ordered to NEVER EVER straighten my hair again. NEVER.

Then my sister stopped by. She was on duty with the EMTs. She stopped by in the middle of a flippin' call. Only her. But at least I got to say thank you for the tickets again.

Cody was thrilled to see us. Unfortunetly he did not pick up any manners or good habits during his stay with Mama Vi, but that was asking a bit much I guess.

Now - I just got home. It's been a long day. It's been a GREAT day. It was a day of miracles. I got to go to a ND home game. It was November and I barely needed a light jacket. AND we won.

Damn....how in the world am I gonna top this?????

One Dream Come True

A little while ago I did this MEME of 7 things.

One of the 7 things I want to do before I die is attend a Notre Dame home game. I know that sounds so petty, so shallow - but I'm serious. I've always heard that it's such an experience, impossible to explain.

I've been a rabid fan since I was about 7 years old. I grew up spittin' distance from the Golden Dome. Touchdown Jesus is my friend.

I've never been to a game. Never even had the opportunity.

Today...today I'm attending the ND vs Tennessee game. At Notre Dame.

The seats are in the north endzone. Right over the home team's tunnel. 26 rows up and 5 seats in.

Holy Shit.

I'm dragging T1G to the game with me. I really owe him big on this one - sick puppy that he is, he's still going!

I asked him the other day if he thought he was prepared to go to a live sporting event with me. He said he figures there is no way to even begin to prepare for something like that. He's more right than he knows.

I'm going to the ND game today. I'm going to watch them hand Tennessee their ass.

Today is a very good day.

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong

TGIF. Too tired to do much of anything - but I do need to share this little story.

Saturday night, while at Eric's house, sitting around listening to some great music. BlogBro Johnny_Oh comes and sits next to me on the couch. He's grinning like a cat that ate the canary.

Johnny: I'm just so glad to see you. You're so cute.
Tammi: Cute? Cute? Me? Are you nuts?!? Bou is cute. Tiny, sweet, petite. THAT'S cute. Not me.
Johnny: Oh, you're just a delicate flower. A delicate f*ckin' flower.
Tammi:

So....fast forward to tonite. I haven't talked to my best friend Sharon in a coons age. We had much to catch up on. I was telling her about my weekend and mentioned that it was like old times. I ended up sitting in the corner of the couch with a pillow. We were laughing about how shy I used to be.

Sharon: You're just a delicate f*ckin' flower. That's my Bam.

I swear to you - I had not told her what Johnny said.

Flower? Delicate? Me?

NOW I'm scared.

Try and Understand

Pam is back up and posting. She just yesterday got power back after Wilma's visit.

She kept a journal.

You need to read it.

Welcome back Darlin'. Missed ya!

Nature's Seduction

I'm still working on my Part II of the little get together this weekend. It's a bit overwhelming, even for me - so just bear with me.

What I really need to share with you is how fabulous today was. I mean it. This morning I left the house NOT wearing a coat. It's NOVEMBER in the frozen tundra and I didn't need a coat.

The colors are deepening. Now we have the dark sexy colors. You know what I mean...the red that just lulls you into satisfaction. The gold that soothes your soul. The orange that strokes your senses. What a beautiful drive to work I have.

I found myself singing all day today. I just couldn't get the music out of my head.

Going out for a cigarette (or two) the breeze, was teasing. It swirled my silk skirt in such a flirting manner. It toyed with me.

There was no chill. Just sunshine.

It's Indian Summer - and believe me - I'm loving every minute of it.

Project Valour IT

OK folks. I may not be a member of the military but I think y'all know how I feel about our men and women in uniform. So I couldn't let this little contest supporting Project Valour IT go without putting my considerable weight behind it.

Here is some basic background on the project. Go. Read it. Then try to convince me of one good reason you can't donate. I dare you.

Now this little contest is between the 4 branches of our Military. We have Blackfive leading the Army team. We have Mrs. Smash leading the Navy Team. There is Mrs. Greyhawk leading the Airforce team. And Holly Aho is leading the Marine team.

The best part about this whole "contest"? The winners are our wounded heros. Pure and simple.

Pick a team - any team. And give, give, give. Me? Well, after THIS post you should know who's team I'm backing.

Pretty Much

The little .gif below perfectly describes my week at work so far.........

Oh and if you think I'm being overly dramatic just check out my poor blogdaughter, and co-worker Talula. She's been given a Nut Job

.gif courtesy of my still blogless niece.

Over Indulgence

It was almost sad. Seeing them stumble, stagger actually, towards their destination.

Some with make-up still smeared on their face. All with that droopy eyed look of pain.

Too much is too much. Plain and simple.

I'm thinkin' some of the kids I saw on the way to school today had WAAAYYYY too much candy last night.

Hell I've seen that same look in the mornin' mirror.

It's never good to over indulge. But is sure is fun.....

Part 1

I promised a bit more on the gatherin' this weekend. Where to start, where to start.

OK - the beginning. Driving.

First and foremost - T1G deserves some kind of award. Do you realize that poor man was stuck, for 12 hours each way, in a car, with me. Just me. Oh - I let him plan the music, but still.....do y'all realize how much I can talk?

And what probably isn't terribly evident unless you have actually traveled with me - I'm directionally challenged. Big Time. AND - yes it get's worse - I don't really pay attention to details all that well. I think I asked him at least a dozen times which highway to take off of 39.

T1G: 74
Tammi: I want 80 right?
T1G: noooo, you want 74.
Tammi: OK - 74.

10 mins later....

Tammi: Oh look, 80. I go east here, right?
T1G:
T1G: nooooo, you want 74.
Tammi: Oh, that's right. 74

And on and on it went.

Did I mention I talk? A lot?

And just for the record - I had nothing to do with his bloody nose. Honest.

Anyway - we took off at 9:00pm Thursday. After just missing a deer it was pretty smooth driving. It only took about 12 hours. Just long enough to feel it, but not bad enough to suffer. But I can sure tell it's been a few months since I've made a haul like that.

Friday afternoon the gathering was beginning. Upon arriving at the SWG abode and greeting our handsome and charming host - the first blogger I met was Sir Jim. I knew him immediately, he has the best farookin' hair EVER. Seriously. And the great thing is - it's not his best feature. Imagine that. The best thing about Jim is..... Jim. He out and out rocks. Oh - and I will be working on learning lyrics. I can't think of anything I'd enjoy much more than singing along with you.

I started hauling stuff, cause you know I had to arrive with stuff, into the house. Out of the front door steps a beautiful young lady. I suddenly felt old and stuffy. Matronly as it were. It was Princess Cat. As with every other time I've meet a fellow blogger there was an instant comfort level. We puttered around in the kitchen and just chatted each other up. She is one impressivie woman. Smart and funny - as well as having the sweetest smile. It was a pleasure, pure and simple.

While we were standing outside on Erics FABULOUS deck three gentlemen appeared. Damn - I need to hang out on more decks. THAT'S where a girl needs to go to meet good men. Denny arrived, a more charming and very talented gent I've yet to meet. His way with stories is a gift. And his laugh. Oh sweet Lord, he has a marvelous laugh. It was a pleasure Sir. One I hope to repeat - soon. Then there was the dashing Zonker. A smile to light a room. And just about the most beautiful eyes I've seen on a man. Damn I didn't have the opportunity to spend as much time talking with him as I would have liked - but I also didn't want to fight my way through the crowd of women. Didn't seem dignified - and heaven knows I'm all about the dignity. And Redneck. Ahh Redneck. Funny, smart, sharp as a whip. And a damn good hugger - which is very important in my book.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the good looking males hanging around I figured I'd head back into the kitchen. It's my comfort zone you see. Suddenly I look up and there she is. I knew her immediatly even having never met her face to face. Army Wife. A beautiful woman full of life and love and laughter. I could not hug her fast enough. As we puttered around in the kitchen it was like we had done it a thousand times before. It was comfortable, it was family.

Blackfive shows up and I just have to smile. Every Single Time I've had the pleasure of spending time around him it is just flat out wonderful. I could listen to this man talk for hours and hours and hours. I can't begin to tell you how honored I feel to call him friend.

Now it starts to get a bit fuzzy on who arrived when. I don't know if it was because I was trying to get dinner started or the very VERY strong drink I had consumed, but it's difficult to remember who I met next.

I know that Eric's cousin Brad showed up and he was a flat out hoot. Damn - he had me cracking up.

Johnny Oh finally got his butt over there. One of my favorite people in life I could hardly wait to see him again. I just adore him. Knowing I got to spend the better part of a weekend with him around was a real plus.

I do remember that Bou kept calling. I wanted her to stop calling and just get there. NOW. Finally, finally - I looked out the front window and saw her. I dashed out the front door and ran across the lawn. She had arrived. After about 4 really great hugs I turned to my beloved Sissy. I hope I didn't hurt her when I grabbed her. She had traveled so far, and I cannot begin to tell you how good it was to meet her. Bou introduced me to her gorgeous sister. Now normally I would be very self concious and actually shy meeting someone that smart I'd read her comments and heard stories from Bou and beautiful but I felt like I already knew her. Heck - the Bou and Morrigan family better watch out. I may be inviting myself to the next family gathering. Anyway - I didn't want to overwhelm her, as I've been wont to do, so I just smiled and warned her I'd be hugging later.

Dinner was consumed and a fire was started. I have to admit I was a bit chilled. OK - I guess trying to crawl into the fire bowl was a bit of a signal, but I really thought I was getting used to the cold weather.

Sitting there with my eyes closed I could hear the stories, the laughter. It was just wonderful. Think about it for a second. Folks from all over the country, together in the mountains of Tennessee. Sharing a laugh, a drink, and a bit of themselves. That is pretty flippin' cool.

more to come.....