Tammi's World

Houston, we have a problem

Hot.

Oh. My. Goodness.

It's hot.

I sit here in The Belfry and think we may have picked the wrong name.

Hades. Hellfire. Hell. Even Maytag seems appropriate right now.

It's hot.

Ok-I'm gonna go take a cold shower and hope to hell (ha) it cools off in here pretty soon. Otherwise - yeah, it's gonna be a long weekend.

Shippin' Out

I'm two days late seeing this - but Smash is shippin' out (again).

Tomorrow!

God Speed Sir. Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Happy Birthday to one of my favorite Ladies!
Christina! You are a treasure. Absolutely.

Have a fabulous birthday and I hope you girls enjoy yourselves this weekend.

Today we celebrate YOU.

May life's brightest joys illuminate your path, and may each day's journey bring you closer to your dreams.**

Happy Birthday Darlin'!

**not sure where I found this originally.

Why is that?

Ahhh Friday.

Friday of a holiday weekend to boot. ;-)

I left the house at EXACTLY the time I have targeted. Got to I90 and just groaned. The traffic. Holy Shit.

Not going towards Chicago. Going towards Wisconsin. At 6:10am the line of cars heading north was amazing. And not moving. Damn. It's gonna take 4 hours to get home tonite.

Oh well. I deal with that tonite.

I get on I90 goin' east and set the cruise. Nice. 73mph. Sippin' coffee, smokin' a few cigarettes, talkin'. It's a good way to start the day.

I hit the Elgin toll booth and brace myself. (Oh, and no - I didn't literally HIT the toll booth!) This is where, each morning, things get a bit hairy.

Traditionally the stop and go starts at Schaumburg, just past that Elgin booth I mentioned. Most mornings at that stage of the drive I figure I have another hour in the car.

Today? I'm still on cruise at 73mph!! WooHoo.

But here's the catch. I had more "near misses" this morning than any other day so far. I think all that "open space" spurred folks on to bein' idiots! Holy Shit. LW thought I was expressive during my drive last night - I'da done him proud with the cursin' this morning......

Given all that I was over 30 minutes early today. That's a good thing. Except....I don't have a single thing to do. Nothing. Nada. Blank.

Isn't it ironic - I gotta be here? Jockey and bully. It don't matter? Clear sailin'.

Inquiring Minds Need to Know

Those of you in the know, I need your opinion.

Tell me what your overall impression is with AAFES. Not so much service issues, but for those with families that shop there - how's the product selection compared to other places? Pricing?

I most especially want to hear from those with children.

I'm doin' a little research.......

Timing - Sucks

My personal version of hell.

HUGE sale on Tall Women's Clothing - and me, with no money. And several "events' coming up. Arrgghhhh!!

So tell me? What's your version?

Backed Up

Damn I miss blogging.

It's funny because it's worse now than it was when everything first got so garbled up in my life....

I find a million posts running through my mind. But I can never find the time to put them into a post.

I'm not a "creative" person. Not at all. Oh, I have a vivid imagination, but I can't seem to express that very well. I don't do arts and crafts, I don't paint. I sing a bit, but other than a radio right now I can't get much music making out of my system. All I do is blog.

And right now I am just having a difficult time finding the time to do it.

I miss it. Terribly.

It's like being a regular gym rat and all of a sudden not getting to go. It's almost physical.

So I'm hoping this weekend to catch up. Get some of these posts actually written. Put some ideas down, in the hopes that I can finish them at some point.

This shouldn't surprise anyone that knows me ---- I've just got so much to say! It's starting to back up.

Oh my! I think I just figured it out. Blogging is Exlax for my mind!

That's a nice image for a Friday. Sorry. ;p

Laptop with Vets’ Data Recovered

Good news indeed.

It's Good

I've had a lot of emails from folks wantin' to know about the job.

It's good. It's gonna be challenging. It's exactly what I wanted - and then some.

Right now things are slow. Duh. I'm in training for cryin' out loud AND my boss is gone for a couple of weeks. But the people I work with? Yeah, I like 'em alot.

Oh, it's got issues. But what job doesn't. I think I'll probably be traveling a bit more than I wanted to - at least for a while. And I know July is bookin' up fast. There's even talk of a trip to New Jersey. But I may mix a little pleasure into that one and see if I can hook up with a certain musician I know....wink wink.

I'll be honest - I'm still adjusting to the commute. I really don't mind it most times, and I know I'll get adjusted again. Hell - my days are still shorter than when I was at Trop or Simmons. It's just I was such a lazy slug for 4 months.....

I have a trade show coming up in late July. THAT is all blog fodder. I know - I used to work them all the time. And let me tell you folks....I'm pretty good at a trade show. The secret is to wear cute but comfy shoes. 12 hours on your feet can kill a girl. But I just love those shows. Always good for a laugh or 50.

So while I learn the ropes and bide my time it seems my role has become, yet again, the entertainer. And that's ok. It's kinda nice having people around who haven't already heard my stories. And it's VERY nice to laugh a lot.

And I do. Even on the rough days - I have found a reason to laugh.

I sooo made the right choice. I'm sure of it.

Patience is NOT my virtue.

Seriously. I am not a patient person. Well, let me qualify that – I’m patient with other people. Just not myself…or machines and such. I firmly believe if it’s a machine or program it should work. Now. Properly. Period.

With other people I’ll wait. I’ll wait if you’re running late, no problem. I’ll listen to you if you need to vent. Absolutely. I’ll wait. I’m not goin’ anywhere. I honestly feel that anything worth having is worth waiting for.

But when it comes to myself – I have some pretty high expectations. Take today for example. I was runnin’ late. Had a bit of trouble sleepin’ last night so I didn’t wake up as smoothly as I normally do. Plus – I don’t have a routine down yet. That is making me crazy. Now, I fully realize that I’ve only been in this job for a little over 3 weeks, and that I just moved to The Belfry and all this takes time. I know that. In my mind. But – I’m not really listening to myself so well. I just keep beating myself up on the drive if I’m so much as a few minutes past my self imposed time to leave.

The drive in this morning was very entertaining. After I got off the phone with AW, I had about a 45 minute drive remaining. **please note: this is one reason I ALWAYS have my hands free earpiece in. you can’t tell if I’m on the phone or talking to myself** I was givin’ myself hell. I was scheduling and shufflin’ my morning chores to try and shave time off. Loudly. Oh, and I always talk with my hands. And the more agitated I get the more dramatic the hand gestures. All of a sudden I see the guy in the truck next to me in traffic lookin’ over at me with a very concerned look on his face. Ha. If he was worried just watchin’ I wonder what he’d think if he knew I was only talking to myself!!!

But the good news is I think I solved a few of my “issues”. I also proved to myself that I can go from jammies to out the door in 14 minutes. Dressed, make-up and hair. THAT is impressive. ;-)

But I have to admit – patience? Yeah – I’m not so good with that. Yet.

Must Read

I'm running really late this morning.

But Teresa has a post up you have to read.

She makes some great points and I couldn't agree more with what she has to say.

And she does it all with that wonderfully distictive style that is Teresa.

Go Read.

Huh. Whoda Thunk

How to freak Tammi out - Example #1736

Leave a votive candle holder sitting in front of the cable modem.

The flickerin' lights of the modem look like a candle when reflecting in the glass.

I thought I left a flippin' candle burnin' all day while I was gone.

Duh.

I *THOUGHT* it was good!

Ok - so today isn't starting out a great as I thought it was. Sometimes all I can do is shake my head in amazement at my own......well, I guess battiness would be a fitting phrase.

I got up this morning a bit after 5:00. Good. Perfect.

Coffee was ready. WooHoo. Sat down and tried to write a couple of posts but just couldn't focus.

Went to the closet and picked out a pair of black slacks. Paired that with a comfy plum/black top and out the door I went. I had my black flip flops in the car so the shoe thing was covered. (Yes, we can wear flip flops if we don't have customer's in. I TOLD you this was the perfect place for me!)

The drive in was good. Even with the freaky drivers I made it before 8:00am. YEAH!!

The I get settled in. Stopped off at the restroom and got a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

Son of a Bitch.

My black slacks? Yeah, they're blue. AND the zipper is currently broken. Lovely. Just lovely.

So - my plan is to just stay hidden in my office. I'm even thinkin' of having some one pick me up something for lunch.

I think I'm going to have to do two things at The Belfry, and quickly.

1) Get a full length mirror
2) Install a light in the closet

Oh well, at least the day HAS to get better from here......

I'm sure of it.

Gone, but never forgotten

As most of you probably know by now, Rob Smith (aka Acidman), has passed away.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him in Austin this past spring. Oh, his blog is raw, open and often time biting. But the man I met? A Southern Gentleman through and through.

We had a chance to chat a bit. And we all got a hear him play and sing. I only wish I'd had more of an opportunity to know him, but that weekend? It was....nice.

I hope and pray he's found the peace he was searching for.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Oops

So I'm not really clickin' on all cylinders today. That is more than evident....

1) Alarm went off this morning. Damn - so early....wait! I didn't hear the coffee pot. Mumble mumble get up and check what's wrong. Well shit....some how my alarm got messed up. It was 3:50AM!! So...I went back to bed. But didn't reset the alarm. Oh, I heard the coffee pot go off, but still didn't get up until almost 5:30. Yeah, have I ever mentioned how much I hate being rushed in the morning?

2) At work. We deal with a lot of foam products. ALOT of foam products. I was goin' out for my smoke break and really concentrating on an email I was reading. Walked right into the warehouse and lit a cigarette. Foam does nothing better than pick up scents. Can you imagine some mother opening a new set of foam stickers for her darlin' baby and they smell like CIGARETTES!!!! No, not good at all. Lucky for me I realized what I did right away and put that out. Well, that and nobody caught me.

3) Driving home tonite. Making GREAT time. Happy happy happy. I'm chattin' with a friend when I look up and realize - I'm almost to Wisconsin! I missed the flippin' exit. OH - and I had to pay 2 sets of tolls just to turn around. STILL didn't get back home until, well, later than I wanted.

So after all that I think I'm gonna change into some comfy clothes and hunker down here at the Belfry. I'm a danger. Well, today anyways!

10 Years

It's no secret I'm sentimental. Well, it's not if you know me that is. I'm so bad I remember what I wore when and even what folks ordered to eat from special times. Seriously - I have trouble rememberin' stuff from last week or even that morning. But sometimes I just get lost on memory lane.

That was yesterday for me. The funny thing was I didn't want to talk about it. Not at all. In fact I wasn't going to post on it. But as I read last years ponitification I realized how different things are after only one more year.

In my mind.

Oh, I'm still mad at him. I'll probably die mad at him. I guess I'm just not as forgiving as I thought.

And even after the past 4 months - loss of job & home as well as a few other "things" I'm just not willing to mention - my confidence is strong. My pride has taken a beating, but not my spirit. Some folks may look at me and agree with his final words......but that's their loss. I know my value (or at least have a better grasp than I ever have). My desires have changed - it's all about quality. Quantity? Yeah, not what it's cracked up to be - let me tell you.

10 years. It's taken 10 years to admit it's ok. The whole flippin' thing was OK. I firmly believe that we should learn and grow from every experience. To use what we've learned to help others. Period. And trust me - in that case, I got a lot so share, folks.

The last decade has really been all about me. I'm thinkin' it's time to move on.

Home Sweet Home

I'm home. I'm in my little belfry - save and sound. Well, as sound as I can be on moving weekend.

Yesterday did start out as a major cluster. But - I'm pretty good in crisis mode so I just put my mind in gear and well......made it happen.

Managed to find another truck and wasn't even late to meet the guys helping me move. I cannot believe that we sorted out what I wanted to take, loaded the truck, drove to the Belfry and got everything unloaded in under 2 hours. Talk about paring down. Holy Crap.

I actually had all the boxes unpacked and was able to sleep in my bed last night.

This morning - loaded the empties in the truck, took those to the storage unit, picked up a few things I had forgotten and then returned the truck and reloaded everything in the car.

Got most of my clothes up here. Even have them hung up and tomorrow's work clothes pressed and ready to go.

Finally I got the chance to go to the grocery store. Not the major shop, but just a few things to get me through this week. I'll hit it heavy next weekend.

Right now - I'm just happy to have internet, phone and cell. WooHoo. I'm starting to feel like myself again. Finally.

Yep - it's starting to look like home around here......

THE BAT IS IN THE BELFY

The belfry is officially occupied. Tammi moved in yesterday. Yes, she did manage to get a truck and moving guys. (Mind you not as nearly good looking as 'three dolls and a dolly', but they got the job done.) Tammi was moved in within 2 hours.

Unfortunately, she says her Vonage phone/internet and MuNu do not want to play nicely together for her. She is trying to post an update for y'all and having little success.

Her phone is working, however, so you can get a hold of her that way.

TNT

It's a Cluster&#@*

Really. I'm not an UNlucky person. I think. I plan (sometimes too much) but seriously - I'm starting to wonder what it was exactly that I did in a previous life to cause so much bad luck.

It's moving day. I've already mentioned that earlier.

So - I've hired some muscle. Smart Tammi.

I have the whole weekend to get settled. Smart Tammi.

I called and reserved a small truck. Smart Tammi.

Oh shit - she never called to confirm the truck yesterday. I didn't miss the call until Midnight last night when I was running today through my mind.

I can't get ahold of them. Saturday's are by appointment only.

I have movers. I have stuff. But it doesn't look like I have a truck.

Please. Just once - can this shit go right?!?!?!?!?

I'm currently on the hunt for another truck. I can move most of the boxes in the car - it's the damned bed, loveseat and chairs - oh and the TVs - that I'm worried about.

Well - if this works I should be able to post something tomorrow. Live blogging from The Belfry. If it doesn't.....well - let's just think positive, shall we?!?!?

Just a Status Check

I can't believe that I am typing these next words.

Again.

So soon.

Tomorrow is moving day.

I cannot begin to tell you how sick I am of moving. Sick doesn't even TOUCH how I feel about all this.

But - The Belfry is home. As of tomorrow. It'll be fine. I'm just kinda tired.

It's 8:15 here and I just walked in the door. I'm babyin' my car right now so I stop half way to let her cool off and get a diet coke. It's just makin' the day long. Hoping to get her (the car) worked on in the next couple of weeks. I figure it's more important to GET to work than anything else right now.....

Lucky for me (remind me that I said this later, 'mkay) The Belfry is a small place. I'm talkin' small. The good part of that is most everything will stay in storage. THAT will be the main difference between this place and the postage stamp house. Well, that and the doors and windows all work here. AND it even locks. So, it's got that goin' for it.

I'm just movin' in enough stuff to make it feel "homey". Now that "enough stuff" will absolutely include candles. :-) And my kitchen stuff. Hey! I gotta burn stuff ONE way or another! hehehehe

Anyway - I'm off to pack up my clothes here and get things ready for in the morning.

I do want to take this opportuntity to thank Harvey and TNT. NO ONE could ask for better friends than these two. In the past four months they have been here for me at every turn. And stayin' here with them has been a pleasure. The company, the laughter, the discussion. Hell, they don't even mind that I'm extra groggy first thing every day. Oh - and Harvey makes the best damned coffee anywhere!!!!! Thanks you guys. More than I can say.

So tomorrow I head south. A bit. It won't take long to get my stuff in the door. Then it's a trip to the grocery and some serious nesting. Hmmmmmm what should I make for dinner????

He Never Said A Word

Ok - picture this. I'm sitting in one room, Blogdaddy Harvey is sitting in the next room. I hear the click click click of his keyboard. I just called him in to watch THIS video I found linked over at Blackfive's place. We share a laugh. He goes back to his office, I stay in here.

Then I see he updated his site. I click over and read IT'S HIS FLIPPIN' 3 YEAR BLOGIVERSARY!! He never said a word.

So - he's asking us to "remember when".

Hey Harvey - you remember that one time we were sitting around the pool at my house...oh wait. That really happened.

Ok - how bout this....remember that one time a bunch of us met up in Chicago....oh wait. That really happened too.

Hmmmmm - gotta tell you dude. While I wanna make somethin' up, having you as my friend is much better than anything I can dream up.

So - instead I'll offer you THIS

FRONT VIEW

Back View

Description: The Incredible Booby Challenge T-Shirt & Pen - $19.98

Have the guy wearing this shirt ask all ladies to participate by "flashing" their hooters to him and then checking off the appropriate hooters and signing on the line. The challenge is to see a total of 100 boobies. Size XL Found HERE

Happy Blogiversary Harvey!!!!!!

A GREAT Day!

Guess what I get to do today. Go ahead...guess.

Run Retail!! Yipee. That's right folks - I actually get paid (good money, too) to go flippin' shopping. I SOOOO LOVE CONSUMER PRODUCTS!!!

Not only that, but I got to sleep in a bit, I'll stay local and just spend the day running stores. Oh, I'll have to take notes and write a report but I'm alright with that. Really.

Then, this afternoon I'll go to The Belfry and get the cable installed and phone hooked up. Tonite? Girls night out with TNT.

Is it my birthday and someone forget to tell me?

The only thing that could make this better was if I had money to actually BUY stuff while I shopped. But this works for me.

Humor - it's important

Real conversation at work today - between myself and two of my new team mates.

To set the scene - we were reviewing a presentation that is to be given to a rather large customer next week. Checking out to make sure the product shots, descriptions, numbers and prices were all correct.

There is one "banner" that is standing out. It shows it in Portrait style, yet the description says Landscape......

Team Mate #1 - I always have to stop and think - which is verticle and which is horizontal.

Tammi - oh, I have a easy trick for remembering. Whores go horizontal.

Team Mates - ..........

Team Mate #2 - We like you sooooo much.

Yeah - I think this job might just work out just fine..........

And the answer is....

Belfry? The Belfry is what y'all think I should call my HOME?!?! My Sactuary? My Haven???

:-)

Leave it to T1G to come up with that suggestion!

The Belfry it is. But just remember - when you come to visit - that means you're just as batty as I am.......

Oh - and for those that need the stats - they're in the extended entry!!!

Thanks so much for this. Y'all made my week. It was fun!!!

First - I realized that next day I duplicated an entry. Sorry about that. But changing it would have changed the data and THAT I won't do. :-)

Total # of votes: 58
The Belfry - 20 votes 34%
The Lemon Wedge - 9 votes 16%
The Lofty Banana - 8 votes 14%
Casa del Sol - 7 votes 12%
The Penthouse - 6 votes 10%
Butter Pad - 4 votes 7%
The Sunshine Pad/The Sunflower - 2 votes each 3% each
Absolut Lemon Drop - 0 0%

Go For It - UPDATED

Updated 7:15 6/19/06:

So far it's running like this:

46% - The Belfry
13% - Lemon Wedge
10% - Casa del Sol/Lofty Banana
8% - The Penthouse
5% - Sunflower Pad/Butter Pad
3% - Sunshine Pad

You'll need to scroll down a bit for the poll. I'm too tired and too frustrated to screw with this anymore!!

	What should we name my newest abode?
	The Penthouse
	The Lemon Wedge
	The Sunshine Pad
	Absolut Lemon Drop
	Butter Pad
	The Lofty Banana
	Sunshine pad
	Casa del Sol
	The Sunflower
	The Belfry

Poll Closes Tuesday 6/20/06 at 9:00pm central time.

Sophisticated Company

Y'all are gonna be soooo jealous when I tell you what I did Saturday afternoon. Hehehehehe.

I got to hang out with some very cool ladies.

I was thrilled to hear Teresa was going to be in town! Yeah!!! I really miss her. It feels more like she's moved out of the country instead of just out of the state. What a treat!! She wanted to try and get with some bloggers while she was in town - and man did that work out well.

TNT & I met up with Teresa at one of the beautiful parks here in Wisconsin. Soon to join us was the fabulous Richmond along with her two girls. What complete sweethearts. And let me tell you folks - she's got me beat hands down on the hostess thing. She is impressive!!

Soon to follow was the lovely and entertaining Ktreva with that delicious son of her's Clone. Holy cow - do I adore that little boy.

We sat and chatted while the kids played. It was perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold. PERFECT.

The company? Couldn't ask for better.

After a few hours we headed off to a local Mexican resturant for some yummy food like substance (well, and a couple of us had a pretty damned good drink too!)

All in all a wonderful afternoon. I got to hang out in some pretty sophisticated company. It was perfect!!!

Thanks Ladies. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed myself.

Wanted - creative suggestions UPDATED!!!

UPDATE: WOW - what a response! Thank y'all (well, most of you anyway) for the great suggestions! I think what I'll do is leave this post at the top of the page over the weekend. Keep adding your ideas and on Sunday I'll take the ones that get the most responses or that I like the best and put them in a poll. Then y'all can vote. I think that'll work out GREAT.

Don't forget - scroll down for new content! 'Mkay. I *KNOW* you don't want to miss any of my riviting posts! ;p

Seriously.

I just wanna stop. For a minute and catch up.

Today was a very long day.

Left for work at 6:00am. Traffic was especially bad. Made it in time, but closer than I like.

Lots of projects and meetings today. I'm tellin' you folks, this job is gonna be good for me. A paycheck. For doin' stuff I love to do! AND I'm surrounded by happy things. Pictures of SpongeBob and Scooby Doo. (I'll explain at some point.) It's a happy place. Weird for me.

I had a meeting at 3:00 that ran over - by an hour and a half. Tonite I had to do errands. Needed to see the landlady about the apartment, and give her the key from The Little Blue Cracker House. Needed to go to the post office and run a couple of other local errands. You KNOW I wanted to swing into Fritz's. But alas, no time. Damn it.

THEN I had to run an hour south east to MY bank. Had to. No choice. The final leg was the 2 hour drive back up to Harvey and TNT's.

I turned off the car at 10:10pm.

But the cool thing is - the apartment is ready for me. Already. And it's cute. Really cute.

Oh - I'll still have to leave the majority of my stuff in storage, but the apartment is cute. I can really do something with it. I'll enjoy myself there. It has that "good feel" I need.

Now I just gotta come up with a name. Any suggestions?

I have one - I'll put it in comments. But come on - surely someone out there can help me out.

I'll give you a brief description in the extended entry.

Oh - and I move in next Saturday. How's THAT for turnaround?!?!?

Ok - first off it's small. Bed/Bath/LR and Kitchen

It's painted yellow - on the inside. (thought I better specify that after the whole BLUE confusion.)

It's an upstairs apartment. Over my landlady's house.

Ok - that's all I got. What do YOU have for ME? (name suggestion wise that is!)

My Daddy

I've shared a lot about my father over the years. HERE is my first Father's Day post. As I've said a million times, I miss him every day. But today is one of 3 days each year I miss him more than usual.

Some people give me grief for still refering to him as Daddy. I don't really care. To me he always was, and always will be Daddy. Plain and simple.

Everyone else called him Babe. He was a handsome man, not very tall but with the most beautiful blue eyes you can imagine. His hair was cut in a flat top - no fussin' for my Daddy. When I picture him in my minds eye I see him standing in the garage, in front of his work bench. The peg board behind the bench had every tool imaginable, in the perfect spot and clean as a whistle. He's wearing his "wife beater" t-shirt (but in name only, he was such a gentle man) and blue jeans rolled up at the cuff. He looks over his shoulder and smiles at me as I stand in the doorway.

The other picture memory I carry with me is of him sitting at the kitchen table. Every day after work I would be waiting for him. Mama would help me make a fresh pot of coffee just before he was due in the drive. I'd put out a plate of cookies and have the table all set. Now I realize what a pest I must have been. Here he worked all day in a factory and as soon as he hit the door there I was - waiting, pacing, demanding MY time. But he never complained. I see him sitting at the table, a smirk on his face as I told him about my day. He sharing a joke or two. It was our time together. Just the two of us. If I try really hard I can still hear him chuckle.

I've been trying so hard to think of a story to share with you. There are just so many - things that would show you a glimpse of the man he was. But I can't narrow it down. I just can't. So I won't even try.

What I will tell you is he was the type of man that took 2 lunches to work every day. One for him and one for the little boy, beaten and broken, that showed up everyday at noon. (I later married that boy, not knowing the story until later - how weird is that!) He was the type of man that would leave his warm bed in the middle of the night to drive a friend that had to much to drink home to his family. He was the type of man that took pride in everything he did. His favorite sayin' was "If you're gonna do it - do it right the first time". Well that and the now infamous "Never have to say I wish I had or I wonder if..."

He was a good man. He was a fair man. He was a quiet man that never said much - he was more comfortable sitting back and listening. He would rather observe than be observed. I sometimes wish I had learned THAT from him. He loved his family and was loyal to his friends.

He was my Daddy. Now and then.

Happy Fathers Day. I love you.

Another episode of Travelin' with Tammi

You'll love this little story. Might not believe it, but it's true. It happened to me on the way home last night........

I started out the day leaving around 5:45am. I was bound and determined to buy an Ipass. Stopped three places - no luck. BUT, I got to work nice and early, no traffic. It was a very good day.

Left the office around 4:20. Here is where it gets interesting.

Friday evenings the traffic from Chicago to Wisconsin is legendary. I managed to miss the worst of it. Making great time. Very happy. Stopped at my favorite plaza for a Diet Coke and got back on the road. I was making record time.

I saw that one of the plaza's was selling the pass until 7:00. Ha. I stopped and got one. Success!! This will save me around $85 a month in tolls. A very wise investment. I noticed when I took off the car was running funny. Maggie May has been very tired lately, and I plan on getting some work done. Just not yet. I need money for that. So I said a prayer and kept going.

Just east of Rockford a car pulls up beside me. The guy tells me I have a flat tire.

Not good. Not good at all.

I pull over and take a look. Sure enough - there is a pancake where my rear driver's side tire should be.

Son of a bitch.

I pop the trunk. I unload the trunk. You see the trunk is full of suitcases, clocks, pillows.....stuff. Lots of stuff. I pile everything on the side of the road. And discover - YEAH! I have a jack. YEAH YEAH I have a spare tire. Oh, and look directions on how to change a tire. Good thing, as I'd never done it before.

So I actually read the directions and remember thinking "How hard can this be, anyway?"

I tried to remove the lugnuts. They won't budge. I'm a strong girl. Lifting wise. BUT I have carpal tunnel, bad....I don't have the hand strength to loosen the nuts.

As I'm standing at the trunk I say a little prayer. Lord, I can't do this. I have no phone, no help. Please.....

All of a sudden this voice says "Ma'am? Can I help?" I must have jumped 10 feet.

There is a man standing there. A big man. He apologizes for scarin' me and asks again if he can help.

He gets the jack in place, and loosens the nuts. Presto chango Oh, spare tire in place.

The bad news? The spare was flat.
The good news? He had one of the handy dandy air thingys and pumps that bad boy up.

He then comments that he'll follow me to Walmart to make sure they patch it and everything is ok. Seems I picked up a nail. Lucky for me the rim was ok.

We get to Walmart at 7:10. They close at 7:00. They send me to Discount Tire. They close at 6:00. THEY send me to.....Pep Boys.

We get to Pep Boys and they look at the tire. Now, I have to say the guys there were wonderful. However, when they were checking the tire out we realize - it's not fixable. I need a new tire.

But wait. That's a Pep Boys tire. But the questions are:
1) Did I have the warrenty?
2) Where did I buy it?

My paperwork is all in a file box in the storage unit. So I start naming Pep Boys that have worked on my car. Finally, after looking in Tampa, Orlando, Macon and South Bend I remember Bradenton. Bingo. Yes - that's where I bought them and the tire is covered!!!

WooHoo.

Presto - new tire on. I get to the register and my new best friend had paid.

For everything.

Yes. I cried.

So - there are heros in this world. I met one last night. His name is Calvin. He's a retired Navy guy from Texas via South Carolina. He's a traveling mechanic.

All he said was to be sure and "pay it forward".

I will.

Yes, I will - as soon as I can.

It was a hell of a trip home - don't you think?

5 Damn Things

Why is it I get tagged when I'm moving? Huh. What's up with that??? LOL

OK - Bou hit me with this 5 things meme. I'll play. I'm just that kinda girl. BUT - I'll have to make a few changes, you know for the sake of originality and all.....

5 things in my refrigerator (when I HAVE a fridge that is):

Chocolate milk. (Cuts that sweet tooth of mine just perfectly)

Sour Cream (goes great with just about everything)

Sweet tea

Soy Sauce/stir fry sauce

Olives - green and black

5 things in my closet

The most beautiful Escada gown ever made

100,000,000 plastic hangers

Enough shoes to stock a DSW store

My Man. (ok - this may take a little explainin'. Mama Vi makes this "pockets", all different sizes, filled with field corn. They are made of this wonderful flannel material. Anyway - you heat them in the microwave and use them as heating pads. One winter I put it in the bed to warm up the sheets before I climbed in. Mama asked how that worked and I said "better'n a man". It's been called My Man ever since.)

6 leather briefcases. (don't ask)

5 things in my purse

A Simmons tape measure, complete with a level.

27 (I counted them) pens (gonna clean those out tonite. That's just stupid!)

A "Make him tall and make him rich" key chain from Harvey and TNT

2 hair clips (one brown, one white)

My Florida Sun Pass (but I've yet to get my I pass for Illinois.....)

5 things in my Car:
- oh my goodness, I got lots to choose from here!!

My favorite latex pillows and my favorite snuggly throw

Office supplies - stapler, stapler remover, paper clips, etc. (Been in there since I started with Simmons.)

My beach bag complete with suite and lotion (just in case I get fed up and head south - I'm prepared!)

An antique wall clock that I didn't get into storage

A suitcase filled with nothing but underware (again, don't ask)

Ok - now I need to tag 5 people. Hmmmmm..........

Army Wife should be fun - especially after that road trip!

Quality Weenie - now that should net some interestin' stuff.

OddyBobo - she's a mom. She's probably got GREAT stuff!

Pam - cause I just need to know.....

And Raging Mom Marty. Because she ALWAYS makes me laugh!!

Ha! I have my reasons

Driving back from Austin, some smart ass was givin' me a rough time for NOT reading signs. :-)

Well - when THESE are the types of signs they have out there - who could blame me?!?!?!

(Thanks Cuz, for the funny email!)

Hi! Did ya miss me?

Yes, I made it home just fine. In fact we were one of the last flights to get out with no delay at all.

But you have to know, being me, there was a bit of adventure involved.

Landed at O'hare 20 minutes early and started the difficult process of actually located my car. Can I tell you how much I hate parking at O'hare. And yes, I wrote down what floor, what section and what aisle. It didn't help.

FINALLY got everything loaded into an already full Maggie May. (She was loaded down with what I couldn't fit into the storage unit. Yes, I look like a traveling bag lady.) Get on the road and head into Chicago.

I had reserved a motel room for that night. I was afraid if the plane was late or there were any issues I'd have a hard time gettin' to work the next day, and I wanted to put my best foot forward on my first day at the new job.

Pulled into the motel and thought to myself - Self. I bet they rent rooms by the hour here. THIS should be interesting.

Got checked in and they gave me my key. Went to room 105, just like the paperwork said. Slid the key through the reader and opened the door. To find a man dressed only in a towel standing at the sink.

I have no idea what HIS reaction was. I slammed the door so fast, there was no tellin.

Went back to the front desk and explained when I said SMOKING room I didn't mean Smokin' room. Yeah, not so much.

Got settled into a different room and was so damned nervous I locked every available lock and piled my luggage in front of the door. I then proceeded to lay down on the bed and sleep - in my clothes. Yeah, nice place.

The job? ROCKS! They are so happy to have me. Everyone is being nice and helpful. It's 100% different than the last job. I gots me an office and it's already decorated. We'll be moving to a fancy new place in October, but meanwhile, this suites me just fine.

I'm stayin' at Harvey & TNT's place until I can get into the apartment. (Ain't they super sweet to me?) It's kinda cool comin' home and someone wantin' to know about my day. It's even cooler to have something to tell them.

Anyway - that's a quick (for me) update. I'll eventually settle into a blogging routine - but meanwhile, just bear with me.

I miss y'all terribly, but things are getting there. It's all looking better every day.

Lovely

So, what is THIS?!?!

I'm actually WANTING to go back up north and it looks like my flight might be a bit messed up.

Oh - the tropical storm is still out a ways. We've just got gusting winds and rain right now. JUST enough to screw with flights. Yipee.

Damn - I can't not get home. I gotta go to work.

Ain't this just my luck??!?!?!

The Time Has Come

Well, it's just about that time.

My little "vacation" is over. I head out to the airport in about 3 hours. We've had a pretty nice morning. Cuz's BF made my favorite breakfast, we had a little Asti to wash it down. I'm tryin' to keep myself from thinking too much right now. Everytime I let my mind wander to what I've got to get done in the next three weeks I start to panic. I just keep reminding myself - one day at a time. One issue at a time.

The one thing that has become very clear to me is that I love PLAYING in Florida. But if you can't play it's not so great. Seriously. With the heat and humidity we're having the only place to be is on the water. I remember living in Orlando and working out in this. Not so great, let me tell you.

But with this job I'll be able to make it down a few times a year and that will be the perfect balance.

Tomorrow's the big day. First day as the new Divisional Sales Manager. Wow. I hope they still like me when I get there.

But right now - I'm sayin' good bye to my family. Repackin' everything and getting ready to head to the airport.

I'll post again as soon as I can get access.

Wish me luck!

What I remember.....

How's that stupid song go?

"Oh what a night!"

Yeah - that sums it up pretty good.

I'd love to tell allllll about the evening - problem is I honestly don't remember too much. :-) I just know I had a really good time. Oh, and that I did keep my clothes on. That I'm pretty sure of.

We started out havin' a few cold beers at a bar on the water. Breeze was fantastic - scenery not so bad either. (Sometimes I just LOVE European men on the beach. I'm just sayin'.....)

After an incredibly good blackened grouper sandwich (the count is now 2) and a beautiful sunset we headed to our second stop.

Sharkey's. The last time I was there, well, I had a bit too much fun - thankfully that was a couple of years ago so I had a clean slate.

Oh, and let me just tell you, things haven't changed that much since I've been gone. No matter where we go, or what we do, bartenders just seem to LOVE Joyce and I. Those drinks at Sharkey's? Yeah - doubles (at least).

Finally made it back to her house. Pulled out the Captain and Diet and settled down on the lanai. Our favorite music playin' on the stereo, Joyce and I solving all our issues. Next thing we knew it was 3:00am. Holy Shit!! Happens every damn time.

This morning? She had to work a double at the resturant down by the beach. (As I write this I swear to goodness I can hear her cussin' me!) Me? I ran to Mickey D's for some grease and coffee. Got my suit on and headed to my piece of heaven. FINALLY - my feet in the sand. FINALLY - salt water. I snagged my favorite spot and just melted.

On the way to drop off the stuff I borrowed from Joyce I stopped at the store. Waiting in the line, the cashier is talkin' to the guy in front of me. About how they CANNOT eat McDonald's food. Too greasy. Then she looks at me and asks if I can eat it. I smile as I picture the wadded up bag on the front seat of the car and nod. Yep - but only when I'm hung-over.

Does that work? - the guy asks.

I just smiled even more and said...Every time.

Now I'm back at Cuz's. Sunkissed, and with sand in places I forgot sand could go. I can't stop smiling. I had a good week and a great couple of days.

Hmmmm I wonder where that Parrot Bay is???? I'm feelin' a little tropical this afternoon.....

Reminds me of.....

I got a funny email the other day. It was filled with photoshopped pictures that were pretty damned cool.

Of course - some of them just SCREAMED some folk's names.

This one just seemed like somethin' you'd find out in Eric's backyard. Can't you just picture, sittin' on his deck and THIS lands on the railing.....

And this one just made me laugh. It's the manifestation of T1G's worst nightmare!!!

And here are a couple that I know Jimbo will really appreciate.

Hehehehehe.

Just a Warning

Y'all may want to keep one of the news channels on in the background tonite.

I'm hittin' the town with my best drinkin' buddy.

We're starting out at a few of our favorite beach bars. We're "saying" it's just for a couple then on home. But our record shows we don't normally make it home until just about sunrise.

I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself.

I'm tyin' one on tonite folks. It's been a loooonnnnnggggg time comin'. This could get VERY interesting......

She Get's It

Mama Vi called yesterday. I've mentioned that some days are better than others. Yesterday - thank GOD - was a very good day.

We laughed and celebrated my new job. She is (yesterday) very excited for me. It felt good to hear her say the words "I'm proud of you".

Anyway - we got to chattin' and she mentioned someone that stopped by her yard sale the other week.

He was a Soldier on leave from Iraq. His wife was out of town for the weekend so he, despite not knowin' her, sat down and talked with Mama for an hour or so.

Now, you have to understand...Mama knows about the blog. Always has. Hates mine, but knows all about it. She used to read Blackfive, Lex, Smash, Hook - she even managed to catch Blackfive on CNN.

But - she still didn't GET IT. Until that conversation.

She asked a lot of questions. The main one was - do they really hate us as much as the media says they do?

Bless this guy's heart - he took the time to explain to her that No, they don't. The only folks that hate us over there are the ones that are tryin' to ruin things. The ones that don't WANT a free and safe Iraq.

I don't know why or how, but the light went on for Mama that afternoon. She get's it. Finally - she get's it.

Then she thanked him for his service and his sacrifice. And that of his family.

Now THAT'S my Mama.

A Perfect Evening

Ambrosia. Pure and simple. That's the only way I can describe blackened grouper. Yummy ambrosia.

Add a beautiful enviornment and some of my closest friends - and damn. It just don't get any better than that.

And that, folks, was my evening last night. Oh, where to start.....

I had made arrangements to meet up with LeeAnn and her darling husband at least one evening while I'm down here. We've been good friends for more than a few years and, well, damn - I just really miss them. It worked out very well that T1G could join us. The stage was set.

I meet T1G just off the interstate. As he get's in the car he's laughing.

"'Neck said to tell you Hi. Oh, and I'm not supposed to let you drive."

Lovely. Thanks 'Neck - appreciate the vote of confidence there, buddy.

Despite that we managed to make it out to Bradenton Beach and The Beach House. A fantastic resturant/bar right on the Gulf of Mexico. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and all of it has a fantastic view of the sunset on the water. I've got a lot of great memories from that place, and I'm just thrilled to add last night to the mix.

Anyway - just as I finished checking to see if they had already gotten on the wait-list I turn around. There she stood. She has always been beautiful. The most stunning eyes I've ever seen on a person. A smile that lights a room. But now, well, she took my breath away. I'm not sure which one of us screamed but someone did - then I was being hugged like there was no tomorrow. I'm assuming T1G and Darling Husband introduced themselves - but I can't be sure. I was huggin'. Hey - a girls gotta have her priorities.

Darling Husband looked wonderful. So healthy. The last time I saw him he was still recovering from his treatment, and well - let's just say he is just the picture of health right now. Thank Goodness.

We get settled in the bar, drinks all around. I treated myself to a top shelf margarita. I thought I remembered they were good there, and I was NOT disappointed. Just lickin' the straw put a smile on my face. I have mentioned how much I enjoy good tequila, haven't I?!

You'd have thought the three of them had known each other for years. It was a wonderful, relaxing evening filled with stories and laughter. The sunset was glorious. The grouper? Holy Shit - I have to admit. I think I had a food orgasm. Oh, wait. Maybe that's TMI. Sorry.

Anyway - after dinner we headed to their house to see BooHan and visit a bit more. We knew the good bye was comin', and I know I was tryin' to delay as long as possible.

Finally it was just time. I hugged DH, then had to say good-bye to my girl. So difficult. I miss them every single day. But we bucked up, knowing between the blog and visits when ever possible, we'll get through. All I know is next time I need more than just an evening.

So, yeah. It was a good night. I walked down across the beach and stood in the water a bit. So I finally got my toes in the sand. The water felt fantastic. Everything was wonderful. All in all - it was EXACTLY what I needed.

Burn MFer Burn

Hot Damn.

They got that Son of a Bitch.

May he burn in hell for all eternity.

Froggy at Blackfive is cheerin' the burn.

Smash has a great round-up (as usual)

I KNOW That Voice

Haven't been able to listen to the radio much here. And usually there are movies on the TV. So I'm a bit cut off, and that's really ok with me.

But Tuesday, driving to Sarasota, we had the radio on in the car.

All of a sudden I hear a voice I know. A voice that brings a smile to my face.

Immediately I begin a conversation with the voice. **I know - it was just a commercial, but remember....this is a woman that can talk to ANYTHING!**

"Well, hello there! I've missed you soooo much!!"

Cuz: ???

Tammi: It's Mr. Derrick Brooks!!!

Buccanners. On the radio.

I'm home.

Mean. Mean I tell you.

I am a MEAN Aunt Tammi.

Yes, yes I am.

Today is a new adventure. I'll be watching 2 1/2 year old Junior today. Just him and me.

Did I ever mention I have this intense fear of a child hurting themselves on my watch? Yeah, I do. Oh - it's never happened and I plan on keeping it that way.

We've already had our first "incident". And his parents are STILL here. He wanted to climb. A step stool. He's not allowed. But I happened to be the closest adult, so I got to tell him no.

Didn't go over so well. Let me just say.

Oh - and I did tell you he's teething right? Cranky? Sorta.

But I'm sure we'll have a fine time today. We'll play outside a bit. We'll watch some movies. And I know EXACTLY when nap time is. ;-)

But I'm sure the most common phrase I'll hear all day is "Mean Aunt Tammi".

And I'm alright with that.

Published? Me???

Huh. Got a funny email.

Seems my newest (and most successful) recuriter likes my style. Of job hunting that is.

He has asked me to document my process, my spreadsheet, and any hints I have to offer so that we can publish them.

I have no idea what that means, but it's kinda cool.

Oh - believe it or not, despite the casualness of this blog, I've been published before. In fact, it's one of the facts that really helped to nail this new job.

And the funniest part is I keep forgetting to mention it. Hehe.

I wrote a series of articles, years ago, on how to do business with the worlds largest retailer. How to get that first appoinment, how to get your product in their sites. How to retail it and gain disturbution. How to deal with their accounting systems and how to get money out of them. That last one is the one that REALLY got their attention. The articles are about 4 years old now - but still, huh, it seemed to impress them.

So I guess as soon as I get settled into my new home I'll pull that together. Makes me kinda glad I kept track here on the blog. It may have bored y'all, but it's gonna come in real handy for me!!

And after all - it *is* all about me. Right?

;-)
Amazing.

The Three Girls

Last night we made a run down to Sarasota. Had some family stuff to do and got to spend some time with one of our cousins.

There were five of us girls, all about the same age. The oldest wasn't around as much - her Daddy was the oldest of Mama's family and a Missionary in Brazil. She only made it home every 4 years for a few months. Even with the long lapses in visit, when she was here, she fit right in.

But normally it was the Four Girls. Yep, that's what they called us. We weren't the oldest of the grandchildren, just the closest. I was the youngest in the group. Cuz the oldest. Sweetie Girl was right in the middle. I call her that because she has the kindest heart I have evern known. Ever. We three girls were extra close. We spent all of our holidays together and rotated during the summer months, spending weeks on end at each others homes.

Last night was the first time the three of us had been together, alone - no kids, no parents, no "significant others', just us - for more years than I care to think about.

It was lovely. Believe it or not I was pretty low key. I sat in the recliner, sipping Creme Bruelle flavored coffee, listening to them catch up. The gasps, the chuckles, the love in their voices. It was wonderful.

Every now and a gain, one of Sweetie Girls kids (young adults - when did we GET so old) would cruise in. A big hug for Aunt Tammi, a sad "we miss you so much" and they were gone. It was kinda like putting aloe on a sunburn. Cool, refreshing, soothing.

But as I sat back and watched my girls catch up I just had to smile. We're all so different. SG is still conservative, Cuz worldly and wise. Me? Well, I'm the funny one. I'm the crazy one. I'm the entertainment. And never in all our years as youngsters did we see ourselves living the lives we have now. It really struck me last night - how life has a way of changing us.

But if you look past the differences - past the clothes, make-up or lack of, hair styles, habits - you see three little girls. All brought up with the same values and morals. Three little girls whispering in the dark. Learning to cook, dreaming of families of our own.

It was a nice evening. Like I said - soothing.

Evidence

I see a tan line. Oh, not much of one, but it's a start!!

Still no beach yet. But I do have hope.

Yes, I'm hangin' in Cuz's back yard, but I have a couple of books and instead of water to cool off in I got air conditioning. I'm adaptable. This is working.

AND I'm catchin' up on my rest a bit. It's nice. I'm fallin' asleep early and sleeping deep. Just what I needed.

Not much blog fodder right now - excpet I did get a very small apartment. My landlady has offered me the place above her house at a great price until I can get back on my feet and find a house. Very nice of her. I just wish we would have known before we hauled everything into storage.

But I'm not stressing this week. I'll figure it out. Right now - I need some sweet tea and a little cool air!!

Just wait 10 years........

So this morning Cuz's 2 year old grandson, Junior and I were pickin' up around the house. He had a new sweatshirt in his arms, moving it from one couch to the other.

I smile and tell him "Perfect".

His reply?

"Perfect. Just like me."

Uh Oh. I smell trouble!

But cute....damn is he cute!!!!!

I Forgot

Holy Crap is it humid! I forgot about how incredibly humid it is here in the mornings. Geez.

AND - I can't take the heat like I used to. I only made it about 45 minutes sitting out catchin' rays yesterday afternoon. But then again, I was in the backyard. No water. No breeze. But still - I used to be the Sun Goddess. Huh. Just kinda caught me off guard.

I will say I'm enjoyin' the break. Very much. Last night we had a wonderful dinner and I didn't do a damned thing. Nada. Oh - that won't be there norm. I'm not here to be waited on hand and foot. But it was kinda nice to be pampered a bit.

And the lack of stress is pretty nice too. No real worries at this point. And I know they're comin'. I start the new job the day after I get back. AND I just heard I may have a place to live. The price is perfect for getting back on my feet. The only issue I have is I seriously don't think I'm up to movin' stuff again. I just wish this would have been known when we were movin' last week. Oh well-that's just my luck it seems.

Over all - it's a week of family and friends. I cannot wait to get together with LeeAnn and her hubby. Long time comin'. And Friday night is Blender Night!! I'm being treated to an evening at the hairdresser's, who also happens to be a very good friend - and she has no idea it's me. THAT will be a great time.

It's good. It's all good. Now - I gotta get out in the sun. Don't want to waste any rays when my time is so limited!!

Y'all have a good Monday!!

The Scoop

If you wanna hear what our Friday Movin' Day was REALLY like, yes, the inside scoop as it were - head on over to TNT's. She pretty much nailed it....

Three Dolls and a Dolly - hehehehe

You are an angel TNT - seriously!!! And Yes - Cuz said she'll adopt you. No Problem!!!!!

Just Checking In

Well, I'm safely ensconsed at Cuz's house. We got in last night.

Let me just tell you - yesterday? Yeah, don't want to do THAT again either.

While we got a lot done Friday - all the big stuff - still tons to do before we caught our plane.

So - up at 6:00. Did I mention we didn't finish with the truck until 3:00am? Yeah - that gave me 2 hours sleep. Packed up the car with stuff and headed to the storage unit. Cuz was exhausted so I let her sleep.

Got the first load to the unit and realized the second load wouldn't fit. I'm gonna have to make a plan.

Shit - gotta leave for the airport in 3 hours. No Time. Made a deal with the land lady and I'll just figure something out when I get back.

Anyway - cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Shit! Need a shower. I don't think they'd want us on the plane the way we were smellin'. Shower, cleaning, packing.......

Left 45 mins later than intended. Luckily traffic as just fine. Barely made our plane. I HATE travelin' like that.

My hands are like hamburger. Every muscle in my body hurts, but I'm here. AND - you can leave messages on my phone even though it's all tore down. That makes me very happy. I didn't want to have to get a new number or anything so that works just perfect for me. I had no idea it would work like that - I just LOVE good surprises!

Anyway - I'm here and exhausted. Getting ready to go sit in the sun for a few hours just to nap and feel human. But I wanted to let y'all know, I'm here. It's all fine.

Oh - and we're havin' company for dinner!!!! I'm very happy about that!!!!

As God is my witness.....

To say I am tired would be the understatement of the century. Folks, we worked our asses off yesterday.

First and foremost I have to say THANK YOU to TNT for all of her help in this. If she hadn't have come to help yesterday I can honestly say I don't know how we could have gotten things moved.

And Cuz? Who, in their right mind, flies all the way from Florida to Illinois to put themselves through something like that?? But what would I have done without her?! Thank you Darlin'. You saved me - again.

We returned the truck at 3:00 this morning. It was a very long day. But, we got everything except the washer & dryer moved. I'm still hoping to sell it, and the landlady is allowing me a bit of time. Not much - but a bit.

You shoulda seen us. TNT christened us Three Dolls and a Dolly. We flat out ROCKED. Solid cherry executive desk? No problem. Over sized couch and love seat? No sweat. 6' oak wall unit? Outta here!

Yes - despite everything I am officially out of The Little Blue Cracker House. Oh, we're finishin' up some small things this morning. Then it's off to the Airport and down to Florida for a week.

We're bruised, battered and exhausted. But we got it done. And not a broken bone to be found. WooHoo.

**Prepare for Scarlett O'Hara moment** And as God is my witness - the next move WILL be paid for. If someone wants to make their living moving shit - then I'm all about supporting the local economy. NEVER AGAIN!!!

Hot

The other word for the day.

It's already 80 degrees and it's only 10:00.

Hot.

But at least it's not Florida Hot.

Ouch

Moving Day.

By 7:00 we had the mattress and box spring on the truck, the "grandma's attic" packed with boxes and, well, basically had a good start on the day.

It's coffee break right now.

But the word of the day - especially with ME?

Ouch.

That is all.

Full Circle

Well shit.

I guess it's come full circle.

If you remember, I introduced you to my "house guest" or "room mate" if you will, when I first moved into The Little Blue Cracker House.

Morty moved out shortly after my arrival. One way or another he's been gone. No mice. None.

Until just now.

I walked in from the garage and...Son Of A Bitch....if a gray mouse didn't run under my stove.

Now I've been watchin' for those suckers. Had traps out. Poison. Nada. And as much time as I've been home lately, I'da seen 'em if they were here.

This sucker must have snuck in while we had the garage door open.

Oh well, it's only fitting. I did want to leave the place like I found it......

A bit of nothin'

It's offical. The Little Blue Cracker House is no longer my HOME. The big mirror and my favorite piece of art work have been taken down and packed away. The curtains are down, and it's pretty much just boxes and that pesky small crap to finish up with.

I'll tell you a little secret. It really bumed me out when we took down the mirror. It just makes it all so....final.

Cuz and I are putterin' through. TNT is comin' down tomorrow to help with the loading of the truck as well as we need coverage for the damned yard sale. Seriously - if I had my way that shit would all be either thrown out or donated. BUT - they are right. I need the cash. Plus - you know the sayin'....someone's trash is someone else's treasure.

I seriously hope there are a lot of treasure hunters tomorrow.

I haven't seen any cardinals this week. That's kinda weird. Usually I've got a bunch of them hanging outside my office window. Even Cuz hasn't seen any.

That damned cat has been hanging around. I did find out it belonged to my new neighbors. Also - it discovered the fact that I cleaned out the fridge when I put the garbage out this morning. Damned cat. 'Nuff said.

One good thing? It's cooler right now. The highs are in the upper 70's and that makes all this liftin' and carrin' a whole lot easier. See....gotta find that silver lining!!

OK - that's it for now. I've got to finish taping up some boxes and get some more stuff staged to load out in the garage.

No rest for the wicked!