Tammi's World

It's All Your Fault

Damn. Have I mentioned lately how much I enjoy Sarah over at Trying to Grok? No? Well, I do.

Today's post really struck a nerve with me.

Go read it - then get back over here.

I have this to say. If I put something in my mouth it's by MY choice. No one force feeds me. No one makes me bake or make candy. I do it cause I want to. I eat because a) I'm hungry and b) it's yummy.

Please please please - do not tell me that any of my readers would actually pull THAT excuse out of their magic asses. I'm thinkin' if you read here, you have a bit of strength in the core of yours......

Anyway - this just struck a chord with me. You Go Sarah!!!

**2:00 8/31/06 Thanks FreddiDFrog - Link is now fixed!!!

Funny Thing Happened...

I had such a good day.

Actually, it started with a surprise phone call Tuesday nite. And just kept getting better.

I won't bore you with all the details - just the the icing on the cake.

Had a late meeting with my boss. To discuss the upcoming National Sales Meeting and to go over my part of the presentation. I've already sent him the slide show (a month early btw) and wanted to make sure it was what he had in mind.

PERFECT.

Yeah!!!!

Then we got down to the nitty gritty - the numbers and individuals involved. He said a lot of really nice things and let me know I'm exactly on track with what I'm putting in place. As the conversation got more intense I take you now to a little snippet:

Tammi: Yeah, well Boss - this is what I'm gonna need for you to do.
silence.......
Tammi (eyes wide with shock): I cannot believe I just said that to my boss!
Boss: What I can't believe is that I was ready to do it!

Hehehehe. Yeah - that was worth stayin' late for. How many times do you have a VP say that to ya!!

Anyway - I get home and my dress for the wedding was here. I hate it. I'm sending it back. Oh - but I'm keeping the shoes. THOSE are way too pretty to return. I'll just have to find a dress that goes with them. :-)

So - that was my day. Man - I can only hope today is HALF as good.

Yet another day - Yet ANOTHER Joke

So - are you sick of these fillers yet?

If so - sorry for 'bout your luck! ;-)

Anyway - got this one from Cuz, who has been so busy doin' wedding stuff she hasn't been out reading blogs. Shame Shame.

Anyway - enjoy!!!

Virtually Fool Proof

Ok - I've mentioned that I'm trying the whole "get healthy" thing.

One of my new favorite treats are the Special K Bars (strawberry, thankyouverymuch).

Well - on the box is a link to Levi Strauss Signature My Virtual Model site.

Honest to goodness it's pretty damned cool. You (women) fill in the info and can see what you look like in different styles of jeans. It really helps in making those tough decisions - straight leg or boot cut? Slim or flare?

I tried it and I can say, it's incredibly precise. And I'm happy to say I've been wearing the right style....so far. Thank goodness. I was scared to death it would come back me lookin' like a flippin' sack of onions. THEN I'd be askin' my friends why the hell they let me leave my house lookin' like that!!!!

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.

I Can Sooo Relate...

Ok - y'all know I drive a few miles to work and back. I do think I've mentioned that before.

Anyway, the most frustrating, dangerous part is once I actually get OFF the damned highway and into town. Well that and the Ohare exit.

Yesterday must have been the day for Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Chicago style.

I work in the 'Burbs. Just outside of Chicago. The airport exit is about 10 mins (in normal rush hour) from my exit. So yesterday as I sit, waiting my turn to move 3" I look up. And honest to goodness thought this plane was going to land on Maggie May. I've NEVER had one so close. THAT woke me up - for sure.

Then I get to the MOST treacherous part of the drive. I'm in town. Now...it's a small town, compared to actual Chicago, but still. Lots of traffic. We're all tryin' to get some place now.

There's a train track where, on a normal day, I'll wait as two commuter trains pass each other. It's the same every day. So I expect it.

Yesterday morning - I get up to the track and realize it's just about that time. Of course the city planners just HAD to put 3, yes THREE lights right there by those tracks. You have to really pay attention so you don't end up sitting either ON the tracks or in the way of the safety arm. I've had a couple of close calls with the arm, simply because I couldn't see what was ahead of me (due to being surrounded by REALLY big trucks) so I'm extra EXTRA careful.

As I approach the tracks I have at least 2 car lengths on the other side so I attempt to cross. I see the train at the intersection 2 stops down. Yikes. Cuttin' this kinda close.

As I get to the center of the tracks a gentleman (and I use that tone DRIPPING with sarcasm) decided he wanted to be 10" closer to the light and IN my lane. So he cuts me off. With inches to spare. Then the SOB doesn't even pull up close to the car in front of him. Takes up WAY more than one car length. And leaves me sitting on the tracks.

I cannot tell you how my heart was pounding. I cannot tell you the cursing that was comin' out of one side of my mouth while the other side was busy prayin' for a miracle.

The guy just turned around, looked at me and SMILED. Yes, I said smiled.

Well, obviously it all turned out fine. I got off the track with no major problems and managed to NOT kill the idiot that put me in that position.

Seriously Leslie - was there something in that rain water yesterday????

Too Cool

You have got to head over to The Parkway Rest Stop and see the video Jim has posted.

Holy Crap! That kid can play!!!!!

About Damned Time

I saw this headline and almost stood up and cheered right in my office.

Chertoff wants more data on air travelers
Homeland Security chief says itineraries, payment details should be shared

As I read through the article I had some mixed emotions. Hmmm they wanna know how I paid for my ticket? Ok - if that helps I'll not say anything. Won't like it, but then again we've all been screaming for profiling - so you take the good with the bad.

I fully understand needing my full itenerary. No issue with that at all.

Is it enough? No. Will it stop anything? Probably not. Does it throw yet another road block up? I think so.

All in all - it's a start. Sorta. But it's something.......

Pack It Up

Conversation between Tammi and one of the big-wigs at work:

BW - The nice thing is with all the changes you won't have to make that long drive every day.
Tammi - What! The whole part time telecommute thing? So early??!!
BW - No. You'll be gone. At least you'll know your way around the airport!
Tammi - Oh. Yippee.....

That's right folks. I found out yesterday life is gonna be changing a bit. For me any way. Looks like I'll be The Road Warrior once again. But this time with frequent flyer miles thrown in.

I've got some mixed emotions about this whole thing. The good news is that after these shows I'll be home weekends and THAT is important. But during the week? Yeah, I'll be going from 25% travel to around 75%. The challenge will be balancing.

I have to admit I'm kinda lazy. I am because I can be. You see - I don't have to do anything. I've got no dinner I *have* to make. If I don't feel like doing the dishes, that's fine. No one to give me any shit about it. I've got enough clothes that if a trip to the laundry mat doesn't sound like something I wanna do - I don't have to go.

I read about the Mom's out there and what they do day in and day out and remember being like that. I remember when I would get up, cook a big breakfast, go to work, come home, make dinner, clean up, do a couple loads of laundry, supervise homework, refere. At this stage in my life - I don't think I could do it. Not like that.

So anyway - the good news is it should make blogging a bit more interesting. But for the time being, it'll be slow over here most weeks. Lots of planning and analysis to get done.

Then?

Willie Nelson say's it best - On the road again.............

A Treat! A Treat!

In 2 weeks I’ll be in Vegas. I’m there for a trade show, but damnit – I’m making some time for Tammi.

What to do, what to do……

Oh – A Spa!!!

Now, I’m not a manicure kinda gal. And I’m not all that hyped about havin’ some stranger rubbin' all over me, so a massage is out.

But wait! What’s THIS? A facial? A FACIAL!!! Oh.My.Goodness….

I’m not going to be able to do much while I’m there – but I do think I’ll treat myself to a simple facial.

I figure it's just one of the perks from never being home anymore! And think about it for a moment. Yes - it's a beautful place. BUT - I'm goin' with my sales team. And I'm working. 10 hour days. Not a whole lotta fun to be had...

So yeah, I'll make time for a facial. AND if it weren't for the fact I always fall asleep during those things, I'd live blog it. On second thought, maybe not. Who knows what I'd tell under those conditions. That could be more dangerous than drunk blogging!!

Another Day. Another Joke

A very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walks into Wal-Mart with her two kids in tow, screaming obscenities at them all the way through the
entrance.

The Wal-Mart Greeter says, "Good morning and welcome to Wal-Mart. Nice children you've got there. Are they twins?"

The ugly woman stops screaming long enough to say, "Hell no they ain't!

The oldest one, he's 9 and the younger one, she's 7. Why the Hell would you think they're twins? Do you really think they look alike?"

"No", replies the greeter, "I just couldn't believe you got laid twice!"

**Damn - I've got me some funny friends!!! Recieved this one via email

No Point

In case you were wondering...the turtle cake won.

So - here it is almost 10:00 and I'm bakin' a damned turtle cake. I suppose it would be easier if I hadn't stopped at Fritz's for dinner....and a couple of Capt'n and diets. (BTW - T1G, Dave says "HI") But hey! A girls gotta eat.

I'll also tell you that drinking as much water as I did made the drive home....interesting. To say the least. I'm gonna have to find a safe place to stop half way if this keeps up. The icing on the cake (as it were) was my landlady was waiting for me when I got home and wanted to chat. Oh yeah, I'm sure she was greatly entertained at the sight of me, in my work clothes, dancin' up the steps trying to keep from embarrassing myself. I tell you - my neighbors outta pay ME for living here, all the entertainment I provide.

I Gotta Tell Ya....

....this whole getting healthy thing? Yeah - it's kickin' my ass!!!

Let me explain......

I'm making a few "lifestyle" changes. To give you some perspective, back in Oct of '04 I put up this post about how much caffine I take in each day. Now, I'd like to tell you I've cut down since then but......

I drink several, and I mean 3 or 4, cups of coffee AN HOUR from the time I wake up until, well, 4:30pm. Wait! I started cutting that back when I started working again. Having a large diet coke at lunch and THEN switching back to coffee. At home? Diet Coke. Period.

Anyway - once I realized last week that I had not drank a single item that did not have caffine in it in over a week - I knew I needed to make some changes.

That - and well, I'm getting older. Time to start payin' attention.

So - today? Today I stopped with the coffee at 11:00am. I'm now on my 6th glass of water. I'm almost afraid the company may tell me they'll be deducting the cost of toilet paper from my check.....

AND - I have a doctor's appointment set for the afternoon of September 5th. Yes, of this year. On the agenda? Bone Density testing, and medication to stop smoking.

THAT otta be real interesting.

I'm planning on increasing my "physical activity" - but I think I can put that off just a bit. All the goin' back and forth to the bathroom is probably adding miles and miles to the amount I walk each day.

Damn - why o why o why did I ever let myself fall apart like this????

A Little Monday Humor

Yep, it's Monday. I thought since it's the LAST Monday of August (where DID the summer go?!?!) I'd post a few funnies I got in an email.....I thought maybe we could use a chuckle....

(If you Click them, they will grow....)

And an oldie but my personal favorite.......

There - now you've at least grinned once today! Happy Monday~

It Really Works

I'm in the Consumer Products Industry. I understand marketing and advertising and well....bullshit.

So - when I saw Spray 'n Wash had come out with this new fangled product - Dual Action - I was hopeful. Sceptical but still hopeful.

You see I'm a dropper. If there is a way to spill or drop something on myself I'll find it. If there is grease anywhere within a 10' radius of me, I'll figure out a way to get it on me. ESPECIALLY if I am wearing white or cream.

So, anyway, I bought it. I figured what the hell. When I moved out of The Little Blue Cracker House I probably threw away 9 bottles of other crap I bought but that didn't work. What would one more bottle do to me?

Well, guess what folks. It worked. Like a dream. And here's something else for you to keep in mind. I do not have laundry facilities here. IOW - I gotta go to the laundry mat. And I'm not real good about doing that on a regular basis. So the stains I tried this on are old.

And now....they are gone.

So - long story short.....This shit really works!!!!

Jackin' the Meat

Guess what? Go ahead. Guess what I did yesterday?

Ok - I'll spill.

I went out. Yep - I had plans for a Saturday night. AND it didn't include work. Woohoo.

I was lucky enough to be invited over to Contagion and Ktreva's place. Seems Contagion was in the mood to grill.

Holy Shit. He wasn't kidding. As soon as I arrived I could smell it. The most heavenly scent of slow grillin' pork. My mouth started watering......

Then, THEN he takes me out to show me the grill. If I was hungry before the sight of all that meat, slow roasting over hot coals, swimmin' in BBQ sauce - well, you tell me? Wouldn't THIS kick your appetite into over drive?

But such perfection takes time. So we waited. My mouth continually watering. Finally he steps into the living room and announces Dinner!

I hope I didn't hurt Ktreva as I pushed my way into the kitchen.....

Baked beans and potato salad accompanied the centerpiece - and it was good. It was really good. It was better than good.

And he even had a theme to the meal. Jack Daniels. (huh - Contagion planning a meal around Jack Daniels. Whoda thunk!)

Drinks? Oh yeah, we had drinks. I had the opportunity to sample his famous Jackaritas. Holy Shit. Really Good. Really REALLY good. And I'm not a Jack fan. (Oops, there goes any chance of gettin' invited back....)

Oh, and just so you know there was dessert too. But we had to wait for Clone to go to bed. It was Tipper Cake. Made with, of course, Jack Daniels. Fudgy and rich. From what I understand it consists of chocolate flavored Jack Daniels, and eggs that came from a chicken raised on Jack Daniels and then soaked in Jack Daniels for about 50 years. It was yummy. But I had to whimp out - too rich after all that yummy bbq.

As we sat and watched my Buc's suck wind in the last preseason game, Wes from Bodhran (Drum) Roll stopped by. What a wonderful way to end the evening. I hadn't seen him since Wolf Fest so it was great to catch-up.

All in all - it was the PERFECT way to spend a Saturday night.

So, what'd you do?????

Why Is It.....

...that guys think it's OK to break up with you or give you really bad news over a meal?

Seriously. If you think having me in public will keep me from causing a scene, you really don't know me all that well. I don't cause scenes. It's just not in my nature.

But what does piss me off is the wasting of a perfectly good meal. You kick me in the gut or really stab me deep and I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose any desire for food. For a while.

So do me a favor please? If ever you decide to break my heart? Yeah, wait til after dessert. 'mkay?

**And before you ask, there is no reason for this other than watching a movie and it made me think......

Look Inside

So I'm watching a bit too much T.V. this weekend - I'm vegging. Because I can.

Anyway, I just saw this new(?) IBM commercial. "What Makes You Special?" It's actually a really great commercial asking if you want to make money with something you already have.

It got me to thinking.......

Each and every one of us has something SPECIAL, something that sets us apart. That really DEFINES who we are.

Me? Well aside from the fact that I'm tall I have to think the thing that makes me "special" is the fact that I'm charming. I know, I know - I kid about that all the time. But if I'm very honest I have to admit that I know I can be. After all, it's how I make my living. And what makes it really different is that I mean what I say. I don't say it otherwise. It's a gift I have that combines heart, honesty and the ability to communicate those feelings.

So do me a favor. Look inside yourself. What is it that sets you apart? What Makes You Special? Even if you don't comment here - think about it.

Then appreciate it.

A Look Back

I just can't seem to take Acidman off my "People I have met" blogroll. Every once in a while I click over. Just habit I guess.

Anyway - they have been reposting some of his stuff lately.

WONDERFUL. Some of it I missed the first time around. Like this one. Heh.

I just thought I'd let you know about the reposting...in case you missed it.

I promise...

...shoe blogging will NOT become a regular feature here in Tammi's World. That being said....

I need a pair of navy work shoes. So - I'm back on line checking out the Zappos site.

Ok - so we already know I have an issue with LOVING the higher heels.

But I'm seeing a new problem. And it's serious.

Why is it the cheapest shoes I find that I actually like are $204.00? Yes, you read that right. Two Hundred and Four Dollars! Holy Shit. That's just stupid. (Oh, and that's the SALE price!)

No. I will not be purchasing them. Not in this lifetime or the next for that matter. But it's a pattern I see emerging that I'm not liking. Not one bit.

I think I'll hit Payless this afternoon - just to clean up my karma.

Saturday Question

On Saturdays I'll try to come up with some "out there" question that just makes you stop and think about something not so important. Think of it as a mini vacation. If you have any ideas drop me a line and we'll throw it in here. Who knows, it might be fun.

OK - Here goes: What was your FAVORITE toy/game growing up?

Me? I didn't really get into toys. Oh, we had 'em. But nothing that I was really attached to. The toys I tended to gravitate to were the ones Daddy created. This thing with a stick and a ball. I remember spending hours playing with that.

But we were more a game family. Always playing cards. I love to play cards. The rest of the family really enjoys puzzles. Me? I really hate puzzles. Other than Word Search, I just can't. I find no enjoyment in them what so ever.

I would rather read. And I did. All. The. Time.

But my favorite game? What I spent most of my time playing? Make believe. And it was usually the same scenerio over and over again. I played business. I had a little office I set up, complete with a imaginary secretary. I would spend hours, even days, living the life of a business woman. I'd go to work, make deals, even come home and take care of my "family". It was not unusual for me to have a week long "story line".

Geesh - I really was a geek!

So tell me - what was your favorite toy/game growing up?

The Real World

I have hit the 90 day point in my job. In some ways it feels like I just started last week - in others? Feels like I've been there my whole life.

My boss asked me last month what I think about it all. I told him I can say with no second thought that I have no regrets. Yes, I was only 40 minutes from moving back to Florida. I knew money would be tight for a long while. And if you're gonna be unemployed, bein' near the water makes it better. But every moment of worry, every pinched penny is worth what I'm doing now. No. No regrets.

So last week I get a memo. Telling me it's time to finalize my benefits. Most importantly my insurance.

Insurance? YEAH!!!

Now here's the funny thing. I've had insurance every where I've ever worked. I just never use it. I also get the bare minimum so that "just in case", I'm taken care of. This time? No - this time I'm goin' in.

I'm in the process right now of trying to select a doctor. Do I choose near where I live or where I work? There's a bit of a distance involved and I have to decide. I'm going near where I live. Just seems to make more sense. But still - I've got some research to do. Which hospital?

And I'll be making my appointment next week. Getting in as soon as possible. I'm kinda embarrassed but I've never had a physical. Well, except for employment stuff. I don't know my cholestoral, my blood pressure. I've never had a G.P. There are no medical records to transfer. Other than my surgery 13 years ago I just wait til I'm really sick and go to a clinic or the E.R. I need to have a bone density test done. And most important is I want to quit smoking. But I need help. Now, I can get it.

And a dentist! I can finally get somethings taken care of and actually take it a step farther and get some "vanity" work done. Thanks to 9 years of braces I've never had a smile I'm comfortable with. THAT is going to be resolved in the next couple of years!

Not only that but I can finally get to the eye doctor. Yes - we actually have vision coverage! I don't know if I'll get new glasses or just new lenses. All I know is I can actually go and not worry about it.

Finally - I can make decisions that are more reasonable. More responsible. I feel like a part of the real world.

I wasn't going to post again today...

....but when I saw this in the news I couldn't help myself.

"During the “60 minutes” interview, a correspondent pointed out flood-damaged cars still on the streets of New Orleans’ devastated Ninth Ward. Nagin replied, “You guys in New York can’t get a hole in the ground fixed, and it’s five years later. So let’s be fair,” according to CBS."

Oh. My. Gott.

Does the man even THINK before he opens his mouth?!?!?!?!

***LeeAnn over at LeeAnn's View adds her thoughts. Damn - that girl can whip off a rant when she get's worked up!!

What She Said

Princess Cat wrote a post I wish I could.

But - I didn't have the nerve. How 'bout that?! Me. Not have the nerve to speak my mind.

I alluded to the attitude she addresses in my interview at Basil's last week. But she drills down and focuses on one of the most aggrivating movements I've seen in the blogsphere lately.

Oh, and that reminds me...Note to self: Don't Piss Off Cat.....

Well Done, Lady. Well said.

You Choose

Ok - I need your help.

Last night for the first time since moving into The Belfry, I used my oven. I actually baked. Ok, so it was only a frozen pizza, still. I turned it on. It worked. Something hot came out.

I consider that a huge success.

Anyway......next week we are celebrating a birthday of one of the girls I work with. Everyone is bringing something. And now that I know the oven works - and works well btw - I have options.

What to make, what to make.

Then I realized - I'll just let y'all decide for me. Nice interaction between us and I don't have to make an actual decision. Works for me!!

So - here are our choices:

My turtle cake - chocolate, carmel and well, more chocolate
Fudge
Fruit Cocktail cake

There are a ton of other things I could make but my pantry is just a little bare right now so this'll make it easy.

So - you choose. What do I make?

Happy Birthday!!

Today is a very good day.

It is the birthday of my new friend Moogie!!!!

And don't worry! So far 44 has been pretty damned good for me! I'm betting yours will be even BETTER!!!

We Are Puritanical

I saw this post over at GA Mongrel. And it's funny because I was having a conversation about this very thing earlier in the day. Well, not peni$ pumps and bombs, but how American's in general have issues with sexuality.

And it's true. Our Puritan roots show through. We're a bit up-tight.

I'll be the first to admit, I am. A bit. Oh, I have a very raunchy sense of humor - and a fairly filthy mind. BUT, when it comes to my "stuff" I'm pretty private. I am NOT comfortable discussing issues. Not at all. Mama sure as hell wasn't going to have any "discussions" about sex or sexuality with me. My best friend growing up? Nope. Not at all.

But I'm learning. It's funny because it was only after my divorce that I was able to be more open. To ask questions. And I also have to admit - that I'm kind of sad about that. Sad that I was ignorant for as long as I was.

Sex is nothing to be ashamed of. It's something to be enjoyed. BUT - I'm also one that believes there is a time and a place for discussions of that nature. Call me old fashioned but there you have. Jokin' is jokin' - I have NO problem with that. But the other? Yeah, not so much.

Oh, I'm gettin' a bit off topic - sorry.

It's just amazing to me, that in this day and age - with everything that's on TV and the Internet - that so many still struggle with this very topic. It's kinda sad. If you think about it.

Dead. Just Dead

Last night was my "late nite". I had to run down to my bank and that always makes the drive home about an hour longer.

But - it was no problem at all. Can I just tell you how beautiful it was? The colors of late summer are everywhere. Gold in the fields with dark green scattered about. It was sunset so the sky was just breath taking in it's splender. There was a light mist just floating atop the corn. The scattered buildings - a red barn here, a beautiful old farm house there - just enough to break up the landscape.

Perfect. Just perfect.

While I drive, I'm chatting with Zonker. Always an entertaining, and educational, experience.

At one point I see a cat in the road. A small cat, and I quickly realize SHIT, it's a kitty. (I'm a sucker for those babies...)

Anyway, I slow down - still talkin' with the Zonk man. I'm sure he was tryin' to figure out what the heck I was doin' when I interrupt him mid story with:

"Oh, Oh, move Kitty! MOVE!!! Get outta the way!! Don't make me run over you! Awwwww...... well.... Good think Kitty was already dead."

Yeah, I'm just full of the milk of human kindness these days.......

More Magic

I got an email the other day from the shop where I buy my slacks.

It said:

Tammi,

We hope to see you soon!

Ok - now what woman in her right mind would ignore a missive like that? So...last night I swung by. And man o man she wasn't kidding!!

I got a beautiful pair of green slacks at prices that should be considered illegal. And yes Bou - they really are magic pants! WooHoo

The best part? Not only do they look and feel great to wear but I HAVE TO HAVE THEM HEMMED!!! That's right folks. I have to have material removed from the bottom of my slacks because they are TOO LONG!!!

I gotta tell you - that just MADE my week!

THAT Explains it

Got an email today that pretty well explains just what the hell went wrong with my life. See if you can relate......

Flour and Water:

How come when you mix flour and water you get glue?

And then you add egg and sugar and you get cake?

Where did the glue go?

You know damned well.......

That's what makes the cake stick to your butt!!!

News? You call this News???

Oh for cryin' out loud...

I put Fox News on last night, tryin' to catch up on what's been going on in the world.

Just so happens the O'Reilly Factor was on.

The next story up after I turned it on? Why is it that so many supermodels have such trouble in their personal lives? Booze, drugs, bad relationships. Is it the industry's fault.

I just about spit my drink out when I heard that.

So much going on in this world and THIS is what they come up with?!?!!?

Ya wanna know why so many supermodels have bad personal lives? I can help with that. I've got friends, that-while not supermodels, are/were very VERY successful in that field.

So ya wanna know? Huh?

Because THEY ARE HUMAN! How's that?!?!

They make bad choices, just like the rest of us. But THEY LIVE IN A SPOTLIGHT. They're "celebraties".

Add that with a lot of money. A lot of lonely travel time. And, believe it or not, a LOT of lack of confidence not to mention how young they are......

They Are Human.

Damn. I'm just so disappointed. THIS is why I stopped listening to the news.

Funny!!

Found this video over at Florida Cracker!

Funny!! Especially if you are a fan of the series Deadwood.

Oh - language alert. Just so you know......

Another Curious Incident**

While reading the news at lunch I spotted this article at MSNBC.Com.

A snippet of what caught my attention:

Passengers on Dutch flight arrested
Jet bound for India escorted back to Amsterdam after suspicious activity
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Dutch F-16s escorted a Northwest Airlines flight bound for India back to an airport here Wednesday after the pilot radioed for help, and police arrested 12 passengers who had aroused suspicions, authorities said.

Worth keeping an eye on as far as I'm concerned.

Anyone else see anything on this out there?

**MORE @ 3:45pm 8/23/06:

Via CNN:

Some of the passengers pulled out cell phones during the flight and appeared to be trying to pass the cell phones to other passengers, a U.S. government official said.

That was enough for U.S. air marshals aboard the DC-10 to break their cover. Flight attendants ordered the passengers to heed the orders of the marshals, the official added.

Shit!!!

Damn Damn Damn

What ever happened to a nice "happy medium"?!?!?!??!

Memories

September 11 is quickly approaching. A date that no American is NOT aware of.

And with this year being the 5 year marker there are even more memorials planned than we've seen to date.

I really think the 2996, We Will Never Forget is a great idea. Bloggers from all over will write a post in honor of one of the victims. You'll see the buttons everywhere in the blogsphere - I think is a very cool idea. I wish I could participate.

But I'm not that kind of writer. I write what I know, I write what is in my head (good or bad) at that time. I can write about those I love (or hate) but not someone I don't know. And this? This is too important. I just don't think I can do a post that would be "good enough". But I do encourage you to get involved. Seriously - it's a great project.

Like I said, I write what I know. What's in my head and heart. Every day for the past 5 years I think of September 11, 2001. I remember how it felt to see that horrific scene unfold. I remember the terror (yes, I felt the terror) when I heard the Pentagon had been hit. I will never forget how I felt when I heard about United Flight 93. I think I about it every day.

No - I don't obsess. That's not what I mean. But something will happen that will demonstrate how different life is now than it was then. Or I'll hear some wack job talkin' about how futile the war on terror is - and I get mad all over again.

And that is how I will deal with this day, this year. And it's important that we all participate. In Our Own Way. We cannot allow what happened to become just so much history. When that happens - we lose. That's what I believe.

So start thinking. Start planning. Participate.

And NEVER FORGET.

GREAT Idea!!

Go.

Read.

Write.

Spread the word.

Please.

This is what I'm......

HA!

You Are 56% Control Freak

Generally, you are in control but not a control freak. You life is usually in order. However, sometimes you get too obsessed with making everything in your life picture perfect.

Only 56%!!!

MUCH lower than I thought. Whew. I can live with this......

And I'm willing to bet that most of my friends scored as high if not HIGHER than I did! :p

h/t The lovely Leslie

Exactly

Ogre nails it with this post....what HE'D like to hear President Bush say to Saudi Arabia.

Ogre? GREAT post.

Irony Defined

We got this article in Creative Leisure News this morning. It's subscribtion only, so here's the whole article.

Wal-Mart's Former #2 Sentenced to...Home

Thomas Coughlin, the former Vice Chair at Wal-Mart, was sentenced to 27 months of home confinement after pleading guilty on federl charges of wire fraud and tax evasion in a plea agreement. He will also serve five years of probation and pay restiution of about $411,000.

He faced up to 28 years in prison and 1.34 million in fines. Prosecutors had asked for a 6-12 month prision sentence, but the judge sided with a doctor who testified that Coughlin was in poor health.

As Vice Chair, the #2 person behind CEO Lee Scott, Coughlin recieved a base salary of $1.03 million, plus $3+ million in bonuses in this final year with the company, and held about $20 million in Wal-Mart stock, according to Securities and Exhange Commiossions filings, the Associated Press reported. The year before, his total compensation was $10.9 million, reported the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The agreement had Coughlin plead guilty to a smaller sum than the company had initially charged - $100,00 - $500,000. He pled guilty to $6,500 for his share of a private hunting lease, $2,695 for upgrades to his 1999 Ford truck, and a $200 Sam's Club gift card that he used to buy a cooler, two cases of Miller Light beer, and other items, the AP reported.

Wal-Mart had originally charged Coughlin's schemes included pressuring subordinates to fake invoices and expense reports and misue of Wal-Mart gift cards. But Coughlin had previously claimed his "thefts" were actually to divert company money to a secret anti-union spy operation. Wal-Mart denied any such operation. At the sentencing hearing, however, Coughlin only said, "There is no excuse for my conduct. I fell compelled to apologize to my extended Wal-Mart family."

Wal-Mart has filed a civil lawsuit seeking to revoke Coughlin's $12 million retirement package, but it was dismissed by an Arkansas judge. The company is appealing to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The ultimate irony in the case: Coughlin joined Wal-Mart in 1978 as head of its loss-prevention department.

**emphasis mine**

Ok - first off - if I'm makin' that kind of money I think I can manage to buy my own damn cooler and beer. For cryin' out loud. And I don't know - is it just me - but those figures don't come anywhere NEAR matching what he took with what he has to pay.

Anyway - I just thought it all pretty damned ironic.....

The End of the Happy Princess

I was talkin' with Army Wife the other day and we were discussing just how HAPPY her darlin' daughter, Pink Ninja, is. AW asked the question - were WE ever just that Happy?!?!

Got me to thinking.......

I am a happy person deep down. I've always got a ditty runnin' through my mind, I'm usually in a pretty good mood and look at life in a positive way.

But not like I did as a child. Let me be more specific - not like I did as a child BEFORE the incident.

Incident? What incident, you ask....

I remember when Mama and Daddy were getting ready to adopt a sibling for me. I was 2 when the process started. 3 by the time I was told about it.

The three of us went to see my caseworker and I remember her asking what I wanted in a sibling.

First off - we all wanted to adopt a little boy. Well, they didn't have any little boys at that time. Would a baby girl do?

Ok, says Tammi. BUT (early version of "this is what I'm gonna need for you to do.....") and I actually wrote a note (aka THE list) with my requirements.

Green Hair
Pink Face
and so on......

The caseworker kept that list. She thought it was hysterical.

I wasn't kidding.

Now - before THE incident I was just about the happiest little girl on the planet. Dancing everywhere I went. Always singing. Laughter was the first thing you heard from me every morning and the last sound as I fell asleep.

I remember the day Dee arrived. The phone rang and Mama got very excited. It happened a bit faster than we expected so there were many last minute things to finish up. Daddy came home from work early - and was actually walking in the back door as there was a knock on the front door.

I stood in the archway between the dining room and the living room watching Mama and Daddy coo over this little being. Hmmmm.....didn't bode well for my status at THE Princess.

They settle in on the couch and Mama calls me over to "meet my sister". I slowly approach, hands clasped behind my back, head down.

As I settled in on the barrel chair (which is currently in my living room btw) they carried over the little Bundle of Joy.

And she was LITTLE. Dee was born premature and just sooooo very tiny. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the thoughts running through my mind was "Huh - I can take her. NOOOOOOO problem.

Anyway......

As I hold her I got a little angry. THIS wasn't what I ordered at all! Not one thing was what I asked for. So I quickly pawned her off to my parents and headed to my bedroom.

There I wrote another letter to the caseworker.

Asking for a refund.

This was NOT what I wanted. Not at all and I thought it was a very nasty trick to pull.

Mama still has that note.

But I gotta say - the Reign of the Happy Princess was comin' quickly to a close.

Shut Up

There I go, getting myself in trouble.....again.

I done cursed myself. I don't know when I'll learn, but I just seem to be a bit slow on the up take here.

You see - I've been running my mouth lately. (THERE'S a surprise!) I've been letting everyone know - I Don't Get Sick. Oh, I'll get an occasional migrane. Or some stomach issues but colds, flus and such? Not really.

Until now. I don't know what it is, but something is kickin' my ass. Scratchy throat - so bad that I'll occassionally lose my voice (which is always a favorite), achy, sniffly. Yep - I know the signs.

So I'm planning on a run to Walgreens during lunch to stock up on all that "Stop The Sickness" stuff, and a good solid nights sleep is on the agenda for tonite.

But damn - you'd think I'd learn to just stop talking!!!!

I'm Not Sharing

Son of a Gun!!

As I sit here tryin' to blog this morning I've killed 4, count them FOUR spiders.

Have I ever mentioned how much I HATE spiders?

Yeah, well, I do.

Yes, I know I live in an attic walk-up. Yes, I know spiders tend to come in as it cools off. (I had to turn the fans down last night - it got cold!!!) BUT - I'm not sharin' my home with spiders. Not. Gonna. Happen.

So - other than professional spider killers, can anyone tell me what I can do to:

a) kill the ones that are in here

b) keep the other sons-o-bitches OUT!!!

I put mothballs in my garage in Orlando and that sorta cut down on them. BUT I don't really enjoy the frangrance of mothballs, so I'm open to other suggestions.

Hello. My Name is Tammi...

....and I have an addiction.

Shoes. I love shoes. Seriously. And I know I'm not alone in this.

This weekend when I was asking for help trying to find shoes on-line, BlogDaughter LeeAnn suggestioned Zappos.

Oh.My.Gott.

It's bad folks. Really. REALLY.

I thought I had it beat because I can't go shopping so much right now. No time. Nothing close. PERFECT.

Now this? And just when I need to buy shoes for the winter? Hundreds of pages, all there waiting for me to click through. AND......free shipping. Yeah, free.

The good thing is I'm too damned cheap to buy what I want to. BUT, I've been saving to my favorites. Yes, yes I have. And I'll be sure and update you on what the limit is on the number you can have out there. I'm pretty sure I'll hit it sometime this week.......

I Can Do That

I saw the trailer for a new movie coming out and immediatly thought - huh. I can do that.

I can probably do that better.

What movie am I talking about?

Beerfest of course.

Plot Outline: Two brothers travel to Germany for Oktoberfest, only to stumble upon secret, centuries-old competition described as a "Fight Club" with beer games.

Ok - so I can't do the movie, per say - not nearly creative enough.

But I'm tellin' you....I can put together a TEAM that would kick ASS.

T1G would have to be the Captain. After all, he has all that Drunken Wisdom to share.

Contagion would be a must have. I can't imagine a beer drinking team without him!

Ogre. Ogre Ogre - I have no doubt, even though I've yet to have the pleasure of drinking with him, that he can more than hold his own.

BloodSpite's been in training for this very event - so you know I gotta get him enrolled.

And anchor? Why Anchor is none other than Matty O'Blackfive of course.

So here's my idea. You guys get to training. We'll head over to Germany and find this little town and get y'all signed up. As your trainer - I'm confident VICTORY is OURS!!!!!

That's Just Rude

I am the rudest phone caller ever. And I hate that about myself.

If I call you very often I just assume when you answer you know it's me. For instance, called AW last night to see how she was. Her DH answers the phone and I just blurt out "Oh, you're Home!!"

No "Hi, this is Tammi" nothing. Just bla bla bla.

I don't even stop to consider folks don't have caller ID.

And it even goes further. I interrupt. All. The. Time. I get so excited I just start blabin'.

So - consider this a public general apology. If I call you - I'm sorry. Just know....I mean well.....

A Boy and His Dad

I've posted often about how much I miss Daddy. And I've read many beautiful tributes to a parent.

But this post over at Ocean Guy's struck a nerve so deep......

Please - head on over to read.

It's a perfect example of how very important those "little things" can be.

Beautiful Ocean Guy - simply beautiful.

You Asked....

Well it's posted. My interview is up over at Basil's place.

Thank y'all for the questions. I was worried I wouldn't have any and there ended up being over 50! And NO duplicates!

Anyway, thanks again. And thank you Basil!!! It was not nearly as painful as I thought it would be.....

BTW - have you got your questions in for T1G and Tink? You better get on it!!!!

Quick Apology

To my neighbors:

I am soooo sorry. I had no idea that even with those little tiny windows down so close to the floor that you could see that well into The Belfry.

My apologies. The blinds will be drawn at dusk from now on.

Sincerely,
Tammi

Oh.My.Gott!!!

I Couldnt' Resist

Saw this over at Accidental Verbosity.

Just couldn't say no.......

You've Changed 52% in 10 Years

You've done a good job changing with the times, but deep down, you're still the same person. You're clothes, job, and friends may have changed some - but it hasn't changed you.

I thought it would be a lot higher, actually. But I'm glad to see I'm not stagnant.

Why Is It...(updated)

....that every pair of shoes I like have an over 3" heel?

For cryin' out loud. That would make me over 6'5"!!!!

Yes, I'm internet shopping. Still trying to find something to wear to Carmen's wedding. I don't want to embarrass her so I figure I outta look....nice.

This is the dress I just ordered. It's on sale so I figure even if it's not as dressy as I want it's still a great deal.

I think it'll be just fine.

Now....shoes. I love the ones in the picture - but do they carry them? Oh no. So I'm looking for a pair of tan open pumps or dressy sandles. But like I said - every thing I like is over 3". Arrggghhhh. I'll wear 2 1/2" or UP TO a 3" but more than that? Not so good.

And I have to shop on line. No time to hit the shoe stores - so any suggestions y'all have one where I can look or if you see something you think might go - shoot me a link. Oh, an FYI - I'm not a fufu shoe girl. No flashy bows or jewlery on my shoes, thankyouverymuch.....

UPDATE:
So what do you think of THESE? I know I said no "jewelry and such" but - I think I might just be in love.....

Saturday Question

On Saturdays I'll try to come up with some "out there" question that just makes you stop and think about something not so important. Think of it as a mini vacation. If you have any ideas drop me a line and we'll throw it in here. Who knows, it might be fun.

OK - Here goes: What is your favorite way to eat a banana?

Now I love banana creame pie. Oh, and nothin' is better than a slice of homemade banana bread still hot from the oven drippin' with butter. Of course you have to know I'm all about a little banana sliced in my cereal. Oh, and another favorite are those frozen chocolate covered banana's. Ohhhh. And we dare not forget sliced bananas on toast w/peanut butter and sugar! But my absolute favorite way to eat a banana? Just straight. I like them a little green and have a difficult time not eating them all the day I buy them at the store.

But - the one way I do NOT like banana's? I'm not fond of banana splits. I don't like ice cream and bananas - not one little bit.

So what about you? What's your favorite way to eat a banana???

Ode de Coffee

I got home from Dallas only to realize I was out of coffee. Out.Of.Coffee.

Not exactly a warm welcome home, let me tell you.

So Thursday night I stopped at a Wal-Mart on the way home to pick up some java and a couple other little "treats".

I got home and wasn't really feeling all that great. I figure just overly tired. So I went ahead and set the coffee for the next morning. I'm very ritualistic so, as always, I placed the bag-o-beans on the counter next to the pot.

Now I must add that I didn't sleep well that night. Not at all. I was probably up and in the kitchen half dozen times getting a drink of water.

Finally around 4:00 I drifted off to lala land. Woke up a bit late and rushed into the kitchen to slam a cup of that nector as I readied.

Only to find a counter covered in coffee. And the pot sitting next to the machine.

Yet again, I forgot to actually replace the pot so the coffee has somewhere to rest. Coffee Everywhere.

So I pick up the bag-o-beans only to realize it soaked through. Now I've got coffee AND beans everywhere.

I'm not wasting this. No way. No how.

So I get a big spoon and salvage what I can. Place the bowl on the counter, clean up the rest and then rush to get out the door to work.

Fast forward to Friday night. I'd had a busy day, and after the lack of sleep wasn't really "on" as it were. I walk in the door and take a deep breath only to realize something doesn't smell quite right. What is it? What is it?

Shit. It's the coffee beans on the counter.

Basically I just paid $9 for a bowl of potpourri and a pot of coffee.

Lovely.

Not.

Happy Birthday!!

It's Tink's Birthday Today!

WooHoo!!! I love the birthdays!!

So - Tink, here you go. Consider it a party-in-a-blog!

Happy Birthday Tink!!!

Happy Anniversary

Today two of my favorite bloggers celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to Dash and Christina!

Y'all are an inspiration.

Artsy? Not so much....

Y'all missed it. Seriously.

Sunday afternoon I was blessed with a visit from the family De Contagion. Yep - that's right, Contagion, Ktreva and that darlin' little Clone came to visit The Belfry. :-) I cannot tell you how nice that was.

I'm a little upset with myself because I don't have any toys for the little ones to play with when they come over so I was tryin' to think of a quick solution.

Hey! I work for a company that makes arts & crafts for kids! Including Activity Sets. Duh. So, knowing Clone's love of Sponge Bob I picked up a little somethin' somethin' that he and I could do together that he could put in his room.

Smart thinkin', huh?

Or not.

You have to realize, most of the Kits are for kids over 4. AND the adults that help them are actually supposed to know what they are doing. Well, Clone is three and he actually did better with the placing of the stickers than I did. I'm so ashamed.

Now, I knew from my trip to Ct. a couple of weeks ago that I.....struggle, yeah that's the word, struggle with putting this stuff together. I blamed it on the fact that I didn't have any directions or pictures to go by. Let me just say - Sunday, yeah, blew that theory all to hell.

But we managed to finish a nice little door hanger for his bedroom door and a picture of Sponge Bob to place in his room. It's almost right. And he seemed to like it - so I guess that's all that counts. And we did have fun working on it.

But damn - I sure hope I don't have to take some class on sticker placement any time soon.....

Funny Schtuff

You gotta go over to BloodSpites place and check out this video.

Maybe I'm over tired, but this had me laughing out loud as I was nodding my head in agreement!

Speaking of Travel

Found this over at Biloxi's place

It's not so much how many different places I've been - I'd like to see something that shows HOW OFTEN I've been to the same damned places........

create your own visited states map

Hmmmm - will be interesting to see how different it looks in, say 6 months......

Terminal's Got NOTHIN' on Me!

Tammi to the toll booth operator at the Ohare parking lot:

Operator: That's $44.
(for just over 30 hours)
Tammi: Holy Crap! That's more than the cost of my flight!!!
Operator: scowl
Tammi to Cuz on the phone: I don't think he found that entertaining.

Now please note; if I could find my flippin' way OUT of the airport and TO the correct parking lot (and yes, I wrote it down, just couldn't physically FIND it) we could have made that one hour shorter.

Yes - it took me a flippin' HOUR to find my damned car last night.

And let's not even mention the fact that I ALWAYS get confused on how to actually get on I90 west to Rockford. I mean really - I'm not a dumb girl. But for some reason that just throws me every time.

Damn, I hope I get this all figured out before I travel with my boss again next month!!!!

Oh My

Ok - T1G posted it first, then Richmond, now I see it over at Rave's. So what the heck.

But see - I'm a bit different. I have 2 names. I have the name I was given by my birth mother than Mama & Daddy gave me the one THEY liked. So I did it twice.

Here's the one from Mama and Daddy.

here are 12 letters in your name.
Those 12 letters total to 43
There are 3 vowels and 9 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 7

The characteristics of #7 are: Analysis, understanding, knowledge, awareness, studious, meditating.

The expression or destiny for #7:
Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of the expression number 7. The hallmark of the number 7 is a good mind, and especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.

If there is an over supply of the number 7 in your makeup, the negative aspects of the number may be apparent. The chief negative of 7 relates to the limited degree of trust that you may have in people. A tendency to be highly introverted can make you a bit on the self-centered side, certainly very much self-contained . Because of this, you are not very adaptable, and you may tend to be overly critical and intolerant. You really like to work alone, at your own pace and in your own way. You neither show or understand emotions very well.

Your Soul Urge number is: 8

A Soul Urge number of 8 means:
With an 8 soul urge, you have a natural flair for big business and the challenges imposed by the commercial world. Power, status and success are very important to you. You have strong urges to supervise, organize and lead. Material desires are also very pronounced. You have good executive abilities, and with these, confidence, energy and ambition.

Your mind is analytical and judgment sound; you're a good judge of material values and also human character. Self-controlled, you rarely let emotions cloud judgment. You are somewhat of an organizer at heart, and you like to keep those beneath you organized and on a proper track. This is a personality that wants to lead, not follow. You want to be known for your planning ability and solid judgment.

The negative aspects of the 8 soul urge are the often dominating and exacting attitude. You may have a tendency to be very rigid, sometimes stubborn.

Your Inner Dream number is: 8

An Inner Dream number of 8 means:
You dream of success in the business or political world, of power and control of large material endeavors. You crave authority and recognition of executive skills. Your secret self may have very strong desire to become an entrepreneur.

That's just scary.

Well, if you take out the whole INTROVERTED part. Oh, and I don't plan on maturing anymore, thankyouverymuch, so you can take that out. And - I'm not so "unemotional" as it says.......

My BIRTH name is in the extended entry.....

There are 12 letters in your name.
Those 12 letters total to 47
There are 5 vowels and 7 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 11

The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer.

The expression or destiny for #11:
Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents.

The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form.

The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

Your Soul Urge number is: 5

A Soul Urge number of 5 means:
The 5 soul urge or motivation would like to follow a life of freedom, excitement, adventure and unexpected happening. The idea of travel and freedom to roam intrigues you. You are very much the adventurer at heart. Not particularly concerned about your future or about getting ahead, you can seem superficial and unmotivated.

In a positive sense, the energies of the number 5 make you very adaptable and versatile. You have a natural resourcefulness and enthusiasm that may mark you as a progressive with a good mind and active imagination. You seem to have a natural inclination to be a pace-setter. You are attracted to the unusual and the fast paced.

You may be overly restless and impatient at times. You may dislike the routine work that you are engaged in, and tend to jump from activity to activity, without ever finishing anything. You may have difficulty with responsibility. You don't want to be tied down to a relationship, and it may be hard to commit to one person.

Your Inner Dream number is: 6

An Inner Dream number of 6 means:
You dream of guiding and fostering the perfect family in the perfect home. You crave the devotion from offspring and a loving spouse. You picture yourself in the center of a successful domestic unit.

Shit. Maybe I really do have that dual personality!!!!! YIKES!

What does YOUR name Mean????

Here!

Well, I put a damned post up and now can't find it. Hmmm....

Anyway - I'm home. In The Belfry. The trip home? Just fine. Other than 2 really sweet little boys across the aisle from me, nothing out of the ordinary.

Oh, the meeting? You wanna know how the meeting went?

OUTFLIPPINSTANDING!!!

That's how the meeting went.

It went better than I hoped for and could end up even better than that. We'll know something next week.

But right now? Yeah, 5:00am is gonna come awfully early. And I just realized I'm completely out of coffee. Better get some sleep.

But damn - it did go really well.

Thanks for all your support!

Just Weird

I'm different this trip. Very different.

Now, let me start out by saying, I haven't had an issue with air travel at all. I was on a plane shortly after 9/11 and have flown many MANY times since then. No issues.

This time? Huh. Monday night I had nightmares. Serious nightmares. In my dream they were flying the plane into downtown Chicago. I knew what was happening so I made 2 calls. One was to make SURE someone knew I really cared. The other was to a friend. My first words were (surprisingly enough) "This is what I'm gonna need for you to do..." and then I proceeded to make sure she understood who to call and let them know I was thinking of them. Then I hung up the phone and woke up.

Never, never in my life have I had dreams like this. It really shook me up.

So anyway - I really paid attention in the terminal yesterday. Looking at my fellow passangers. One guy really caught my attention. By himself. No baggage what so ever. VERY clean shaven. Fit the "profile", if you know what I mean. And just sitting there - staring at people and mumbling. Really made me nervous. As they started to board they announced this flight was actually flying on to LA. LOVELY. It's an airbus. A little twinge at the back of my neck. So I'm one of the last passangers on. I'm watching everyone as they board.

All of a sudden there is a rukus at the gate. Another gentleman, who also fits the "profile" throwing a fit because he can't carry on his bottle of Snapple. Swearing he didn't have any issue on an earlier flight. They were NOT letting this guy carry this stuff on the plane. Period. But he sure did show his ass.

As I finally boarded I made sure I knew where both of these guys were sitting. (Like I could have done anything anyway) As we started down the runway I prayed. Then I just sat back and knew it was all out of my control.

The funny part of the trip was watchin' the "hook-ups". I've never noticed before, but I saw one couple that met in the terminal - cause I was sitting by them as they introduced themselves - head to the john and join the Mile High Club. WTF?!?! Oh well, what ever floats your boat, I guess. Then there was another couple across the aisle, lip locked for the entire flight. There may have been more goin' on, but they had the decency to ask for a blanket. I just felt bad for the old lady sitting in the row with them.

I felt like I was on the flying version of the Love Boat - for cryin' out loud.

Anyway - I will admit I've never been so damned happy to be anywhere as I was when we landed. Holy Cow. What a trip!!!

Made It

Well shoot. My plans for tonite got screwed.

My plane was delayed - never did get a good reason as to why, but then again - what I was I thinkin' even hoping for that.

So - I just got in. Yes, it's 10:30. I'm exhausted. And let me just tell you - it's hot. HOT HOT HOT. Why I didn't check weather.com I have no idea.

I told my cousin - this trip is my "trial by fire" but I didn't think they were plannin' on sending me to hell for that trial! Holy Cow!!!!

I'm staying in a brand new Residence Inn. It's not too far from the airport and pretty close to my customer so it was the perfect choice. It's a pretty sweet little suite. If it wasn't so damned hot I'd lite the fire in the fireplace and just relax. Ohhhh fire...... I think this just may be my hotel of choice when visiting Dallas. It's not downtown, but the rates aren't bad and it's really pretty nice. Only hitch? Yeah, September 1st no smoking in any Marriott. I'm NOT happy about that. Not at all!!!

I'm still trying to decide if I wanna tell you about my actual flight. May need to sleep on that thought. I will tease you with the fact that, to me, it was pretty damned funny. I just don't want to offend anyone. So - I'll think about it.

OK - time to sleep. I don't wanna miss breakfast in the morning so I better get horizontal and fast!!!

Checking In

Ok - I'm sitting here in one of the busiest airports in the world. I've got 2 hours before my plane even starts to board.

I did as I always do - packed to check. All my schtuff is in my baggage which is checked. I have an extra disc with my presentation burned in my briefcase.

I get to the airport (Ohare, in case you didn't guess) at 1:30. Had my boarding pass, luggage checked and was through security by 2:00. Yes, 30 minutes from arrival (in the parking lot) to sittin' here in the terminal.

Have I mentioned how much I love the fact that I can score wireless in the airport? Yeah, well, anyway.

They had every security line open in the United terminal. At least the section I was in. Oh - we were stopped several times to verify ID and boarding pass. Once we got to the security belt off came the shoes, laptop in the happy dappy bin, purse and franklin planner in the other. Lock and load. I always remove all of my jewlery too - just because I don't want any issues. I forgot today but it was fine.

So I'm sitting. I'm blogging, but no one is writing........y'all just are cooperating with my schedule lately.

Anyway - I've got 2 hours to kill so if you see someone routing through your archieves it's just me.....

Public Correction

Ok - I lied. Now, now just wait a minute before you start lecturing me. I didn't mean to. I was just so distraught due to the unfair taunting that T1G was doin', I mean for cryin' out loud. Posting about boating and dolphins and sun and stuff. Damn.

Anyway - in my comments I told him that in 10 years of regular boating I had never had an accident on a boat or on the water.

That's not quite true.

You see - there was this one time.......

It was early April. Still kinda chilly in the water. But we took the boat down to South Sarasota and were gonna do a bit of hiking. So we back the boat up and anchor off.

My friend C jumps off the boat and checks to make sure the anchor is solid. I get up on the back ledge and slip one foot in. Holy Shit. Cold. Cold like 70 something degrees. I do NOT get in the Gulf unless it's close to 84 degrees in the water. Period.

So I sit back down, light a cigarette and tell them I'll just wait there. No big deal. Well the nagging began. I was called everything but a Christian. Finally I just gave in. I get back up on the ledge and prepare to slip down.

Now please keep in mind. I had a lit cigarette and a can of beer. As I slid into the water I just kept going. I didn't hit bottom. Seems the boat had drifted a bit and had come away from the sandbar. I went down. But I'm happy to say my cigarette stayed lit and my beer can never touched the water.

I - however - came up screamin'.

COOOOLLLLLLLDDDDDDD!

There I am, treading water and sputterin'. The guy on the yaht next to us was laughing so hard, he fell off the deck. THAT got me laughin' and down I went again. Still hung on to the cigarette and beer but another dunkin'. Damn.

So you see....I did have a mishap. An accident as it were. No injuries, but still. I wanna always be honest with you folks. After all, it's the ladylike thing to do.

Alrighty Then....

Well, I'm ready.

My analysis is done. My presentation is completed. I'm very happy with it all, and I actually got my boss's blessing on it this afternoon.

I put a lot into this visit. This is the only big account I have complete control over. Everything else on my plate, while my responsibility, is called on in by my reps. I just manage and step in when needed.

And I'm going about this whole thing a bit differently than they usually do in my company. I'm tryin' it Tammi's Way. Putting myself on the line.

Plus - this customer is very close to my heart. I fought to get this account. For a lot of reasons. One - the consumers that shop there are very important to me. Two - I really believe in what this account is trying to do. And Three - there is huge potential with this. I could easily triple the business by this time next year. If this visit goes well.

So - work is ready. Samples are already there and waiting for me. I've finalized the details for my visit with my old boss tomorrow when I land.

Suitcase? Well, having a bit of trouble figuring out what I want to wear for the meeting itself, but that'll come. I'm not too worried. And YES, before you even ask - I packed my underwear.

So that's it then. It's time for me to hit the sack and get some sleep. It was a good day. And I've just got a great feeling about this trip. Kinda like ketchup - full of anticipation......

No Regrets

Last night I was watching Countdown to Ground Zero on the History Channel. Damn - it kicked my ass all over again.

But while I was watching that day unfold a thought kept coming to me. Over and over again. Were they ready?

Oh - I fully realize you're never READY for something like that but - did they make sure that the people in their lives KNEW they mattered? Had they had the chance to say I love you? Were they ready?

Losing so many family and friends starting at an early age, that whole "no regrets" thing is really strong in our family. I learned that the morning Daddy came and said good-bye to my sister and I before he left. I learned that when 2 of my friends died in a horrible traffic accident when I was 14. And then again that same afternoon when another friend was murdered. I've learned it over and over and over again.

Don't leave things unsaid. Don't leave things undone. It's not fair. It's not fair to you or your loved ones.

Quick Note

Holy Crap! Life sure got in the way this morning.

I'm knee deep in preparing for my Dallas trip tomorrow. Plus y'all really knocked the questions out of the park! I recieved over 50!! Thanks. Now I just gotta answer them. YIKES

But I sure as heck didn't want my "revealing" drum post the last thing up there so I thought I'd drop a quick note sayin' , well, not really much of anything.

More soon. I promise. Right now? Yeah, I gotta concentrate on being brilliant. And if I can't pull that off, at least charming as hell................

Bang the Drum

Geez, I hope this post doesn't cause me to give any one the "wrong idea", but it's something I just need to ask.

Yesterday I was sitting in the living room, watching Drumline, talking with Army Wife on the phone. I mentioned that I actually enjoyed this movie for a couple of reasons.

1) I used to be in the marching band and "got" the whole contest mentality.

2) Percussion turns me on.

Seriously - there is just something about drums that is just so, so, so primal. I made the mistake of mentioning it to someone else one day, just in conversation - and I'm tellin' you. The look on their face made me think maybe I'm wierd.

Well - the reaction from AW was just the same. Except she told me outright - that's just weird.

So - I'm wonderin'. Is it just me? Come on - don't leave me hangin' like this folks......

The Little Things

This is really gonna sound vain, but I have to say I Love My Hair.

Seriously.

The girl that does it for me has really gotten what I wanted. The color is perfect - and not anything close to what *I* thought it should be. I can't call myself a red head anymore. It's actually closer to my natural (black) but with life in it. I'm very happy with it.

And, we're growing it long. All one length long. Not down to my ass, but past my shoulders. It was almost there until yesterday, when we trimmed it up. But by the new year? Yep, should be exactly where I want it.

Damn, it's amazing how a good hair style can just make the difference. I got home yesterday, hair freshly trimmed, deep conditioned and styled and just felt......great.

And I guess it showed. I went walking through the mall, riding the escalator up to grab a Starbucks, when I hear from the young man going in the opposite direction..."WooWee Mommie - you got it goin' on!"

I cannot even begin to imagine the look that must have been on my face after realizing he was addressing me. Mommie? Got it goin' on??? Well, I guess he meant it as a compliment. I'll know for sure once I find my Street to English translation book.

But whatever it meant, it did make me feel pretty good.

Ahhh it's the little things......

Last Chance

Today is it. The last day to get those questions in to Basil.

Kinda like last call - but not really.

Know what I mean?

Polish Pork Chops

I have a friend. She is one of the most beautiful women I've ever known. Seriously. Tall, blonde, blue eyed. A smile that lights a room. And a body? Damn - I just hate going anywhere with her. I seem to just disappear. Anyway....

Being a true friend I have to pick on her somehow! Well, she's of Polish decent. AND she's blonde. So - I manage to make every joke I hear into a blonde polish joke. Yeah, I know - with friends like me......

Anyway - her other great gift is the girl can cook. Really Cook. So - I'm going to share her reciepe for Pork Chops with y'all. Quick, easy and very yummy. Of course - I've renamed them over the years.

So without further ado - I present Polish Pork Chops.

4-6 pork chops (I use the med cut, boneless center chops)
Yellow mustard
Flour - just enough for dusting
Family size of Campbells Chicken & Rice Soup

I also prefer to use my electric skillet, just soooo much easier.

Preheat skillet with a drop of oil to coat the pan.

Rinse chops well. Brush with yellow mustard on both sides and dredge through flour.

Lightly brown in skillet.

Reduce heat to simmer when browned and cover in Ckn & Rice soup. DO NOT ADD ANY WATER!! You might want to add another, smaller can of soup. Cover and simmer for approx. 30 mins until chops are cooked through.

I serve with mashed potatoes. The soup makes a great gravy. With that yummy tinge of mustard.

It's a down and dirty meal my family used to love. It's also great for guests.

Oh - and I'm sending this recipe over to Moogalious to be added to the recipe board. You are checking over there - right???

Hookin' Up

I'm not thrilled with the amount of travel I'll be doing with this job. That's probably the only thing I'm *not* happy about. But, it is what it is, so you just make the most of it.

I'm planning on meeting up with as many folks as I can during these trips. Making sure, this time, I make some time for me. I didn't do that with my other travel jobs, and I don't want to repeat the mistake of just focusing on the job at the expense of the rest of my life.

I had hoped to meet up with Shoe during my upcoming trip to Dallas, but that's just not gonna work out. This time. Dallas is the home of one of my main accounts so I know I'll be back. This'll happen.

But I did get a wonderful surprise phone call the other evening. One of my senior execs from Trop is in Dallas. We managed to work out a time to meet for drinks after my plane lands. I cannot tell you how excited, and touched, I am that we will get the chance to catch up. First - he was one of my favorite bosses in life. Period. But more than that he was my friend. With his high profile and busy schedule we fell out of contact the last few years. But what I didn't know was that mutual friends were keeping him up on how things were going for me. I don't know why, but that just really surprises me. I just never expected that.

And over the past few days many of my old compadres have been dropping me a line. From all over the country. Wanting to know when I'll be where and can we manage to get together. Very Very Cool.

Usually when I travel for business it's all business. I would fly in, after a full day at the office, rent a car, and spend the evening running stores. Pick up a late dinner and return to my room. Sit, eat, watch a movie and work. The next morning? A quick breakfast and on the run again. Grab a late flight out and get home in time for a few hours sleep and the back to work. I don't want to be that person again. Not at all. Life is too damned short.

So I'm seeing the benefit of this travel. And now, thanks to the blogsphere, I've even more folks to meet up with. In all honesty there aren't many places in this country I'll be going where there isn't SOMEONE I want to see. This could turn into a major benefit rather than something to dread. Damn - there I go again with those crazy silver linings!!!!!

Saturday Question

On Saturdays I'll try to come up with some "out there" question that just makes you stop and think about something not so important. Think of it as a mini vacation. If you have any ideas drop me a line and we'll throw it in here. Who knows, it might be fun.

OK - Here goes: You were cleaning out your coat pockets and come across 2 crisp $20 bills. Your bills are current, you've plenty of gas/food/cigarettes/beer. No responsibilities nag at you. It's free money. What do you do with it? How do you treat yourself?

Me? My first thought was ohh, I'd get a new pair of jeans. Or those black boots I've been eyeing. But no. I don't think so. I would buy myself a fresh bouquet of flowers for my living room. A favorite bottle of wine and a book.

Simple. Nothing fancy. Basically I'd be giving myself a nice weekend evening. What about you? What would you do?

A Touch of Spring in August

Today is one of those days I'm really glad I live in the mid-west again.

Seriously.

It is beautiful. Sunny, right now it's only 64 degrees and just begging me to be out enjoying it.

I was talkin' with Mama the other day laughing about how it was so nice right now. I reminded her that only about 18 months ago, I'd have been complaining about the cold when it was 72 degrees! Yes, I have acclimated very well.

It feels like May. The air is fresh, the birds are singing. And me? I sooooo want to just be out enjoying it. I wish I could head out to the Mississippi. It's a perfect day for a hike.

But alas, it's not in my cards. I've errands to run, hair to cut and a spot of cleaning. The only thing I can do is make sure my window is down as I drive around and open up everything in this house to enjoy that sunshine.

It sure is a beautiful day. I plan on enjoying it - hope you do too!

Happy Birthday!!!

Man o Man o Man.

I'm late to the party (again).

It's my favorite BusDriver's birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE!!!

What to get you, what to get you. Quite a decision actually. Then I remembered - you're furnishing your new place. We live up north. Get's kinda chilly at times. You might just enjoy this.....

Just add water and candles.......Enjoy darlin'!!!

Just Say Thanks

Pamibe has a post showing how easy it is to send a postcard telling our troops Thank You.

It's easy. There's no reason you can't do it.

Click on over and check it out.

It's the least we can do......

Thanks for the tip Pamibe!!

Almost Famous

I was on the radio yesterday.

Ok - I called them, they didn't call me - but still. I was on for a couple of minutes!

They hit one of my hot buttons. Eating disorders. Next thing I know I'm dialin' in. And then I'm being interviewed.

It started out where they just wanted "my story". So I said I had suffered with both Anorexia and Bulimea. I kicked them both, with the help of loved ones, but I still have issues with my self image.

It's the baggage we carry.

I told them the one thing no one ever thinks about is the lasting physical damage that is done.

It's the baggage we carry.

It's an ongoing battle. Every time you try on a pair of slacks, or a new top, or - heaven forbid - a bathing suit. It doesn't matter what you LOOK like, it's what you see.

It ended up being a pretty good interview. I was rather proud of myself. And it sparked some great conversation afterwards. I just hope one person heard something that helped. That would work for me.

Still - as I hung up the phone I couldn't believe I did that. Huh - my blogging is starting to become verbal. We're ALL in trouble now!

Wake the F*ck Up!!!

Close Call.

Way to close a call.

Wake up People. This war is still raging - and they are bringing it to our homes. Our lives.

I fly American Airlines. Just about weekly. This is real. This is now My Fight.

But you know what - it has been. It's been OUR fight for almost 5 years. It just seems that too many have walked away from the battle.

And you know damned well, folks are gonna be bitchin' and moanin' cause they can't carry on water, or hair gel or whatever. Their lives just got a bit "uncomfortable".

Bite Me.

It's not convenient, but it's the safe thing for now. Deal with it.

If my inconvenience keeps even one person safe - then ok.

But we as a nation better wake up. It's not over, this war on terror. Not by a long shot.

And we're the only ones that are playin' by the rules.

The Moon is.....

I received this via email.

Birthday Calculator

THIS IS REALLY VERY NEAT!

It tells you how many hours and how many seconds you have been alive on this earth and a lot more interesting data.

This is cool. After you've finished reading the info, click again, and see what the moon looked like the nite you were born. This is neat.

Lucky Lucky Lucky

Ok - I'm starting to get a little nervous.

Questions are due to Basil on Sunday August 13. Folks that's THIS Sunday. The one coming up in 3 days.

And if you send them in you are entered to win a PRIZE!! Hows that for a deal? I tell ya what ya wanna know AND you could win a free DVD.

So click here to "get lucky".

**For some reason this whole thing makes me feel like I'm writing my own number on the bathroom wall. To Get Lucky Email......

YIKES

Ode to My New Love

I get home from a long day - and there you are. Waiting for me. Just wanting to add pleasure to my evening.

You understand my needs.

You never disappoint.

You make everything so, so, hot. And juicy. You seem to know exactly what I want and how I want it done.

Yes, I have a new love. My only regret is why I waited this long.

I Need A Cleansing....

So I've never really been one to look at my life and say Woe Is Me. Seriously. It doesn't do one bit of good.

What I like to do is end my day thinking about the things that are good. My friends, loved ones, family. My job, those little "luxuries" I have. It's a good way to drift off to sleep.

So it always surprises me when someone points out a string of bad luck or such.

Like today.

I was running a bit late for work this morning. I had left the house without my lap top and had to turnaround and get it. That put me a little behind schedule.

So I'm drivin' along. And actually not doing to badly - when everything along I90 comes to a halt. For an hour. Finally they route us off of the interstate.

Can I tell you I only know how to get to work via the interstate? Yeah - so I call the office, said I heard there was an accident, they were closing the interstate and HOW THE HELL DO I GET THERE?!?!?!

They gave me directions. Somehow I missed a turn.

And ended up in downtown Chicago. Not the good side of town either.

Lost. Lost. Lost. Lost. I call back and they talk me in.

Meanwhile it was waaaayyyy late for work.

I get to the office and discover that there were others caught in the mess and they were just getting there also. (And they didn't even get lost!) One of the girls pulls up THIS to show me what happened.

2 semi's and a car. At 7:45 this morning. That would be the time I am at the Elmhurt and I90 location every morning.

I am one lucky girl.

But one of the ladies I work with made the comment that I might want to be "cleansed of my bad luck". Bad luck?!?! WTF!! I think I'm pretty damned lucky. Yeah, so my car broke down a couple of times. But at least it didn't drain me of every dime and I can still get back and forth to work. This morning? Hell-I'll take sittin' in traffic or driving lost over bein' in THAT mess any day.

I don't have bad luck. Not at all. I just live an interesting life.

Yeah - that's what it is..........

She Is OUTTA THERE!!!

McKinney Loses in Georgia Runoff

About damned time.

Thank you Georgia.

That'll teach 'em

Yesterday was a fun day for me. Busy as hell - but I got to put my bitchface on, for a good cause, and listen to someone grovel - so yeah, that was fun.

You see I had an order that was VERY important. It needed to be delivered by last Friday. Postively. Ok, that's what I told the freight company. It actually had to deliver by noon today - but I pad things when I order them. Just in case.....

So anyway - my customer called the freight company to see why they hadn't scheduled a delivery appointment. They were told the load was "lost".

We were told when we called Monday that it would deliver by 8:00am Tuesday. Now, understand - that didn't make me happy in the first place. This news? Yeah, to say my head exploded would be an understatement.

I sat back and waited to see what someone would do. We have folks that handle these types of situations, and I always believe in letting someone do their job.

After 30 minutes of no activity I picked up the phone. I quickly worked, ok lectured, my way up the corporate ladder.

At one point one girl made the mistake of telling me they were doing the best they could.

Tammi: Well, your best lost my load. So I'm gonna teach you a lesson my Mama taught me a long time ago. Are you paying attention? If you screw up, just tell me out right. You didn't. In fact, y'all have lied to me. NOW I'm pissed. NOW we do this my way. And no - you will not enjoy it.

So she passes me on to the Terminal Manager who says the earliest they can deliver is 10:00 tomorrow morning. Not Acceptable. I want it unloaded on my customer's dock by 8:00. He say's that would mean overtime for a driver.

I calmly explain that the 2 hours overtime is much cheaper than the bill I will be sending if my product is not delivered.

He said he can't authorize it. I tell him I have a number - then spell it out - and a name - happens to be the CEO. Can HE authorize the overtime?

Long story short - my product will be delivered by 7:00am. I'll be calling at 7:05 just to make sure. Meanwhile, my boss thinks I'm all that and a bag of chips.

Yippee!!!! I win!!!!!

So I decided on the drive home I just didn't want to cook. I deserve a little treat. I call Fritz's, order a very yummy pizza for take out and push Maggie May towards The Valley.

Man o man o man. The entire town must have been at Fritz's for dinner. I had to park 3 blocks away!! Got there, had time for a very good Capt'n and Diet and my pizza was done.

It was a good day. From start to finish. Damn - I just love this stuff.

Discount?

Gas here in THE Valley.

Friday morning - $3.07
Friday evening - $3.19
Monday morning - $3.17

I'm afraid to leave this morning after hearing on the local news prices will probably be going up .30 in the next couple of days.

Chicago is running (at least where I am) between $3.31 - $3. 49. I'm willing to bet we'll see it at over $4.00/gal by the end of the week.

I'm just wondering if there's a frequent shopper discount, or a coupon, or some kinda of punch card "buy 100 gallons get 10 gallons free".

Thank GOODNESS for car allowances - otherwise I couldn't afford to go to work!!!

Just a Memory

Yesterday was kinda sappy. We, Mama and I, were really missin' Daddy. But today - I thought I'd tell you a cute little story about our family. Celebrate the memory, as it were.

Daddy was kinda picky about his garage. Every tool had it's place, and they all better be in that place - or else.

He kept thae floor in his garage so clean you could just about eat off of it. Seems like everytime I was out there, he was sweepin'. Or making me sweep.

Clean, organized. A "Man's Garage", as he used to call it.

But think about it for a moment. What do you usually keep in a garage? Yeah, a car. Or two.

That usually means one must go in and out of said garage. At least that's how it works as far as I remember.

One Saturday Daddy had to work. So did Mama. I was, well...not really behaving very well. Actin' Up, as Mama used to say. So - instead of getting to watch her do her training class, we had to go to the dreaded BabySitter's house.

I hated going there. There was never anything to do, she liked Dee better and was always mean to me (hey! That's how I remember it anyway). Plus - she always made us eat Bean and Bacon Soup for lunch. Yuck.

So I'm throwin' a fit. A royal fit. I wanna take this to do, and that to do. I needed this bag and that doll. Poor Mama. She should have just raised the white flag, saved herself a ton of grief and taken me along.

Instead she dug her heels in. Well, so did I. Finally - she just flat out hauls me out to the car. Dee is already sittin' in the front seat (because she was being good) so I was dumped in the back.

Mama goes back in the house and get's her stuff for her training class. Puts everything in the trunk and gets in the car. All the while letting me know in no uncertain terms what a brat I can/could be.

She starts the car and puts it into reverse. About 10 seconds later she remembered something she had forgotten to do. Something kinda important. Like opening the garage door.

Oops. Yeah - that did NOTHING to improve her mood. Let me just say that now.

So - fast forward to the end of the day. We girls get home and Mama is making dinner. I hear Daddy's truck comin' up the drive. I rush to the back door. This was gonna be good. Daddy's perfect garage was wrecked. He was gonna be soooo mad. I wanted to be sure and see his face when he notices what happened. Mama was in trouble now. THAT'LL teach for bein' mean to me!!!

He gets out of the truck with a "Hi Sweetie!"

"Hi Daddy!"

waiting.....waiting......waiting.

He's almost to the back door. I was so intent on watching him I didn't notice Mama standing behind me.

"So - Daddy. Notice anything different?"

"Did you get a new dress?"

"No."

"Did you cut your hair?"

"No. This is BIGGER! This is BBBBAAAAADDDDD!"

"Noooooo. I don't notice anything."

"Mama broke your garage! Mama wrecked the car!! See, See, See what Mama did!!!"

At this point I'm dancin' next to the damage, in my haste to get Mama in trouble. Little did I know, she had called him at work to tell him about it. Including the back story.

To make a long story somewhat shorter - I ended up shouldering the blame for the broken garage door, the damaged rear of the car AND Mama's headache. (Did I ever mention what a great "straight man" my dad was?!)

I spent many a weekend sweepin' that damned garage floor to pay for all that damage, not to mention the trouble I got into for "givin' Mama fits".

Lesson Learned? Oh yeah. Do NOT mess with Mama.

Something to Think About

I found this over at Babalu Blog.

Man - Val sure has a way with words.

It's something to think about. Go. Read it.

34 Years Today

It's been 34 years today that Daddy is gone.

A day doesn't go by that I don't think of him, talk to him, miss him.

But today it's stronger. That missing part.

I love you Daddy.

Loss

Teresa's Father in Law passed away over the weekend.

Stop over and let her know we're thinking of her and her family.

What He Said

GA Mongrel has updated an Old Irish Blessing.

Makes sense to me. Especially that whole road meeting me face first part!

I think I'll print it out and frame it for my office.

Funnier than you know....

I'm #1 on the yahoo search for "Sex with Tammi".

Oh, if they only knew..........

I'm in the mood.....

....to cook.

Seriously.

And the bad thing is I'm really suffering from a sweet tooth right now.

So in the hopes of avoiding all those calories here at The Belfry I'll just post a recipe. This one is for a quick and easy Pink Lemonade Ice Cream Cake. (more like a pie, but I'm not gonna argue with them.)

Crust
51 Vanilla wafers, divided
3 tablespoons melted margarine or butter

Filling
2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1 container (12 ounces) Cool Whip, thawed and divided

Garnish (optional, but very pretty)
Lemon slices
Pink sugar crystals
Mint leaves

*I put the ice cream in the fridge to soften while making the crust. It takes about 20 minutes for it to get the right texture for mixing.

1. Lightly spray a springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. For crust, place 32 of the wafers in resealable plastic bag; crush into fine crumbs. Combine crubms and melted margarine/butter. Mix well. Press crumb mixture into bottom of pan. Line inside of pan with the remaining wafers, slightly overlapping and with rounded side of wafers next to the outside of the pan.

2. For filling, combine ice cream and lemonade concentrate. Beat until smooth. Fold in 3 cups of the Cool Whip. Pour into crust. Freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.

3. When ready to serve, place dessert in fridge for 15 minutes before slicing.

4. Run a knife around the outside of pan to loosen. Then remove the sides. Garnish top with the remainder of the Cool Whip and add garnish.

They say it serves 16. But that's only if you're planning on teasing folks!

**This is a Pampered Chef recipe and I've had a lot of success with it.

***There is a low fat version of this - but WTF? I'll send it to you if you really want it, but come on!! Live a little. It's dessert for cryin' out loud.

ALSO - I'm sending this over to Moogie to post on her recipe board. WHAT?! You haven't been keeping an eye on that?? Shame on you. This could be a great reference. Come on. Get those recipes to her!!!

Sunday Morning Musing

So it's Sunday morning. I used yesterday to kind of regroup from last week. In otherwords, I didn't do a damned thing.

Today? I need to get somethings done. But not right now.

Right now I'm sitting here listening to some music and just cruisin' through the internet - shopping, reading, laughing.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. Right now I've got "A natural woman" by Aretha Franklin playin' in the background. It got me to thinking.

What makes me feel like a woman? What brings out that "feminine side" of me? Well - I feel great when I'm wearing a dress/skirt with a flowy cut to it. Something that swishes when I walk. Loose and free. Add in pair of heels and well, I just feel good. But that's kind of a no brainer. So I looked a little deeper.

Sunshine. Sunshine and a cool breeze.

A good hair day. If I'm happy with my hair, I just feel good.

A touch. A feel of of someone I care for brushing my skin. Just subtle. Quick. Slight.

A look.

Yeah - those are somethings that get to the core of my feminity. What about you ladies?

And guys? How do you show, in subtle ways, that your lady is....that you find her....feminine? Attractive? Appealing? What little things do you do or say to give her that "boost"?

All that - and now I'm gonna go clean my toilet. Funny - that wasn't anywhere on my list! ;-p

Don't forget....

....to get those questions in to Basil.

The deadline is coming up August 13th.

You ask. I'll answer.

Oh - and don't forget T1G is taking questions too!!!!

Saturday Question

This weeks Saturday Question is gonna be just a little different.

Given my car issues of the past week - I'm doin' a little research.

So - tell me about the car you have had the best experience with. (And I ain't talkin' "back seat" experience!)

I have to say Maggie May has been the best car I've ever owned. Seriously.

Yes - we've had issues. BUT - I've put over 100,000 miles on her in just a little over 3 years. I haven't been consistent in my maintence and still she keeps going.

Carmen's boyfriend/fiancee just got done explaining to me what the ECM is and what the problem most likely is. It actually makes a lot of sense and the best part is - It's Not My Fault!! I didn't break Maggie May.

So - I'm thinkin' I'll probably get another Oldsmobile. I've had 3 now. And all three of them have been wonderful.

BUT....I'm open to suggestions. Now - keep in mind, I don't have a lot of money so BMW/Mercedes/Lexus is not an option - right now. AND I'm not buying new. Nope. Not gonna do it. I put 50,000 miles a year on a car. Easy. Just doin' my job. Plus, money will not permit new - right now.

All that bein' said, help me out folks. Tell me your suggestions on the New Tammi Transport.

And if you're real helpful I'll even let you help me name her.....maybe. ;-)

Well Shit

I was going to keep this a little secret. But what the hell. Might as well spill the beans.

The flippin' car broke down. Again. Tonite. During rush hour. On I90.

Once again I called PepBoys. Once again they sent a tow truck. Once again I was towed into the shop. Different shop this time.

These guys ROCKED.

I told them what happened Monday night. I asked that we play this one my way.

Check the fuse. Then - please change the oil and filters that the other shop wouldn't.

They reported the other shop.

The deal was, if my idea didn't work, I get a hotel and tomorrow we run the gamet of tests.

It worked.

Seems I have a short. DUH.

But they don't have the capability/experience to find it.

My local PepBoys can't do it right now - the scanner is down.

So - I'm armed with new fuses and the knowledge of how to fix things if/when it blows again.

I was also assured that it's not because I was late on getting the oil/filters changed. Although they made me promise to be better about it.

The car has over 150,000 miles on it. She's tired. She deserves a break.

I'm already looking into trading her in ahead of the Christmas timeline I had.

It'll screw things up for a while, but I don't think I have any other choice.

I can't keep not getting home from work until 11:00 at night.

Ok - I'm going to go have another glass of wine and pass out in my bed.

It's been a long flippin' week.

It's HER Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday VW!!!!!

To the cutest bug I know. ;-) (sorry, I just couldn't resist that one)

My first birthday wish is kinda selfish. Girl - we gotta get together!!!

My second? Peace and Quiet.

And a joy at the end of each day.

Oh, and a little eye candy thrown in for good measure!!!

Happy Birthday VW!!!!!!!

Another Confession

Huh. My boss has decided I'm unique. Yeah, can you believe he actually SAID that to me?

And that it took him almost 8 weeks to figure that out??

We had some windshield time this trip. It was nice because it gave us a chance to talk and get to know each other a bit. Not only that but the rep had arranged for 2 other manufacturers to have appointments right after ours, so I got to hear more about our trade. And to observe.

Now, first let me just shock you. My boss thinks I'm awfully quiet. He was amazed at how I just sat back and listened to the "boys" talk.

1) If you don't know what you're talkin' about KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. That's the first rule I learned in business.

2) I was amazed at how much bullshit was pilin' up in the lobby. I was afraid of adding to the mess. ;-)

Anyway - so I'm a quiet sales person. Now I realize compared to many I talk WAY too much - but see.....I'm not as bad as I could be.

Also - I don't play golf. At all. But I do drive a great beer cart. :-) I don't miss out on much not playing. And I was able to explain that to him. He understood. Still thinks it's "weird" but he understood.

I like to spend time alone. Alone time drives most sales people out of their minds. No one to perform to. No one to talk at. No noise. Just quiet. I need it. Most hate it.

I love to drive. We were talkin' about some driving trips I've made and he CANNOT understand at all. When I told him I find them relaxing (no...I didn't explain about the dreamin' and drivin') and how beautiful it can be to just enjoy the scenery.....he didn't get it. At all. Like I was talkin' Greek.

I'm an anal retentive traveler. I need to be at the airport no less than 1 1/2 hours before my flight. I always check my luggage. I prefer to take shuttles and cabs than to rent a car. I always travel with no less than 2 books. What? Isn't everyone like that?

But the good news is - I passed the test. I still have a job. He just finds me entertaining. Yeah, that's a good way to put it.

But I also noticed - most of the remainder of my trips I'm travelin' alone.......

Made It

The ringing of the phone breaks the peaceful silence.

Hello?

Ms. Tammi? It's your wake-up call.

Shit. 4:00am.

Silence reigns supreme.

Ring Ring.

Ms. Tammi? This is your back-up wake-up call.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

As I try to get my bearings I realize I have no room left in my schedule to lull around in bed. So I get up just as the alarm on my cell phone goes off. Time to GO!!!

Other than the very VERY early wake-up the day itself went pretty well. The meetings were what I deem a success. My boss agreed. Other issues arose, and I'll deal with those tomorrow when I get into the office.

Our flight was delayed a bit out of Hartford. We finally took off and had a pleasant 1 1/2 trip. HOWEVER - we had to wait 50 minutes once we got to Ohare just to get our luggage. Ouch!!

After stopping for a bite to eat at a truckstop along the way....I'm home. I've been goin' steady for 20 hours now. I'm kinda tired. But feel good. Good about the trip. Good about the meetings. Good about just about damned near everything.

But right now - there's a bed callin' my name......

Humor Saves the Day

Thank goodness my boss has a sense of humor.

Seriously.

We landed at Hartford just fine. Got the rental car and take off for the hotel. Boss is driving and hands me a piece of paper, informing me that I'm am the navigator.

Oh shit.

So - I look it over and realize it should be fairly easy. 91 South to exit 38. Day something something road. (it's a sign - we all know about me and signs).

We're driving and talking. It's the first chance we've really had a chance to talk and I'm listening like a good minion. All of a sudden he points and say's HEY! Wasn't that our exit?

"Oops. Yeah. Yeah it was. But I'm sure we can just go to the next exit, get off, get back on and voila."

Gotta tell you - he was a bit sceptical. But it all turned out fine and we made it all in one piece to the hotel.

Meet back in the lobby about 30 minutes later to head for dinner. As we take off, he hands me another piece of paper with directions and tells me, again, that I'm the navigator. (Makes me wonder about his decision making capabilities.)

We need to go north on 91. I keep saying south. Oops.

I did get us to the correct exit. I did manage to count the correct number of stop lights.

After dinner (which was fabulous!) he looks at me and asks how we get home.

Did I mention the 3 glasses of wine with dinner? Yeah. Well....

I say we need 91 north. He laughs and goes south.

Good thing he has a sense of humor.

Betrayal

I am dyin' here!!

Niece Carmen is just rubbin' the damned salt in my Buc-less wound.

Check it out. And tell her to be nicer to her Aunt Tammi. I'm the only one she has!!!!

All I can say is there better be pictures from this. Seriously. Oh, and I need a new hat, tshirt, towel........

Travel Tips by Tammi

Hehehe

Love the airport wireless. WooHoo

Well folks I'm on my way. I do want to just leave you with these gentle thoughts.

Ladies? Yeah, traveling with your boobs hangin' out will NOT get you through the line any faster. In fact, due to the gawking factor it may actually slow down the process. Hence pissing off the tall lady behind you in line.

Oh and also - easy on the perfume. It's an enclosed space, ya know!!!

Ok - that about covers my immediate needs. ;-) Well, sorta.......

It Reminds Me

Well today's the day. Leaving for Hartford tonite for my first official customer calls with this company. And I am ready.

Samples? Shipped
Presentation? Finalized and will be printed this morning.
Luggage?
Luggage?

Oops. Better get packed. The nice thing is with the heat I don't have to pull out the old suite and pumps. Nope. Silk and Sandles for this trip. Ahhhh - just like the days back in Florida, when you could be cute AND comfortable. While the heat is getting old, at least it's loosening some of those stodgy corporate folks up.

I'm only nervous because I'm traveling with my new boss. Meeting one of my reps for the first time. And the nervousness I feel is in terms of THEIR expectations. I don't want to disappoint. I don't know what they expect, and I'm confident that everything will go very well. But there is that "niggle" on the back of my neck. But it doesn't worry me. That niggle is what I call motivation.

Long ago, in a time many have forgotten (IOW, High School) I was a singer. In one of the top choirs in the state. When we put on a concert they were always sold out.

My senior year, I had a lot of solos. But the first one? Ohhh that was kinda scary. Right now I can't tell you what song I performed in, I just remember I was bound and determined I was NOT going to botch it. I worked and practiced constantly. Every where I went I was either humming or singing that song. For weeks. It was such an honor to be chosen to sing a solo with that group. There were SOOOO many talented folks in our choirs. Many are professional singers still. But back then? Yeah, I knew how important it was to nail the performance.

Opening night (because our concerts were always 2 night affairs) I was ready. My dress? A beautiful creation made by Mama. Long and flowy, a symphony of color. My hair was up and I felt like a movie star. I knew the song. Backwards and forwards. I could (and did) sing it in my sleep. I had practiced in the bathroom for accustics and to be able to watch myself sing. Couldn't have me up there making stupid faces so it was important to make sure I didn't get into that habit. In Other Words....I was as ready as you could get.

Curtain comes up to a full house. 900 seats in our hall. I had no butterflies. My hands were not shaking. But I had this niggle. On the back of my neck. It served to remind me just how important this whole thing was.

As I stepped forward for my part the lights blinded me. I couldn't even see the director. Instinct kicked in. As the introduction began I forgot for a while where I was. What I was doing. It was just me and the music. Singing in my bathroom. And when it was over the niggle was gone.

I knew I nailed it. I couldn't have done it better. Someone else might have been able to, but they had asked me to do it and I did the best I could.

That's how customer presentations are for me now. I read everything I can about the company. I learn what THEIR goals are. I learn my product and work very hard to match the two up. When I am sitting or standing in front of those buyers I lose Myself. It's about them. And I remember that I was chosen by my company to represent them. To "put on the show" as it were. There may be others who are better, but they chose Me. I do the best I can. Everytime.

And that niggle just serves to remind me - this is important. Focus.

When it's over the niggle will be gone, replaced by a rush of adrenaline that will carry me through the flight and drive home.

When I get up Friday morning I'll begin the focus on the next one. And there will be this feeling on the back of my neck...........

A Miracle

Car is fixed.

Blown Fuse.

Diognostic test - $92
Tow - $60
Repair - $0

I wanted it quick and cheap.

I call that answered prayer.

Real Quick

**Updated - full story just below this post!

I'm fine. Really.

I had an adventure last night. Maggie May (my car) decided she needed a bit of a rest. So she did. In the middle of an intersection. During Rush hour. Temp was showing 106 at the time.

I'll explain more soon. But I knew I needed to let folks know I'm alright.

Maggie May? Yeah - we're waiting on the verdict on that one.

Pray folks. We need it quick and cheap.

Really Quick.

Really Cheap.

Oh what a night….

Yep, that’s right folks. I had me yet another adventure. Let me tell you a story….

A couple of years ago, while living in Orlando, Maggie May (my car) decided she was tired. So she stopped. In the middle of I4. During rush hour. Not really what one could consider a “good time”. While this was going on, I happened to be on the phone with Bou. I stayed pretty calm. Poor Bou. She was a bit worried.

Anyway – flash forward 2 years. It was record heat in Chicago yesterday – the temperature showing in the car was 106 degrees. I was at the intersection of Touhy and Harlem – kind of a busy intersection especially at rush hour – on the phone with Army Wife.

Tammi: Oh no. Shit.
AW – What?
Tammi: Car just stopped. Stopped. Nothing. Gotta go. Gotta call a tow truck.

Calm. Cool. Ok – hotter than hell at 106 degrees but not freaking out. I ordered the tow truck, arranged for someone to work on the car, called the bank about money available and options, made a back-up plan, prayed I wouldn’t need it and then took a deep breath. I really did keep it together well until I called T1G. That poor guy. I don’t know why but as soon as the beep on his voicemail went off all I could say is:

WTF? I’m not that girl usually. But – hey, I’ll just blame the heat.

Anyway – I was blocking traffic bad. They said it would be 2 hours before the truck got there. Not good. I was the front car in a left turning lane. I figured either someone would rear end me or shoot me. I had flashers but no one was paying attention. I called the cops to let them know – yeah. THAT was real helpful.

Then I saw them. My Angels. From the Jiffy Lube across the street ran three guys to push me out of harms way. They got me around the corner and in a parking spot. Then had me follow them back to the shop to wait in air conditioning. I told them I owe them a beer. Might not have been my smartest move – they tried to set an actual date. YIKES.

Anyway – I get a call telling me the truck should be there shortly. I cross back to the parking lot and stop at Subway. I needed a drink. Badly. I get a large soda with the last of my cash. And walking back to the door, my hands shaking badly, I dropped it. Son of a Bitch.

Finally the truck gets there and loads up Maggie May. She looked so pitiful. And a little smug if I must say so myself. Hmmmmm

Tow driver? Very nice. His girl friend? Sweet (kept complimenting me – hope they weren’t expecting a tip. I was BROKE!)

Get to Pep Boys and it almost closing. They can’t look at it till Tuesday. I make sure they understand I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TUESDAY NITE. Even told them they might want to read my file. I am, after all, flagged as a difficult customer. And it ain’t all wrong.

Meanwhile – I had called a girl I work with so that someone at work knew what was going on in case things went to hell last night. She calls me and asks what I’m doing. I tell her sitting in the lobby of Pep Boys. She was in the parking lot to pick up me. She took me to grab a sandwich, pick up a toothbrush, hairbrush and deodorant as well as something to wear to work. Then she had me come home with her. I slept in her Down Town Chicago condo on the floor. This morning smoking my cigarette I got to walk along Lake Shore Drive. Wow. Not only was that very nice – it was a real treat.

So – I’m waiting to hear from Pep Boys. I’m not gonna tell you I’m not worried. But – what ever it is, I’ll work it out. I cannot buy a new car any sooner than Christmas. And if this requires too much work, she’s gonna have to run until next fall. Period. No options.

But that is what my evening looked like. I’m just hopin’ today turns out a bit better.

**And special thanks to LW and Teresa for cking on me and listening to my venting of hot, hot, hot!!!