Tammi's World

M.O.M.C.

I didn't either, and I'm finding out a lot of folks didn't know. So I'm asking that you help to spread the news.

Throughout the month of April, there will be events scheduled across the country to honor the children of our military men and women. A chance to bring a few smiles to their faces and help them source some of that creative energy.

I think it's a very good thing.

I only have info on two events right now. April 6th, in Indianapolis. And April 26th in Washington DC.

There was a little write up on Indychannel.com (scroll down to March 29) regarding the event next weekend.

Here is the official website for the month.

As I stated previously, I'll be attending the event in DC on the 26th. As of right now they are expecting between 3,000 & 6,000 children. I can hardly wait.

It's a wonderful opportunity to do SOMETHING to say thank you. And there is NOTHING like the smile on a child's face, and the look of pride when they show you "what they made" to make you realize what your priorities should be.

So - please - spread the word. And get involved. Crafters and non-crafters alike. Find out where there is an event planned in your area. Volunteer. It can only be a good thing!

THAT made my day!

My day ended up fantastic yesterday.

In fact the only thing that could have been better is if I'd have had the opportunity to chat with a bunch of bloggers.

Oh, wait. I did.

I mean face to face chat. In my livingroom. Eating cobbler.

Last night Michele of NY made it possible for a group of us to join in on a conference call. And we did.

Teresa, Richmond, Oddy, Rachel, Lemon Stand, Mrs. Who and the greatly missed _Jon (previously of We Swear) had the opportunity to tell stories, laugh and get to know each other for a while. It was fantastic.

It had been a while since I'd had the opportunity to chat with Teresa so that was very nice. And damn - she had some great one liners. Funny...very funny. Let me tell you.....

Richmond was great at keeping everyone involved and asking just the right question. Even on the phone, she's the "hostess with the mostess".

Oddy - damn girl. You crack me up. AND DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA TODAY. I'm lookin' forward to those photos! :-)

Knowing Mrs. Who lives in the deep south, I always read her with a southern accent. I have to tell you folks - I don't do her justice. Also a very funny lady. I'm just so glad you joined in. Tell Bitterroot to get well soon!!!

I was very excited to finally "meet" Rachel and Lemon Stand. I've been bad, because I had been using other blogrolls to get to their places. I've fixed that as of this morning. Ladies? It was a real pleasure. I just hope we didn't scare you off. We (The Bad Example Family) can be a bit.........overwhelming at times.

And _Jon. Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon. Long time no talk Dude. Folks - this guy cracks me up! Oh, he tries to come off all mean and grumpy. But seriously? Yeah, one hell of a nice guy. And don't even get me started on the funny. It was WONDERFUL talking with you again! Oh, and hurry up and fix that damned blog of yours! Please.......

There was one little glitch where all but two of us got booted off. But most of us called back in, if only to say Bye Bye. Over all? It was a great way to spend an hour on a Friday night.

Michele? So sorry you weren't able to join us. But thank you soooo much for setting this all up. Although, my recommendation is that next time? Yeah, don't have the fox guard the chickens. :-)

Funniest Thing EVER

Seriously, when I read this post over at Chrystal's site last night I had tears running down my face by the time I was finished.

Holy Shit.

She. Is. My. Hero.

Hurry up - get yourself a fresh drink and get thee over there and read. Then hurry back, cause it triggered a little memory of my own.

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

Ok.

Now, I've mentioned that I had three step sons. They were pretty good boys - well, the middle one gave me some trouble. Ok, a lot of trouble. But there's one in every crowd.

Anyway - the year he turned 15 was not a good year for him. He LIVED on my shit list. And - I do not reward bad behavior so Christmas that year was a bit of a challenge.

About 2 weeks before the big day, he REALLY screwed up. I mean pulled one of those "I'm just like my Daddy" deals, and believe me - that was not a good thing.

So, I took back all his presents. Every last one of them. Then I went to Walgreens. And proceeded to purchase every condom in the store. Then hit Osco's and did the same thing.

Yes, all my son got for Christmas that year was condoms. I figured if he was gonna "screw up" he was gonna do it right. (I know - it was Mommy humor, give me a break). You should have seen his face.

Needless to say - he was not a happy camper. I told him it could have just as easily been coal, but I wasn't in the mood to clean up that kind of mess.

When the kids were going home, I made sure and bagged up all of his "gifts" so he could carry them with him easily.

Point made.

Until Memorial Day weekend. That would be the weekend he told his father and I his girlfriend was pregnant and we were going to be grandparents.

I was 27.

My reaction? (well, after the tears were done)

Do you mean to tell me you used all those damned condoms ALREADY?!?!?!?!

Damn.......guess I didn't get the last laugh on that one at all. NOW do you see why Chrystal's my hero?!?!?!

Alright - I admit it...

I am a liar.

Big fat liar.

Liar liar pants on fire.

I said in the post below I would consider today a success if I got one project off my desk. Completed - gone.

Well, I've got four done. FOUR. That's more than one, last time I checked.

However, I have now developed a migraine that is causing me to read my monitor with one eye closed. I have had a full out, honest to goodness astma attack (first one in a long long time) AND I won't even begin to tell you my gastric woes.

Every bit of that is stress related. I know. It's happened before.

Today is NOT a good day. And I don't see any magic wand layin' around that can change that. No matter HOW many projects get done, files get filed, orders get quoted - it's not going to change the fact that today sucks wet socks.

So you see, I lied. And now you'll have to excuse me as I run to Walgreens to pick up lunch. You know......Excederine, Malox......

Finally Friday!!!

It's Friday! It's Friday!!

And I'm gonna have me a good weekend.

Tomorrow - a little time at the DMV then off to the Bad Example Family Home. Some time with Harvey and TNT is way past due.

Then Sunday? Ahhh Sunday is gonna ROCK! You see there are four of us "lady bloggers" that all live in very close proximity. I've taken to calling us The Border Babes - bein' as we live pretty much on the WI/IL state line. Anyway - TNT, Richmond, Ktreva and myself are going to meet up here at The Belfry and take us a little road trip. We're headin' east to the Woodfield Mall for an afternoon of eattin', laughin', shoppin', and....well......pretty much anything else that comes to mind.

I am really lookin' forward to this. Even the DMV part. :-)

All I have to do is survive today. Just make it to 4:30 this afternoon without hurting myself or someone else. If I can just finish 1 project completely, get it off my desk and move on - THAT will make this weekend a true celebration.

Anyway - what have you got planned for the weekend? Any adventures, or are you just gonna take it easy?

Why Didn't I Think of That?!?!

Well crap. I'm a bad car owner.

That has been pointed out to me in spades.

Yes, I'm takin' good care of Lana. In fact, just got her oil changed, filters replaced and tires rotated this week!

No - it's something else all together......

RedNeck not only NAMED his truck, but has a theme song too.

For cryin' out loud. I gotta get with the program.

So - here are my choices.

'Neck even has a suggestion for me in his comments to the post I linked above. Ahhhh choices........

So what do you think? Any suggestions on what would be a good theme song for Lana? (and the first person who recommends Lullaby is gonna be in BIG trouble!!!)

What is Going On?!?!

For cryin' out loud!!!

I had over 200 hits yesterday from this result in google searches.

From over a year ago!

Did I miss something? Cause, while I thought it was funny when I posted it.....it ain't no 200+ hits a day funny........

In Their Own Words

Via Milblogs I found this video.

A soldier starts a petition for active duty military to tell Congress, in my words, Back Off. Butt Out.

Check it out. Then spread the word. Here's some ideas on how to do that.

Oh - and here's a page with some links for civilians to sign a few petitions also!

It's Not Cut and Dried

Raging Mom shares something that, I'm sure, was not easy. I cannot even begin to imagine.

Now understand, RM is someone that I consider a true patriot. Someone that I admire to my very core. And after reading that post? I admire her even more.

Life is not black or white. Cut and dried. Sometimes it's made up of shitty choices with no good answers. I think it takes more courage than most people realize to admit that.

Splat!

What happened?

I got back from Florida exhausted. So....I slept. All day Saturday. I napped on Sunday. I rested.

Up bright and early Monday morning. At it full boar.

Tuesday? On the money. Very productive. Chompin' at the bit, as it were.

Yesterday? By the time I hit Fritz's for dinner even Fritz didn't recognize me. And I ran into him that morning!! I couldn't get to sleep fast enough when I got home.

Today? Even after a good (not great) night's sleep I'm done. It needs to be Friday right now.

How does this happen? Where is my energy? I sit at a flippin' desk all day. Oh, I run around the building some, but....come on. It's not like I'm runnin' a marathon, for cryin' out loud.

I used to do GREAT until Thursdays. Thursdays I'd hit the wall. Now? It's Wednesdays. By Wednesday I'm just.....fried.

So tell me. When do you typically run out of steam during the week? Or are you one of those lucky ones that mimic that damned Energizer Bunny and just keep going, and going, and going........

If I'da Known.....

Ok - now I'm gettin' pissed.

For starters, head on over to Contagion's place and get the back ground on the newest "bright idea" the State of Illinois is trying to get going.

Alright, now you know what I know. I read the article and heard a bit about it on the radio during my drive home last evening.

And I'm pissed. For several reasons.

1) WTF are they doin'?!?!?! Driving is a privilege. Not a right. Not by a long shot.

2) Those idiots that think it'll keep the illegals from "fleeing the scene" when there is an accident are smokin' some sort of Happy Hash. All the certificate will do is get them through one of our infamous "check points" without being hauled off. If they flee the scene now, they'll flee the scene whenever. That's a personality trait.

3) WTF are they doin'?!?!?!?

I'll say this just one more time. You want to live in this country, wonderful. You want to improve the quality of life for you and your family? Great. BUT FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK. Do your due diligence. FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE. We don't ask for your first born (even though you seem to be givin' 'em to us anyway) or a quart of your blood. Just some paperwork and a few classes. It's pretty simple. And then you're legal.

Now, I have a confession to make. I'm not legal. Oh, I'm an American citizen. Damn straight. But - I'm not a legal driver. Well, I am now, but I wasn't for a while there.

I messed up some paperwork stuff in Florida. And when I bought Lana and got insurance, I found out Florida had revoked my DL. Which meant I couldn't get a valid DL in Illinois. The states talk to each other now, ya know. This was not a good thing.

After hours on the phone with Florida, I realized it was going to take months and months and plenty of dollars to get things straightened out.

So last week, I headed down to the DMV office in St. Pete to get everything straighted out. It was cheaper in the long run, and instant gratification. It took 5 minutes and $150. I'm now a legal beagle.

Saturday morning I can finally obtain my Illinois DL.

Let's recap. All I did was mess up paperwork. I have a fantastic driving record (they don't know about the whole dreamin' and drivin' thing). But I had to pay $150 to one state so I can pay MORE money to another state so that I can drive legally.

But these folks can come into this country illegally. Pay a few bucks and get a "downgraded version" of a DL? And I can almost guarantee those damned things won't cost 1/4 of what I had to pay just last week!!!

We need to grow a pair of balls, and quickly. Put our collective foot down, as it were. You wanna live here? Great. Fill out the paperwork and take the steps. Period. You don't want to do that? Get the hell out. End of discussion. No exceptions. You have a baby here? Oh well. Congrats, but doesn't matter. No paperwork - no privileges. I don't mind them coming - I mind them coming in illegally.

Nothin' burns my ass more than a double standard.

The Field Narrows

World's Tallest Man Marries

You'll excuse me if I'm really not tooooooo upset about this one.....

Don't Cross That Line

I had a delightful suprise last evening. A phone call from a very good friend. With my schedule what it is, we haven't had much of a chance to chat , and well...given what happened last week I didn't stop to see her while I was there.

Anyway, this is the friend that is polar opposite of me politically. POLAR. Usually I avoid discussing politics with her at all costs. I'm NOT going to ruin a friendship because she stands on the Left of things and I stand on the Right.

Last night there was no swaying her. She went in with both guns blaring. I bit my tongue as long as I could, but finally I just couldn't do it. So it started.

But to my surprise it stayed civil. I know she was fuming. Hell, I was. It was close, but we didn't explode.

During one point of the conversation she started listing the reasons she dislikes our President so much. (putting it very mildly) I let her have her say. Then I TOOK my turn. That was when I realized we had something in common. Her reaction to President Bush? Mirrors my feelings for all thing Clinton exactly. Mine is just doubled cause I don't like (understatement of the century) either of the Clintons.

We talked it out - knowing we would never sway the other's opinion. I found it interesting to hear things laid out in a civil manner rather than the normal foaming-of-the-mouth, ranting and screaming that usually comes from that direction. I don't agree. But it was an interesting conversation none the less.

What we both agreed on was the polarization of the nation. It's horrible and disheartening. More than that it's scary as hell.

But I made it clear, if I found out she was a part of or supporter in ANY of the protests that are occuring targeting our troops.....I'm done. Period. THAT is where I draw the line. We all have a right to our opinions, right or wrong. It's what makes this country what it is. HOWEVER, mess with our Military or our Vets and I'm goin' in with everything I have to stop you. End of discussion.

We all have boundaries. We all have limits. THAT is mine.

Tammi Does Washington

Wait. I think that came out wrong.

Ok - let's start again. I've mentioned the MilBlog Conference May 5th, right?

Well, I just found out I get to go to DC the week before that too. And I have to tell you - I am pretty damned excited.

Our company will be participating in a VERY cool event. Month of the Military Child. An entire month dedicated to the children of our Military men and women. I cannot think of ANYTHING better.

The event I'll be participating in is - Arts & Crafts & Scrapbooking in the Pentagon Courtyard -26-April (Take your kids to work day...)

How cool is that?

It's even going to be broadcast on The Pentagon Channel. (I don't know what chanel that is, but I'll let you know when I know)

HERE is the official website. There isn't a lot of details up for participants at this point, but I will keep you posted as I get additional information.

There are other events planned across the country, so if you are a Military Spouse with children check it out. I know there is something planned in Indianapolis on April 6th. I'll get the info for you this week.

Seriously, I am just so honored that I get to participate in this. Y'all know I love the babies, and my admiration of our Military and their families goes beyond words. To get the opportunity to do something, anything to show that admiration and love is beyond anything I ever expected.

If you are going to be in the DC area on the 26th and you are a part of this event, please drop me an email at tammisword@gmail.com - or else stop by and say HI while you're there. I'm the REALLY tall brunett with a smile the size of Texas and playin' with stickers. But watch out - there's a good chance I'll have a hug for you!

But as an aside - Me, Tammi, the one NOT allowed to do crafts cause I suck so bad at it, will be helping the kids with their crafts. Yeah, that oughta be interesting.......

FINALLY - a voice of reason

Actually it's the voice of a Marine, but hey - ain't that the same thing?

Mike the Marine is gettin' into politics. In his own special way.

Hot Damn.

Head on over and check it out! He's got my vote!!!!

Signs

Standing outside having a cigarette yesterday I had this feeling someone was watching me. You know what I'm talking about - THAT feeling. Yick.

So, I'm looking around.

Nothing.

But the feeling wouldn't go away.

Finally, something caught my eye.

Up on the roof of the building was a row of about 12 geese. All standing on the very edge of the roof, looking down at me.

I'm taking the lack of goose shit in my hair as a sign of a VERY good day.

Perspective

My first day back into the fray was actually pretty damned good. I made a point of making sure my team knew how much I appreciated all they did to give me the space I needed to take care of things last week. And let me tell you - my boss rocks.

The funny thing is I had 6 voicemails on my machine when I got home Saturday. All were recruiters with VERY local offers. Either work from homes or within a 45 minute drive.

I called the recruiters back yesterday and told them Thanks but No Thanks. But also asked that they keep my name for future opportunities (never burn those bridges!)

You see - as far as I'm concerned the company I work for has treated me like a queen. I am supported, believed in and appreciated. That is 90% of the battle as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going anywhere for a while.

And they like me. As a person. I find that amazing. Seriously. I'm used to most places appreciating my work ethic. And my analytical skills. But my personality? Yeah, not so much. I can be a bit......much at times.

But I realized something last week. You see, I was the lone sales shark in a bayou of buyers. A strange mix, to be sure. And I saw I'm actually not as assertive as I think I am. Actually, I may be a bit too nice in my dealings. Oh - I'm not planning on changing my style, that's for sure. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But, it was rather surprising to see I'm sorta kinda......mushy.

Not only that, but I'm not nearly the control freak I thought I was turning into. My Reps are professionals (for the most part) that are where they are in life because they know how to do their jobs. And do them well. The staff in the office? Some of the best I've ever worked with. We're understaffed and under trained and that didn't stop them. We missed no deadlines (I did, but they didn't) and things went out pulled together and polished. All they needed me for was the final approvals and to answer a couple questions. There was no "This is what I'm gonna need for you to do...."s or anything.

I manage like Mama Vi did. With a Tammi Twist thrown in for flavor. And I'm alright with that. To be in an environment that encourages that is very refreshing.

When I look back and realize how close I came to missing out on this opportunity it's freaky. It's pretty clear to me now that I'm supposed to be here. In this company. In this industry. Oh, I'm still the Anti-Craft (link to Harvey's really cool graphic!), but I'm starting to get it. I've been here almost a year now, and while there are some frustrating moments, overall, I couldn't be happier with my career.

Funny the things we notice when we take a moment to just stop. And breathe. I'm thinkin' we all might need to do that every once in awhile. Maybe we'll be able to realize things aren't as bad as we think they are.

My Make-up

I've seen this every where and finally just decided to give in. Not to mention it's kind of a slow blog day. :-)

Swimmin'

I usually fall asleep with Nick @ Nite on. Last night I forgot to set the sleep timer so that's also what I woke up to.

As I was just finishing my last post I heard something that made me chuckle.

I'm not sure what this show is exactly, but the Dad say's to his daughter:

"I kinda thought you'd swim in my end of the gene pool. The end filled with Ranch Dressing, melted cheese and fudge. Lots of fudge."

Huh. I think I may have just found my natural father. Holy Crap. That sounds exactly like something I would say. And is pretty much spot on.

So tell me. What's your gene pool filled with?

Challenge!

I made a discovery this past week. Well, actually, I made quite a few discoveries, but this one is the easy one to talk about.

Florida is no longer my haven.

And let me tell you - a slap up side the head could not have been more jarring than the morning I realized that fact.

I knew my perspective had changed in the past few years. That's been rather obvious to me. And don't take that statement to mean I don't love it down there. But - it's not my mecca. It's different.

I had seen/felt some of the changes the last few times I have been there. But this trip, this trip it flat out came at me full bore.

And I'm just shallow enough to say it surprised the hell out of me.

When I got off the plane in Illinois, of course I hightailed it out to have a quick smoke. As I stood out there with the other passengers they were all complaining about how brown everything is. The fact that it was chilly (in the 60's for cryin' out loud). How weird it was without palm trees.

Me? I looked around and smiled. That's when it hit me. I don't mind the brown. Or the chill. I actually thought the bare trees in the sunshine looked rather pretty.

Taking the backroad back to THE Valley I took my time. Crossing the river, smiling at the fishermen taking advantage of the warm weather. Curving through the countryside, enjoying the peace that comes with rural life. Windows down, music blaring, just glad to be home.

I'm taking the final step this next weekend. I'm finally giving up my Florida drivers license. I know, I know, I should have done that years ago. But I couldn't get myself to admit that Florida isn't home. I couldn't give up that last little tie.

But I'm ready now. I fully realize I don't need the water, or the beach or the palm trees to define who I am or give me peace. It's all up to me. And I'm finally up for the challenge.

Dreams

My friend, and fellow BadExample Family Member, Oddy is running for Judge.

She is working to make her dream come true. I think that is just wonderful.

And, she is offering us the chance to participate.

Click on over to BoboBlogger and get yourself one of those really cool Oddy For Judge bumper stickers. Help make someones dream come true.

SURPRISE!!!

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

Ok, ok. I know. That's really not all that difficult, but you know what I mean.....I was very surprised.

I'm an Aunt again. And I had no idea.

Check out Blogdaughter LeeAnn's newest addition.

What a sweetie!!!

But Holy Cow - and folks think it's dangerous when *I* go shopping.........

Charming?

First....watch this.....

OK - So tell me.....is it luck? Is it charm? Or is he just that good?

Holy Cow!

I just realized that at this site I've now had 10,500 comments.

The milestone comment comes from my good friend Jerry - over at Back Home Again!

And that's AFTER getting rid of the spam!

Thanks y'all. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love the comments!!!

Oh, and Jerry? You're "prize" is a home cooked meal here in THE Valley!

Musical Round-Up

I'm spending this Sunday morning visiting my favorite sites that I've missed so much these past days.

And I know so many of you have probably seen these posts, but just in case - I wanted to share them with you.

Sgt. Hook has a beautiful video honoring America's real Idols.

Over at Blackfive there are a couple of incredible posts that take the song Love Me When I'm Gone to a whole new level. This one that Subsunk shares is just fantastic. Then Pinch Paisley shares another one that just....gets me.

Wow. That's all I can say....

Home is where the heart is.....

I knew I was tired, but even *I* had no idea how much so.

The flight home was fine. Quick and easy, and no hassle at all. Despite the fact that I have become a serious Airline Snob, I'll do this trip again. No parking fees, no real security line. I was back in THE Valley within 30 mins of landing. I forgot how nice that was. Not to mention that even getting last minute tickets - and flying on weekends - I paid only $200 round trip!

On the drive home I realized the worst thing I could do was have a beer - or 12. So I went to the diner and had me some breakfast. And then, finally, I was home.

Honestly - the place looked like hell. And I couldn't have been happier. I drug up the luggage and went immediately to my bed place. And proceeded to sleep for 6 straight hours. For dinner? Girl Scout cookies and a glass of water. A nice converstation with Richmond and back to sleep. Woke up this morning to the sound of singing birds and the fan blasting in the window. After a shower and some of my really yummy coffee I am starting to feel human again.

I know damned well this next week is gonna be hell on wheels. And I have learned my lesson. No matter what. No matter how. I will bring my laptop home on the weekends. Even if all it does is sit in the corner of the living room, it's coming with me. While things at work were covered, for the most part, I still was working half blind the entire time. Oh, my team flippin' rocked. I will never be able to thank them enough for the way they stepped up and just took care of business so that I could take care of mine. I've never had that kind of support within my team before, and honestly I didn't expect it. I'm thrilled to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

So I owe them. I owe them my focus and my time. This next week will be balls to the walls. I've got to make a trip to Phily in the very near future, and probably Salt Lake. Dallas might well be in the cards as well. It's what ever I need to do. Because it's the least I can do.

I learned a lot of lessons this past week. And I'm just gonna warn you now - I've always figured if it's a good reminder to me, I need to share. That's what the blog is. So just prepare yourselves now. There's a distinct probablity there'll be a soapbox post sprinkled out over the next few weeks.

On The Move.....again

"these people of the air, these children of the wind, had a sense of where to go and how, how to go north north-by-west north, till they came to one wooden pole, till they were home again. "

-Unassigned Quotes

WTF?!?! 5:30am? On a Saturday?!? And I don't even have anyone else I can blame this one one. I booked these tickets for myself!

Yep. I'm heading home today. I'll be sittin' at Fritz's for lunch.

It's been a very long week. Emotional and weary. I pray I don't have another like that for a very long time.

Hopefully my creative flow will return once I"m back at The Belfry and things will liven up here in Tammi's World. Meanwhile, please know that my friend and I appreciate your comments, emails and prayers. Y'all are the best.

An Oasis

Today I had to run some errands. I needed to take care of some personal business and pick up a couple of things for my friend.

And I got an extra special added treat. I got to have lunch with the beautiful (but directionally challenged) SarahK.

How lucky am I?

Now, you have to keep in mind, I lived in Orlando for a little over a year. I was an outside sales rep in Orlando off and on for over 5 years.

Can I tell you how lost I got trying to find the resturant we were meeting at? About an hours worth of lost - and it ended up being about 4 miles from where I flippin' started.......

What I should have done was ask her if there was a furniture or mattress store anywhere near it. THEN I'd have found it in a heart beat.

The funniest part - is she couldn't talk me in. At all. It. Was. Hysterical.

I haven't laughed that hard in well over a week.

But I made it. And she waited. We had a very delicious lunch and a wonderful chat. Ok conversation. Oh heck - we were sittin' there gabbin' for well over 3 hours. And weren't done yet - but had to get back to our real lives.

Thank you SarahK, for a wonderful afternoon. It was exactly what I needed. I just wish I had more time to write up more of the stories. ;-)

Update

I'm here in Orlando. Tonite, I will do the only think I *know* I can do to help.

I'm cooking. In my mixed up Amish reject brain, I think it's absolutely necessary to have a hot meal. So - I'm getting ready to start dinner. Now, if it'll be ate or not is a whole 'nother issue. But it'll be available. The option is there.

It's been a difficult day, but quiet. Time spent telling stories and making plans. Laughter and tears.

The wake is Wednesday, the memorial on Thursday.

Did I mention his 42nd birthday is Wednesday?

Charlie

Wow. Saturday seems like the longest day I've known in a long time. I'm not used to feeling useless, and waiting to go to sleep so I can get up and get on a plane is pretty damned useless if you ask me.

So I spent the day thinking about my friend in Orlando, T, and her husband Charlie.

I've got a million memories in my head and I need to get them down. So I'll put some of them below the fold - just in case you aren't interested.

T was the first friend I made when I moved to Florida. She was the buyer for my largest steel account. We hit it off immediately and it wasn't long before we were good friends.

Both of us were single, our divorces newly minted. We were both healing.

Charlie worked at the same place T did, out in the plant. Quiet, charming (Oh, he'd argue with me over that) and so damned funny. He had his eye on T, but she was having none of it.

T & I had plans to attend a concert. Charlie found out and wanted to go along. Actually, he wanted to go with T. I tried to back out, but she was adamant that I go. So the three of us met up at her house and went to the concert. I was, ummm, well, a little excited. OK - I danced through the entire thing. And sang. And hollered. They weren't real sure what to make of me - especially Charlie. It turns out - this was their first date. Thank GOODNESS I didn't scare him off.

Charlie is the brother I wish I had. We had so much fun together. And he never judged me. No matter how stupid my decision, how irresponsible my choice - he just loved me. That was his greatest gift.

And his love for T is absolute. And what I love MOST about him. They were not one of those couples that were into PDA. They bickered and picked. But all in fun. They were perfect together. Ying and Yang. The couple you just HAD to hang out with.

Charlie and I loved to push T's buttons. Every. Chance. We. Got. We were like kids together. Poor thing, I don't know how she put up with us.

And oh, the man was magic with a computer. Self taught, there was nothing he couldn't do with a PC.

I can't not talk about his golfing. Like everything else he did, he was fantastic at it. I'll never forget when he got his first (yes first) hole in one. It was at one of the big courses in Orlando. And man oh man oh man - do NOT mess with his clubs. THAT, would surely get you in deep shit. Take my word on that one....hehehehe

I simply cannot grasp the idea that when I get there I will not hear his laughter. Or see his smile. Or get one of his absolute hugs. I cannot imagine this life without him in it.

I trusted his opinion completely. He was the best judge of people I've ever known.

He had bad judgement in football teams, but I always have forgiven him for that. But it sure did make for some great "discussions".

He used to give me a rough time about my "6' minimum". Every time he met one of the guys I was "interested" in, he'd find some way to stand next to them and then give me "the look". If he was any where CLOSE to being the same height I knew I'd get some shit for (as he put it) passin' him up for a short guy. hehehehe

I lived with them for a few months at one point. Oh my - the times we had. The three of us, with their neighbors, were always up to something.

Nights curled up on their couch, talking the night away. OK - T and I talking, he couldn't get a word in edgewise. But he tried, bless his heart.

Actually, Charlie wasn't a big talker. He preferred to listen. But when he did pipe up - you wanted to hear every word he said. It was just that good.

Now, you may think I'm romanticizing him. I'm not. He was that special. Everyone loved Charlie. He defines the phrase Good Man. He is, in my book, The Standard.

Mama Vi loves these two. She said, when she first met them, how much Charlie reminds her of Daddy. That's the highest compliment I've ever known her to give.

I'm going to miss him. But I'm so lucky to have known him. He is my friend. He is my brother. And he is gone way too soon.

Have you...

.....made sure the people in your life know you love them?

Don't wait. You might miss your chance.

Remember - at the end of the day, don't have to say "I wish I had, or I wonder if".

No regrets.

If not for yourself, for them. Give them that. It's the very least we can do.

THAT Call

I just got THAT call. The one we all hate. The one we hope we'll never get.

One of my closest friends in Orlando called. Her beloved husband took a nap on the couch yesterday and never woke up.

He was only in his early 40's.

He was one of the healtiest person I knew.

He was one of the most incredible people I've ever known.

Now, he's gone.

I cannot believe it.

I'm on a flight tomorrow morning. I don't know for sure when I'll be back, as arrangements have not been made.

Dear Sweet Lord, I cannot believe this.

Pray for my friend. Please.

Sobriety Test....

I hate to admit it, but it's a pretty good measure......

Funny

This is funny stuff.

Great Job Harvey. Looks just like him.....

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 we go - It's St. Patty's Day. A day known for a little corned beef and cabbage, and a lot of whiskey and ale. It got me to wonderin', what is your favorite drink to celebrate this particular holiday?

I know folks that are all about the Irish Car Bombs (link even has video instructions!), some that just keep it simple and stick to whiskey. Other's use the day to indulge in some Guiness or Bass.

Me? I have to admit, I'm not all that adventurous when it comes to beer and such. Can't drink whiskey (don't ask, but it was NOT pretty. At All.) So I usually just stick to plain ole everyday beer. And if I could, I'd have (more than) a few Yuenglings today. Just because it's my current very favorite thing. That, and yes, I am a wimp.

So what about you? What is your favorite drink to celebrate St. Patty's Day???

Huh

I'm just sayin'.......

Just in Time for St. Patty's Day

Your Irish Name Is...

Chloe Burke

What's your Irish Name?

Sounds more like a stripper name, if you ask me.....

Long Live the Weekend!

WooHoo!! It's Friday. Finally - It's Friday.

And you know what? I am not bringing any work home with me this weekend. The laptop will stay secured at the office. There will be no paperwork stuck in my purse. None. At all.

I'm gettin' my hair done, I'm putterin' around my house. I'm making cookies for the neighbors. I'm makin' me a pot-o-somethin' yummy. I'm watchin' movies and reading a book.

After this past week, the song below is more appropriate than I can possibly say.

Have A Great Friday!! WE MADE IT!!!!!!

Ogfest Update

Ogfest is coming together. Yes, I know it's still four months away, but I'm not one to wait until the very last minute to pull things together.

Here are the details as we know them.

Date: The weekend of July 7th & 8th

Location: Naperville IL

Closest Airport: Midway (Chicago)

I am currently finishing up negotiations with the Naperville Holiday Inn Select. We'll have a variety of rooms (and rates) available in a block for the entire weekend. We'll have a suite available for hangin' out in, a bar (of course), resturant and pool. Location wise it's a shuttle away from the airport and has lots of options entertainment wise.

I really need to know if you are thinking about coming. Reason being, I am working very hard to get GREAT rates for the rooms. So if you REALLY THINK you might make it and will need a room, please either leave me a comment or drop me a note at tammisworld(at)gmail(dot)com.

We're planning a nice relaxing dinner for Friday night and a great meal for Saturday. Og is planning on takin' folks to the shooting range and Downtown Chicago is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Plus - there'll be bloggers there. Great bloggers. Wonderful conversation. Laughter. Yeah, it'll be a very good time.

So - I'll post about this again as soon as the room rates are finalized. But if you're seriously thinking you can make it....please, let me know.

Chu Look Mavalus!!!

I was out for lunch the other day with a gentleman that runs a very popular toy company. Now, it's been kinda rough these past few weeks. All those long trips, then getting sick, then sicker and all the work that just piled up....

Anyway, we're sitting there chatting while we waited for our food. My friend looks across the table at me and says, out of the blue, "I would have never thought you could look this bad Tammi."

Gee. Thanks. Just what I need to hear before I walk into a really important meeting. NOT.

And folks - this shit happens to me all the time. I walked into Fritz's the other night. Fritz walks over, sits down next to me and says (after a 12 hour day btw) "Man Tammi. You look like hell."

Yeah. Thanks.

Do I get the "Gee you look FANTASTIC"s or the "Damn girl, you got it goin' on"s? No. No I don't. Not very often at all.

But believe you me, I sure do know when I'm having a bad hair day, or my clothes fit a little "off", or if I'm runnin' light on sleep. Yeah, I hear about that alright.

Now, I'm actually writing this with a smile on my face. You see - it's always been like this. I really believe it's my tin-foil hat. I just think it's funny as hell, and I really do love that people know they can say just about anything to me.

But ya gotta know - if it's gonna happen. It's gonna happen to me. Well, me and Army Wife (kids'll do that, ya know....)

NOW They Tell Me.....

"Warning: this pill makes you odd"

"HEALTH authorities will consider upgrading official warnings on all sleeping pills after a US decision to warn patients they can cause bizarre behaviour such as driving and eating while asleep." (emphasis mine)

Huh. I coulda told them that.....

Is It Just Me?

When I get dressed in the morning I ALWAYS match my underwear to my outfit.

Does anyone else do this, or am I just weird that way?

Value

Sigh

I wish that people would realize their value. Their importance in the puzzle. It just gets so frustrating to me.

My first job in the steel industry was as a temp. I worked with the shipping group to put together a computerized system for shipping and recieving. Got to know the folks in the plant pretty well. Then, I got hired on. Then promoted. But I hung on to those friendships.

The folks in the plant were rotated into other areas as teams. So the shipping guys all stayed together. At one point they were assigned to one of the inspection lines. By this time I was in Corporate sales out of the Chicago office.

One day we were having the first GREAT spring day of the year so the guys all decided to call in and go fishing. That effectively shut down the #2 Inspection Line.

It just so happened that my steel was scheduled to run on that particular line that day. It also just so happened it was a hot load needed to keep from shutting one of the Chrysler plants down. To avoid a very large monetary penalty I had to purchase (at a huge price) replacement material to ship in it's place.

The next day instead of going to the office I drove to the plant. (I had the President of the plants approval for all of this btw.) I took some donuts and went out to see The Boys. We talked, they told me about fishing and what a great time they had. I never said a word about the consequences of their decision. Instead I told them I had arranged a Field Trip for them. They were going to take the train into the city and spend the day at Corporate with Me.

I paid for the train tickets. I bought lunch. They just had to wear a tie and show up.

They did. I set up the conference room as my office for the day. Every call that came in I put on speaker. Told the caller and went on with my day to day business. And let those guys hear every single word that was spoken.

By the third call I would have sworn their faces were permanently red. I got my ass chewed up one side and down the other for missing shipments, replacement material, being late, burrs, defects - you name it.

By lunch the only words those guys could say were "I'm sorry" and "I had no idea".

I wanted them to SEE, to UNDERSTAND how important what they do is to ME. To the CUSTOMER. I needed them to realize how they fit in the puzzle that was our business.

I can see something like that comin' where I'm at now. It seems I am surrounded by people with tunnel vision. They know what THEY do and nothing else. Or else they know but don't care.

We're a small company runnin' with the big dogs. And the big dogs are eatin' our lunch. They have resources and systems beyond anything we'll ever have. But I know we can do it. We have the potential. People just need to understand how a TEAM really works.

Now, I'll admit, part of the problem is that in one area people are not "valued". I do what I can to say Thank You (took donuts to the entire warehouse group for doin' a rush job for me) and letting the powers that be know when someone goes above and beyond. But that's not enough. We as a company need to do a better job of that.

And some how, we have to get everyone on board. We have to make sure EVERYONE understands how vital their role is.

And that's true in life over all. Each of us has a role. A role that HAS to be filled. Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, Wife, Husband, Friend - each is a role that, if left undone or done poorly effects lives. Each of us brings a special value to that role. One that no one else can bring.

Oh, I just wish I could blink my eyes, or wiggle my nose and people would understand just how special and valuable they are. The world - and my job - would be so much sweeter for that.......

I couldn't Resist

You Are 48% 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.

Are You A Control Freak?

Only 48%?!?! You can't possibly be more surprised than I am!!!!

Oh, and as for that "life is in order" part? Yeah, not so much. Maybe me trying to control things is not such a good idea........

You Gotta See This

I love FrankJ's cartoons.

THIS one, I think, is my all time very favorite.

You gotta go see this......

I Have. Have You?

Flight booked? - Done

Hotel booked? - Done

Registration completed? - Done

I'm all ready for the MilBlog Conference, and I am VERY excited. I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends, meeting some folks I've read forever and learning a few things.

May 5th! Washington DC. Hurry Up! Make your arrangments. You won't want to miss this!!!!

It's Your Birthday!

Yes folks, it's another important day in my life.

Today is Carmen's birthday. And what a year she's had. Moved away from home. Got married. Gonna have a wee one soon. My oh my, how life has changed in these past 12 months.

Happy Birthday Carmen!! I love ya, darlin'. My birthday wish for you is that life just keeps getting better and better!

Ain't she purty?!?!

Home Sweet Home

I've been thinking lately. Just what exactly makes a house a home to me. At first I thought that would be a pretty easy answer. And on the surface, it is. But when you spend as much time as I do with nothin' but open road in front of you, not many thoughts just stay "on the surface".

So as I tend to do, I've been chewin' this over. And over. And over.

I know I need more room. Yes, I'm fully aware I live alone. But what I loved most about the house in Orlando and the townhouse in Tampa was the open space. I have BIG furniture. I'm a big girl, and I don't want to feel like I'm going to break something if I plop down on it. Plus, I bought things to last. But I'm so tired of feeling crowded. I want space - open space.

But I really need more room so I can fill it. Fill it with people. What makes me most happy is having people over. I absolultely cannot wait to move so I can have folks over for dinner and movies. Conversation flowing through my home, laughter bouncing off the walls. The sound of childrens feet as they run through the house. The smell of a meal I planned Just For Them.

And Football Sunday. Ohhhhh how I missed the Football Sunday's this year.

That is when I realized THAT is the most important part of a house to me. The ability to entertain. Comfortably.

And I need to feel safe. Well, I have that here in THE Valley. I don't think I've ever felt as safe and secure as I do here. That's a big part of why I don't want to leave. Trust me, that feeling is not easy to come by anymore.

I've added a new requirement. I have to feel settled. I want to be able to unpack ALL of the boxes. Make my home MINE. Not worry that I'll have to uproot everything again in a year. Now I full realize that nothing is a "sure" thing, but I want as many assurances as I can get.

I want a big kitchen. Where I can cook my little heart out. I want room for folks to sit/stand around. The kitchen is the heart of a home, at least for me. I don't need the newest appliances - had those. They're nice, but I don't need 'em. I just want room. For food. And people.

I need a house that gets lots of light. I need the sunshine and I'll tell you, The Belfry doesn't get much sunlight. At all. And I've missed that more than I can tell you.

That, and having a home that is warm and welcoming. Little touches - candles here and there, photos that bring a smile to your face with the memories, flowers in the hall, colors that soothe.

Yeah, in case you couldn't tell, I'm getting the itch. My year is just about up and I'm praying I can get into something else the first of June. I still have to talk with that guy about the house I fell in love with last spring. I'll have that conversation in a couple of weeks. And my sweet landlady is helping me look. It was made very clear that this was only temporary, and while she'd like me to stay, she more than understands. That helps.

I'm just ready. As much work as it's going to be, and as much money as it'll set me back, I need to do this. For my sanity.

But I also couldn't help but wonder......what about you? What makes a house a HOME for you?

A Spot of Heaven

Do you see that? Do you see the light pretty dress? Do you see it say's 72 degrees?

Holy Sweet Goodness - this has been the most beautiful day in recent memory.

Yeah, I know. It's gonna get cold again this weekend.

Don't care.

Not at all.

Because today....it was heaven.......

It's Life

Wow. Today really is a big day.

Anniversarys, Birthdays and moving day.

I talked with my sister's oldest daughter this morning. Ashley and I have always had a very special bond. She is as much mine and me as if I had given birth to her. Even her Mother say's that.

Well, today she is moving into her very own apartment.

She's leaving the nest, as it were.

I'm so proud of her, yet so very scared. You see, life hasn't been so easy for my darlin'. And, as we have all done, she's made some decisions that hasn't made it any easier.

As an adult in her life, someone who pledged to be there for her, love her, guide her, it's been so hard to stand by and watch. Oh, I've offered advice when I could. But you have to let them live their own lives. Make their own mistakes. Fix their own problems.

But ohhhh it's so very difficult some times.

But today? Today she declares her independence. She's been saving up, buying furniture, fixing it up. Picking up candles and prettys and practical things. She's ready.

I just don't think I am.

Happy Birthday!!

Since I'm here at work I can't do all the things I'd like to do to celebrate a very special day. But I can't let it go by without saying.......

Happy Birthday Oddy!!!

I wish you all the very best darlin'.

Enjoy your day.

Three Years?!?!?

Wow. Three Years. I've been sitting down and posting something almost every single day for three years now.

And oh how things have changed. Not just here, but throughout the blogosphere.

Time was I had over 300 hits a day. That number has dropped. And dropped. And dropped some more. And surprisingly enough, I'm pretty much alright with that. I see many of the same IP addresses that have been along for the ride right from the get go. I figure, if folks are coming over here, it's mostly because they actually want to. THAT is just exactly the way it should be.

While there are more and more blogs popping up daily, the sphere itself has gotten smaller. That's because, as is human nature, we've taken it to the next step. Many bloggers have been getting together - face to face. And if anyone tries to tell you that doesn't change things, they are lying. Flat out.

I know I've really changed what I write. Time was if it popped into my mind, I wrote about it. Now? Now I think about if someone will take it wrong, if I'll hurt someone's feelings, if it's just flat out inappropriate. That, and I'm just not willing to put personal issues out there like I used to. And the main reason for that is that many of the things I've been thinking about, dealing with involve other bloggers. Because they are such a part of my life. And that is a VERY good thing.

But - I don't write like I used to.

But three years! I never in my wildest dreams thought when I posted this that I'd still be here, in front of this monitor, typing on this keyboard, three years later. Fact is, I don't remember WHAT I thought at the time, but I'm pretty sure it didn't involve any "time frame" for blogging.

And I'll tell you - it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. EVER. It has changed my life in ways I cannot begin to tell you. I have met some of the most incredible people. Formed friendships that have added to the quality of my life in ways I never imgained. I no longer feel so alone in this world. I no longer wonder if I'm the only one to see or think things.

I'm not going to do a "round up of my favorite posts" or any such thing to celebrate this year. This year, I think I'll just say a heart felt THANK YOU to those that have made it a point to stop by, to stick around all this time. This year I'll just sit back and marvel at how much better my life is because of this little hobby of mine.

Oh. My. Goodness

I just read this post over at Mrs. Who's place.

Holy Crap.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

So I just laughed until I cried.

Seriously - if you are a woman, you really need to read this. ESPECIALLY with summer comin' up.

If you are a guy - only read this if you REALLY want to understand what we woman go through to look good.

Damn, I'm hurtin' for her.......

Not QUITE How I Meant It....

To explain this post a bit I should tell you we just got new "sensored" paper towel dispensers. You know, the kind you have to wave your hand in front of before you can get to the paper.

Actual conversation in Women's bathroom at work this morning:

Tammi: (after 5 or 6 "swipes" in front of dispenser) Damn it. This is as bad as when I was married and had to beg my husband for a little.

Co-Worker:

Tammi: yeah, probably should have used a different analogy, huh?

Co-Worker: Yeah. Probably.

Shut That Alarm Off!

Just so you know - this whole new time thingy crap SUCKS.

Damn, it's gonna be a long week..........

I Am....

I don't go to church. I no longer belong to any type of "formal religion". I don't and I make no apology for it.

Now, that does NOT by any stretch of the imagination make me any less a Christian, any less faithful. I just choose to avoid the political and social issues I have always had to deal with when attending a church.

Oh, now you should know this is making my family crazy. There are "interventions" threatened, prayers offered daily to save my soul, all sorts of talk about the state of my faith.

Personally, I think it's pretty funny.

Now, I don't enjoy making my family crazy. (ok, maybe sometimes, but not about this)

But for cryin' out loud - I would hope that my own family would see and appreciate my faith. That they would understand, after seeing and hearing all I've been through, WHY I've made this choice.

I believe our spiritual welfare is personal. VERY personal. As I've said more than a few times, I'm not going to force my beliefs on you, and I expect the same respect back. Oh, I love a good discussion, but arguing? No. I won't be a part of that.

If you talk to me, know me, you KNOW I'm a woman of faith. You KNOW I try to live by "The Rules", both the Commandments and the Golden Rule. I know the Bible, and I believe. THAT is what is important.

And I do miss attending a service every once in a while. I love Christmas. I love the hymns, the stories. I miss communion.

But I don't miss the hypocrosy. The politics. The back-biting.

I have enough of that in my life.

So I spend my Sundays home. Or outside. Or doing whatever.

And I pray. A lot. Prayers of thanksgiving for the good in this world. Prayers for forgiveness. Prayers for healing. Prayers for peace.

I'm a woman of faith. And all that that stands for. And I make no apology for THAT either.

Dual Identity

Sometimes it seems like there are Two Tammis. (scarey thought, isn't it?) The Work Tammi and the Other Tammi.

Work, I do what I need to. I'm focused on a goal, take pride in every part of my job and have little trouble verbalizing what I need or want.

Other? Well, that's kind of, well, actually pretty much, ok it's exactly the opposite.

I'm sitting here this morning looking around and just pissed off at myself. I'm living like a flippin' college student in a dorm. I got piles, I got stuff, I'm cluttered. Hell, one side of my bed is piled with books. I don't "treat myself" or do the things I know make me happy - not like that......sickos.

It boils down to the fact that I won't do anything Just For Me. Best example I can think of - if you come to my home I want you to feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome. And I do NOT want you to leave hungry. I'll try to make your favorites, be sure there are little "treats" for you. But if it's just me? Yeah, I'll go entire weekend without eating just because it's not worth cooking. That folks, is just wrong.

I have a very difficult time verbalizing in my personal life. Surprising to hear that, isn't it. But I'm not so good at telling you how I feel, discussing the "difficult things", asking for help.

Seriously, it's like there are two of me. I often joke about my "evil twin, Tanya" but honest to goodness, this is just wrong.

Why is it we do this? Why is it we live like this? Or is it just me?

He Lied. He Got Caught. He Lied.

I'm seeing a bit of a buzz in the world right now about Newt Gingrich admitting to having an extra marital affair. They are saying it demonstrates a huge double standard/hypocrosy, since he was one of the ones pushing so hard to impeach President Clinton. What amazes me is the selective memory folks are exibiting.

Let me see if I can put this clearly. Yes, Gingrich was one of the ringleaders in the Impeachment movement.

But Clinton wasn't in trouble because of the affair. He was in trouble because HE LIED. He lied in court - which is against the law BTW. He lied to the American People. He LIED.

Here's just a snippet of what's recorded for history sake:

"On September 9, Independent Counsel Starr submitted a detailed report to the Congress in which he contended that there was "substantial and credible information that President William Jefferson Clinton committed acts that may constitute grounds for an impeachment" by lying under oath in the Jones litigation and obstructing justice by urging Ms. Lewinsky ".....to to file an affidavit that the President knew would be false". " (emphasis mine)

Now, I'll go on record saying I think cheating is WRONG. I've walked away from friends because of it. I've been married. I've been cheated on. I've never even THOUGHT about cheating. You make a vow, you keep it. You can't do that, then end the relationship. Period. But that's just MY view. It's not against the law, it's just a moral call. And it's a PERSONAL OPINION.

So, based on that - while I've never had a really high opinion of Gingrich, he's dropped a few notches in my book. But I don't think that makes him a hypocrite (on this issue, anyway). I don't think it takes away from the FACT that Clinton LIED. (and is not a nice person at all IMHO).

If we're gonna talk about all this, wander down memory lane as it were, then we need to remember the facts.

Clinton lied. A lot. It's his M.O. And when he lied "on the record" he got busted. End of Story.

For cryin' out loud - these people need a babysitter. There's more bitchin' and moanin' and pissin' and pushin' than on a playground. Grow Up Folks!!!!

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 we go - today is BEAUTIFUL. Low 50's, sunny. I wrapped up in a blanket a while ago and just sat out on the deck. It seems like forever since I've been able to enjoy the sunshine.

And it got me thinking......just what is it that makes me crave the sunshine like I do? Light is light, right?

No, I know better. I know all about the emotional benefits of sunshine. But I have to figure, it's different for everyone.

For me, especially this time of year, it's about new beginings. It's like a fresh start. My "new year", if you will. It's clean, it's clear, it's focused.

It's what I wish I could be.

So what about you? How do YOU feel about the sunshine? Why?

Touch the Pearls and Wave

Oh, y'all are gonna love this.

Guess who the new "Princess" at work is? You know - the one who expects everyone to do their work for them. Never takes any responsibility. Thinks their shit don't stink. Go ahead. Guess.

ME!!

How 'bout them apples?!?!

Now, it's just one person who's trying to say this, and no one is putting any credance behind it, but still. Gotta tell you - I have NEVER been talked about in those terms at work.

But you see, it's a matter of office politics. This particular person is feared greatly in our office. She's got lots of time in and has made many folks' lives miserable.

Well Baby, let me tell you - she is small potatoes compared to some I've had to deal with. She don't scare me one bit.

But that's all beside the point of this post. This post is (hopefully) more about office politcs. I saw this article yesterday and, since it's a very real part of my day to day life I thought it'd be a good thing to look into it.

And I don't really disagree with what they say - in theory. It's just not so practical in the real world. Seriously.

I've had to deal with this crap every day of my professional life. I'm sure most of you have also. There is always someone who doesn't like you. Someone who's scared of you. Someone who's jealous. It's just human nature.

But it all comes down to how YOU handle it. You can allow yourself to become a victim. You can mope and moan. You can "stand down" and allow them to make you miserable. Or you can leave.

I choose to do none of those, most of the time. I look at it as a battle. When I realize that someone is "gunning" for me, I start paying attention. I figure them out. And then, I take the game to them.

It's important to have a group of people you trust. Folks that will tell you if you're wrong. Or out of line. People that will be open and honest with you.

And it's just as important to keep a positive attitude. Even if it's just a cover most days. You catch more flys with honey. You'd be amazed at what a smile and a kind word can do to off-set any negative things people are hearing about you.

But the key? The key is to stand your ground. Do Not allow anyone to make you a victim or to doubt who you are. (That's important in every aspect of life, as far as I'm concerned.)

In this situation what I'm doing that very thing. I am doing things exactly by the book. But I've also made it known, if I follow the rules I will except nothing less than the promised result.

Everyday I do everything in my power to be the best that I can be. I do not always get it right. When I screw up I acknoweldge it and apologize. And then I fix it.

Everyday I do everything in my power to NOT live up to the words being said about me.

And it's working. Some would call it Karma. The woman trying to make me miserable, the woman blaming me for all her issues is starting to crumble. Oh, I don't want her to get fired or leave. I just want her to do her job to the best of her ability and leave other folks alone. I just want to see a team atmosphere. Like I said - I'm starting to see it.

Now I do not think I know all there is to know about this. I've just outlined what works for me. And, if I'm 100% honest, it doesn't always work. And in those situations, I pack my box and move on. But truth be told, that hasn't happened all that often.

But like I said, it works for me.

Now you'll have to excuse me - I've got to finish polishing my tiara for the ball tonite.

Too Bad....

Somebody is gonna be real depressed over THIS news:

Well, unless there's something you haven't told us.....

Damn Dude - that's TWO in one week......

Theme for the day

I heard this on the way to work yesterday and it just MADE MY DAY! This is the first "rock" song I ever performed in public. Ahhhh memories.

But it's not just that - it just seems to be the theme for me lately.

So enjoy.....

Dear Mama Vi,

Mama Vi is worked up right now.

Here's a bit of our conversation the other day:

Mama: I need an address for Fox News and 60 Minutes.

Tammi: I can find you the email addresses.

Mama: NO! I want a real address so I can send REAL letters.

Tammi:

Mama: You want to know what I'm going to tell them?

Tammi: Of course I do.

Mama: I want to remind them of what the Clinton's did to this country during the 8 years they were in the White House. I want to ask them if THAT is the kind of woman they want for President.

Tammi: Sounds like a plan.

Mama: Oh wait. And I want to send those letters Ever. Single. Week. until they stop putting her on the news.

Tammi: Well, Mama, she is running for President. It's not likely she'll be OUT of the news any time soon.

Mama: Well that's just stupid. Don't people remember??

Tammi: I think it's a great idea Mama. I'll get you those addresses......

So Mama Vi is on the war path. And I'll be honest, I have never seen her so worked up about politics as she is about HC possibly being our next President. She's bound and determined to do everything in her power to see that it doesn't happen.

I love my Mama!!! :-)

Hit and Run

You know what a sucker punch is? When you get hit - blind sided - on purpose when it's figured you can't really defend yourself.

Well I think that's what the Congress AND the Senate tried to do to My President yesterday.

He's on Air Force 1, on his way to Brazil and they unveil two bills that they say will bring our troops home from Iraq in 2008.

Pelosi put her's out there first. Her bill has a target date of August 2008. And it outlines a series of REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESIDENT BUSH. If he misses one "benchmark" than the withdrawl would begin even earlier.

WTF? That is the boldest thing I have ever HEARD of from Congress and it proves, in my mind, the woman is crazy. Plain and simple. You cannot tie the hands of the President when we are in the middle of a war. Crimany. That woman needs a few lessons in civics....

The reaction from President Bush was a threat of a veto, from Air Force 1. But I sure would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when he heard the details about this one.

THEN - as if one isn't enough - the Senate jumps in with their version. Majority Leader Harry Reid has HIS version of a plan to have troops out of Iraq by the end of March 2008.

The only thing I saw that I could almost sort of agree with was they want to build up the troops in Afghanastan. I agree. That needs to be done. But are they not listening to ANYONE?!?!? We cannot just walk out of Iraq.

Now it has to pass the votes. I'm thinkin' we really need to contact our Reps and let them know just exactly what we think of these bills. But not at their level. Be straight forward, yet polite. Stick to the issue at hand. I plan on writing several letters. And while I'm at it I'm going to let them know, as professionally as possible, what I think of them pulling this kind of crap on the Leader of This Nation WHEN WE ARE AT WAR!!!!

For cryin' out loud. This is just plain out of control......

Whoops

I was HOT yesterday. No, not that kind of hot...I mean on fire.

I got to say "This is what I'm gonna need for you to do..." no less than 3 times. AND they did it. :-) (I'm soooo easy to make happy)

Now, it wasn't all a walk in the park, but what I needed to have happen - happened. I just love days like that.

I ended up working a bit later than normal, and left with things that STILL needed to be done. So I got the brilliant idea to just email my spreadsheet home so I could put in an hour or two to finish the project up, without having to lug the laptop back and forth.

Brilliant. Seriously, I was on a roll.

So I get home and check a few blogs then make a cup of tea. While the water is heating I check the email to get everything started.

Huh. It's not there. Maybe I sent it to the other email address.

Huh. It's not there either.

Well damn.

As I think back to what I did, I realize I saved the damned email in draft form.

Huh. Not my brightest move.

Oh well, I got the rest of the evening off to relax and unpack. It's not the end of the world. After all, like I always say - there is no such thing as a "foam emergency".

But damn - I was doin' so good there for a while........

Made Me Chuckle

I saw this headline while browsing the news: Supermodel Naomi Sentenced to Mop Floors.

Honestly, I could care less. But I couldn't help but think they must have consulted Mama Vi on the punishment.

That sounds exactly like something she would suggest.

Whew

I made it home. In one piece even. Got to The Belfry around 10:00. Not bad. And the meetings I had yesterday morning actually went VERY well. The buyer is taking the products I really wanted him to take AND we came to an agreement on a few big issues we were dealing with.

So yes, there will be happy dancing being done in Chicago today. :-)

The bad news is my favorite little British Pub is out of business. Damn. Best mirco brew beer and fish & chips in Pittsfield. That was kind of a kick in the pants. Hell, I don't think there's a decent place to eat left open there........

Anyway - I'm scheduled for the early morning meeting today so it's off to the races. But I thought I'd let ya know - we nailed another one folks. But damn, it sure is nice to be home........

But I'm Hungry!

Note to Room Service:

One 4 cup pot-o-coffee, little bottle of OJ, bad danish, choco chip muffin and over-ripe apple does NOT equal a $10.00 "Continental Breakfast".

Holy crap - this is terrible. I can't eat any of this. And $10.00?!?!?! That should be against the law!

Thank Goodness I can have lunch at this great English Pub in Pittsfield. I *KNOW* I can count on them!

That's Two!

Today it's TWO YEARS since my very good friend (and BlogDaughter) started blogging.

During those two years, she has become a strong voice in not only MilBlogging circles but blogging overall.

I couldn't be prouder.

Congratulations Army Wife!! Here's to many more!!!

Oh, and just so you know.......

Travelin' with Tammi

Well, I made it. And my ear is fine, thank goodness. But ohhhh what a trip. Let me show you an insiders view of Travelin' with Tammi.......

I should start out reminding you that I'm still taking the Sudafed. Yeah, remember.....edgy. That'll come in handy during my tale.

Anyway - I went into the office in the morning. My flight wasn't until a little after 2:00 and I had a shit load of stuff to get done FOR this trip. Buried doesn't begin to cover it.

So, first thing? Phone will NOT stop ringing. Now I have no problem not answering my phone. I'll let it go to voicemail and take care of stuff later. But the ringing.....it kept distracting me.

Then - computer problems. The one program I have to use is suddenly corrupted on my laptop. Not good. Not good at all.

AND we are all just swamped. Everyone doing the work of 2 or 3. So no one has time to help me. To say I was frustrated would be a mild way to put it.

I could feel my blood pressure rising. I kept reminding myself it was just the Sudafed that made me feel so crazy. It seemed to work for me today - I don't know what the hell I'll tell myself when I'm off the stuff.

ANYWAY...finally got everything finished and printed. Only 30 minutes past when I wanted to leave for the airport. Ok, it's fine. It's all fine.

Driving to the airport I suddenly realized this trip is so short I can actually park in the garage. WooHoo!! No schleppin' my crap back and forth on the train. :-)

:-( The garage was full. Hell the extended parking lot was full. I had to park in the extended extended parking. Then take a bus to catch the train to get to the terminal. Shit.

So I'm on the train and realize I'm one of 2 women. Huh. As I stood there, balancing my purse, laptop, suitcase and well, myself I suddenly felt like some damned pole dancer in a really cheap club. Not that I know how that feels, I'm just sayin' if I did know I'm sure that's how I felt. Oh, never mind.....

Security? Let's not even go there......

The flight itself was fine. Like I said, I didn't have any real issues with my ear at all. Well, until I tried to get off the plane. I couldn't walk. It was the worst case of vertigo I've ever had. Holy Shit.

I get to my room and at least that's ok. Well, except the TV doesn't work but I had so much work to do, I didn't even care.

This morning? Breakfast in the room, final sweep of the paper work, check a few blogs and it's off to the races.

This isn't a "friendly" visit, by any stretch of the imagination so I've got that going for me. This afternoon, I'll be waiting for my Rep to finish his business and then it's another mad dash to the airport so I can catch a 5 something flight. Tonite? Home in The Belfry.

Yeah, pretty damned glamorous isn't it? That's me - Walkin' on the Wild Side.

Oh No He Didn't!

I made no secret in the last Presidential campaign that I am NOT a fan of John Edwards. Not. One. Bit.

And now, so early in the "race" he's managed to piss me off again. Seriously, the man is like nails on a chalk board for me.

I see an article with the title "Edwards: Jesus Would Be 'Appalled' " and I just saw red.

I don't have a problem with his religion. I firmly believe we should ALL have something that we believe in, some spiritual side to ourselves. I don't even have a problem with him running based on his religious beliefs. I actually admire anyone who is so grounded in their faith that they have no problem "walking the walk".

But this bit of him telling me that Jesus would be appalled by the behavior of these United States! Him telling me that we are selfish! THAT I have a problem with.

We all have our beliefs and I truly feel we should stand by them - HOWEVER do NOT try and force your beliefs off on me. If you are not an ordained Minister, Pastor or Priest DO NOT stand there and preach to me. I have a Bible. I know how to read it.

Politics and religion do NOT mix. Oh, I want a faithful person running this country. But I do NOT want a preacher in that seat. Period.

Maybe that doesn't make sense, maybe my dislike of the man has made me somewhat irrational but I really don't care. It is what it is, and if I have to spend the next almost two years listening to that man preach I'll pull my hair out.

A podium does not automatically make a pulpit.

Those who throw stones....

HA! I saw this post over at Lex's place and actually cackled!

Michael Moore, being taken to task. And not by bloggers. Not even politicians. A couple of Canadian film makers.

I love it!! Now if it just gets the same hype and air play as HIS crap did.....now THAT would be justice!!!

Tammi + Sudafed

= WOW!

Seriously, this stuff kicks ass!

I have to admit, I am just a tad out of touch in some things. Like I had no idea I had to talk to the phramasist to get a REAL decongestant. Here I bought all this stuff and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. Huh. Anyway.......

I'm flying to CT this afternoon and have been freaking out about my ear still being so plugged up. I do NOT want a ruptured ear drum, but I also cannot canx. this trip.

So after consulting with several folks I went to the Pharmacy. I talked with the good gentleman behind the counter and as I finished explaining my situation he said one word. Sudafed.

He promised I'd be better before the flight, but he did warn it might make me a tad bit edgy.

Edgy. That would be the understatment of the week.

Holy Cow!!!

The problem? I actually like it. It brought back some memories.......

Long ago, in a different time, I made some "bad" decisions. I was in college, working full time and modeling. In my effort to be good at everything, stay thin AND have energy left at the end of the day I became very fond of a little black pilled we called Black Beauty.

And I do mean VERY fond.....

If you've ever met me you'll know I'm a bit of a "high energy" person naturally. On that stuff? Yeah, lets just say it's a wonder no one shot me and stuffed me in a closet somewhere.

Anyway, I realized on my drive home last night that even all these years later, I still like that "edgy" (for want of a better word) feeling. That's probably one reason why I have such a hard time stepping away from caffine. Oh - don't worry. I see no habit reemerging from my past. I learned that lesson many MANY moons ago.

But damn, if I gotta be sick, at least this is a side effect I can live with.

Now excuse me....it's already 5:15am and I want to finish packing, clean the bath room, sweep the floor, clean out the fridge and..........

It's In The Training

I was having this great political discussion with Richmond last evening. As we all know, it's heating up for the Presidential elections and it's gonna get a little rough out there.

Anyway, during the course of the discussion we asked each other what makes a better training ground. You know, a Senator, Congressman, Mayor, Govenor, Businessman.

Now, I happen to love the fact that President Bush was a businessman. He runs this government like a corporation. A good CEO doesn't know of every move that is made. He hires people that are qualified and that he trusts to do certain jobs. Are they always the right people? No. They are people, and they fail. BUT, he gives them the power to make decisions and then just demands to be kept in the loop - top line information.

It's like my job, in a way. My boss has no idea what I do on a day to day basis. He is not a part of the regular decisions I make, the deals I put together. We have regular meetings, but if things fall within my range of power, I just deal with it and move on.

Plus, there are things happening at his level that I don't have a clue about. It's a need to know thing.

I like the fact that My President can make decisions and stand by them. And 'fess up when he made the wrong one.

I'm looking at the candidates we have right now and, well, am terrified. Congressmen and Senators have never really made decisions. They've never had to "pull the trigger". They just meet and greet, make grand statements and then blame everyone else when the shit hits the fan.

I'm actually more comfortable with a mayor or govenor stepping into the "Hot Seat" than someone who has only served on committees.

What about you? What do you think is better training for a President? National Politics, congress/senate, Business (CEO) or State Politics?

I'm just curious.......

I Give Up

Seriously, there is a reason I don't do things "by the book" in my personal life.

It never works out.

For instance - I bought Lana on December 26, 2006. In preperation of that purchase I had made phone calls and did my due diligence, and still had serious issues. No one listened to me. No one took me serious. Arrggghhhh. To say it was frustrating is a really big understatment.

And the frustration is not over. Like I said, I bought her on 12/26/06. Today is 3/5/07. It's been a while.

The paperwork for my plates have still not been sent to the Illinois DMV. I'm now getting ready to run out my second paper plate. And the only reason I got the second one was because I raised a stink that could be SMELT all the way down in Florida.

Seems the paperwork gets done in a different office than the one I bought it in. Seems there's been some kind of "disconnect". Seems the Manager I dealt with has been transferred and the new folks really don't give a shit about me.

You see, I'm in Illinois. They are in Tampa. What kind of threat can I be?

Well they are about to find out. Last month, when I was raising all sorts of hell, I finally just called and asked who to send the bills to. Who was going to pay for the tickets, and the towing and fines when they booted my car at the airport because of bad plates? Who could I have the officer call for an explaination when I get pulled over because of bad plates?

It took another week and a half, but eventually I got another paper plate. But I should never have had to make that call.

And now I gotta do it again......

I cannot begin to tell you how angry I am. Now, I'll be the first person to admit, I'm not always so good about renewing my plates. Hell, when I moved up here my Florida plates had been expired by 5 months before I got them switched over to Illinois. And that's not the worst I'd been.

But now? Now I drive almost 200 miles a day. In some pretty bad traffic and weather conditions. I'm trying to do the right thing. And as always, when I do it blows up in my face.

So I've got to make a call again today. I've got to make sure they understand that this is UNACCEPTABLE. But the secret is, they hold the cards. If I piss them off too much, they can really make my life miserable. So it's a delicate dance, and I'm not really in the mood for it today.

Sometimes I wish I had a personal secretary that dealt with all this crap. It'd make life soooo much easier.

MilBlog Extraordinaire

I've never hidden my admiration for our Military. Never.

And Milblogs are what got me caught up in blogging in the first place. I was looking for news. I needed to know what was going on over in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I knew I wasn't getting the bottom line from the MSN. So I found Blogs.

Acute Politics, in case you didn't know, is there in the middle of things in Iraq. There are some days I read his posts and feel like I can close my eyes and SEE what he sees. HEAR what he hears. Oh, I know there is no way in this life I will ever really KNOW, but he makes you feel like you can.

Two perfect examples are his last two posts. War Cocaine talks about that rush that comes after. After you've defied all odds. After you've been there, done that, and survivied.

Arabian Nights shows us a night on patrol. From ground level. And reminds us just what makes "a beautiful day".

If you're not hitting his site on a regular basis, you're missing something. You're missing a chance to really understand, at least as much as a civilian can, what this war is really like.

Acute Politics is, in my opinion, one of the best MilBloggers out there right now. If you're not taking the opportunity to read him, you're missing out. Seriously.

The Stuff Dreams are Made of

I'm obviously ready to start cooking again.

Hell, I've got this great set of pots and pans and have barely used them. That's just wrong on soooo many levels.

But I just haven't been "inspired" lately. Not at all.

But I think that's all about to change.

For the past couple of evenings I've had this dream. Now, I don't normally dream at all. I don't know if that's because I have such an active imagination and day dream so much or what, but I don't usually dream at night.

But like I said, the past couple of nights I've been dreaming. About a big ole pot of fresh green beans, new potatoes and ham. Some fresh hot corn bread on the side, smothered in butter.

The dream is so real I wake up and swear I can smell it. I even went out to the kitchen the other night to make sure I didn't have any simmering on the stove.

So that's the plan for today. I have all the ingredients. The pot is sitting on the stove, just waiting for me to begin. The beans are washed and ready to be snapped.

I just love it when I can make one of my dreams come true. Even one as simple as this.

**So You Know.... it's every bit as good as I thought it'd be. Holy Cow! I haven't lost my touch......

Packin' An Extra Load.....

I don't know whether to be happy or embarrassed as hell.

Let me explain what happened.

I've lost a little weight. Not a lot, but a good start.

Anyway - yesterday morning I got up, put on a pair of jeans and went to the diner for breakfast. Sat there, ate, drank coffee and just started my day.

Nice.

From there I went to the gas station. Filled the tank, got more coffee and a pack of smokes.

From there I went to the bank. Took care of a few things and chatted with the girls.

Then I went to the grocery store.

Walked around the grocery store, just shoppin' and planning menus for the week. As I stood back by the dairy case I happened to look down.

And see a pair of socks coming out of the bottom of my jeans.

I had walked around all day with a pair of socks in my pants and didn't know it.

Now, you need to realize, normally I wear my jeans rather tight. It's an old habit but if they're loose they just don't feel right to me. And for the past couple of weeks most of my jeans have been a bit looser. But a PAIR of socks! In my PANTS!! And I didn't even notice!!!!!

Anyway - I just picked 'em up and stuck 'em in my coat pocket. But I can't help but wonder if anyone noticed. And just what the hell they thought of me - a woman, walkin' around with socks in her.....well, you get the idea.

Thank GOODNESS it wasn't a store I usually shop anymore.....

What A Difference....

....a year makes.

Yep, one year ago today I was fired for the first time in my life. From the worst job I've ever had in my life - and *that* is sayin' somethin'.

And while the next few months were interesting, to say the least, it's been a pretty damned good year.

I love the job I have now. I love being a manager. I love consumer products. I really enjoy the people I work with. I am appreciated. I am respected. I am wanted.

Yeah, BIG change.

Sometimes I'd love to just pull that trick from Pretty Woman. You know the scene - where she goes back into that shop that wouldn't serve her. All dressed up, shoppin' like a mad woman. Just to rub it in their face. Ahhhhh - success is the best revenge. But that revenge becomes perfect when the success is known (aka flaunting). Alas, the opportunity just hasn't presented itself, and really? That's ok. It's just the kid in me that would really appreciate the chance.

Anyway - I look back over the last year and really am simply amazed. Yeah, not all the changes have been good. But overall? I'm in a much better place.

Unemployement sucks. And being unemployed, for even a short amount of time, really hits the old pocketbook. But slowly and surely things have gotten better.

I'm actually going to talk to a guy about a house I really want to rent early next month. I looked at it last year, but the time wasn't right. The house is still empty. I'm hoping he's willing to "talk" now. If not, there are other options, but ohhhhh that house is so close to exactly what I want. Please know The Belfry is fine, but only on a temporary basis. I need room. Room to entertain. Room to spread out. Plus - honestly? I miss my stuff. And I really want to get settled.

And while I miss Maggie May, Lana has turned into a great car. I have no complaints at all. Heat, air conditioning, brakes and power. All that and she's purty too!! :-)

Mama Vi is doing better. Much better. Yeah, it's been a trying year for her also, but as always, she picks herself up and keeps going. It's all we can really ask for, if you think about it. So that's good.

Like I said, overall, it's been one hell of a year. For that matter March 2006 pretty well sucked wet socks. I'm not going to let that happen this year. This year? March is going to rock. Plain and simple.

It's good to look back. It's important to appreciate how things have changed. And to learn from where we've been. That's what I'm doing today. That, and saying a heart felt Thank You.

Funny Stuff

Got this via email yesterday - thought it was too good not to share.

Eight Words with two Meanings

1. THINGY (thing-ee) n.
Female...... Any part under a car's hood.
Male..... The strap fastener on a woman's bra.

2. VULNERABLE (vul-ne-ra-bel) adj.
Female.... Fully opening up one's self emotionally to another.
Male.... Playing football without a cup.

3. COMMUNICATION (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n.
Female... The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner.
Male... Leaving a note before taking off on a fishing trip with the boys.

4. COMMITMENT (ko-mit-ment) n.
Female.... A desire to get married and raise a family.
Male...... Trying not to hit on other women while out with this one.

5. ENTERTAINMENT (en-ter-tayn-ment) n.
Female.... A good movie, concert, play or book.
Male.... ... Anything that can be done while drinking beer.

6. FLATULENCE (flach-u-lens) n.
Female.... An embarrassing by product of indigestion.
Male...... A source of entertainment, self-expression, male bonding.

7 MAKING LOVE (may-king luv) n.
Female...... The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achieve.
Male.. Call it whatever you want, just as long as we do it.

8. REMOTE CONTROL (ri-moht kon-trohl) n.
Female.... A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male... A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.

Small Community

Tragedy has struck.

A bus carrying the baseball team from Bluffton College (outside of Toledo) went off a ramp in Atlanta, killing six and injurying 29.

Bluffton (also known as Central Mennonite College) is one of three 4 year Mennonite Colleges & Universities in the United States.

Small and very community centered, I have no doubt this had struck at the very heart of this organization.

The three colleges are all very close. Goshen College (located in Goshen Indiana) Eastern Mennonite University, located in Harrisonburg Virginia and Bluffton College share more than just a religious bond. Many times you will find members of the same family going to more than one of these institutions at the same time. Sisters, brothers, cousins - it's a very close community.

Having attended Goshen College, and participated in the athletic program, I can say only imagine the impact this is having.

Please, even with all the other tragic news that we are seeing today - Please keep the Bluffton baseball team, their families, the university....all three of the institutions in your prayers today.

Surprise Surprise Surprise

I am sooo ashamed of myself. Seriously.

I love the babies. I really do. Children are a gift. A blessing. And I usually enjoy them to the nth degree.

Emphasis on the word USUALLY.

This week I've really surprised myself. REALLY surprised myself.

You see, we are a family friendly company. Hell, children are our life's blood. So - often times you will have kids running around, for a variety of reasons.

1) They're out of school and Mom couldn't find someone to watch them the entire day.

2) They pop in to say hi and stay a while.

Well, several reasons.

Anyway - this week? It's gotten on my last nerve.

I spend a lot of time on the phone talking with customers. Let me just tell you, when you are trying to break bad news or explain a situation - it doesn't really help your cause when you have children yelling or laughing in the background. Yeah, not so much.

Also - I do a lot of detail analysis. Stuff that requires serious focus. Kinda hard to focus (again) with children yelling or laughing in the background.

I hate that I've caught myself getting so frustrated. NORMALLY this doesn't get to me like this. But this week? It has. I don't know if it's still where I'm not at 100% or if I'm just a little testy.

Either way - I just know it's making me crazy. And no one is more surprised by my reaction than I am.

It Happened To Me Too!!!!

I know exactly what she's talking about......

It's A Midwest Thing

Raging Mom has a fun little game posted. I'll admit, I spent more than a few minutes last night "tossin' the corn". hehehe

The funniest part is, it's been a year now since I've had to make that particular drive everyday and I can tell you, I don't miss THAT at all. Yes, I driver farther now, but it's almost all highway. None of those country roads, thankyouverymuch.

Anyway - it's a nice little diversion for a Friday. Plus it's a great lead for my "anniversary" post tomorrow.

Stormy Weather

You all remember that old saying about March - "In like a lion, out like a lamb".

Well, I don't know how accurate that really is, but this year He sure came in like a lion.

Tornadoes ripped through the south. Snow storms crippled the midwest.

Personally, I've been too busy to even realize it was the end of February. Tuesday night, I left work and ended up driving in a sleet storm that looked a hell of a lot more like hail than any sleet I'd ever seen.

Thursday I woke to rain. Lots and lots of rain. Oh, which of course means ice hidden in there somewhere.

Last night's drive was clear. I remember saying to someone how grateful I was that the water had dried up. I had heard the temps might drop and was NOT looking forward to the icy drive this morning.

I looked up and saw black wall of clouds. I have to admit, it was a beautiful sight - sunset with that as the backdrop. But I knew. I knew that was all bad......

I was right. Temps dropped. And ohhhhh you should have heard the wind last night. I looked out my bedroom window this morning and the world is once again covered in snow. But when I went to the door, none was on my deck.

OK - no shoveling. That's a plus. But the drive this morning is going to suck wet socks. Blowing, drifting, ice, basic ickyness.

I hear it's still snowing. All the way into Chicago. I'll be taking it nice and slow. No need to rush - between my blackberry and my cell phone I've got a virtual office in my car.

But I'd love to think this is the last hoorah. I'd love to think that in about 4 weeks things will start that thaw and we can start to see some signs of spring.

At this point I'll take the mud and rain.

A little lamb would be good about now.

Moving

Go ahead - call me a sentimental fool. Blame it on the meds. I don't care.

All I'll say is I couldn't look at the latest pictures from Iraq that Blackfive has posted without a tear coming to my eye.

Go. Look. There is sooo much more to what is happening than the MSN is willing to share.

Disgusting

Ok - so MSNBC has a story with the headline : Taliban official says Osama bin Laden is alive.

Help me understand why these TERRORISTS are given a voice? They openly state they are "stocked up" with suicide bombers to attack our forces.

This is a TERRORIST organization. They Specialize in Spreading Terror.

Do I need to say that again?

For cryin' out loud. Supporters of this GWoT can't get heard, but these rat bastards do?

Ok, I know the news came from British TV, but still.

What the hell is wrong in this world where the priorities look like this?

I am disgusted.

Just My Flippin' Luck

DAMNIT!!!!

I Hate Thursdays....

We have one scheduled meeting every week. It's at 8:30am on Thursdays. My team rotates, each person taking a week.

Now, we all know I have a bit of a commute. It's a crap shoot on when I'll get in.

This morning was my morning with the meeting. I did all my prep last night before I left the office.

Got to bed nice and early. Woke up right on time.

Out the door at 6:00am. Plenty of cushion.

Made great time to Chicago. A little before 8:00 I'm pulling off the highway.

And hit the mother of all traffic jams. Seriously. What normally takes 10 minutes to FIFTY FLIPPIN' MINUTES!!! A damned traffic light was out.

I was almost an hour late for work. 25 minutes late for my meeting.

I am alternating between pissed offidness, embarrassment and frustration.

I sent an email to my team, apologizing. But seriously - only me. I plan WAY ahead. Do everything right and SHIT. Yesterday it only took 1 hour 20 minutes to get in. Today? 3 flippin hours.

And no. I am not moving. I have to come up with another solution.

But ain't this just my flippin' luck.........