Home again.

I went home to New Orleans to visit my family for Christmas. I had a wonderful time this Christmas. I rented a car, loaded it up with luggage, presents, and my dogs. We made the 8 hour journey home with no problems. I was about 2 hours away from my Parents front door I could not wait to get out of the car. When I finally arrived, I do not know who was more excited me or my pups. We all jumped out of the car with pure delight! My PawPaw was at my Mom's house. It's always so good to spend time with PawPaw. I know he is lonely since MawMaw died last year. This Christmas was the 2nd Christmas without MawMaw. This Christmas was so much harder for me than last year. I miss her so much more this year. Everyone in my family got along well.........even my Mom and I got along extremely well. We talked & laughed the entire time I was home. Praise God for small miracles. My Mom's Brother, David, even came by with the his family. We have not seen David is years. Praise God for another small miracle. Please pray for my brother, Stephen & his family. Stephen is not in a good place right now, so he and his family are struggling.
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Praise God for the birth of our Savior!
Please pray for my friend, Heather. Heather is having complications from surgery still. Pray for healing, wisdom, comfort, & peace for Heather.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Gifts!!

I already know several Christmas Gifts I am getting! I am getting a watch, a computer, a ceramic white Christmas tree that lights up, and money towards a new/used sofa from my Parents. The computer is from my Mom's office. She purchased a home based computer without realizing it last year. She just purchased a business based computer, so I get the home based one! WOOHOO! I get a fairly new computer!!! The ceramic Christmas was painted by one of my Parents when they were first dating......it was so adorable, they would go out on dates at the ceramic place. They painted Christmas ornaments and decorations.......so very cute. My Mom called a week ago asking what else I wanted for Christmas. I jokingly told her I wanted a new sofa. We both laughed. Well, much to my amazement my Dad called that same night and told me they would pitch in to buy me a new sofa. I already found a sofa I really liked at Lazy-boy. I will have save some money, and then I get the sofa! HipHipHooray!

Do you know what Santa is getting you for Christmas???

Busy Holy Days.

My vacation was wonderful, but I was having a difficult time adjusting back to reality. I think I am finally back on track, but then Christmas vacation is so close. I may have a relapse! I went to the mall on Saturday to finish up Christmas shopping, but it was pure chaos so I left. I think I had memory loss from the last time I went to the mall at Christmas time. Mental note to self: avoid malls during Christmas time. However, I discovered a new Christian book/gift store this week. I went to Mardel's for the first time this week. Mardel's has everything I want and need!

I love my new job. I work with really good people. I enjoy what I do. I have good hours and great pay!!!! Praise God for small miracles.

Please pray for my friend's Heather and Lorraine. Heather had major complications from surgery. Heather is finally at home recovering. Lorraine had a stint put in her heart yesterday. Lorraine also has 2 other major blockages which will be treated with medication. Please pray for a speedy quick recovery for them both, as well as strength, comfort, and peace.

What are some of your family's specific Christmas traditions?
Do you open Christmas presents Christmas eve or Christmas day?
Does Santa leave his presents unwrapped or does he wrap them?
My family always has gumbo along with the "traditional" Christmas meal. We have potato salad instead of mashed potatoes. Within the last 10 years, we always open gifts on Christmas eve. Santa never wraps gifts at my house.

On the Road Again.......and the true meaning of Christmas!

I am officially back from vacation. I went with 9 of my family members to Gatlinburg, TN. The members of my family that went are my Mom, Dad, PawPaw, Tina (cousin), Stephen (brother), Julie (sister-in-law), Chase (18 year old nephew), Allie (15 year old niece), and Cameron (7 yr old nephew). Here's the run down of my trip: I flew to Houston on Monday. My cousin, Tina, and I drove to Louisiana on Monday night. On Tuesday, 10 of us loaded up and drove 10 hours to TN. We left Louisiana at 4am (way to early). I have the cutest little 7 year old nephew who said 30 minutes into our trip "Are we there yet?" We all started laughing. The drive was not bad. The drive back to Louisiana was never ending & the drive to Houston was even longer! :) I was so very excited to be home on Wednesday night. I was even more excited to see my friend Deborah at the airport & to see my puppies!!!
I saw some really incredible shows. I saw a 50's show, the Miracle, a Comedy show at the Comedy Barn, Dixie Stampede, & the Chinese Circus. My favorite show was the Miracle which was the story of the life of Jesus. This play touched me in so many ways......I cried & laughed. (I will have to say this........The men who played Jesus and the Devil were incredible actors and extremely HOT! Can I really say Jesus and the Devil were hot in the same sentence????) Praise God to our Glorious Lord! His Kingdom is Mighty.

I had a great & blessed vacation. It was great to get away from my crazy little life!!! I am ready for another vacation. I have so many options this year. I want to go to New York City, Austin, and Seattle. Who wants to go with me?

I am excited about this weekend. I am going to decorate for Christmas. I love the Christmas season: the decorating, shopping (especially cheap after the season Christmas decor), cooking, spending time with friends and family! I love the true meaning of Christmas. I am truly amazed our Lord was born so I may have eternal life. Can you imagine being the Mother Of Christ? Every time she kissed her son, she kissed the face of God. The child she held was the Great I Am! Praise God for the Mother of Christ. Thanks Lord for Loving Us.

My favorite Christmas song is Mary did you know:

Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know, that your baby boy

Has come to make you new?

This Child that you delivered,

Will soon deliver you!

Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Will give sight to the blind man?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Would calm a storm with His hand?

Did you know, that your baby boy

Has walked where angels trod

And when you kiss your little baby,

You've kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know?

Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,

The dead will live again,

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak

Praises of the Lamb?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Is Lord of all creation?Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Will one day rule the nations?

Did you know, that your baby boy

Was Heaven's perfect Lamb?

And this sleeping Child you're holding

Is the Great I AM

Wednesday's Blessings!

This is the day the Lord has made.......let us be glad and rejoice in it!! Praise & Thanks to our heaveny Father for this beautiful windy day.

New Job

Well, my first two days are almost over. The job is not exactly what I thought it would be (good and bad). My health insurance does not begin until Jan. 1st.......I was told it was Dec. 1st. My schedule was 8:30a to 5:30p, but it now is 7:30a to 4:30a. The people are very quiet which is something I am not use too........however, they are nice for the most part. The company really does not have a "training" program.......I am a Special Order Buyer. I handle all the special orders for the company. I am not sure if I am going to like it, but for the time being.......they are paying me great money. So, I am going to get trained and learn to like it! However, I do have an interview on Wednesday at 12:30pm with a new company in Dallas right off Tollway & Spring Valley. Please pray God's will be done.

God Bless.
Have a safe weekend!

The New Sweetheart Queen.

I start my new job tomorrow! I am wrapping up work I really do not want to do today at my "old" job! I am not going to work real hard today. I am going to work, but not stress about it! I might even play tetris all day today!!!
Pray for my new job tomorrow.

Last week, I hosted my monthly Sorority Meeting! Every year around October or November we vote on who will be the New Sweetheart Queen of the new year, so we voted last week...........and this YEAR THE SWEETHEART QUEEN IS ME!!! HipHipHooray. I am very excited! I even have a beautiful sparkly crown. I am looking forward to the Sweetheart Party! I feel like Ms. America!

New Beginnings.

In 2 days, I start my new job! I can not believe my 2 week notice has flown by. I am excited & nervous. I am ready for a new beginning. I am ready to actually do something at work for once. I am ready!

Last weekend, my church hosted a Youth Rally/Lock-In. It started at 7pm until 7am. I actually stayed up the entire time! I planned on going home around 2am or 3am, but I did not think it was a wise move b/c the kids out numbered the adults. I was afraid the Youth taking over and starting a riot! (joking) By the time I got home, my body ached! I am way to old to stay up all night. I think I got sick from staying up all night, too. I have a horrible cough & my head is not doing so well. When I was younger, I could stay out all night, come home, slept for a few hours, and do it all over again. Well, now we fast forward 10 years and it has taken me 3 days to fully recover from my wild night at the Youth Rally. Today was the first day I feel 100% Tammy. Sunday, I was only at about 20% myself, yesterday was about 85%, and Today I am 100% ME! Praise God for small miracles.

When was the last time you stayed up all night?

Not in the Mood.

Lately, I have not been in the mood to blog! I keep thinking there is nothing to really say! I live a boring life right now.........nothing exciting going on. I am simply not in the mood!

However, I did accept a job offer in Plano! I should start on Nov. 9th! I am really looking forward to starting a new job with a new company! Please pray I will successful at the new company!

I had a great weekend. Friday night, I had dinner at my Karla Friend's house. Saturday, I went thrift store shopping & breakfast with Heather, dinner at Karla's house again, and home by 8:30pm.....and asleep by 10:30pm! Sunday was an incredible day. I visited a new Sunday School Class which was awesome.....the sermon was great at both services. My church also hosted Trunk or Treat! Sunday was a great day! Praise God!

I am getting old.........and let me tell you why I know this. Last night, I walked for an hour or so. Once I finally got home, I was exhausted. I cooked & ate dinner, watched tv, and was asleep on the sofa at 9:30pm. Whenever I walk, I am worn out. When I first started really walking again, I kept thinking who can I call to come pick me up so I will not have to walk the rest of the way home. Yep, I am old.

Happy Birthday Courtney!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Courtney,
Happy Birthday to you!

Two Job Offers

Thanks so much for praying for me to find a job. I have been offered two jobs this week. Each company would be a great opportunity......one company is extremely close to home, pays a little more than I make, good benefits, etc. and the other company is in the next city over, pays a great deal more that I make now, but the company is going through a great deal of change.....and I am scared to make a decision. I think I know which one I would choose, but it's a tough decision. I feel I am so brain dead from my current job that I can not possibly do the job that pays so much money, and it's why I should choose the job that does not pay as much. So, with that thinking I am only hurting myself b/c I know I can do any job given me with proper training. One of the factors in my decision is the location of the other job.....But I could move closer to the job once my lease is up.........I do not have to live in the city I live in, and I have a friend who works for a moving company who might be able to get me a discount on moving in about 8 or 9 months when my lease is up. My dearest sweetest friend, Sharon, could I get a discount on moving? ;)

Please pray I make the right decision choosing the right company so I can do God's will and not my own.

Decorating for Christmas

I have a question. Would I be crazy if I am already thinking about decorating for Christmas? My holidays are always on the go, and I really want to enjoy my Christmas decorations this year. I want to start decorating for Christmas the first couple of weeks in November. What do y0u think?

Saving, Cleaning

I am going on vacation very soon so I am limited as what I will do b/c I have to save every extra penny. If anyone has any extra pennies, send them my way! I need them ;) So until I go on vacation, I will not buy anything except food & gas. I will eat at home 6 days out of 7. I will watch movies I already have at home. I will not spend money on stupid things! I will not step foot into a thrift store (until my sweet friend, Heather, "forces" me go with her---Heather, PLEASE force me soon). I will not buy a new purse (this is going to kill me!). Yep, I am trying to convince myself! My life will be pretty boring until I go on vacation. Lots of cleaning, cooking, reading, and old movie watching for me! Can I really not buy a new purse until after I get back from vacation?! Pray for me! I am addicted to purses!

Whenever I travel, I must do "spring cleaning" before I leave. I must wash & change my sheets, wash the dogs beddings, dust, vacuum, clean the bathroom & kitchen, most of the laundry must be done, and everything must be in it's own spot. I absolutely love coming home from vacation to a very clean house. I totally stress myself out when it comes to cleaning, packing, taking care of myself & the dogs before I leave on vacation. This trip my dogs will have to be boarded. I am definitely going to be freaked out about that. I hate the fact they will be boarded! I am going to miss them so very much!

New Developments.

I went walking on Tuesday & just as I walked onto the trail I see Andy in the distance.......We walk together.......I really did not think we would, but Phoebe stopped to do business, and Andy stopped with us! I kept thinking that was pretty cool. Honestly, I think he likes my dogs better than me.....but we will see. We get to the end of the trail, and Andy asked if I normally come this way. I told him I normally go the other way(which is up the trail, through the neighbor, and back on the trail again---not really different from the way we came...just the opposite way)......He gives me a "stupid look" and within 3 seconds he said "Have a good night, we are going this way". Was it something I said? Did he smell my BO (I promise I had on deodorant!)? Maybe he had to go to the bathroom (maybe he had diarrhea?)! So, I thought our walk was going pretty well until he had to poop!

I had a good interview yesterday afternoon! I really want this job!!! It would be a great opportunity for me, and it's so close to home! Please pray I get this job. Pray for God's will to be done.

I have decided I love walking as a form of exercise! I enjoy being outside with the rest of the wild animals. I use to walk years ago when I lived in the ghetto, but I have not really walked for exercise in a long time. I love it. I am walking almost every other day! I even put walking before going out to eat last night. Amazing! In my former life, I would have skipped walking with the intention of walking when I got home, gone to the restaurant, and then gone home to put on pajamas with no walking whatsoever. Last night, I walked, ate, walked a little again (really for the dogs this time), pajamas & TV time, and then bed time! I would like a round of applause! ;)

TGIF! I have waited for Friday since Monday morning at 7am! I am ready for the weekend. My Sorority and I are hosting a garage sale this weekend in one of our neighborhoods. It's going to be great weather! I am ready to shop!!! I love garage sales.

Tonight, I am going to dinner with some friends! We are celebrating Kenny's birthday! Happy Birthday Kenny! I am very blessed to have a "little" brother like you in my life! Thanks for making me apart of your family!

End of my New Developments.

Is HIS name Toby or is that the dog's name?

While walking last week, I met a nice looking man. He had a beautiful German Shepherd mix. We stopped to talk b/c our dogs stopped to talk. We introduced ourselves & chatted a little about the dogs. It's weird, but meeting him was not so intimdating b/c he had a dog. (yep, I am a wuss when it comes to meeting men). I walked away thinking was his name Toby or was that the dog's name?!?! I saw "Toby" again on Wednesday, and then shortly after we said hello I fell in the mud (so, I ran home before "Toby" saw me covered in stinky mud). Last night, I went walking again hoping to see "Toby". I did see him! We stopped to talk again. The dogs said hello to each other. Well, I am happy to report Toby is the name of the dog.......and Andy is the name of the man! It's funny b/c Andy thought my name was Amy. Funny! I did not see a wedding band........hmmm......things that make you go hmmmm. ;)

Monday Blahs.

Today is a typical Monday. I definitely do not want to be at work today! I am so exhausted my head keeps bobbing as if to say "The RED HEAD IS SLEEPING". I am waiting for the "Sleeping Alarm" to go off any minute now.
Last week, I had something planned EVERYNIGHT (very frustrating). The only event I have planned this week is my Beth Moore Bible Study. HipHipHooray! I am going to take time out for myself this week. I foresee lots of bubble baths headed my way.

What do you do when you have time to yourself?

Scariest Moments.

Here are some of my Scariest Moments of my Life:

1. Starting college for the first time. I moved to campus & I was scared to live away from home. I begged my Parents not to leave me that day. Two weeks later, I was so excited to live away from home! Freedom is amazing!

2. Moving to Dallas. I moved to Dallas with $250 in my checking account. I worked at Walmart so I was transferred. When I showed up at the new Walmart, they had no clue who I was.

3. Living with a horrible roommate.

4. Starting a new job.

5. Losing my job.

6. Breaking up with my ex.

7. Living alone for the first time: I slept with the kitchen light on for weeks (yep, I am a wuss).

8. Having one of my dearest & sweetest friends give me a flu shot......Yep, that's right. My friend, Karla, gave me my flu shot. We were both so freaked out about the whole experience. Karla finally stabbed the needle in my arm (I think she liked stabbing me!), and the flu shot was given. FRIENDS: Do NOT try this at home especially when Karla has a needle in her hand.

9. Turning 30! How did I get to this age? I was only 18 yesterday! Better yet, How did I finally become 32?!

10. Seeing my own reflection in the mirror at night while the lights were off, and thinking someone else was in the house trying to kill me. I told the killer to leave me home. When I finally realized the killer was myself......I put myself back to bed.

Wednesday Blues

Yesterday consisted of lot of very bad things. Here's what happened:

7:30am: Co-worker and I had another huge disagreement. She's the biggest bully I have ever met, and yesterday I was not going to take it anymore.

9:30am: I was told my department is moving to Des Moines, Iowa in April 2007. I have 6 months to find a new job (Pray I find a new job soon).

3:15pm-4:10pm: I had a huge fight with my Mother. She called yesterday "telling" me I needed to move my damn ass home (her exact words). It's been way too long since I lived at home. Texas is NOT my home, Louisiana is. She does not understand why I have chosen my friends in Texas over my Family. How could I have been gone for 10.5 years away my family and her? She is trying to understand why?! What keeps me in Texas? My Mother is not in Texas....she's in Louisiana, and that's where I should be. When I have children, I will understand what she is going through. I have wasted my life in Dallas and my time with my family was wasted.

Friends: I love and respect my Mother, but there are days when I want to just stop calling her. Yesterday was one of those days. Texas has been my home for 10.5 years. Since it's been 10.5 years, why can she not just let this subject go? Every time she brings this up, it only drives me away from her more. My decision to live in Texas does not reflect on my love for her or my family. Yes, I love her, but my life does not have to revolve around her. I have my own life to live. I MUST form my own life away from my family. It all comes down to this: My Mother did not have a great relationship with her Mother. So, she wants the perfect relationship with me. She does not realize we are not perfect. My Mom Misses me, but she simply can not just say that......She must get angry at me. My Mother will never understand me or my decisions. Mom must "try" to control all aspects of her life, and the lives of her loved ones. I am an adult and I will control my own life. She does not have any tact when it comes to handling personal issues (especially with me). She does not know how to keep her mouth closed when it comes to family members. She thinks b/c she is my Mother, she can say anything she wants to my Brother and me. The Mother status does not give her this privilege. Mom is way to clinging to me. When I am visiting in Louisiana, at times I feel like I am being smothered by her. Please pray for my relationship with my Mother.

4:45pm: While taking the dogs outside, I fell in a huge mud puddle. My entire back-side was covered in mud & water. I had to take off my flip-flops to actually walk without falling again.

4:50pm: I had to do the walk of shame back to my apartment covered in mud. The mud kept falling off my rear end in clumps, and I smelled horrible. The smell from the mud & water was horridness.

5:00pm: I washed my cellphone in the washing machine. I have another cell phone I am using right now, but my new cellphone got washed. Yeah, ME!


I probably should have stayed in bed yesterday! Praise God, today is a new day. Today is the Day the Lord has Made........Let us rejoice in it!

Company News: 6 months to go.

Today has NOT been a good day! First, my co-worker and I had another disagreement this morning over something outrageous---the ice tea maker. Second, I was told my department will be moving to Des Moines by April 1st. I could move to Des Moines, but the company will not pay the relocating fees (can you imagine saying that to your employee???? Your job is only solid if you move to Des Moines, but we will not be paying your moving fees!) I am definitely not moving to Des Moines.....Texas is MY home! Please pray I will find a new job before April 1st gets here (or I will have to move in with one of you.......I cook & clean!)! Pray God places me in a Great Company where I can grow Professionally & Spiritually!

The Progress!

Most of my friends know I am on a diet.........I limit my flour and my sugar intake. I have been really determined to lose more weight by the end of the year.......so I only allow myself to have very little flour and/or sugar. My friends Deb & Robert called asking if I wanted to come over for dinner last Saturday. They were making spaghetti......and I actually told them no (spaghetti is one of my favorite meals------pasta is fabulous.) I am finding most restaurants will cater to the dieter. I am also walking in the afternoons. I try to go walking every other day or every 2 days (my rear end muscles hurt very badly right now)! Since I am not just on a "DIET", but a NEW CHANGE of life......I am beginning to see the rewards. Over the weekend, I started trying on clothes that I could not fit into a year ago. I can actually fit into most of my "old" clothes. HipHipHooray! I now have a huge assortment of clothing (I just need someone to iron everything now---anyone willing???)! I am so very excited. Last fall/winter I felt I wore the same articles of clothes every week! This year I will be different.....I am going to wear my "skinny" clothes. Yep, that's right even us big girls have "skinny" clothes! I am looking forward to the time when my skinny stuff will be my "fat" girl clothes! Praise God!