Friday's thoughts.

*TGIF! TGIF! TGIF!

*Today is the Day the Lord has Made, & I will rejoice it in.

*I am going over to the Casa de Rice tonight for dinner! YUMMY!

*I am sleeping in tomorrow! HipHipHooray!

*My company is sponsoring a happy hour this afternoon! I get to leave the office at 2:30pm today! HipHipHooray!

*I LOVE Grey's anatomy.

*I AM ADDICTED TO TV.

*I think we should plan a Girl's Weekend Away the beginning of 2007.

*I have lost 60lbs. I am dropping dress sizes all over Texas. I pray no one picks them up!

*I still want Popeyes chicken.

*I need a dog walker in the mornings! I love my babies, but walking them at 5:30am or 6am every morning is hard. Thank you Jesus for blessing us with beautiful weather this week.

*We need to plan a Girl's Night Out or In soon. I will even host.

*I need to learn how to groom my dogs properly. Can you imagine the cost savings?
*Why do celebrities think a marriage is disposable?

*I can not spell to save my life.

*Last night, I was lazy. I took the dogs outside, cooked dinner, washed dishes and watched Grey's & Six degrees. I forgot to record ER (stupidity). Did anyone record it?

*Pray for our Military & their families. They are fighting for freedom & justice.

*I still want a HUGE Margarita....and I will get one today!

Thoughts for the day...

*I had the same nightmare a couple of times this week......and it really disturbs me. I hate bad dreams especially when I am the only one in bed!

*Today is BEAUTIFUL outside. I pray for more days like this.

*I went walking yesterday afternoon on the trail behind my apartment complex for about 40 minutes. WOW....I went walking for 40 minutes. When I first started walking again, 25 minutes would do me in! By the time I got home I felt like my legs were rubber. The dogs and I took a nap for about 30 minutes.

*I started using new hair products (something I never do) & my hair is looking good. I'm too sexy for my hair.........to sexy it hurts!

*I am ready for vacation. Pray for my family to have a happy, fun vacation.

*I want a day where I have no commitments, obligations, or chores.

*Praise God for a Mother who in her own way loves me but at the same time trys to control me. When will she learn I am an adult who makes my own decisions, pays my own bills, and cleans my own house. Yesterday afternoon, she tried telling me how to manage my money. This drives me crazy.

*Praise God for friends like Kenny & Karla who show love to all children. Karla: Please remember your Rewards are heavenly, and you will make it with extra children in the house. I am ready for a great Saturday afternoon.

*I would love to be on the beach today with a margarita in hand, or in the mountains with a good book and a cup of coffee.

*My MawMaw's birthday would have been this Saturday, Sept. 30th. I am now teary eyed just thinking about spending another birthday without her. God: I miss her dearly.

*Have you ever wondered why Girls mature faster boys?

*I need a nap right now.

*I am ready for Friday.

*I have to get back to work now. They pay me to work, not blog.

The Book of Daniel

My Church is hosting the Beth Moore bible study: The Book of Daniel: Lives of Intergrity & Words of Prophecy. I am the Leader of the Evening Study. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. Last week was our first lesson, and I am already learning so much. I am looking forward to the Christian am will become after the study is over.
I absolutely love Beth Moore. She is one of my "Hereos" in my life. I pray I become the Christian she is and will be some day. Beth Moore is constantly on "Fire for Christ". I am in awe of Mrs. Moore. Praise God for Strong Christian Women like Beth Moore. They have so much to teach us......We simply must open our hearts to God's Good News! We are Saved by Grace. Glorious is our Lord.

Comfort Food for the Sick.

Since I have been sick, I have craved my "sick/comfort" foods. Each time I am sick, I want Wendy's french fries, hot & sour soup, chinese food, fried chicken from only Popeye's, chicken fried steak or chicken, chicken tortilla soup, apple juice, diet 7-up, and chocolate. The only thing I have had this time is apple juice and diet 7-up! I want to lose another 20 lbs before vacation so I am being strict on myself, BUT today I am having lots of weak moments. I keep thinking I could go to Popeyes for dinner and be good for the rest of the week.......Or I can go for a long walk this afternoon after I eat Popeyes. I keep saying to myself.....Devil, GET behind me! I do not need or want Popeyes! I am NOT going to eat Popeyes tonight, I am NOT going to eat Popeyes tonight, I am NOT going to eat Popeyes tonight.......I Am going to eat blackened fish with veggies, and I am going to LOVE it! Can one of my dear friends go to Popeyes and stand guard for me? If you see my car at Popeyes, you have my full permission to start shooting at my tires!

What are your comfort foods when you are sick?

2 days of bed rest...

I have been in bed the last two days. I have a cold/allergy/sinus illness of some sort. I have slept until 11 am for 2 days, taken naps during the day, and have not been able to fully sleep at night. Yesterday afternoon, I almost took a 2 hour nap. I could NOT sleep last night. I woke up the first time about 2:20am, and it was down hill after that.......I woke up every hour or so. Today, I have medicine/sleep head syndrome! I can barely keep my eyes open.......I need a nap. But how do you tell your employer....."I need a nap, so I am going to take a 30 minute sleeping break in my car." I might get "walked" out of the building, but definitely not in a good way. Summer/Fall colds are horrible.......I think they are the absolute worst! The weather has been so beautiful. All I wanted to do was be outside, but nope.....I was inside sick. The only good thing about the last 2 days was my dogs were very well behaved! Praise God! Over the weekends, they normally get pretty restless so they do marathons around the house, play real loud, chase toys or each other......Just hyper little girls. Every time I slept, they slept! Praise God I did not have dogs running over my head or chest!

Charlotte York.

In the Words of Charlotte York from Sex and the City:

"I've been dating since I was 15. I'm exhausted. Where is he?"

In God's Word.

Christian Friends,

I have been a Christian all of my life......I can not remember a time when God was a part of my life. I was raised Catholic. I went to mass almost every Sunday mostly without my Parents, I went to Catechism, I was a member of the Youth Group, on the Youth counsel, a player on the softball and volleyball teams, but I never really understood the bible when I was a child. I knew Christ died for me & b/c of his death I was saved.......I knew a few stories from the bible, but since I was "taught" reading the bible was only for an Elder of the Church or the Priest, I did not read the bible. I started college & went to the Catholic Church next to my campus......and still did not get much out of the church. I moved to Dallas and thought I did not want to go to church again. After I got most of my partying out of my system, I started looking for a Church home. I probably visited 20 churches before I felt like I had a church home. Honestly, I did not like my church home when I first started attending.....It was a traditional church with lots & lots of Elderly, and I wanted a Young Hip Church where I had lots of peers my own age (and lots of Single Men). God had another plan. I found a Church where my Spiritual Life started Growing and Embracing the Bible. I started new bible studies, I attended Sunday School Class, and actually occasionally enjoying the traditional service. I have changed so much as a Christian over the last 5 years. I enjoy reading the bible, Christian books, bible studies, Christian music and the committee's I am on. Right now, I am doing a bible study on my own by Max Lucado. The name of the Book is Just Like Jesus. Let's just say the Holy Spirit is working hard on me through this book & through the last several weeks of sermons at church. I have changed so much on the inside......Reading this Book, I long and am striving to be Just Like Jesus. I can tell in my attitude I am changing......Believe me, this post is not about patting myself on the back, I am just shocked at the fact this book was actually written for me. I am simply amazed my heart is changing. Reading God's Word is like eating Chocolate for me, the more I read the more I want! I have become more patient driving, with my dogs, my Mother, friends, my brother, with children, and even co-workers. I have always had a problem with my temper/anger. As I have aged, the temper/anger is subsiding, but reading this book has shocked me. It's showed me I do not have to be angry or my temper does not have to flare when I am upset. It's taught me I am sinful when I am angry. Jesus lived over 30 years on earth without one sin. Amazingly, as humans we sin daily. Jesus lived without un-necessary anger, and I can too! God is also pushing me to step out of "my comfort zone" to become more involved in other aspects of the church. It's hard for me to step out of my comfort areas to branch out to do more to Glorify God's Kingdom. I struggle doing what I want, when I want it & how I want to do it than actually doing what God wants me to do. For example, a friend at church kept asking every Sunday if I wanted to serve communion. I kept saying no. Finally, the Holy Spirit won the battle, and I am now serving communion! It's comforting to know I am not the only one who struggles with this. My friend Sharon and I were talking about this very subject recently. I am also comforted by the fact I have friends like Sharon and many others who stand firm in their faith. Friends and Family who love the Lord. I am blessed to have so many People in my Life who are strong Christians.

The Question of the Day:

What is God working on in Your Life? What changes do you see happening in your life b/c you are in God's Word? What has turned around in Your Life since you have surrendered yourself to Christ?

Happy Birthday, K, K, & J!

I can not believe it's been 4 wonderful years.........Today is Kirsten, Kaden, and Jeremy's Birthday.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Kirsten, Kaden & Jeremy,
Happy Birthday to you....

Eat lots of Cake & Ice Cream today!

Taking you back into childhood.....

My weekend was filled with lots of fun-kid friendly adventures. On Saturday, I went with my Youth Kids to play whirlyball and laser tag. I did not play whirlyball. Laser Tag was my game of choice! I love playing laser tag! I probably had more fun than some of the teenagers.
As I was playing my second game of laser tag, I had the sudden immediate urge to go to the bathroom. Here's the moral of this story: You know you are getting old when you have to take of your laser tag vest, stop playing the game, and pray you make it to the bathroom before you pee on yourself! Second moral: Never drink lots of water before you play laser tag.

Saturday night I was babysitting. We were coloring and watch Mary Kate & Ashley goes to Paris. I have seen this movie a zillion times with the girls. As I opened the huge bag of crayons, I was completely taken back to my childhood.........Hundreds of memories filled my head. I always loved getting a new box of crayons when I was a child. I also love the smell of play-do. Such sweet memories. I love the smell & taste of boiled seafood. When I was a child, we always had huge "crawfish/shrimp/crab boils" with family and friends. I loved the excitement of Christmas and Birthday's (actually I still love the excitement). I love the anticipation of what Santa was going to bring me! What sounds, smells, books, taste, etc. take you back to your childhood?

Unity is the Gift.

Dear Friends,

At times, Sept. 11, 2001 seems like a distant nightmare which never existed. Five years later the reality of Sept. 11th is still with all of us. It was the worst terror attack on the American population. It gave us fear and doubt. We felt lost & alone in the world. People we loved were dying right in front of us. Cops and Firefighters rushed into each of the Twin Towers to rescue as many people they could. Hundreds of the Cops & Firefighters died trying to save the innocent. Thousands of people died in the Towers. The buildings were destroyed, crumbled down to the earth. People were running for safety, and jumping from the Towers. The families and friends who lost someone special are still dealing with their loss. It's amazing we all live in our own little worlds. When tragedy like Sept. 11th happens it takes us back to reality. It makes us realize there are many more problems in the world other than mine own. Every life in American was changed on Sept. 11th.

Five years ago today our Great Country was changed forever. After the Sept. 11th attacks, this country "grew up" quickly. The attacks gave us a great gift.......unity. People were talking to strangers again, the American flag started popping up in & out side homes, churches continued to pray for our country and the ones we lost, People started respecting our armed forces, police officers, and firefighters, families got stronger, and People fell in love with America again. America is the Greatest Country in the World. I am proud to be an American.

Nation Of Survivors
In the bright September morning without warning to us all

A few thousand lives were shattered and we watched two buildings fall

And a billion souls felt empty, and the flags at half-mast fly

In the memory of the innocent which didn't have to die

We've lost brothers, sisters, cousins. We've lost family and friends

But we've made the choice not to forget their lives and tragic ends

Though we've had our share of troubles we have put them all aside

As a nation grieves we find ourselves defending them with pride

We're a nation of survivors, with one heart we share a tear

But we live to serve the memory, not giving in to fear.

Though they try to take security with the things they've done and said

All their acts of inhumanity bring unity instead. So we stand here as a family.

One heart, one soul, one voice.

We are challenged by this moment, and united here by choice.

--Jack Foshee Jr., Sept 12, 2001.

De-cluttering!

Last Night, Kenny and I moved some of my un-necessary clutter from my storage areas to a garage sale my friend Deb is hosting! WOW, I can not believe I had some much clutter in my storage areas!!!! It's simply amazing I was storing all that stuff for nothing! I have 2 storages areas attached to my apartment (one pretty large, and the other much smaller). I have so much space in each storage area now.....the smaller storage area is almost completely cleaned out! I now have room to buy more stuff and fill up the areas again! JOKING! It's time to get rid of stuff I do not like or use anymore. It's time for a fresh start! I feel great about de-cluttering! Praise God for friends like Kenny and Deb to help me with my cluttering ways!

Chores........hate them?

The weather is finally cooling off! PRAISE JESUS! This morning I actually had to put on pants to take the dogs outside b/c it was a little chilly! I am so looking forward to Fall! ;)

Last night, I sat on my sofa looking at my adorable little apartment. I kept thinking to myself I should really be doing a chore or two tonight. I should have dusted, vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom, cleaned the kitchen, or started a load of laundry. I did not do anything other than take the dogs outside, washed my face, and went to bed. It was the first time in a long time I actually just relaxed at home without doing one chore. I did a full "spring" cleaning a week ago, changed my sheets last Saturday, and steam cleaned my carpets on Monday. My apartment is not dirty, but I always think I have to do something when I am home relaxing. Why is that? It's probably b/c I am a clean freak, or some would say just a freak! I do not mind cleaning my home. At times, it actually relaxes me. I love the "feel" & smell of a clean house. At times, I enjoy cleaning my home on Saturday, listening to great music, dancing around acting silly, and wearing old nasty "house cleaning clothes". Maybe I just like the music & dancing around aspect of cleaning....Cleaning is a great excuse to being silly, BUT I am a definitely a good dance cleaner! There are some chores that I hate.........I hate: cleaning the ceiling fans, folding clothes, scooping the litter, mopping and sweeping. What chores do you enjoy & what ones do you hate?

I am the PAYING Customer!

My Life this week is a little frustrating..........On Tuesday night, my apartment owned fridge went out. This is the THIRD time the fridge has gone out. I called maintenance about 8:45pm Tuesday night. Did they call or even come by to fix the problem? NO! I called again Wednesday morning asking them to fix the problem. Mind you, the entire time my food is defrosting & my patience is getting shorter & shorter. I get home with a note on my counter stating the fridge is "blowing cold air". I think, "WOW, this is great.......the fridge is finally working"! When I opened the freezer to get ice, most of the food was already defrosted, and the food in the fridge was warm........I called the office again, and this time I was not so nice. At first, they said it would be Friday, possibility Monday---since Monday is a Holiday, it would be Tuesday---before someone from the manufacture would be able to come out.........Once again, my temper and patience got the better of me, after much discussion about me being a GREAT resident & never being late for rent the entire time I have lived there, and a threat to call the home office---which I did---I got a fridge from a vacate apartment. YEAH, TAMMY. The "new" fridge is cold, but the ice maker does not work. So, I have to call again this morning.......another inconvenience! I absolutely hate dealing with apartment, cable, phone, tv, or electric problems. People can be rude........Don't they get it........I AM THE CUSTOMER. I may not always be right, but I am STILL THE CUSTOMER. I am reasonable when it comes to maintenance, but 6 days to fix the fridge is outrageous.........In July, I was having trouble with my a/c on a Saturday. I called the apartment office, and some new guy answered the phone. New Guy proceeded to tell me I would not be able to get the a/c fixed until Monday.......it was 98 degrees outside. I nicely told him refusing to fix my a/c is "an bearable living condition" in July at 98 degrees, so they were in breach of my lease and I would be moving out in 48 hours with NO penalties. The apartment manager called me back, and my a/c was fixed within the hour.
On the brighter side of apartment living, I actually LOVE living in my apartment. The people in the office are very sweet, repairs are normally done in a timely fashion, I live on the 1st floor, my apartment is my adorable little home, I live close to the pool & sand volleyball court and the eye candy is pretty GREAT when the men are playing volleyball--YUM!

Walls......Levees.

I have been home most of this week (Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday evenings). It's been blissful not really having anything to do other than cook, eat, read, watch TV, take the dogs outside, and rest. It's been "Tammy" time most of the week. I have really enjoyed my time alone. However, I woke up this morning to my apartment walls closing in on me. I woke up at 5:30am this morning by jumping out of bed thinking I have to get out of this house, but by 6am all I wanted to do was go back to bed! Yep, I am a weirdo! Praise God I have plans tonight......Praise God for Great Friends! Honestly, I have had a good time spending time alone, but now it's time to branch out!

I watched "When the Levees Broke" by Spike Lee on Monday & Tuesday on HBO. Being from New Orleans, I am extremely sensitive about what happened to the people in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. "When the Levees Broke" made me cry and laugh. I was disappointed, discouraged, & disheartened about how slowly the American Government responded......It took President Bush 2 WEEKS to finally get himself to New Orleans to see the damage. Don't get me wrong, I do like President Bush, but I was extremely disappointed in him. Most of the people who survived Katrina and the flooding were without food, clean water, shelter for DAYS. People were dying: the elderly and babies did not have a chance. People were next to decreased people for days........Can you imagine the smell from decaying bodies? People saw loved ones drown........Thousands of People were left homeless with barely the clothes on the their backs. Most of the people came from the lowest income neighborhoods, BUT these people who were left homeless owned their home and were taxpayers! Hundreds of People are still waiting on FEMA trailers. FEMA, where are you? Parents & Children are still living in tents. Can you imagine living in a tent when the temperatures are over 95 degrees without air conditioning? I would melt! People from New Orleans are displaced all over the country without friends or family near. Can you imagine not being giving a choice on where someone placed you after a horrific event like Hurricane Katrina? Imagine NOT being with your Husband, Children, Extended Family, and/or Friends. You may say this could never happen to you, but ask hundreds of people it did happen too. Please ask them how they felt after it happened. Hundreds of People are suffering from Severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The suicide rates have reached the highest numbers in New Orleans (and people around the country who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina) in the last 20 or 30 years. People are STILL finding loved ones dead in their homes. Can you imagine finding a parent, child, friend, or spouse dead after all this time? It's almost a year since Hurricane Katrina destroyed a part of New Orleans, and the clean-up is extremely slow. New Orleans will be rebuilt........stronger than ever. Praise God for the Strength, Style, Grace, and Love my City has.......I miss her everyday.

Just Say NO to DRUGS!

Last night, I kept dreaming lots of crazy things.
First, I dreamed I won the lottery, quit my job, purchased a house here and one in New Orleans, and all of my friends kept asking me for loans......Can you please pay off my house? Can you please buy me a new car? Can you buy this or that for me?......I was greedy, b/c I kept telling everyone NO! I do remember Heather popping up in my dreams & we were thrift shopping with my lottery winnings & we had on matching outfits.....weird!
Second, I dreamed my friend, Sharon, called me & asked me if I could come to Noah's birthday party that afternoon.......I told her I already had plans, but she proceeded to yell & scream at me, telling me I was a bad person, how Noah was going to be disappointed b/c I was the only person invited & I was not showing up!!!
Third, I dreamed Sharon called me to ask me if I knew where Noah was, then Rebecca was at Sharon's house screaming in the background Hunter was missing too......Both Mother's were in a panic......I was thinking how crazy they both sounded........I looked out my window, and in the dream I could see Sharon & Rebecca in Sharon's house both flipping out. So, maybe I was their neighbor?!
My alarm finally went off, and the dreams stopped. Thank GOODNESS.......I was beginning to fear Sharon!

Boys & Girls........these dreams were the product of taking benadryl right before bed time! JUST SAY NO!!!! DON'T DO DRUGS!

Monday Monday!

I had an okay weekend. Nothing major was planned. I spent Friday evening with Karla & her family. Saturday morning, we finally finished the scrapbook we have been working on for a solid month (thank God it's done). Saturday evening, I went to Deb & Robert's house for dinner. Robert cooked Paprika Chicken, and it was Fabulous! Sunday was church. I had a not so great time at church this weekend dealing with some stupid drama. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly drama can start over the simplest things. Anyway, that's all I am going to say on this subject, before I get upset again! Remember People, whatever you read on my blog--stays on my blog..........I do not need anything I say on here to get back to people I go to church with or associate with......So, hush those lips of yours!

Tonight, I am hosting my book club group. We are actually not discussing a book tonight......I thought it was time to just have my book club Ladies over so we can actually spend some time together, and actually pick out a book for September. In preparation for tonight, I have cleaned my apartment: dusted, vacuumed, cleaned the kitchen & bathroom, started laundry, and I might even make my bed today. When I went to bed last night, I exhausted and had horrible back pain, BUT my home is clean!! I am cooking tonight: veggie jambalaya, chicken, cheese biscuits, and tomato & cucumber salad. YUM! I am looking forward to cooking tonight.

It's now Aug. 14th. We are half way through August. Praise God. So, maybe we will have another month of really hot weather! I am tired of this hot weather. I am tired of sweating & being hot. I want the COLD weather. I love wearing fall/winter clothes way more so than summer clothes! Yes, I am definitely ready for COLD weather. It's more comfortable to walk the dogs when it's 32 degrees than when it's 104.

Since I have been on an organizing frenzy at home, I have found clothes that I am too small for now. (God, I love saying that). In January this year, I went shopping for "work/church" pants. I purchased 3 pair, and now they are ALL way to big on me! I paid way to much money for them, and I hate to give them away. So, does anyone know a tailor in our area? If so, could you please email me with their name and number. I cheated on my "diet" all weekend long....It was simply wonderful.....It's Monday, so I am full force again!

I am tired of re-runs this summer. I am watching two summer shows I love: The 4400 and the Dead Zone. Great Shows! I am ready for the Fall Line-up. I was a TV junkie last Fall, and I will be a TV junkie this fall. I am glad I actually know how to use my VCR now (it took me about 2 years to finally work the tv, cable box, and vcr all together!) b/c I record so much! Praise God for VCR's! What TV shows are you looking forward too?

God Bless.

Happy Birthday, Rebecca

Everyone Must Sing Happy Birthday to Rebecca:

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Rebecca,

Happy Birthday to you!

And many more!


May God Bless & Guide you this new coming year!
Don't eat too much cake! ;)

Sucked into your Own Blog?!

I started reading my blog today. I started from the very 1st entry & I am simply sucked into my own life! Have you ever gotten sucked into reading your own blog? Is there a blog other than our circle of friends you get sucked into?

2 Purses for $7... Can you beat that?

On Saturday, Heather & I went thrift Store Shopping! We had a GREAT time! I love going to thrift stores! The only horrible thing about Saturday is was 150 degrees, and everytime I stepped out of the car I thought I would melt! I got 2 purses, an antique pyrex dish, and pillows for my new loveseat all for $15.00! I love a bargain! I wonder if there is a thrift store that specializes in plus size clothing?! Heather, Thanks so much for twisting my arm & making me go! What would I do without YOU!? I can not imagine a world without friends like you! Heather, when are we going again?! ;) Next time, let's plan a huge day of Thrift store fun.........Start off with breakfast (to give us energy, of course) & then start shopping. I am ready today!

Saturday night, I went to a Birthday Party for a friend of mine! It was a night filled with lots of great "family" time, food & fun! When I finally got home on Saturday, I was exhausted. The sun is my enemy this year. I hate the big bright hot shiny sun.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Please wish my Great Friend Sharon a Very Happy Birthday!

Let's all sing now:

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Sharon
Happy Birthday to you!
AND MANY MORE!

Love your Friend, Linkless!