Tammi's Temporary World

My site. Well, sorta.

I can get there via www.tammisworld.com

You might need to use www.tammisworld.mu.nu for a few days.

But it's back. It's just like before.

I am very happy!!!!!!
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So I just had a surprise phone interview. Hmmmm

It's here in Northern Illinois, and the territory would include a good chunk of Wisconsin.

It's outside selling.

To men.

Casual - no heels, dresses, entertainment. Just calls.

There is cold calling involved - not my favorite, but not soooooo bad.

The money is decent. Benefits Rock.

I'm going to go ahead and agree to a face to face. It's a totally different industry for me. But I can learn.

Plus - it's something. SOMETHING.

So - we'll see what happens.

But I'm still waiting on THE company to call again. But this - it's not a bad opportunity.

UPDATE 2:15pm: The interview is set for Tuesday afternoon. Damn - there goes movie day. ;-)

JUST KIDDING!!!!
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Just in case you haven't figured it out yet....

My "It's fine. It's all fine. It'll be fine"? Yeah that's Tammi Speak for "this is f*cked up!!"

Just in case you didn't realize that...
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I think it's pretty safe to say yesterday wasn't the best of days. Nope. Not at all.

The funny thing is it was no single thing that threw me. It just built over the day. As each hour went by my mood sunk. That is really funny if you knew that I messed up my regulator clock in the living room when I "sprung forward" so it's permanently SIX something right now. (I do this with every time change - I've got to have that thing worked on.)

Anyway - it was just a long flippin' day. Loooooonnnnnnngggggg day. And an even longer night. Everything just seemed to be moving in slow motion and trust me when I tell you there was nothin' goin' on that I wanted to enjoy THAT much!!!!

And I know there will be days like this. I'm just a little ticked that I seem to be having so many so soon. Maybe part of it is the lack of things to do. Last time I went through a little employment hiatus I had the pool and the beach in easy reach. I'd bust my hump posting and take an hour or two break every afternoon to just get outside. Enjoy the sunshine, float in the water, take a walk on the beach. Sun and water - always a good cure for me. The weather has been kinda stormy here so that's been out. Plus, to be honest, I don't know what the townfolk would think of the crazy new lady walkin' around her backyard in a bathing suit with the sprinkler goin' in April. Yeah, probably not the impression I want to give.

Oh and don't think I don't have "things" to do. I've got a basement to organize, a garage to empty, a house to clean. I got stuff. I just don't care. I don't care if my basement is a maze of boxes, I don't care that I've still got to go out the garage to get something. Nope. Don't care.

It's my brain. My brain won't let me unfocus. My brain just won't stop running scenarios of doom. My brain, always trying to come up with a plan is spinnin' like an old tire on ice. And I just can't get the damned thing outta gear.

So.........I apologize for the ventin' post below. I really hadn't thought when I wrote that. I just needed to "get it out". But yes, I'm strugglin' right now. It'll be fine. It'll all be fine. It's just not fine right now. THAT'S my problem.
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Well, the old host is gone. Actually that's not alllll bad. I would have stayed with them, simply because I've been there all along, and it was just too much effort to change over. NOW - I'll be a part of the MuNu family, and that's kinda nice. Oh, you'll still be able to find me at tammisworld.com - that's mine for a while now.

The beginnings of the site are up. I'll start playing with it as soon as I get a bit more coffee in my system. I'm hoping that by the beginning of next week things will be back over there and everything will be right with the world again.

Meanwhile, I'll just plug away over here - puttin' thoughts down, and visiting my friends. It'll be fine. It'll all be fine.
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I am so sick and tired of everything always being someone else's fault. I just hate that. And it seems so prevalant in this society anymore. I know that thought process is out there, but sometimes I can forget. Then I see some stupid article, like this one, and it all comes rushing back.....

"Racy music, TV blamed for teen sex". So what are you tellin' me with a headline like that? Before racy music and TV teenagers didn't have sex?? Oh, please, please try and make me believe THAT one.

Personal responsibility. PERSONAL. RESPONSIBILITY. Yeah, I know kids are exposed to more and more crap every day- and yes, every once in a while even *I* am surprised at some of it. But kids will be kids. And parents MUST be parents. If parents are communicating with their kids, talking to them, working with them, showing them about responsibility and such - THAT is a stronger influence than any TV show, movie or song.

When my kids were young, I was pretty young too. My oldest was only 10 years younger than I was. I was new to the whole parenting thing, and I know I made lots and lots of mistakes. But the most important thing to me was to be a good example. I tried to keep in mind that these kids were watching me, paying attention. I didn't want to send mixed signals. I wanted to show them there was a life - with morals and values - beyond what they had known.

Now.......I will admit my boys were doin' the hoochy koochy at a young age. Hell, their Daddy had a party when the oldest walked on the wild side. I was mortified. I had to work up the courage, at 23, to talk to him about safe sex, responsibility, restraint. I STILL shudder when I remember THAT little talk. And I knew at that time I still had 2 more to get through. YIKES.

But I never blamed anyone else for what my kids did. Same with my nieces and nephew. It wasn't the music they listend to, or the movies their Daddy let them watch - it was us. It was OUR actions they watched.

So I am about sick and tired of this same recycled bullshit that everyone else is the reason kids act up. And what makes me even sicker is the fact that people fall for this line of crap. I just don't understand whatever happened to personal responsibility.

I'm just waitin' now to see them start the damned CD burnin' and campaign against movies. It's just the same old cycle, over and over again..........

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That's it. I quit.

I just can't be optimistic about everything anymore.

All Done.

No more second guessing. No more looking for signs, signals....nothin'.

I'm tired. What is is, what will be will be.

Period.

You Win.
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Does this damned thing still work???

I transfered over the blogroll - but it looks like crap at this point...

Oh well, it's all only temporary.
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Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!!!!

I'm so damn excited. My other site works again! It works, it really works.

I can post. I can delete. I can do what ever I damn well please!!!!! Yeah.

So................

This will be it for Blogspot. I'll keep the archives here, and use it for back-up (please that I don't need it) but I'm Goin' HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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There are several different things I'd like to get via Cafe Press. I really like one of these "I'd Rather be blogging" Women's Tank Top I found via the PrestoPundit. I'd also like one of these from Sgt. Hook. Then of course there is the large coffee mug over at Laughing Wolf's shop, that's perfect for my morning blogging. And who wouldn't want a Smash Hat?!?!?

So what's my point? Simple really. Cafe Press doesn't take paypal. Only credit cards, and I don't have any of those. Given the fact that I spend most of my waking hours in department stores, furnitures stores and malls - I cut them all up. Yep, every last one. If I don't have the cash to pay for it, I don't buy it. Plus, you can use paypal for more and more things every day.

Can anyone explain why Cafe Press doesn't include PayPay? I know I'm not the only person that doesn't have credit cards, you have to think they are missing a lot of business.

Oh Well, I guess it's just the way things go. I just wanted to vent for a minute.

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Yep, I think I'm finally going to be able to move back home (just in time to have to post that damn picture of me sporting a TEMPORARY UT tattoo).

I got through to my blogmiester and she will be addressing my problems (well, those that she can help with anyway) this morning. I've even decided to upgrade to MT 3. I want better control of comments, post scheduling, and am hoping it will correct my trackback feature better.

I've really missed posting at my regular digs. I had some trouble when I first moved over there, as I'm not in any way shape or form good at programming or anything more advanced than type and click. But I eventually figured it out. I liked the fact that I could post pictures easily. This blogger option is NOT user friendly (well, at least this user doesn't think so) and I miss my extended entry option. I liked it for SQotD and pictures and such.

So.....I am hoping to be back home by tomorrow. I know, I shouldn't tease. But I'm just so damned excited I needed to share!!!!

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I received this from a friend via e-mail. Have no idea who wrote it, so if you know, tell me and I'll give credit where credit is due.

It's my version of the Sunday Comics. (Hey, maybe we'll start that as a regular thing, like SQotD)

Enjoy!!

Subject: NOTICE FROM CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES: Afghanistan Cruise

We at Carnival Cruise Lines didn't forget that a lot of entertainers had promised to leave the country if George W.Bush became President. With that in mind, we have a Special Offer for those who still want to keep their promise!

Attention: Would Alec Baldwin, Rosie O'Donnell, Ed Asner,Whoppi Goldberg, Cher, Phil Donahue, Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand, Jane Fonda, Pierre Salinger, and anyone else who made that promise, please dispose of all US assets and report to Florida for the sailing of the Funship Cruise, "Elation," which has been commissioned to take you to your new vacation homes in Afghanistan. You may opt to be dropped off in Somalia or Iraq.

The Florida Supreme Court will sponsor a Farewell Parade in your honor through Palm Beach,Broward, and Miami-Dade counties prior to your cruise.

Please pack for an extended stay...at least four more years

Note: Since you advocate strict gun control, you may not bring any.

Staffing your voyage is Bill Clinton as captain, Al Gore as cruise director, Monica Lewinsky as recreation director, Ted Kennedy as lifeguard and emergency procedures director, and Ex-Congressman Gary Condit as intern coordinator.

If you have any questions about making arrangements for your homes,friends and loved ones, please direct your comments Hillary Clinton. Her village can raise your children while you're gone, and she an watch over all your money and your furnishings until you return.

Bon Voyage!

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Let me just say what an incredible QB Erik Ainge is! Holy Smokes, that kid is going places!

That being said........I am ever a gracious loser. *mumble unsportsmanlike conduct my ass mumble*

So, congrats to Eric (and Johnny_oh) and the Tennessee Volunteers.

I'll be getting that picture done tomorrow.

oh.my.goodness.

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And I helped!!

Congratulations Blackfive.

Honestly, I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here - but what a great site he has!!

I'm over there a couple times a day just to see what interesting tidbits he has.

Oh, and there are the People You Should Know, Military Stuff, General Information - and just tons of other great things. Really - if you aren't over there at least once a day you are missing something special.



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Today the Florida Gators play the Tennesse Volunteers. In Tennessee. Yeah, it'll be a good game but I'm saying here and now I believe the Gators will win.

And I'm willing to put my reputation on the line. I've issued a challenge to Straight White Guy Eric! Problem is what the "payoff" should be. (get your minds OUT of the gutter kids!)

Any ideas folks?What should happen if the Gators win? What should happen if the Vols win?

The game starts at 8:00 tonite, so there's a bit of time, but I also have to work. SO if we can agree on something before, oh say 6:00 cst I think that's pretty good. Put those creative minds to work, but keep it clean.

Hrumph.......like the Vols are gonna win this one.......hrumph

UPDATE 11:45am

GAME ON!!

Here it is folks - straight from Eric's comment section:


Harvey actually posted a pretty good suggestion when I asked for ideas on the payoffs.
You have to post a mp3 of you singing the Gators' fight song. (When Gators win)
I'll have to write the word Volunteers somewhere on my person in black magic maker and post a picture (IF Vols win)

So.....what'cha think?
Bullshitted by Tammi on September 18, 2004 11:25 AM


..damn, that's a stiff deal... do I get to pick which part of your body?..
Bullshitted by Eric on September 18, 2004 11:26 AM

NOPE. ;)

But I promise it won't be my hand, or something lame like that. I'll make it interesting! But then again, I don't think that will even be an issue! (hee hee hee)Bullshitted by Tammi on September 18, 2004 11:32 AM

.. bring it on, Tammi... consider it a bet, baby...
Bullshitted by Eric on September 18, 2004 11:42 AM

So......watch the Gators defend my honor tonite on CBS at 8:00. Get that recorder ready Eric. Oh, and here's a link to the lyrics and such - just so you have it. ;-)

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

OK - Here goes:

I think I'm going to start a "desert island" theme. Let's set the stage. You have to spend the next 20 years on a desert island. What 5 CD's do you want to take with you? (Must be store bought - NO "homemade" ones allowed). This is actually a repeat of the first SQD I did, but I didn't hold to that rule and we also have new folks hanging around.

ME:

1) Eric Clapton - greatest hits
2) Bonnie Raitt - Luck of the Draw
3) Van Morrison - greatest hits
4) AC/DC - Back in Black
5) Romantic Classical Music (yes it's a real CD)

I'll admit my list changes day to day, but it always has at least 2 of these CDs on it. This is a tough one, especially if you're a real music lover.

So....what 5 CD's would you HAVE to have with you to survive 20 years on a desert island?


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So I'm working on this damn analysis for my new customer. The formula's are not working out, can't figure out what the bonehead that set the spreadsheet up was trying to do, and basically I've had to rebuild the whole damn thing.

I've spent most of the day on it. I decided I needed a break - so rather than go out and sit by the pool, take a walk around the neighborhood, what do I do?? I go a blogging.

I found the MOST entertaining blog ever. Seriously - the posts are cute but the comments entertained the hell out of me.

Here's what I've been able to figure out. Grammarian started this blog in June. Title: I Need A Name For This Blog. Every entry is suggestions for names. The comments are building on the suggestions.

I have tears in the corner of my eyes from laughing. So....I wanted to share. I figure this is the perfect late Friday post, as we'll have all weekend to browse.

Damn, I love it when I find something new. And refreshing. There are no politics, no hurricanes, no professional venting....wait. I have all that on my blog?!?!? OK - so if you're sick of me, head over to I Need A Name For This Blog and get revitalized. Plus, with all the talented family members I have I think we might be able to come up with some great suggestions.

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Funny......but not

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OK - THIS is getting personal. It shows the path that Ivan took and the projected path of Jeanne. Now, again, I fully realize that it's early and no reason to panic. However, that does not mean don't pay attention.

I saw that map this morning, then this one and just threw my hands in the air. I quit. All Done. No More. There is NO PLACE in the state that one can go and not deal with debris and damage. The only thing left is Chicago - and I don't have time for that right now.

So, Jeanne, if you're listening - Go AWAY!!! You are NOT welcome here. Nothing personal, just turn your windy ass around and head out to sea. We've had enough.

UPDATE 7:30pm 9/17: Well, I guess I told her! According to the latest tracker Jeanne will NOT turn west into Florida. She's heading out to sea. Yeah.

I guess she didn't want to tangle with a 6'2" red head, out to protect her territory. *hrumph*

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Don't settle. Don't stop improving yourself. Expand your horizons. Learn something new.

Well, my Blogdaughter Lee Ann has the perfect opportunity.

Did you know Sunday September 19th is National Talk Like A Pirate Day? In the Tampa Bay area Pirate is the language of choice a couple of times a year, so it's something most of us take for granted.

Head on over to Lee Ann's View and learn something new. Add another language to your repertoire.

(Plus, it's got some great pick-up lines!!!)

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Just what's going on with my unwanted guest. Well, I have to admit I haven't been in the garage since his arrival on Wednesday. Nope. The car is sitting out in the driveway.

First I want to thank all those that left suggestions. Damn, some of them sound pretty good. And I wish I could get someone over here to deal with this. But, alas, it's up to me. I gotta be a grown up.

So....as much as I hate to say this, I'm goin' in.

Tonite I'm going to run to Wal-Mart (ouch) and buy some more shelving units for the garage. That will allow me to get more of my work stuff up off the ground and get more organized. But you need to picture this. I have to move all the stuff first to make room for the shelves. The snake and spiders are there. SO.....I think I'm going to use the long pole/net thing from my pool. Just push or lift everything from a distance. That should be great entertainment for the neighbors. Add in the fact that I'll be doing the snake/spider dance the entire time. Maybe I should suggest they get the video recorders ready.

Then, after I get the shelves up and stuff shook out (to make sure the critters are gone) I'm going to sweep everything out. Then I can finally call the pest control. If I called them first it wouldn't do any good. Too much stuff in the way.

Oh, did I tell you what kind of spiders I got? No, well here's a couple examples. We got Banana spiders. I don't know why they are in my garage - it ain't a garden and there are no banana's there, but I got a few of those. I got Daddy-longlegs (the non poisonous ones) I found some jumping spiders and after that I stopped looking.

So, I'm sure you're wondering where all these flippin spiders came from and why I have so many. One word folks. Hurricanes. Two to be exact. I keep saying that it's not just humans that lose their homes during these storms. Nature is also pretty screwed up. These critters need someplace to settle, and it just so happened they like my garage.

Well, not for long. The other little trick I'm going to try comes from Mama Vi. I'm going to get a couple boxes of smelly moth balls and place them in strategic locations in the garage. Supposedly that will keep them out. Pest control will get rid of them, but nothing really keeps them out, not in a garage setting.

Now, help me remember.....I wanted a house because of why??????

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Thursday? Friday? Wednesday? I'm really not sure. And it really doesn't matter.

Since it took 2 days to get my customer set up, and now I find out I'm out of town for 3 days next week the old saying really does come true. There is NO rest for the wicked. It looks like today is paperwork and running this afternoon. Tomorrow yet another trip to Daytona to see everyone I didn't see the past couple of days. Sunday will be my upscale furniture stores and Monday it's on the road.

Damn. Next month is looking bad already. I've got a wedding Oct. 16th. (That will be GREAT). I'm in Georgia from the 24-the 29th. And somehow I have to hit every single one of my stores 2x within that 4 week period. I see a lot of windshield time in my future.

Let's look a little bit farther into the future. November is chocked full of meetings and another wedding. And then I have to go home for Thanksgiving weekend. I have to drive (21 hours) so that I can bring my Mom home with me. So there I lose a week.

Then....it's Christmas.

Just let that sink in for a moment. Christmas.

Holy Cow. My brain can barely comprehend that.

Now you see a bit more of how my mind works. Don't hate me because I plan.

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This week the carnival is being hosted by Prochein Amy and it looks really good!!!!

You got cakes and main dishes and one of my favorite types of food - Breakfast Food. I'm so making that one.

I'm not going to spoil things so get yourself over to Amy's and check out the goodies.

Great Job Amy!! Thanks for havin' us.


Next week the Carnival will be over at Jennifer's Mellow-Drama.

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Tonite as I was driving back from Daytona I came across another sight that brought tears to my eyes.

2 lanes of I4 were blocked off. All the on ramps were blocked. There was a caravan of 30 Seminole County Sherriff vehicles driving west with their flashers on. There were cruisers, SUV's pullin' trailers, Pick-ups with 4 wheelers in the back.

I could see the uniforms hanging in the back seats.

They are headin' to the panhandle to help however they can.

Seminole county got the shit kicked out of them by Charley. Frances put a serious dent in any progress made in rebuilding. Frances was just a day or so over a week ago.

Yet, these officers were on their way to help however they could. Conditions won't be good. The hours will be long. But there they go.

It really got to me.

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And truer than I like to admit.

My favorite?

You Might be a Floridian if........

You exhibit a slight twitch when introduced to anyone with the first names of Charley, Frances or Ivan

Go read the rest. Funny.

Thanks Bou. If we didn't laugh we'd cry!


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Sounds like Harvey had a pretty good birthday. Yeah - no one deserves it more, IMHO.

He's given us all a surprise. Go check out his birthday round-up. He's thrown in a little "Thank You" at the end.

Harvey? Thank YOU!!! ;)

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I can't get this to load correctly in blogspot. BUT...I found THIS at Doc in the Box and thought it was very cool.

Here are my results:

What is Your Battle Cry?

Stalking amidst the fields, brandishing a reflective halberd, cometh Tammi! And she gives a bloodthirsty grunt:

"You in some shit now, muhfuh! I swear that on this night, you shall dine in hell!"

I think it's pretty accurate. Go and check it out yourself.

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I need a man.

Yep, I've got a problem that I just can't solve on my own.

You see, I have 3 fears in this life. I mean real fears.

1) Spiders. So what happens? My garage is infested with them. Yuck.

2) Hurricanes. No explanation needed with this one.

3) Snakes. Here in lies my problem.

This morning as I was closing the garage door, this slimy, sneaky, scaly, evil snake rushed into my garage. He's in there right now. I want him to leave. NOW.

So how do I get rid of a snake? If anyone is dense enough to tell me to catch it, you need to re-read the 3 fears listed above. That is NOT an option.

To make it worse, he's gonna love it in there. All those spiders, it's like a snake smorgusboard. Not to mention all the boxes and crap in there for work. Oh yeah, it's like the flippin Ritz for snakes.

At the risk of repeating myself, I want it out of there. Now. And I want the word to spread through the snake world that they DON'T want to try it again.

Hey Eric, Johhny_Oh! Any suggestions. Ya'll are country boys, surely you know some trick that will "encourage" the little bastard to leave. Anybody???

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So I'm driving back from my customer's today (another post in itself) and traffic gets really bad just west of Orlando. It's 7:30pm so I know it's not rush hour. What?? I'm tired, I've had a physically exhausting day and I just want to get home! mumble mumble mumble

Then I see them.

A caravan of 30 tree trimming trucks, all from North Carolina, heading North West.

I can't say I know for certain, but I'm sure they are headed to the panhandle.

These 30 crews of men, that left their families, and their homes, to come down here and help us get our cities back together after Charley and Frances did their damnedest. These 30 crews of men off to more heat, mosquitoes, miserable conditions. Now, I realize they are making some money off these storms, but they deserve every dime they are getting and then some.

But driving past that caravan, knowing that where they are going is going to need so much help to regroup. It broke my heart.

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First, I know I'm cheating. I'm dating these posts for tomorrow morning, as I know I'm not going to have time to post anything.

I'm exhausted. Physically and mentally. I am too damn old to be setting up 19 beds (frames, headboards/footboards, boxes and matts) with a 65 yr old man as my only real help. But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Morning starts out at 5:00am. WAY earlier than I wanted to get up, but there's no hope for it. The eyes opened and weren't going to close back up anytime soon. So I get up, make coffee, blog and get ready for the day. Handle a couple of fires and I'm dressed and out the door by 8:00am.

My new customer is finally ready to set up his floor and open for business this weekend. WooHoo. I have a lot of hope for this account, I think we'll both do pretty well for ourselves.

Only problem is he's never sold beds before. Knows nothing about the business. He and I have developed a really good relationship and he's made it clear he is depending on me for everything. (please Lord, don't let me fail him!)

So I head on over to the east coast to get him set up. The nice thing is I get to wear jeans and be comfortable. I'd have preferred shorts, but didn't want to push my luck.

So I get over there and the room is bare except for 2 stacks of platforms. Oh No. Way too many platforms and they need to be set up. BTW - these are all for queen size beds, not exactly light weight. So I start carrying them where I need them to be. Put together 2 twin frames, another queen and a king. Decide which displays I want headboards with and get those assembled.

Now it's time to head to the warehouse. Oh, did I mention this store got hit pretty bad by Frances? No? The owner stayed at the store all night sucking the water in to a WetVac as it came in the doors. This man is dedicated. And focused on getting open.

So anyway, back to the warehouse. It's about 120 degrees in there (no shit). The delivery didn't go smooth, from what I heard, so there are boxes and matts everywhere. Plus, having never sold beds, they don't know the best way to store them or inventory them. After an hour we get the first load ready to take into the shop.

I start pulling the boxes off the cart, tearing off the heavy plastic bags and getting them placed. Again, remember mostly queen beds - the boxes aren't that heavy just very awkward, and no scooting allowed. Can't scuff up the display beds. Doesn't look good.

So I'm slinging boxes. I'm now exhausted. Did I mention 19 beds? Oh, sorry, I wasn't sure.

Now it's time to bring the matts in. Oh. My. Goodness. Those suckers are heavy. I mean very very heavy.

So.......long story short. I didn't get it all done today. I have to go back tomorrow. AND I get to spend even more quality time in the warehouse doing inventory and setting up a storage system.

By the time I got home, I was dragging. I stopped for cigarettes and the girl at the smoke shop took one look at me and started laughing. My hair is so curly I look like Annie. I was barefooted, filthy and could barely put one foot in front of another. I'm limping cause I jammed my big toe on my right foot and dropped a box on the left, resulting in a lovely gash right over the vein. Let's not even talk about what my back feels like. Oh yeah, I'm a lovely sight about now.

So....I have about 4 hours of work to do on the computer for tomorrows visit. I'm too tired to do it tonite, so that means a very early morning. Hence the reason for the "cheatin" posts. I'm sure you understand.

I'm way too old for this shit!

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I'm seeing a lot of really good entries for this weeks Carnival of Recipes!! But I'm gonna make you wait till it's published. If you've been surfing around like I have you'll have stumbled across some pretty tempting stuff.

So this is what you do. Email the link to your posted recipe to: recipe(dot)carnival(at)gmail(dot)com. If you don't have a blog, don't let that stop you, just email the recipe to that same address and it'll be posted!!!

The deadline is Midnight on Thursday. The Carnival will be posted Friday.

This week the lovely and talented Amy of Prochien Amy is hosting.

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Down home cookin'. I told ya'll.

This is my mother's recipe for pea salad. It is wonderful. It also makes it easy for her, since it's what everyone always wants her to make. Just remember you really need to make it a day ahead of time, for the flavor to be at it's peak.

Mama Vi's Pea Salad

Combine:
1 can white corn
1 can Early Peas
1 can small lima beans
6 green onions (cut fine)

(options)
some finely chopped celery
1 can small button mushrooms (I always add these!)

MIX separately:
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup white vinegar

Stir until sugar dissolves

Pour over vegetables, add salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate NO LESS THAN 6 hours (better if over night)


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Jim over at Parkway Rest Stop is on a roll! He's been doing this series called "At Home with John and Teresa. Funny Stuff.

There are nine parts so far. To make it easy for ya'll to follow here are the links, in order:

No 1
No 2
No 3
No 4
No 5
No 6
No 7
No 8
No 9

Really, he has a gift. I'm so glad he's sharing it.

BTW - my favorite? No. 8 (so far)

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I've had several people ask me when I'm moving back to the "regular" site. Well, I'm trying.

I've sent out several SOS's and am hoping to hear something by the time I get home tonite. My host company says it's not them. And I'm inclined to believe that, as I can access my "manage" page no problem. I can create and save drafts. But when I try to rebuild my site for anything I get an error telling me I don't have permission. (That phrase has never sat well with me any way!)

It's been over 2 weeks and I'm a bit frustrated. I'm willing to upgrade to MT 3.0 while we're fixing this mess, but I just need help. I've read the MT instruction book, but felt like I was reading in a foreign language. I'm not a programmer by any stretch. I'm a user. Plain and simple. Give me hands on training and I can work on any application. But this is makin' me nuts!!!

So....just a post to let you know I'm trying to get back to the Big Blog stuff. Hell, I've paid in advance for a year on my server and my domain - I'd like to think I was getting my money's worth. Watch for something to give in the next week.

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Ivan is preparing to strike. I only hope those in the "cone" are prepared for it. This bastard looks to be worse than Charley and Frances combined. With the force of Charley and the size and speed (or lack there of) of Frances things don't look good for those in the Panhandle, coastal Alabama or New Orleans.

It's weird not hearing all the information. Now that we know that Central/South Florida will not suffer a direct hit, trying to get information on this storm is frustrating to say the least. Oh, there are the usual channels, MEDIA, Weather.com, Wunderground, and THIS SITE I got from Bou. But I'm used to finding information on every channel. I'm used to constant updates. It's frustrating as hell, I really need to know what's going on.

I also find that I'm feeling a little guilty. I'm so used to these monsters aiming in my general direction, I feel guilty for the relief I feel that I don't have to worry about myself. I wouldn't wish this on ANYONE! But I can't deny that I'm so happy I don't have to deal with this one head on.

Now, Jeanne is a whole 'nother ballgame. Look at this. I know it's early, and as Ivan has showed these storms can change course at any time, but this just don't look good at all. Talk about the old 1 / 2 punch. Damn. This looks a lot like the track Frances took. This will definitely bear watching.

So, my prayers go out to all those in Ivan's path. And that doesn't mean just those in coastal areas. I live in CENTRAL Florida, no where near a beach (gulf or ocean) and we've had our asses kicked 2x now. If they are showing you anywhere near the intended path of the bad boy, PREPARE. PREPARE. PREPARE. Trust me, you CANNOT Prepare Enough. Get Gas. Even if there is plenty, the pumps don't work with out electricity. Get Batteries. Get lanterns, not just flashlights. WATER WATER WATER. Nonperishable foods. Honestly - you'll be glad you have them when the winds are howling around you and you don't know what the next few days/weeks will hold. That little piece of mind, knowing that you have done all you can to prepare is worth it. Get bug spray, both for people and your home. Ants, flying stingy things and spiders will be looking for someplace to go. They like homes. They like our homes. Keep them out.

You know, I used to think those that talked in the manner of what I've just posted were alarmists. You know - "the sky if falling" types. NOW - I'm happy to go back to quoting the Girl Scouts Motto "Always be prepared". Oh, yeah. Now, it's all about peace of mind.



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