Tamssmat

Let me begin by telling you that I am only writing because Tams pressured me into this. I’ve never blogged before although I have enjoyed reading about the life and times of Tams and The Boy. I’m a friend of Tammi’s, our friendship was born like so many of my friendships- through work. It is work that is actually affording me the time to write my blog. It’s New Years Eve- well, the day of the Eve, is there a name for the day of the “Eve”? I learned earlier this year that the day before Christmas Eve is now being referred to as Christmas Adam since the Good Book tells us that Adam came before Eve. Where am I going with this- I haven’t a clue nor do I expect you to be able to follow along since I am meandering like a mountain stream, always flowing downhill but rarely do I stay in one direction for very long. So okay- Tammi and I met through work- she sent us purchase orders so we liked Tammi very much. Then it came to our attention that we both were hooked on a couple of the same TV shows- which is quite a feat since I really only watch about 60 minutes of TV per week (I’m not counting football time- that is not really TV watching but rather it is more like going to church). As you all saw- Tammi requested guest bloggers- I don’t recall anyone voting for me but since my friend Tammi simply would not get off my back about submitting a blog- here I am, in all my New Years Eve Day glory- at my recently cleaned desk with nary a customer to call on and nothing to do. A perfect opportunity to spew some words that will likely mean nothing to anyone inclusive of myself.

Christmas has recently come to a close, I do look forward to Christmas but I look forward to Christmas being over more so than I look forward to the day itself. This year was quite exciting though in that my kids, of which I have three, received a Wii. I was looking forward to playing with them but my exposure to the Wii had only been in the bowling game- quite fun although it doesn’t really simulate bowling as much as I might like……blah blah blah- we bowled and had much fun. In addition to the Wii system, I surprised not only my kids, but also my wife with the additional purchase of Guitar Hero III for the Wii- now that, my friends, is one helluva game. I’m so addicted already. I’ve created a band called T-Rock, I’m almost certain that we’ll be touring soon so check your local concert schedule and come out to see me play. I’ve completed the circuit on the easy level and I’m about halfway through the medium difficulty level. Quite a feat for a 38 year old no talent fella! I rock harder than my kids and everyone in the neighborhood is envious of my skills. My wife spent most of the afternoon yesterday yelling downstairs to tell me to quit playing, but I simply couldn’t put my axe down! Every time I finish a song the game tells me something that I already know but never tire of hearing….YOU ROCK!!!! I wish I could just accept the fact that I rock and move on with my day but I must continue to rock and rock and rock. Metallica is fun to play and each time I jam to a Metallica tune I can’t help but daydream that I am playing to an audience of Tam’s- for you Tammi, I rock, I only wish you could be there to actually hear me play.

Enough about Guitar Hero….well, one more thing- if you don’t own this game then I am not interested in being your friend. Has anyone with children ever had a Christmas where enough batteries were purchased in advance? We try- we really do try to have enough of every kind of battery to get all of the new toys operational. This year, I thought we had nailed it- but no, we weren’t even close. We ended up with needs for at least four more C cells, one nine volt and at least 4 but possibly 6 AAA- we were good on the AA’s this year but ill prepared on the others listed above. There really should be a formula for ciphering how many batteries need to be purchased ahead of time. I’ve spoken with many friends about the battery situation so I know that I’m not entirely alone on this one but I’d like to see if anyone reading this can relate.

Hey- let’s talk football for a quick sec- the Patriots went undefeated…..quite a feat but my opinion is that none of their regular season wins are going to matter because I say that they won’t even make it to the AFC Championship game. My prediction for the Superbowl this year….Packers vs. Colts and unfortunately I think my mighty Packers will fail to achieve victory over Manning and his boys. Tammi- can you set up something for playoff predictions and Superbowl pics from your viewing audience. I’ve just shown my cards but I’d still like to hear what others think- I especially want to know your thoughts because no one knows football like you do.

I must now sign off and wish everyone a very Happy New Year- be safe, be drunk and make every effort to kiss your spouse first when the ball drops. I got in trouble for that last year and I hope to not make the same mistake again this year. Also I learned that a New Years kiss with your neighbor is supposed to just be a quick little peck- any more than that, although tempting and desirable, is frowned upon.

The Todd

1. Forget about having nice things. Boys break them. Through no fault of their own quite obviously as these things must certainly happen to EVERYONE.

2. Football plays made on the XBox 360 must be replayed and must be watched by me. I’m not sure what purpose this serves other than the ensuing “Wow!! That really WAS a good play!!”.

3. Weapons are really just toys to be swung around. Knives included. They can’t really harm the one wielding them, just whomever he decides to take down with them.

4. Making sure clothes match is not only unnecessary, it’s just plain silly. “I really don’t see what is wrong with these blue pants with this red shirt mom” “could it maybe have something to do with the burgundy in the pants??”.

5. Sing in the shower, no matter how old you get. This seems to be the trend anyway…we’re only at 12 but still.

6. Why would you clean the house when he’s just going to let the dogs in muddy and wet and get it dirty again?? This seems like a logical train of thought to him.

7. When you’re outside, you must run somewhere. It does not matter where or why. There’s always something just…….over……..there that needs to be gotten to in a hurry.

8. Gym clothes can be worn over and over and over and over again in between washings. I can’t say as I’ve really learned this one because I cannot force myself to follow it but it seems to be no big deal to boys.

9. Good movies are to be watched time and again until all of the lines can be repeated at any given time to your mother who is usually very uninterested. “Yes dear, I’ve seen that movie.” “Yeah, I did think it was funny when they did that. And it was funny then when you did it too. Mhm.”

10. Bones will break. Blood will flow. Scars will form. These are things of manhood and should be cried about at first but then looked upon as proud moments in life. There’s a story behind each one that will be told to friends and loved ones as they fade in and out of our lives from the day they happen until we have completely remade the story altogether.

1. The weather.  What is better I ask you, than being all tucked in at home with the cold wind blowing snow around outside the windows, a nice fire going in the fire place??  Spending qualiy time driving home through the muck after an emotionally and physically exhausting day amongst all of the idiots that make the roads a dangerous place, to finally arrive at your nice cozy, warm home.

2. Time with my family.  We have several traditions that we tease Mom about because she won’t let us break even the smallest of them.  But this is what I love about her, one of the things.  Over the years, I have given her a hard time on some of the traditions, throwing my Tammi tantrum and refusing to participate.  She has always very lovingly allowed me my space and moved on with as many as she could pull off without me.  That makes them somehow more important to me now.  There was one year that my Grandpa was dying that we were unable to gather at Mom and Dad’s house first thing on Christmas morning to open presents and have breakfast together because Mom was down home with Grandpa.  No one would have changed that for the world.  The only other time that I can remember that we have strayed from our norm is this year where we will all be spending the night at Bill and April’s house and waking up there.  The occasional veer from tradition is OK, so long as we don’t do it very often, and we go straight back to normal the next year.

3. Surprise gifts from friends.  I love and hate this at the same time.  I got the most snuggly robe and socks and faux fur pillow and throw (all pink mind you) from my wonderful friend Amy and all I got her was a new bed buddy.  As I blog to you my dear readers, I am snuggled on my couch in said items and enjoying them immensly.  I may never take this robe off.

4. The music.  Yeah, I haven’t really been listening to very many Christmas tunes yet this year, and my time is almost up.  But I do so love a good spell of listening and singing along in the car or when I’m cleaning (much to the boy’s chagrin in either instance).  They’re so light and cheery!!  How can anyone sing one and be down??

5. Office party.  Greg throws one hell of a party.  Last year, Tara’s husband was out of town so she took my sister as her date so it just made perfect sense that she be my date to this year’s festivities.  I came home with sore feet, starting to lose my voice, a little bit tipsy and well fed!!  We get off work early every year to go home and get all dolled up and get to the City Tavern for drinks and dinner.  There’s a gift exchange, always fun, especially when half of the office and their spouses are drunk by then.

6. Christmas movies with my family.  This technically can fall under #2 but deserves it’s own.  Every year we watch either “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “White Christmas” or both.  Jammies, cramming more of us onto Mom and Dad’s couch than should really fit, switching places, falling asleep, making fun of April when she snores, knitting, making fun of Dad when he snores, hot chocolate, making fun of the Cindy dog when she snores…AH Christmas!!

7. Scented candles and fresh Christmas trees.  Oh the glorious smells of Christmas.  The ones that you can really only pull off once a year like, pine or pumpkin pie or autumn wreath.  Yes, the dogs AND the cats think that they are put on earth to drink all of the water I’m trying to provide for the tree and yes, the tree dries out and the needles are near impossible to clean up but OH THE SMELLS!!!

8. Cookies made by the boy.  Since he was about two (and I have pictures of a tiny version of him in my mother’s apron as proof), he has been assisting my Mom in the kitchen making up all of her holiday goodies that she distributes as gifts and takes to parties.  He does this to earn money for the gifts he wants to buy.  He has various other tasks that he does over at their house to earn said money but the cookies for some reason are always something that I look forward to.  I’ll be sad when he decides he’s too old for such things.

9.  Time off from work.  I have taken tomorrow (Friday) off from work and Christmas falls on Tuesday, the office is closed on Monday so I get 5 WHOLE days away from the chaos of my office!!  Don’t get me wrong, I tend to thrive on this chaos, work-a-holic that I seem to be.  This is also why it’s necessary to have time away from it.  I tidied up my desk (a clean desk is a happy desk!!) and wrapped up what loose ends there were and booked out of there with a certain glee in my heart that only comes every so often.

10. PRESENTS!!!  I know, I know.  I really do.  This holiday is about Jesus being born for us.  I thank God as often as I think about it (which isn’t near often enough) that He did what He did for me.  But still!!  There are presents!!!  GREAT PRESENTS TO BE UNWRAPPED!!  Wrapping paper balls to throw at my Dad so he can stuff them in the trash bag and make room for more!!  The boy opening what he “knew” he was going to get but still didn’t quite know and the look on his face when he sees what he’s gotten!!  PRESENTS!!!!

You know those days where you start the day so early that by the time you wind down, you can’t remember what you were doing when you started?? These seem to be happening to me a lot lately. I can’t complain, I have a job and for that I’m grateful. It is just bothersome from time to time when you get home and you’ve been pulled in so many different directions throughout the day, put out several different “fires” (and by that I mean, it’s not really that big of a deal and was easy to handle but someone thinks that the world is going to end if I don’t fix it RIGHT NOW) and just playing nice with the other children when they stop by your desk because they needed a break from theirs only they’re not considerate enough to realize that you’re actually working and that 30 other people have already stopped by for a “break” from their desk and then you finally get to go home only to realize that you didn’t actually get to accomplish anything today…I digress. I guess what I’m trying to say is, today was a good day.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT’S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

AND FINALLY, FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

I got that in an e-mail from my sister. You know how some times you just need a little something like that to put things into perspective for you?? I thought I’d share with the hopes that it has the same effect on some or all of you!!

More inclement weather. We’re in the very early stages of an ice storm right now which is going to be mildly entertaining come tomorrow morning when I have to attempt a trip in to the office. I’m also sick. I feel like absolute crap. Add that to the strains of driving on a sheet of ice and tomorrow is already looking dreadful. When is the storm going to end?? Not until midnight tomorrow so don’t you know, getting home is going to be impossible as well. Yay. Why didn’t this happen on Friday night?? When I could stay in bed or on my couch and rest and recover and not worry about getting to work?? Power outages?? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

God bless Katie Horner. She’s the best meteorologist EVER. I must say though that her cohorts in the field are total losers. It’s painful just watching them make fools of themselves. But then again, I’m not really paying attention.

So what else is in the news this 10th day of December in the year of our Lord 2007??

Michael Vick was finally sentenced to 23 months in jail for his dogfighting charges. Someone at work mentioned today that that wasn’t enough time but I think it’s fair. It’s not a humane sport, and I don’t by any means approve but it’s not like it hasn’t been around for centuries. That aside, the man is missing what, 3 seasons of football?? That is his job. Football players don’t tend to have a very long shelf life as it is and that’s assuming he can find a team that will take him when he’s released. I think it’s an extremely fair ruling.

There was a shooting in Omaha on Wednesday. I don’t know a whole lot about this one other than the obvious tragedy of these things continuing to happen. From what I’ve learned so far, the man didn’t know anyone, it was totally random. He then turned the gun on himself.

Tragically, 6 people died in two separate church shootings in Colorado within 12 hours of each other yesterday. In the one, New Life Church, there was a guard on duty that shot and killed the gunman. I have yet to learn why he attacked two churches (the first place attacked was Youth with a Mission on the grounds of Faith Bible Chapel) or that it was in fact the same person that attacked both.

Oklahoma was hit by our ice storm today, the one that is dumping on us right now. 17 have died. 600,000 homes are without power and they are in a state of emergency now.

Those are today’s headlines.

1. Don’t be afraid of the others. Just because they are a completely different breed than you are, doesn’t make them entirely avoidable. (Baby Mow Mow)

2. Bounce when you see someone you love. Because they can never be shown enough how much they matter. (James)

3. Sit like a lady. (Metallica)

4. Nap as much as possible, it’s good for the soul. (All of them)

5. When the door is left open too long, it means you should run. There isn’t always going to be that opportunity, take it. (Kirk)

6. Exercise keeps us all balanced. (I really learned this one from a lot of people, but in relation to the pets, it was Cesar Milan and Kirk and James.)

7. Even dogs that are set in their ways can learn to be calm and submissive. (James, he’s really trying to get there God love him.)

8. Get yourself shut in the closet repeatedly and then cry about it. Because we can’t all learn everything the first time we’re shown. (Baby Mow Mow)

9. Hissing is acceptable from time to time. It’s a form of release and it shows the world that you won’t go down without a fight. (Metallica.)

10. Hide your food. Because you never know who’s gonna find it and eat it and you never know when your house is going to be cleaned out completely while you’re innocently running around in your little plastic yellow ball just having the time of your life and pooping all over the floor. (Sweet “Black Eyed” Pea Burlison)

Today was an early release from work day due to inclement weather. It’s quite lovely. I’m now on the couch in the “situation room” with a nice fire and a book. (Obviously to be read after I tell you all about my day.) Today we also celebrated my two year anniversary with Gragg Advertising. Two years. Wow. What seems like a small amount of time to some, is in reality quite a long time in our industry. I know I’ve said it before but I must say it again…ours is a very intense, fast paced, not for the weak, sometimes blame game sort of field and it isn’t for everyone. In fact, as I’m finding out the longer I’m there, it’s really not for very many. But somehow I’ve survived for two whole years (well, not exactly YET. My anniversary is on Saturday.  Amy’s 5 year was on Tuesday and Nick’s one year was today so we just combined the three into one party.) and that makes me proud of myself.

I got the best presents too!! I got a pink boa, pink slippers, a big pink ring and a pink cowboy hat that has a tiara on it that flashes!! OH!! And a pink wand. For when I need to work my magic.

So now, I sit here contemplating signing up for Match.com. On the one hand, I am not really in the mood these days to date or look for someone or feel the need to have someone in any way but on the other, a gal at work is doing it and she seems to be having a lot of fun. She even suggested I sign up and we could double date. Now that sounds like fun to me. Why the hell not?? Well, because then I’d be stuck with some stranger. This is why I don’t go out. Blech. Who wants that?? Not me. Still, I wonder. Would it be fun for a bit to force myself out of the house to meet people that could potentially become good friends all the while hanging out with Andrea whom I so far love?? Maybe.

Well anyway, I’m off to spend the rest of the late afternoon/evening reading and relaxing.

They say we may have inclement weather tomorrow. I love snow. I love storms. I love the drama that meteorologists spew before, during, and after any sort of storms–be it flurries or blizzards (mmm, blizzard–I haven’t had ice cream for over 3 months.)

As I guest blog from Tammi’s dining room table, the Boy is texting a girlie and I’m acting as a typing monkey for Tammi (who is having an IM conversation with a coworker) In fact, I just sat up and used my apple-polisher posture and said “I’m a monkey” and made monkey noises and scratched my side. I digress…

Last year was my first rough winter where I had to commute daily to work. One hour to clean off my car, 1 hour to drive to work–2 hours of pure stress. Not so much because I don’t trust myself to drive in ice and snow, but because I don’t trust the whole of society to drive in ice and snow. Sorry people but I know all about drivers –and I don’t trust you because I am one of you.

It’s beginning to get cold and wintry in these parts–when it’s not being flaky Missouri “i was just teasing you suckers weather!”. It makes me want warm, soft, fuzzy things everywhere. I have firewood waiting for a nice cold Saturday. Please pray that I do not burn down my apartment building. (I’ve had fires before but cautious respect for the power of flame is healthy.)

Here are the warm fuzzy things I need/want this winter:

1. Warm, fuzzy socks–I have one pair. They are pink and white. I need more. Socks get dirty and then they aren’t as warm because they’ve been tainted by foot sweat.
2. Warm, fuzzy doggies.–I borrow other peoples’ dogs on occasion and am usually sated after a few hours of puppy love.
3. Warm, fuzzy boy. –I can’t really buy or borrow one of those. They are nice because they make you warm and fuzzy on the outside and the inside. And they can help you keep from burning down your apartment when you decide it’s fire time.
4. Warm, fuzzy blanket.–I am addicted to throw blankets. I have 4 in my living room. I really really want one of the furry blankets they have at Target but I refuse to buy one for myself *coughhintcoughhint* OH LOOK! A link to just such an item!
5. Warm, fuzzy kitty–I pet her first thing when I get home at night and she still jumps on my back and yowls.
6. Warm, fuzzy sweatshirts–I need more sweatshirts. I rotate between my super extra large blue Boulevard sweatshirt and my Missouri State sweatshirt. What are the rules about washing hoodies? I mean, you always wear a shirt under them so there’s a barrier…sooo. I think I’ll stop before people think I’m nasty. (Ms. Jackson?)
7. Warm, fuzzy pj pants!–divinity; unless you haven’t shaved your legs for a few days. Then you’re your own warm, fuzzy pants.

Well, I suppose I’ve taken up enough of Tammi’s blog real estate for one night. I can’t get the puppy love song out of my head.

Peace Out!

I present to you, my first ever GUEST BLOGGER!!  Please welcome, one Miss Katie Leas!!