Look At This Photograph...

Everytime I do it makes me laugh!

Yep we do some pretty crazy stuff on the internet and with our webcams!

Tiffany took this one of me one day without me even knowing about it.

She's as nuts as I am sometimes, I swear!

For this one, I pulled up V's picture and surrounded him with us (Bruce, Irene, and Tiffany), well minus me.

I never thought to put my cam pic up there too. Next time, I will though!

It's raining here today, so we're all inside for the day.

Enjoy your funny for today...and Happy Saturday ya'll!

Things To Ponder...

Why is it when you want to forget something, you can’t?
And when you want to remember something, you can’t?
Who’s idea was that concept anyway…to forget or remember?

I always have to write it down if I want to remember it.
I can’t remember the kids’ sports schedules. Thank goodness those are pre-printed out for me. They make their home on the bulletin board and my desk at work as well. I guess repetition is good for the soul as well as the memory.

But I can almost always remember silly irrelevant things like those red/orange plaid pants that my mom dressed me in from the 1970’s. She STILL says they were in style then. I beg to differ.

Or the time I clunked Tessie’s and Amy’s heads together because they were trying to break into my room. (I’ll never forget that and neither will they, we laugh about it now!)

I’d like to forget about certain things but there are too many triggers to keep me reminded of what it is I’m trying to forget. Did that make sense to you?
Maybe I’m not supposed to forget. Maybe Fate has a plan for me and I don’t know yet?

Whatever the case may be, I just can’t remember the things I should and forget the things that I should.

Take people for instance.
Some people come into your life and touch your heart.
Then they leave as quick as they came and are still in your heart and on your mind.
You just can’t forget them, no matter how hard you try or how wrong they done you.

Yes, the human brain is an amazing piece of work, that’s for sure. So complex, yet we continue to think simplistically.

I always say hindsight is 20/20 though and if I knew then what I know now…I would have done it differently. But then I would have had to miss the Dance. But I bet I would have had a more choreographed one if given the chance!

Yep, accept the things you cannot change.
Change the things that you can.
Know the difference between them both.

Happy Friday Ya'll!!

The Weekend

This weekend will be busy once again.

Tonight, Erik has a game in LeSeuer that I won’t be able to go to. I’ll be excited to hear if they are undefeated still or not!

Friday, I will have an extra kid…Ashley…as Tessie is going to Las Vegas for the weekend! I better get an M&M SOMETHING out of it too! M&M World TESS…DON’T FORGET! Megan is going over to Tiffany’s house…she’s such a Ditcher! I have to pick Ash up after work, so I’ll be late getting home (for my fans that keep track!).

Natalea has another Volleyball Tournament in LeSeuer on Saturday. I might have mentioned that yesterday. So I’m looking forward to getting up early on Saturday and getting all the kids up and ready to go by 7:30 a.m. (NOT). I believe her games start at 9:00 a.m. and hopefully there won’t be a big crowd there. And I won’t forget the tripod this time either!

Then I’ll come home, put on my pajamas and play some poker for a bit. Then I have to get some invites printed up so that I can put them all together on Sunday. My deadline to have these done is November 1st. They all have to be done and most addressed by the time I leave for Georgia to see Tiffany. (35 Days, but who’s counting besides us?)

Sunday will bring lots of scrappy inspiration I think. It’s supposed to rain out and I scrap best when the sun is shining so we'll see what happens. I need to catch up on my scrap boards too, so maybe I’ll do that on my breaks in between. I might have to send Tommy on an Adhesive Run too. We’ll see what the day brings I guess!

ETA: Natalea is spending the night at her friend's house Friday and will go to Volleyball with them! It's supposed to rain and my windshield wiper motor went out...so no driving in the rain for me!

Happy Hump Day!

Whew! It's been a busy week here at the Trump Towers!
Thursday...I went to Erik's game and took tons of pictures. Some didn't turn out, but most of them did! He was so proud that he made 5 tackles and even prouder that I got one on camera!
I had a realization that day. My baby boy is becoming a young man. He's in Jr. High and in 2 years will be in High School. Next thing you know, I'll be planning the graduation party. That's my boy...#78...and we won 44-0! Not bad for 7th Graders...imagine what they'll do in 12th grade!


Friday...Natalea was in the Prairie Fire Children's Theater production of A Midsummer Night's Dream...very cool adaptation of a Shakespeare great! She had a blast and of course I took pictures there too. We couldn't use the flash so as to not disturb the kids and blind them. But I did get some good ones of Natalea. She played an Understudy...and had to be a Tree in the play within a play...lol.

Saturday...Natalea had Volleyball. Again, I took some pics...and I should have brought the tripod, cause I took alot of blurry pics (which I have deleted). I did get a few good ones and one of her serving the ball. She had a blast. This next Saturday, we travel to LeSeuer for her game...I'll bring the tripod and get some more action shots.

Sunday...Lazy pajama day for sure! I was so wiped out from all the running on Saturday, that I declared I was doing nothing on Sunday. I did watch the NY Giants game on tv though...only cause my friend GG was there live and in person. NY won the game...but it was a close game!

Monday-Today...Back to work and school. Erik and Natalea have practices with Erik having a game on Thursday that I won't be attending because it's out of town and can't get off of work in time.

And I'm having an attitude adjustment done too!

To my fans...I apologize if my blog was a little dark these past couple of weeks. I feel myself going back to that happy-go-lucky TT you all know and love!

Have a great day...Happy Hump Day!

Love ya'll!

TT

If I Had Only Turned A Different Corner...

George Michael said it best.
One day, maybe someone will take note and listen.
Until then, I've turned a different corner.

I'd say love was a magical thing
I'd say love would keep us from pain
Had I been there, had I been there
I would promise you all of my life
But to lose you would cut like a knife
So I don't dare, no I don't dare
'Cause I've never come close in all of these years
You are the only one to stop my tears
And I'm so scared, I'm so scared
Take me back in time maybe I can forget
Turn a different corner and we never would have met
Would you care
I don't understand it, for you it's a breeze
Little by little you've brought me to my knees
Don't you care
No I've never come close in all of these years
You are the only one to stop my tears
I'm so scared of this love
And if all that there is is this fear of being used
I should go back to being lonely and confused
If I could, I would, I swear

For You, My Heros

Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh.It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strain.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
But I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth,
Of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings,'
Cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away.
You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
So high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,thank God for you,
The wind beneath my wings.

Game Day

Happy Hump Day Ya’ll!

It’s was Game Day last night at the Trump Towers!

Erik has his 7th Grade football game against New Ulm last evening. They played at 4:30, so it wasn’t going to be a late night! I was going to bring Mack Daddy to take pictures with and I also grabbed the tripod too, but it was raining! They won the game though, 28-0. Erik played the whole game just about. He plays Tackle. Yep, I see Minnesota Viking tickets in my future!
Atta boy Son, great job!

This week, Natalea is in play rehearsal and volleyball. Yes, I said yes to both, as long as their grades are up, they can be in extra-curricular activities. Thank goodness the other two are still too young for that stuff. I think 6th grade is a good time to start all that. In four more years, I’ll be super soccer mom with all the kids in sports. NOT!! I’ll never be that mom…just a regular mom that likes to watch her kids play…a Spectator Mom even!

My mom wasn’t all that big into watching us either. She let us do what we wanted extra-curricularily as long as our grades were kept up. Me, I was the Boys Basketball Manager in 11th and 12th grades. Along with V…and not my V-man…Jon Velander, my classmate, Manager Partner, and Senior Prom Date. (OMG…do you see a pattern here?) ANYWHO…I was also the Boy’s Football Manager my Senior year. I lettered in both sports…and have the Bars to match too! I loved it. I used to work out with the guys sometimes. Oh of course they thought I was a crazy fool, but you know what? I didn’t care…I was getting me a good workout…and even showing some of them up. They got mad then…and put forth the extra effort. Yep, I sure miss my boys! We had a great team…a truly fun bunch of guys.

My favorite was Neal Fox…and he WAS A FOX…and my favorite #10 EVAH! He wore POLO…I knew exactly where he was at all times in school…I could smell him. I could pick him out at a pep fest…in a gymnasium of 1000 students and teachers. The cheerleaders humored me. They did a little rhyme for a rally one time…I’ll never forget it as long as I live either!

“Little Miss Marlar sat in her parlor
Eating her chips with style.
When along came her man
Whose number was 10
And flashed Miss Marlar a smile!”

Yeah, I had my eye on him alright. OOOO LA LA!! Hotstuff back then. I haven’t seen him since college though. I hear he’s an Assistant Principal in the Twin Cities somewhere. Maybe he’ll see this and get in touch…would love to see you again Neal! I still love ya honey…and I always will too!

He was such a distraction though. He taught me almost as much as V did about basketball. Assists and goals, fouls and positions…I knew nothing. I learned though, as I went along. And most importantly, I had a blast doing it.
Yep, my Friday nights consisted of Basketball games and Pizza Factory afterwards. Dad would slip me a $20 and off I’d go with a hug and a kiss and the car keys usually. I was always home by midnight though. Two minutes before even. I was a good girl always.

Then our Senior year, V and I were the Managers for both Basketball and Football. About February people started talking about prom. They were talking about how cool it would be if V and I went together…as friends of course…cause he was WAY shy. So I called him at home one day, and asked him. He said…he’d have to ask his mom, but he’d call me back. I laugh at that now, as I type this. But back then I was like, “Hurry up and call me back V!” We ended up going. We had dinner at the Lavender Inn and then off to prom we went. We did the Grand March and it got to be our turn, and they all hollered “VVVVVV” and made V’s with their arms…it was fun though. We probably only danced twice that night with each other (I said he was SHY, I wasn’t lying!). We hit the after prom party and he brought me home at 5am.

Ahhh…the good times of high school. These are the kind of times I hope my kids get to enjoy. That’s why I’ll never be that Soccer Mom. This is their time to shine, not mine. I’ll go and watch my kids play, but then I’ll let them enjoy in the after parties themselves. I hope by then I’ve raised them to be as responsible as I was back then. Remember, I never got into any trouble (my mom can tell you the same if you don’t believe me!), that was Tessie!

Next game...Thursday in Morristown. I plan on going this time, it's supposed to be nice and sunny...perfect for setting up Mack Daddy!

Until next time my beloved Fans....
TT

Quirks

Ha. Quirks.
I have so many that I don’t know where to start.
I guess I’m kind of quirky like that.

Let’s see, I don’t like to deviate from my routine. That’s kinda quirky I think.

I have to have the opening of my pillow case to the outside of the bed. If it’s opposite, I switch it before I lay my head down.

I have to have a certain pillow on top of the other one.

I sleep with my feet hanging outside of the covers most of the night.

And DON’T tickle my feet either or you’ll get kicked in the head for sure.

I always face the outside, sleeping on my right side, with my right hand under the pillow and the left hand under my cheek. Comfy Visions for sure that way.

I have to wet my hair down in the shower, and then wash my face. I can’t just wash my face first, my hair will get in the way.

I always step out of the shower with my right foot first. My whole day is off if I use my left foot first.

I have to pull the heels of my socks up first before I put my shoes one. Comfy that way.

I always put the right sock on, then the left. Same with my shoes.

I put the right leg into my jeans first too.

And I always have to put my jewelry on lastly, before I walk out the door.

I don’t like polyester either. Never have, never will. It gives me the heebie jeebies.

I can't ever talk on the phone with my left ear. I can't hear out of it then. And only then.

I only eat one thing at a time on my plate. I never mix my food together. I don't care that it all goes to the same place anyway.

Yep, I'd say I was kinda quirky. That's okay though. It's what makes me unique from the rest of the world. And we all know, I dance to a different drummer anyway. You wouldn't want me anyother way, trust me.

Happy Tuesday.

Love,

TT

My Mind On My Sleeve

While Fergie’s Big Girls Don’t Cry plays in the background as I type this up at work, I’m reminded of good friends and good times. I’m also reminded of how precious these friends and times are to me. And how quickly they can be taken away from you at the drop of a dime.

You see, I wear my mind on my sleeve. I always have. It’s genetic as well as learned. My mother is this way, as well as my Grandmother, and her Mother before her. Just a part of my family gene pool that I have gotten used too.

I’m not afraid to tell you how I feel, and I sure ain’t afraid to ‘fess up if I did something wrong. As a matter of fact, I’ll try to right that wrong, if indeed I am in the wrong. It’s my nature as a person and it’s the way that I was raised as a young girl. Sometimes, I ‘m too blunt and sometimes that gets me into trouble too. But I always try to remember to be as tactful as I can when I’m telling you where the bear is in the woods. I try to remember that people have feelings and some are more sensitive than others even if I’m not as sensitive as they are.

And I sure can’t lie to save my soul. I am a horrible liar and gave up trying so long ago when I told my dad a lie at the age of 9, and he made me go out and get a switch off the tree. Can you say scared shitless? He never hit me with it, but then he knew he didn’t have too as I was already bawling before I came back into the house with it. My mom can attest to this. She always said I was too honest of a person to tell a lie. Even a little white lie. Yeah, I don’t lie. In fact, I’m the opposite. Brutally honest.

When you ask for my opinion on something, I’m going to tell you what I think. You might not like what I have to say, and that’s okay, but you asked me remember? Don’t get offended when I tell you my thoughts…and just remember I still love you and what I say I mean with heartfelt love…that’s just me though.

So while my mouth does get me into trouble sometimes, it’s not always the culprit of evilness that some deem it to be. And while I do have my share of secrets from the rest of this wild world, and I do mean SECRETS, my mouth will never reveal what my mind and heart secretly hide. My True Hidden Self will never be bared for all to see and only I can decide how much of myself I expose to the rest of that wild world and to whom I expose it too.

So the next time you have a question for me, be fair warned you might not like the answer that you get. And certainly don’t accuse me of any wrong doing if you have no proof of it. I'll tell you if I did wrong or not. Hearsay is not evidence in Court.

And in the future, I’ll be more careful who I expose myself too.

Happy Monday.
Love ya’ll,
TT

Birthday and Ocean and Dolphins...Part 2

Sad day today. The temperature only reached 50 degrees in Minnesota today. But the sun was shining by the afternoon anyway.

And dang...I had to wear a turtleneck and sweater to work. I had to take a picture for you...you wouldn't have believed me otherwise!

This is my absolute favorite look too. And yes my hair is pulled back...but I do wear it down in the winter time.

Did I mention that I hate the Fall/Winter and wearing any kind of long sleeved/long panted clothing? UGGG!

Well at least I'm stylin' and profilin' for work anyway!

I had lunch with my girlfriend Cheryl today. She took me to Basilleo's for pizza buffet! Yummmm...the ultimate birthday treat for sure! She must have known that I was in dire need of some Ocean and Dolphins! She got me some Dolphin/Starfish earrings, a Starfish necklace, a Carribean Splash candle and some BLING, along with a beautiful rose card!

Now I can have my Ocean and Dolphins anytime! Thank you Cheryl for an awesome day!!

Marlar Kids

Teressa Lynn and Tonja Denise Marlar

Remington Garrett Marlar

Megan Lea Marlar

Ashley Marie Marlar

These are the Marlar children.

Tess and I being the original, of course.

And with mom, there are only 5 of us in the state of Minnesota.

There are thousands in the south. That's where my dad was born and raised.

That's where all the Marlar relatives are.
I've only met six other Marlar's in my life.

I'm hoping to meet more one day.

Sad thing is, is that I had the only boy in the family (besides Remmy) and so the family name won't get continued on with any of us. I don't think Remmy will have any children in his future either. So he is the last of the Minnesota Marlar's to be had.

I just thought I'd share a little piece of my family with you. It's all about the M's you know. Always.

Happy Friday to you! Have a great day...and my love to you all!

True Loves

I have a lot on my mind these days, and a lot on my heart as well.
There are work things, friend things, and school things for the kids as well as family things.
For now, I’ll deal with it because in 49 days I will be able to make an escape in my get away plane to another land. Complete with Ocean and Dolphins…my only TRUE LOVES.

As I was standing at the copy machine making copies for clients, I thought I saw a snowflake. Yes, I said it, a snowflake. I don’t think it was, but it reminded me that winter will soon be here and cold will set in.

Did I say that I despise winter with a passion? I do…I hate it. The only thing good about it is the fact that I can stay home snuggled up in my pajamas on the weekends. I purposely don’t schedule ANYTHING during the weekends just for that reason. If it is snowing, I’m not going…the Boss is lucky I go to work in the winter. If I didn’t love my job so much, I’d quit every winter. I’m telling you, I loathe it!

Back to my Ocean and Dolphins…I’d much rather be in Phoenix or San Diego in the winters. Give me some sunshine and sand and Ocean, and I’m a happy camper. Of course, it doesn’t take much to make me happy. I can appreciate the beauty of such simple things. I’m in awe everytime I see the Ocean on TV. And even more awestruck when I see her in real life.

Now keep in mind, the only Ocean I’ve seen or swam in is the Pacific, but I’m thinking the Atlantic will be just as beautiful. I think if you’re in love with one, you’ll probably be in love with all of them? Just a guess…but I’m thinkin’ so.

This is how I know I’ll be, in 49 days when I make my escape. I’m bringing Mack Daddy (the Canon Digital Rebel XTi and all his ZOOM!) and we are going to have some fun and good stories for you when we get back. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, we will soon see. I hope you all will be able to see the story I’ll be so willing to tell then. You think they’ll be swimming in the Ocean in November in Georgia? If not, I’ll be the only one then…I’m going to go for a quick dunk to purify my soul with some sweet-smelling salt water.

Yes, visions of my Pretty Blue dance in my head and more so now. I’ve been seeing a lot of San Diego on TV lately. Different commercials for some air show next weekend and yesterday at mom’s, the History Channel had the San Diego Bay on Modern Marvels. Awesome stuff how they put those ships on the Travel thingies…then lower them down into the Bay. Yep…Here’s your sign TT? One day…I will have the Ocean in my front yard. And one day, I’ll get over that fear of earthquakes..lol.

Until then, a girl can dream can’t she?

FINS

I have a love for sharks and dolphins.

Ever since the movie Jaws came out in the 70's, I have loved sharks. Something about that big fish just intrigued me to no end. Enough to write a Term Paper on it in the 9th grade for Science class. I believe I got an A on that paper and probably still have it in my bins of memorabilia too.

It's grace, beauty and power just amazes me. Pretty impressive how something so large can be so vicious.

Dolphins, well they're just gorgeous. Grace and beauty is what they're all about. How they can jump up out of the ocean waters just amazes me. I'm in awe every single time. I could spend my whole day watching the dolphins jump and play in the ocean water and not once get bored with it. I often tell my children that when I die, I would like to be creamated and throw my ashes in the ocean so that I can swim with the dolphins forever. One day, I will swim with the dolphins. Then I can cross that off of my To Do Before I Die list.

In November when I go visit Tiffany in Georgia, we are going on a Dolphin Watch in Savannah. I'm tickled as all get out. Give me the ocean and watch me shine like a star in the sky, but give me dolphins to go with it...well I'll light up the sky like a million stars.

Enter the Full Tilt Poker Shark Avatar and the inside joke to go with it. You see I have the Beach Babe avatar and almost always there is some dude hitting on her. It never fails actually.

And everytime I tell them, "You have to have FIN to even be considered!" And usually Vman is the Shark avatar and at the table, he's my main FIN for protective reasons mainly.

Enter my FINS t-shirt. FIN on SKIN! I now am the proud owner of my very own FIN! You see, Tiffany was looking for a Miami Dolphins shirt for me and happened to stumble upon this one. She sent it to me Thursday...and I got it today! Now we all know I'm a true Minnesota Vikings fan, but them Dolphins are my next team. Not that I follow them closely or anything, I just like the logo actually. So that qualifies them to be in my favorites category.

So I model this FINS shirt proudly for you today. I now have my very own FIN and I'm so tickled about that! I'll be a Glow In The Dark TT for a long time now. I got FIN!

Definition of Love

Definition: 1) Strong affection or liking for someone or something. 2) A passionate affection of one person for another. 3) The object of such affection; a sweetheart or lover 4) Tennis score of zero.

(Taken from Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus)

There are many definitions of love.
We each have our own opinions on it.
We each were raised differently to view it in a manner similar to our elders.
We raise our children to love the same as we were taught.

As I googled for the definition of love, many things came up. I was amazed. Who knew? That one little four letter word could mean all that? Well I didn't think about it until today. I was trying to come up with a topic to blog and thought about all the things I love and the different ways I love them.

My kids, for example, I love unconditionally. They are my kids. I birthed them, nursed them, cuddled them, and nurtured them. I have a lot of love and work put into them and I couldn't imagine life without that love in it.

My parents. Kinda the same. They are my parents and I might not agree with them all the time, but I love them unconditionally. And well, you can't pick your parents. Same goes for the other relatives and kinfolk.

My friends. My realllllly close friends. And you all know who you are. I am very passionate about you. I love you like my kinfolk. Like we've been related this whole time and just didn't have the DNA to match. Unconditionally even. Just because that's me. That's how I am.

I was always taught to be a lover of all people and things. It gets misunderstood sometimes because I tell you all the time...I love you....but I truly do and it truly does come from my heart and soul. I have learned in my life of 37 years...to say it everyday at least 20 times. Only because if tomorrow really never comes, then you will know...I will have told you enough.

And I gush a lot...all the time as a matter of fact. But that's okay too. That's also misunderstood sometimes. I rave on about things and people...because I am so passionate. I always feel like I need to get my point across...so that you "get it"...by raving on and on. Yeah it might get sickening and monotonous to hear, but I feel you need to know. It's important to me that you know and fully understand what you all, my family and friends, mean to me. Words cannot express the pride and love that I feel every time I see you or talk to you. And I get excited about that passion. It's like an adrenaline rush to me. It sends that Seratonin right to my brain and we all know I'm in a way better mood then.

You see, when I lost my dad 5 years ago, I didn't get to say goodbye to him before he died. Everyday I remember that. And everyday, I tell ya'll that I love you. And while it might not mean anything to you, it means the world to me.

Once you lose someone close to your heart like that at a young age, it changes you forever. I feel I need to explain this part of me because not everyone gets to see this side of Tonja. Those that do, understand somewhat. Some are a bit freaked out I think too. Some just think I'm plain crazy. It's ok. I'm just sharing the love...unconditionally.

So while I harp on about "I Love You!", just remember the next time that I tell you, I really do mean it. I don't ever want my friends and family to think that I never loved them. Because that would be a lie, and we all know I just can't tell a lie...ask my mom, she'll back me up here!

Happy Sunday...and I LOVE YOU! Even when you're crabby. Hehe.

Lists

Lists, Schedules, Itineraries, and Deadlines, etc.
I love them.
I hate them.
I got to have them!

Post It Notes are my friends.
Notebooks are my best friends.
Computers are my love.

I have been busy at work making lists and schedules.
I have been brainstorming like crazy.
I want this wedding to be the Bomb Diggity of all weddings.
I don’t want to forget a THING!
So in my downtime at work, (which has been a lot lately), I have been busy with the wedding preparations. I know it’s early yet, but the more I get done now, the better it will be when the time comes.
I have one whole notebook designated for such lists. I also grabbed an empty binder off my shelf and named it the “Bruce and Irene’s Wedding April 25, 2008” binder.
I have a rehearsal day schedule as well as the wedding day schedule.
I have the guest list, the flight times, the photo op’s, I have it all in this notebook. Soon to be transcribed onto the computer, at least what I can and need to. Then I’ll print and copy and dispense to those who need to know. It’s a system of sorts. The TT Way you could say.

I thrive on this…don’t know why, but I do. It gives me a rush of adrenaline like no other activity can. Kind of cool actually, but yet at the same time, stressful. It’s a challenge of sorts, like my very own MISSION. My PERFECTIONIST ways leave no room for mistakes or flexibility. So I need to keep these in check on this day (insert B&B here to help with that too). If I follow the lists it’s a good thing, Martha said so.

Yes, organization is the key here. Lucky for me that it’s in the Stars, I love to organize! I got GAME when it comes to that. If I take my time, NO RUSH right? And I’ll always have the help of my B&B when I need it. One will calm my nerves, and the other will dig in and help with whatever I need. Good thing that they already know this, or at least I hope they do! I’m counting on them to help me make this the best day for Bruce and Irene. They are after all, the Best Man and the Bridesmaid. I want everything to be so perfect. No mistakes, no worries, no mishaps. Just a great time for everyone involved.

Yes. That is my wish for you two. You have entrusted me with this project and I take my job very seriously. Nothing will get in the way of your day, this I can PROMISE to you.

TT will do all she can with all her might and lots of love, to ensure that your day is perfect.

First Day

The first day of school is always tough. The kids are so excited and I’m so stressed. I want them to look good on their first day, matter of fact, I want their day to be perfect. Me being the perfectionist that I am, I get stressed about it a little easier than most. The outfit has to be perfect, the hair has to be just right and then the pictures have to be taken. And DON’T tell me you won’t be getting your picture taken like Erik did this morning. We all know those pictures are my life. That’s what helps me remember the moment, especially since I already have short-term memory loss as bad as I do. If it doesn’t get documented either by photo or by list, it just doesn’t get remembered. Heck, I even save e-mails so I can remember.

But we survived this morning’s back to school routine and I think we will have a great year. If they continue to get ready as quick as they did this morning, it will be awesome.
And just to prove it, here’s some pictures for you!

With the back to school routine changing, so must mine. Man, do I hate change or what? I cringe at the thought of changing up my whole daily schedule. It just gives me the heebie jeebies…almost to the point of anxiety. YIKES! But trudge on I must…

So before work, I’ll have to get ready before I get the kids up…probably right when I wake up at 4am. That’s not so bad, then I can play poker until I have to leave…letting me play a little bit longer then.

After work, I’ll have to stop and pick Erik up from football practice on my way home. The girls will already be home, and until October, will have to be home for those 2 hours by themselves. Then it’s get supper ready, showers, and bedtime.

I’m tired already…so much for my Training Mission…lol.

Happy Hump Day…and Cheers…Here’s to a short work week!

Let The Training Begin!

Happy Tuesday first and foremost.

As most of you know, we have a wedding coming up in April.
As most of you also know, I am in bed, toes up, by 8pm at THE very latest.
And I get up at the butt crack of dawn...usually 4am {insert the song here..hehe.} but sometimes 3am {insert that song here..hehe}.

I have a few responsibilities for the upcoming wedding, as stated in previous posts. No where in any of my job descriptions does it say sleep. Or even "Bedtime at 8pm". So I have decided to change up my biological clock's schedule and go into training mode.

I have 233 days.
Plenty of time I think.
Yeah, right. Before you know it, April will be here and I'll be saying, "I haven't trained enough yet!"

So last weekend I started staying up late and getting up early. Matter of fact, I was going to bed late and getting up early all week. I was tired, but I got 'er done. I even had the tired giggles at work. I'm sure my boss thinks I'm nuts. That's ok, we all know I am anyway...we just won't clue him in right yet.

This weekend was no different. I was up for 24 hours on Friday. That computer thing did it that night though. I was on the phone with V-man and falling asleep as he's telling me what to do. He had to kick me to bed at 2:30am because I got the giggles on him. I slept til 7am.
Up and at 'em all day with no nap on Saturday. Even got my celebratory drink on early for my birthday. I only needed one, trust me, I need training there too...I'm just not a drinker. I think I was in bed by midnight that night.
Sunday...My birthday...up at 4am and feeling great! I was up for 16 hours. I was so dang proud!

I'm feeling pretty confident now. I think I can hang with the Big Dogs for this wedding. Don't get me wrong, I'm still in training mode...and will be for the next 233 days. And I'm loving every minute of it. While I'm in training, I have to work on not being so crabby with this lack of sleep thing. I also have to remember that my health comes first and that when my body tells me, I'll have to get the rest I need. So PHASE I has begun.

PHASE II will be the drinking part. I am a mom with 4 kids and surely don't party hard like I used to when I was 21. Kids and marriage does that to you. You settle down that part of your life. So I'm way out of shape in this aspect. Everyone involved in this wedding...knows that I'm a lightweight and in one drink I can flop like a fish on the floor.

I'm on duty until 10pm or shortly after that. And since the bars close at 2am, that leaves me a 4 hour window of opportunity. That means that I'll have to be able to drink for 4 hours and not get so toasted. I do want to remember this night, so I'll have to exercise caution and moderation. But at the same time, we have vowed to do the "Watermelon Crawl" to our rooms...me and my 2/3. Hence the training.

PHASE III will bring it all together. We'll call it implementation. I'll be on GO mode from the time I get off of work on that Wednesday before the wedding. And yes, this will be a challenge for me. But we all KNOW how I love me a good challenge. I'm gonna label it a MISSION. Then I know it will get done, and done right. After all, is there any other way to accomplish a MISSION? Absolutely not...especially a MARLAR MISSION.

Game On, ya'll. TT's ready to play now. Better get yourselves in training...it's gonna be the best fun filled weekend of activities of the year!

Best Man and Bridesmaid...Part 2

Ok, since I can't get you 2 together at one time for a pic, this will have to work until April...when the more formal pics get taken.

You both know how I feel about you already...and when 1/3 is gone...this is what I do so that 3/3=1 whole. I just go into withdrawals when ya'll aren't with me!!
Demented?
Maybe...but OH SO MUCH FUN!!!
Everyone should have as much fun as we do when we are all together...the world would be a happier place then!

Muah babes!!

Love,

TT

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day ya'll!

We don't have any plans for the day except staying home and cleaning house, doing laundry, etc.
I am glued to the computer until I get it to where it was before Wednesday. I am almost there. I just have to add in all my favorites...and OMG there are alot! That's ok though, I got the pictures...that's all I was worried about!
{STILL on cloud 9 about that...don't be laughing at me either!}

I do need to give a holler out to my favorite high school teacher...just in case he googles me. Happy Birthday Mr. Hoff! I never forget your birthday...just forget to send a card!

Tomorrow is Kim's birthday. Yes, all of us know that it's each other's birthday's this early in the month. When Kim and I were in high school, I had Mr. Hoff for homeroom, so we all celebrated together before school started. Good times, I tell ya. That seems like yesterday but in fact was 20 years ago. My how time flies when you are having fun!

And tomorrow...MARK IT DOWN...School starts!!!! I can hardly wait to get back into the routine. Early bedtimes, quiet nights, and yes...rough mornings. Thank goodness for Momma's quiet time to prepare for all of that.

I'll have to remember to pick Erik up on my way home...he'll have football practice after school now. Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays...so that means TT will be late to the poker table those days...but I'll be there!

Not much else going on for the week besides getting into that routine for school. And the most important part of that...Lunch at Spike's on Tuesdays with no kids even! $2 Cheeseburgers with chips and pickles! YUM!!

Happy Monday and have a MAHVELOUS day! Muah's!

Thank You!

I just wanted to give thanks to everyone who made my day special.

I am truly blessed by a great family that served me up some DQ Ice Cream Cake with M&M's even. I got a Large bag of Peanut M&M's (my absolute FAV!) and a card from the kids and Tommy. My sister in law gave me a cute little M&M notebook and a little clip on M&M calendar...so cute!
I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Tiffany on Friday, as well as a web cam, phone minutes and a card. I also received some awesome birthday messages on my MySpace. Totally made my day ya'll!! I did get a few phone calls too...and some im's and messages. I am truly blessed with people that care about me...and I love you all!

I do have more presents coming on Tuesday...I'll let ya know when I get them! But the best present...is that I can access my pics to post on here! Thanks again my V-Man! You truly are the Best Man hon!

37

Well it's official. I am 37 years old today. I don't feel any different, but yet I think I should. It's funny because every year I think that just because I am older, I should "feel" different. I couldn't even tell you how old I was when I first thought that...16 maybe 18? Too long ago I know.

What have I learned in 37 years? Plenty, but yet not enough. Everyday I learn something new and everyday I thirst for more knowledge. I love to be educated but sometimes my stubborness and impatience gets in the way of my learning. That's what I learned this weekend.

You see, my hard drive crashed on me. And being the "get it done now" kinda girl that I am, I was too impatient to take it in and have it fixed. Nope, I'll do it myself I said. And I'll do it in a day and it better not take more than a couple hours. Yeah, right. I was soon schooled and humbled at the same time.

I learned that I don't know it all like I think I should. That when you think something should be easy like the box says, it's not always the case. I was brought down a few notches off of my high horse when I had to call on a friend to bail me out. After I installed my new hard drive, I couldn't find my other hard drive with all my pictures on it. I was in a panic...bullistically so too as those pictures are my life and my kids' lives. Those are the memories I'll be passing on to future generations and by far the most important thing on my computer. I can't tell you what it meant to me to recover them. Words will never express the elation that I felt. I'm still on cloud 9 this morning. And I'm still humbled by the friend that helped me. A friend that has in fact, become my hero. I couldn't have done it without you my friend. I will be forever grateful. And I just can't thank you enough. There just aren't enough words to express my gratitude. But I'm sure you heard it when I screamed in your ear. Sorry about that, and THANK YOU!

So on this Sunday, September 2, 2007, I'll be updating my computer all day. That's my present.
And I'm grateful for that, on this day, my 37th birthday.

And a special "HOLLA" out to Tiffany...Thanks babes for my webcam, my card, my phone minutes, and the beautiful flowers that you gave me. But most importantly, thank you for being there for me and for being a friend. I truly couldn't have survived this challenging week without you. See you in 1 month, 29 days babes!

Have a great Sunday ya'll and a great rest of your Labor Day weekend! Muah!