Monday, January 29, 2007

Countdown Continues........

Friends,
I only have 20 days until my birthday!!!! HipHipHooray!
In 20 days, I will celebrate my 4th annual 29th birthday!
It's been 28 years since I graduated kindergarten, 15 years ago since I graduated high school, & 10 years go since I moved to the Dallas area.........Yep, I am getting old.


Friday, January 26, 2007

I am so beautiful!

My friend's, Karla & Kenny, have 5 children......4 girls and 1 boy---2 sets of twins! Imagine the chaos in their home....definitely not bad chaos, but happy & joyful. The oldest is 14. The first set of twins are 4 years old, and the second set of twins are 13 months. I love watching children grow. I love how they perceive the world.
Kenny invited me to dinner last night........it was Chili Night. I am always invited to Chili night! Yum!
After dinner I was talking to Kirsten (4 yrs old). Kirsten and I had a long conversation. She hugged me, and I hugged her back. I told Kirsten, She was my favorite Kirsten in the whole entire world. She told me she already knew that, and she told me I love her. Here's when laughter started: In Kirsten's own words "Do you know why people love me, Aunt Tammy? Because I am so BEAUTIFUL!" She is simply adorable! She has great self-confindence. Praise God.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Sunday, November 17, 2002: The 13 things I have done without YOU!

It was not a cold day on Sunday, November 17, 2002. I was sick the week before, and finally feeling better. I was cooking dinner for my boyfriend, Gene. I made homemade lasagna. I cleaned my home, and took a shower--even put on a little make up.
I only talked to Gene twice the entire time I was sick which was unusual since we normally talked everyday. The last time I saw him was on Nov. 10th.
Gene was struggling with our relationship....he needed time.....he needed space.....but he still loved me.......blah, blah, blah. He finally comes over, and I was so excited to see him. Until he sat on my sofa, and told me he wanted to end things.
He cried....I cried. I kept thinking "Why is HE crying? He is doing the breaking up!" He told me he "tried" to love me, but could not (can you actually imagine saying this to someone???). He needed his space & time.
He neglected to tell me he was cheating on me with one of my friends who was pregnant with his child.
I remember telling him: "How am I going to live without you?" "What am I going to do without you?" (what a silly foolish female I was back then) I have been really thinking about writing this blog for a long time. Since Thursday's are dedicated to the Thursday Thirteen, I wanted to write 13 things I have done without him, reasons why I am better off without him, and reasons how blessed I am to not have him in my life:

1. You are NOT the Christian Man I thought you were. I was NOT the Christian I needed/wanted to be when I was with you.

2. I have grown so much as a Christian and Women without you....I can not simply imagine my life any other way.

3. I lost my laughter when I was with you.........It took some time after I got over the breakup to find it again........BUT I have it back and I am so Blessed to have God's Happiness and Joy in my life again.

4. My friendships stopped growing when we were together. Now, my friends and I have wonderful relationships.

5. God has a wonderful Christian man....no, Godly man......in store for me. Praise God for God's plan, and NOT my own.

6. I no longer have to buy triple the amount of toilet paper anymore. What did you do with all that paper?

7. When we were together, you loved going to eat at buffet's. I no longer have to do that (don't get me wrong, buffet's are great, but everyday is not good for my health).

8. I have lost 64 lbs. because I am HAPPY.

9. I do not have to eat your chili........or at least what you thought was Chili. My Dad and my Friend, Kenny, makes chili that would blow your socks off.

10. I learned how to stand up for myself, fight for my beliefs, and walk away from relationships when they become to difficult or unhealthy.

11. I learned what I will or will not tolerate when it comes to relationships & what is really important in life.

12. I have come to realize I really hated your cologne and your laundry detergent.

13. God is who he says he is, God can do what he says he can do, I am who God Says I am, I can do all things through Christ, and God's Word is Alive & Active in me. (Thank you Beth Moore for opening my eyes to see my happiness only comes from Christ)

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Basil, Chili and Garlic Chicken by Rachael Ray

Last night, I went to my friend, Karla's, house and cooked dinner for them. I purchased the Everyday Magazine by Rachael Ray. I love this Magazine!

Here's the recipe I cooked:

Basil, Chili and Garlic Chicken

2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1/2 pound thin Asian rice noodles or vermicelli pasta
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion, plus 1 cup finely chopped onion
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup torn fresh basil leaves

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water with the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar and crushed red pepper. Stir to dissolve the sugar; set aside.
2. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rice noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside. 3. While the noodles are cooking, heat a wok or large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons oil, then the sliced and chopped onion, and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant and softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and heat for about 1 minute. Working in 2 batches if necessary, spread the chicken in a single layer in the pan without crowding and cook, undisturbed, until the edges change color, about 1 minute. Turn and continue cooking, tossing now and then, until lightly browned all over, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved sauce and onion mixture and cook, tossing occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and evenly coated, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Remove the pan from the heat and add the basil, tossing until slightly wilted. Serve the chicken over the noodles.

Here are the things I did with the recipe:

I talked to a friend who cooks lots of ethic food (she is our little international cooking expert in our circle of friends) who told me not to buy fish sauce. She told me since you only use the fish sauce in very small doses, do not buy it b/c it goes bad quickly. So, I doubled the soy sauce---or you can use chicken broth instead. Instead of using 4 teaspoons of sugar I used only used 2 teaspoons. I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil. I did use the rice noodles (which were wonderful), and I tossed the noodles in with the chicken & sauce mixture! It was awesome. Thanks Rachael Ray. Also, I did not find this dish to be as spicy as I wanted it, so next time I will add a little more crushed peppers. Karla's husband said he thought peanuts or cashews would be great in the dish, but I am definitely not a fan of nuts in my Asian food.

ENJOY!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The Lazy Days of Winter

I was warm in my bed until both of my alarms went off this morning at 5:10am. (Yep, it takes 2 alarms before I feel human again). I take the dogs outside before I do anything in the morning. This morning was no different........until we were outside. It was so cold all I really wanted to do was get back in bed. I thought hard about staying home today, but duty calls. On days like this, all I want to do is spend time with family and friends. I love watching movies in pj's, drinking hot tea or coffee. I love being lazy during this time of year.

How many times do we allow ourselves to take time out to be lazy or take time out for ourselves? In my life, I consume myself with great people whom I love to spend time with or activities I enjoy. I love going to a friends house just be be with them and their families. I also tell myself I can not just sit down to relax because something always needs to be done at home, work, or church.

Let's take this to the next level, how many times are we too lazy to take time out for God or to even listen to God?? I am struggling with this right now. I am struggling with how to make more time for God...should I do a bible study on my own, should I join a bible study at church or at another church, is God really talking to me or is that my subconscious.......What should I really do? Here are my excuses: If I do a bible study on my own, which one should I do? I can not join a bible study at church, because there is not any right now to really join. NO more excuses!!!!

Ladies, I am calling in the troops. Is there a bible study you have done on your own or in a group you would recommend?

Hugs & Love,
Your Sister in Christ!

Monday, January 22, 2007

It all started on Jan. 18th.

My friend, Karla, started giving me cards on Jan. 18th (which is one month until my birthday). I have received a wonderful sweet card everyday since last Thursday. Thanks Karla! I am looking forward to the next 27 days.........I love you so very much. God blessed me the day you sat next to me during Stephen Ministry training! I never suspected God had great plans for our friendship! God is Glorious. I adore you and your cute little family. I love being Aunt Tammy to your children & Tammy Friend to you and Kenny!

Friday, January 19, 2007

The Countdown Begins!

My favorite season is Winter. I enjoy the cold weather tremendously....I love snuggling on the sofa with warm pj's, a blanket, and a good book! I love the feel of the cold wind in my hair and on my face! Winter is Grand! It's the season my Birthday is in!

It's Official: MY BIRTHDAY COUNT DOWN BEGINS!!! I have 31 days until my 4th Annual 29th birthday! HipHipHooray! My Parents always made a huge deal about my birthday. And even as an Adult, I still LOVE my birthday. Honestly, I think it should be a National Holiday.

In the past year, I have grown so much as a Woman of Christ. It's amazing to have the Joy of God in my life everyday. Here's are some of the things I have done this year:

I went to Houston for Mother's Day Weekend.

Attended an All-Night Youth Lock-In.

Drove 16 hours for a family vacation with 9 other relatives.

Lost 63 lbs.

Found 5 lbs.

Lost another 3 lbs.

I have a better understanding of my Mom as a Woman.

Cried for no reason at all (being a girl at times is difficult).

Laughed at Life.

Fell down 3 times in a year period (and this is without alcohol).

Embarrassed myself way to many times to count.

Prayed & Studied God's Word.

Blogged way to much.

Found a New Sunday School Class.

Found a new Girlfriend-Heather--YOU ROCK!

Learned about myself as a Christian.

Learned I have a long road ahead of me.

What else have I learned this year? Please refresh my memory, but be nice!






Thursday, January 18, 2007

Doggy Dog Days of Having 4-legged Kids!

Most of my faithful readers know I have 3 kids, each with 4 legs. I have an old, bitter cat (BooBoo Kitty) who is 17 years old. I have two small dogs (Abby & Phoebe) who are still pretty young. Over the holidays, my cat lost some major weight. On top of his weight he lost, he has two diseases which requires special food and medication. He even started to throw up his dry food quite a bit. I started to think this was the end of the end. BooBoo has been my longest relationship (LOL--how sad is that)! I was trying to deal with losing BooBoo as best I could......everytime I thought about losing him, I would cry (just like I'm doing now).
Last weekend, I went the Vet to discuss BooBoo's situation. Well, come to find out I was pretty much starving my poor cat. The special food he was eating was also for weight lose. Since he already lost weight, he needed to be on a new type of food. The Vet gave me another type of special food & suggested an over the counter food for his sensitive stomach. I am proud to say BooBoo is eating like a King. Two nights ago, I purchased some pre-cooked Tyson chicken strips for dinner. I gave a huge piece to Abby and one to Phoebe. Well, BooBoo took it upon himself to steal each piece of chicken and then proceeded to run. Both Dogs were shocked & started whining. It was so funny!!! I think the animals, especially BooBoo, ate more chicken than I did! I am proud to say........BooBoo Kitty is doing Great & the dogs are bitter b/c he has been fed chicken since he stole his first two pieces. BooBoo is 17 & if he likes chicken, he's going to get chicken.

Phoebe is going to get groomed on Saturday. She's a shih-tzu. I get her groomed every 2 to 4 months depending on the weather. When I do get her groomed, I normally have her shaved. Right now, she is my little fluff ball! She's simply adorable, but her fur must go. Am I a bad Mom if I get her shaved in 30 degree weather?

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Icyness!

I have lived in Texas for about 11 years (originally from New Orleans). Even after my 11 years, I am definitely not accustomed to the crazy Texas weather. A week or two ago we had 70 degree weather, and this week it's a whole different story. It's been cold, icy, wet, rainy, and snowing. I have wanted to be a homebody this week, but I have to go to work. My drive to work this morning was not fun. Most of the way to work was not bad until I got close to the office. When I stopped at the last red light, my car started going in a different direction than it should have. My heart started racing. I pray everyone gets home safe. I had a great supervisor at my last company who would pick me up on days like this. How I wish I had someone to drive me to & from work? Instead of driving Ms. Daisy, it's Driving Miss BlueEyes!
Monday was a humorous day for me.......My company opened at 10am due to the weather conditions. At about 9:30am, I decide it's time to go to work. My car was so iced over even my locks where frozen. It took me about 45 minutes to get my car & another 20 minutes before my car was defrosted. I was late on Monday. While trying to get into the car, I fell twice in the same exact spot. I'm a smart one!
When I took the dogs out at about 5:30am today, I started slipping all over the place. I did not need to fall again.......so I stayed on the dry concrete. My pups were running around like they had cabin fever. Today my company opened at 10am. It's been a long day so far...1 hour and 45 minutes to go!

Please pray for my cousin, Tina. Tina's Dad died last night.

Friday, January 12, 2007

ABC's of Tammy

ABC’s of Tammy:

A - AVAILABLE OR TAKEN: AVAILABLE, please someone take me!

B - BEST FRIEND: Way too many to name!

C - CAKE OR PIE: rich chocolatey, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with chocolate ice cream.

D- DRINK OF CHOICE: Diet Dr. Pepper, Ice tea, Wine, Bourbon (I am from New Orleans)

E - ESSENTIAL ITEM YOU USE EVERYDAY: Mirror, Hairspray, and Mousse ( I did not this beautiful without beauty products)

F - FAVORITE COLOR: Green!

G - GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS: Worms

H - HOMETOWN: Marrero, LA

I - INDULGENCE: Chocolate, Traveling, Reading.

J - JANUARY OR FEBRUARY: February. Feb. 18th is my Birthday!!! WOOHOO!

K - KID'S NAMES: Abby and Phoebe (my dogs)

L - LIFE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: My family, Church, Amazing friends, & the promise of eternal life with my Maker

M - MARRIAGE DATE: Not yet, but God knows ( I just wish he would tell me!)

N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: One brother, one half sister

O - ORANGES OR APPLES: Orange

P - PHOBIAS OR FEARS: Being alone for the rest of my life, death, creepy crawling things, someone breaking into my home while I am asleep or someone being in my home waiting to hurt me when I get home. (I watch way too much TV)

Q - FAVORITE QUOTE: Love is very Patient and Kind.

R - REASON TO SMILE: My family & friend are all healthy. God paid the price for my sins b/c he loved me unconditionally (it brings tears to my eyes).

S - SEASON: Fall and Winter!

T - TAG 3 PEOPLE: Sharon, Karla, & Heather when she is finally at home!

U - UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I was once very shy, I have horrible anxiety when I am in a crowd of people, I am afraid of the rides at Six Flags, and I am too big of a chicken to watch scary movies.

V - VEGGIE I DON'T LIKE: brussel sprouts (gross)

W - WORST HABIT: Eating unhealthy

X - XRAYS: huh?

Y - YOUR FAVORITE FOOD: Cajun, Mexican, Chinese, Thai (Spicy!!)

Z - ZODIAC: Aquarius

Monday, January 08, 2007

Friendships who turn into Family.

Good Morning, Friends.
Since I started my new job, I have been sick. I finally got health insurance Jan. 1st. I went to my Doctor's office Jan. 2nd. I was diagnosed with bronchitis. I normally get bronchitis about 2 to 4 times a year. Since I let this bronchitis go for over a month, my doctor told me, I will get worse before I get better. The Doctor told me I should relax, take it extremely easy, don't walk the dogs or clean house, go to work, come home & rest. Well, do I listen.........NOPE. I always think I am invincible. I can be sick and still do everything I want and need too. Well, the bronchitis caught up with me this weekend. Saturday morning: I took the dogs for an hour walk and went to breakfast with my Sorority Sisters, and then I went home to watch a movie.....during my movie watching I did laundry, and tried for the 4th time to put a slip cover on my sofa (which I still can not figure out!). Well, after fighting with the sofa (and the sofa did win) I was extremely winded. I felt like I could not catch my breath. I kept grasping for breath. It's scary when you can not catch your breathe. Saturday night, I went to my Friend's 55th birthday Party. My friend is a nurse she told me I needed to take it easy........I finally listed to my Doctor & my friend.
I wake up on Sunday morning, and I feel like a truck ran over me, TWICE! I had two friends from church & one Sorority Sister call to check on me. I had lots of offers to make dinner, bring dinner, take the dogs outside, come help me clean, and come just sit with me to give me company. Thanks so much for all your support. I know I can always count on you. My friend, Sharon, asked if she could bring me dinner---How very sweet! My friend, Karla, bought me dinner from Wendy's. My friend, Sarah, wanted to come over to help me in the house.........Poor Sarah, the only thing she would have done was watch me sleep.....Believe me, that's not a pretty site. I am very blessed to have wonderful friends. Thanks so much for loving me so much.

Here's some little facts about me when I am sick: I cry just because I am sick, I want my Mommie, I am a horrible winey, moody, miserable person, and I stay in pj's until I am feeling better. I cried a lot yesterday! I crave chocolate, chips, soda, burgers, pizza, chinese, and pasta. I wanted everything I should not have yesterday. If I actually did buy snack foods, I would have gone thru everything yesterday!!! Pray for my quick recovery!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Update on the new Job.

The first couple of weeks were a little difficult with training & going on vacation. It's official now.............I love my new job! I am challenged daily. I am never bored. I seldom get downtime. I am doing different task. I LOVE IT! I am very blessed for God to give me this new job. Thanks & Glory are given to our Lord today & everyday for all the blessings in my life!