Gone are the days...

...I've mentioned this to Steph before...and maybe L, but one of the things I miss most when this time of year comes around is working at Family Christian Stores. We would serve wassail, Matt would play the only song on the Christmas CD that I hated over and over, there were pretty bags hanging behind us. It was hectic at times, but there was always something that I loved about being there. I LOVED being able to say Merry Christmas. I loved helping people find that one thing that they REALLY needed. Most of all, I loved when we would have staff parties at George's house and Steph would get me things made of cotton...or that smelled like cotton...never got old.

I know its silly to mention retail this time of year. Of course the season is all about Jesus. But I guess I miss being able to work retail with that in mind. Praying for people, helping people, smiling and saying Merry Christmas. I miss it. And in my office I only get to say it to myself. :) And all of you. Merry Christmas!

Tiff Wonders Why...

...people are allowed a drivers license without having to learn the following:
-how to use a 4 way stop
-the difference between the cruising and passing lanes on the interstate
-how to use a turn signal
-that you can only go as fast as the car in front of you




I know this is an awfully critical topic for the Christmas season, but seriously...! My boyfriend pointed out my road rage the other day and I realize that I may have a problem. It has magnified now that 85% of my life is spent on the road. Jesus and I are working on me and that patience and kindness thing. When walking or sitting, I'm good, but driving is a different story. So here are some KIND hints for drivers out there:

-When approaching a 4 way stop, make a complete stop. The first person to stop has the right of way then it is the next stopped car to the right. If you have stopped and there is another car approaching but no one else is at the 4-way, you may proceed. You don't have to sit there and wait for the other car to stop (traffic time saved 20 seconds).

-On the interstate, no matter how many lanes, the far left lane is for passing...not cruising. DO NOT get into this lane and set your cruise control on 70. YOU WILL BE RUN OVER! Also, if you have the guts to get in the passing lane , follow through with it. Don't get over and play neck and neck with the car next to you.

-Somewhere near your steering wheel is a small stick that controls your turn signal. Please locate it and use it. Also, using it AFTER you've moved into the next lane does not count and is useless.

-When on a two lane road, I COMPLETELY support moving with the flow of traffic. BUT if the traffic in front of me is a school bus, county transport and grandma Sue, I will not be traveling faster than 30 mph because it is most likely impossible. So PLEASE do not tailgate. It helps no one...and you don't get there faster. HOWEVER if I am doing 40 in a 45 and there is no one in front of me, please tailgate me until I respond with acceleration. Thanks.

Expect the Unexpected

So I made a comment to a co-worker the other day about Aerosmith and she looked at me crossed-eyed. Sub text "black people don't listen to Aerosmith". I've never really fit into any stereotype and if you know me well enough you know that's true. But here are some artists and specific songs that you may be surprised to find on my ipod.

-Live With Lonesome, Little Big Town (BEAUTIFUL)
-Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued, Fall Out Boy
-Just Dance, Lady Gaga (I'm a little embarrassed about this one. The lyrics aren't great, but it gets stuck in your head)
-Completely, Diamond Rio (Really Old, but I LOVE it)
-When Doves Cry, Prince (He is SUPER weird, I know)
-More Than a Feeling, Boston

I should point out that these are songs that I've belted in the car, not just ones that I tolerate in the elevator. I love music...all kinds.

Pardon My Mush...

I swore I wouldn't be one of those girlfriends with pictures of my beau & me as my phone background. But I've realized that you don't do that because you periodically forget what they look like...which is what I've always assumed. Its just that some people make life better and since you can't have them around all the time, a picture is the next best thing. In a complete fit of honesty...there are moments where I think "if I stare at this picture long enough, he'll jump right out and kiss me!" Still waiting for that...

This feeling is quite silly and vulnerable but positively one of the most wonderful, indescribable feelings in the world. Brooke Fraser tells Love's story much better than I. Read and smile (or gag depending on your current love life) :)

WITHOUT YOU
The sky opens up over me and you
And you don't seem to mind that we're soaked through
You kiss me in the rain, I forget what I'm moaning about
And I know I wouldn't be the same without you

I wouldn't be the same without you
I wouldn't be the same without you

I laugh at my own jokes and what I deem to be clever wit
And you don't seem to mind that I'm so stupid
You kiss me once again, I forget what I'm babbling about
And I know I wouldn't be the same without you


I couldn't replicate your touch or love anyone again this much
But I wouldn't be the same without you


I wouldn't be the same without you

*More from this WONDERFUL artist www.brookefraser.com

BEELS!

I was going to wait and post this after a life update, but I heard it again recently and it just has to be addressed. Shortly after moving to Chipley (or the armpit of Florida as some call it) I learned that shopping would become alot like digging for gold...its fun and you like the results, but there aren't many places to do it.

Anyway, at my glorious disposal for clothes shopping I have Wal Mart, Peebles and Bealls Outlet. In the past year you can add CATO fashions to that list, thank you very much. In all seriousness, Bealls Outlet has come through for me in some tight spots. Ive purchased a Nine West bag, a pair of Ann Taylor dress pants and a last minute engagement party dress. You what you have to do.

So in my shopping trips and around I have heard several people refer to the store Beels or BEE-ALS (like the small buzzing thing plus the name name AL). Which I guess at first glance of the store name: Bealls, it could happen...but I think the logo gives it away.



What do you think? Well, I asked just to make sure and the cashier confirmed that it is pronounced like Bells. :)

I know, I know...

Many of you have had to eat your breakfast while watching the Today Show instead of reading this clever...yet silly blog. I am WAY overdue for an update. BUT there is a lot to update on. Expect new posts soon. But for now, check out my amazing cousin and her new blog. She is a make up artist with some serious talent...you may also check her out on Facebook. If you're in the Tampa area and you are in need of an artist be sure to contact her. The link to her blog is in my "people you should meet" section.

As a teaser...the following posts will be up soon:
Word bash - Bealls, you know the store that has a BELL for a logo...
Tiff Wonders Why (new feature) - older women don't understand that long hair is NOT ok.
Trip to New York
New Office in Tallahassee
The Office: Jim & Pam's Wedding comments

I look forward to sharing with you. :)

Word Bash #5

I am long overdue for a new Word Bash post. Consider the following:

-"Hi kids, my name is Dr. Smiley and I am here to check your vision, hearing, weight and heighth..." PAUSE FOR THE CAUSE (as Morgan would say). A Doctor would never make the previous statement because there is a word in there that does not exist. "Heighth" is not a word...but "height" is.

-And to every deacon, scripture reader and Sunday School teacher in African American churches...the "w" in "sword" is silent. I understand that when we first came to America we had to teach ourselves how to read the bible. But let us take advantage of the freedom we now have...to read, write, excel in learning...and to pronounce things properly.

-This thought dabbles more in etiquette than speech, but IF you happen to posses that NASTY habit known as dipping (definition: holding chewing tobacco in your mouth until the saliva builds up and you have to spit it out. Meanwhile small particles of sharp materials cut into the inside of your lip allowing the nicotine & other chemicals - many of them toxic- to enter your blood stream. This is what may or may not give you a buzz.) Yes, I work for the Health Department. :) Anyway, if you do this...don't talk! There is NO way that black spit will stay in your mouth. And if you try to keep it in then nobody knows what in the world you're saying. So, do it in the car, or on the toilet or when you're alone. But PLEASE do not try to give anyone vital information with that big wad of gross in your mouth. Thank you.

The End!