Didn't let being sick stand in the way of my wifely duties!

OMG! I was in so much pain yesterday. All I could do was lay in my bed. I finally got up around 5:30p and started on the house. I deep cleaned my great room, kitchen, did two loads of laundy and made dinner. I was exhausted by the time Matt got home. He was so thankful that I had made him a tasty dinner and he was able to come home to a clean home after working 14 hours.

I made up a recipie for my leftover meatloaf. Here's how it goes if you want to try it.

I took my leftover meatloaf and put it in the bottom of a glass casserole dish. I boiled some whole wheat rotini and layered that on the meatloaf. Then I put a jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce on top, then finished it off with a layer of cheese.

It wasn't half bad. The leftover meatloaf was not the tomato-based kind, so they worked great as a savory meat ball.

I just found out about an opportunity to volunteer to help some WWII veterans this weekend. What a privlidge! Maybe some of them that I met at Rolling Thunder will be there!

Anyway, my day at work is going well. Still don't feel great but I have to go to the grocery store, bank, gas station and schedule a vet appointment for my sweet girl, Maggie.

Thanx for reading my blog and be sure to thank a veteran today!

Not feeling well today

I feel terrible today. I came into the office. Thank God I only have to work a half day.

I need to take care of typical married women's needs:

• return a pair of jeans (too big)
• go to the grocery store
• take Maggie to the vet
• get car inspected
• and the list goes on and on

I hope to have my Rolling Thunder pictures up soon.

That's all for today. I'll write more when I am feelig better.

Pray for our troops!

Cold day in our nation's capital

Very tired today . Went to work, then came home to rest. Spent some time with my sweet hubby Matt. Doing a little bit of work here at home. Matt made banana muffins with dried cherries and pecans. Very delicious! It's cute when he cooks.

Heading to bed now. I think that I'll be selected to represent Fairfax County again....it would be such a privledge and honor. I love being part of this pageant system.

I am a true representive of Fairfax County. If you look it up on the internet, I am all of the "ingredients" of a true native, being born here in Fairfax hospital...just a few years ago - LOL

Thanx for reading my blog and remember to pray for our soldiers!

Rolling Thunder 2009, Washington DC, USA

Congrats to Siouxan on another successful pageant! I wasn't able to make the pageant. Matt and I didn't get home from Rolling Thunder2009 - what an incredible experience!

I am exhausted and sweaty but what an honor to participate. I did wear my banner and several people asked me about it. I proudly told them about the pageant and my platform of supporting the troops. I had a terrific experience eating lunch with three Viet Nam veterans. I thanked them for their service. They told me that hardly any "young" people even acknowledged their efforts. They were so adorable! As cute as they were, I couldn't help but be in awe of them.

They were fully festooned in their leather riding vests, completely covered in patches and pins that tell their story of service and love for our country. So many veterans give of their time, effort and finances to participate. This is especially moving when so many of them are retired and lving on fixed incomes. May God bless them for their love of freedom!

Tired...

Matt and I went to Wolf Trap theatre to see "A Prarie Home Companion" live broadcast on the radio. Good clean entertainment like the old radio stories.

Big day tomorrow: RollingThunder!!! Seeing it live along the parade route incredible.

Being in a Harley participating in the tribute = an unbelivably moving experience.

I'll blog after the parade and hopefully have some pics!

Remember we are living in the land of the free BECAUSE of the BRAVE!

Great Friday to start the holiday weekend!

Quiet day at work, yet I had plenty to keep me busy so the day would fly. I helped Jim Laychak with some Pentagon Memorial stuff, which is always an honor to do.

Stopped at Target and Kmart on the way home. I needed a pair of jeans for the ride. The only jeans that I have don't fit anymore. I bought a pair however they are too big, so I'll exchange them tomorrow.

Watched a movie with my sweet hubby - The Incredible Hulk, redeux 2006. It paid better homage to the original series, which I watched when I was a kid and would always cry when they played the sad music and Dr. Banner went on the run.

I couldn't get online earlier. Matt worked his magic and here I am back online!

I'm ready for dreamland = nightly beauty routine accomplished and now watching Nancy Grace!

Remember to thank a soldier this weekend!

Busy morning today!

Had a long afternoon yesterday with a doctor's appointment. Took care of dinner and stuff around the house and went to bed at my usual Nancy Grace viewing time.

Today has been a good day - Steady, busy work all day. That makes time fly by for me.

I have enjoyed catching up with old friends on Facebook. I work on my pageant stuff a little bit every day. I hope to be given the great opportunity to represent Fairfax county again for 2010.

We had a pot luck lunch at work today. Lots of good eats!

Well, I'm heading to the hacienda - blog with you tomorrow!

Remember to pray for our soldiers who protect our right to pray or not to pray!

Great start to a great day!

Today is my 12 year anniversary for working at Accenture. Accenture is a fantastic place to work. They have been very good to me over the years. We had doughnuts this morning to celebrate. I don't know where they were from however the doughnuts were as big as life preservers...it's taking a while to eat all of it.

Good morning Patriots!

I have a lot of fun things to look forward to this coming weekend. Saturday is going to Patriot Harley for the Rolling Thunder pre-party, Saturday night going to see "Praire Home Companion" at Wolf Trap Theater. Sunday is the actual Rolling Thunder tribute ride, Sunday evening I've been invited to attend a Mrs. PA pageant. Then Monday, hit the pool to relax and enjoy some sunshine!

I also have been invited to a festival in June for an official pageant appearance. Very exciting!!!

Busy at work this Monday morning

I am very tired from working in the yard yesterday afternoon.

Now I am busy at work with different projects. Not hard work, busy work that makes the morning fly by!

Working on laundry, finding old friends on Facebook

I am having a great day - laundry, facebook, watching Back to the Future, very big 80's.

My Sunday...

Got my husband out of the door for church. Looked at apartments for rent for his teenage son who is moving out in 75 days - YEAH!!! I'll be working on laundry and getting ready for the next work week.

I can't stop thinking about a soldier that I saw yesterday - his left leg had been amputated, his left arm was in a cast and his right arm was set in place with six long pins sticking out of it. Broke my heart. I am praying for this total stranger to me for quick healing and that he has the right attitude that he was protecting everyone he loves and knows and everyone he doesnt' even know - but love him and his fortitude for taking one for the team of America!

What a terrific experience!

Just got back from serving lunch and treats at Bethesda Naval Medical Center. What an honor! The Hyatt catered the lunch, my co-workers and I make the treat baskets and served the food. We met so many nice people. When you walk into the hospital, it feels like holy ground. I saw a lot of amputees. Our soldiers are a special breed of human beings.

I am going to take a nap now - I am tired. I am in awe of our military and the fortitude that they display everyday.

Armed Forces Day!

Here is a good idea for celebrating Armed Forces Day - http://www.pizzas4patriots.com/

Also, http://www.operationshoebox.com/ is another way to let our troops know that we appreciated their personal sacrifices to protect our liberties.

I am not affiliated with this group, just looks like a great opportunity to thank our soldiers.

I blog after my visit today.

Back from luncheon

It was nice, held at the Westfield's Marriott. Took limo to and from event, again, very nice.

Came back to work super sleepy, so I packed up my stuff, drove home and took a hard nap. I currently work part time as a result of me being so sick last year. I am so grateful for my employer Accenture for this privilege. I have been with them for 12 years and look forward to the next 12!

Friday night - generally means having dinner out with my wonderful husband, Matt.

I have a few work and home things to take care of tonight, so maybe I'll order take out. I want to be ready to go to Bethesda tomorrow. My lovely co-worker Chitra is allowing me to ride over with her. I helped with the gift/goodies baskets prior to my leaving for the luncheon, ergo the reason that I brought work home. I don't recommend that as a standard practice. I used to do it all of the time, however it becomes a bad habit. Since I was away from my desk for so long, I justified my bringing some work home.

It feels like the right thing to do. I will post pictures from tomorrow when I get them.

Going to a work luncheon

Taking a big group out to Westfields Marriott for a nice treat. I will sign back on later today

Signed up on facebook!

My sister talked me into it. She works night shift and I work days, so we have to catch each other on the go.

I'll be heading home soon - will run a couple of errands then go home for a nap!

Busy day today!

Hello patriots!

Today has been a busy day for me.

Woke up, made breakfast, packed lunches, flipped the laundry, let my dog outside, cleaned up after the dog, got dressed and headed to work. I am tired already!

Work has been busy today - had several requests for office supplies, escorted a bunch of folks through our office, and worked on a big spreadsheet.

I also signed up on twitter. tamaraphipps I think that is my name.

I am really looking forward to visiting our troops on Saturday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Don't forget to thank a soldier for your freedom today!

Mrs. Fairfax County Virginia United States 2009

Welcome fellow bloggers!

My name is Tamara and I proudly represent Fairfax County in the premier pageant for married women, Mrs. United States!

My platform is support our troops. That means any way you can from volunteering, charity and prayers.

I will be visiting our wounded warriors at Bethesda Medical on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16th, 2009.

If you would like to donate, please go to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

I am not affiliated with them, just a recommendation.

If you cannot give monetarily, please say "Thank You" to any of our brave soldiers when you see them.