The Personality Test

1) Who is the first person you think of.
2) You are walking along and meet an animal in the forest. What kind of
animal is it?
2.5) How do you react to the animal?
3) You continue in the forest and you come across a house. What type of
house is it.
4) Is there a fence around the house?
5) You go in to the house and there is a glass or cup on the table. What is
it made of?
6) There is some thing on the table next to it. What is it?
7) You walk out of the house and there is a body of water. How big is it?
8) You want to get across the body of water how do you get across it.

- 1-This is the most important person in your life.
- 2-This is the size of your problems with that person.
- 2.5-This is how you deal with problems with that person.
- 3-The size of the house shows your ambition to solve problems with the person.
- 4-If there is a fence you are closed and less trusting
- 5-This is the strength of your relationship with that person.
- 6-If food or flowers you are happy.
-7-The size of the romantic interest in that person.
-8-How wet you get shows how involved you want to be with the person.

Here are some pictures as promised of the wedding this past weekend in Nacodoches or Naconowhere as Travis and Donny like to call it.



A kiss is just a kiss, unless it's from these guys. From left to right: Charlie, Jeff, Donny, and Travis. I tried 3 times to get this shot and everytime I was ready to take it someone would walk right in front of me. The nerve of some people. ;) But luckily these are some of the nicest boys around and they were willing to try one more time.



This is one of my favorite pictures of Travis and I. I love the hats that Charlie and Jeff made. I know. I know. You're probably thinking I'm on drugs but really they are pretty cool. Each groomsmen wore a traditional straw hat that was hand painted electric blue with canary yellow flames on the brim.



Here are Donny, Travis and Jeff. Donny and Travis have been friends for 22 years. They happen to be two of the nicest men I have ever met- and they are funny as hell. So, did you hear the one about. . . .Jeff was the best man in the wedding. He had the important roll of handling the ring and making a toast. Both of which he exceeded expectations~ snaps to Jeff!



Well excuse me, but I think you've got my chair. No that ones not taken, that'd be fine if you sit here. I'll be glad to share..... In this picture Robert, Chad, Travis, Charlie, and Donny are singing George Strait's, The Chair to Samantha. There is nothing I like more than someone singing to me. . . even if they intentionally sound like a dying cow- it's still going to melt my heart. =)

Hello all.

I just got in from one of the longest days ever. I left work at 4 which is 30 minutes later than normal. I'm usually out the door right at 3:30 and usually at 3:31 I make a call to Travis but not today. He ended up calling me at 4 wondering where I was.
I had to get some things taken care of at work, input some test scores into the computer and conference with a parent. As soon as that was done I decided to take the short cut home which ended up being the long way due to a stalled bus. Grrr.

Things got better once I met up with Kristine. I was on a big mission tonight to find an outfit for the wedding I am going to on Saturday. I thought I had found the perfect dress in Spring but I wanted to check out what Houston had to offer. So I met up with Krissy and we headed to Foley's. I found the cutest skirt- it's pink and black, A-line cut and really flattering! Then after trying on 10 different pairs of shoes I finally decided on some black strapy, high heeled shoes- very sexy. I sent Kristine on a personal mission while I made my decisions- her mission to find the perfect purse to go with the perfect skirt and the perfect shoes!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED in under 5 minutes- in fact she made it to the cashier before I even handed the man my card. SNAPS for KRISSY all around.

So, now I'm going to pack my bag and shower and the head to my Travis' house. Today he had puppy duty- Lucy left him a big (actually small but just as smelly) surprise! How lucky!

While surfing the net I found an IQ test. I hate taking tests but since I metTravis he has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of riddles and thinking out of the box. I'm by no means the best at figuring out his brain-busters but I can usually figure out the easy ones.

Here is a sample question:

Walter is taller than Scott,
and Scott's little brother is taller than Roger.
Since Walter is not the tallest one of the four,
then Scott's little brother must be tallest.
True False

Post your answers on my TAG board located to the left of this blog!


My IQ score was 136. A person whose IQ score falls in the range of 129-143 is considered to be "highly intelligent".

My IQ score was based on my scores across 12 distinct aspects of intelligence. Like everyone, I have a unique intellectual makeup, with strengths and weaknesses that affect my methods of understanding, communication and relating to others. According to my results, my greatest intellectual strength is Processing Speed- is that a good thing?

Check out my new cell phone!

Not only is it a phone but it's also a camera. So now I can take pics whenever I want and that is just the coolest. What makes even cooler is that it's a flip-top phone and I have always wanted a flip-top phone. I always thought it would be so cool to flip it open with just your thumb- it's more fun than you think~

Travis and I took Lucy to the vet this afternoon. The vet was really nice and answered all of our questions about having a new puppy. Lucy has to go back in 3 weeks for a check up and to get her second round of shots.

The vet went ahead and put her on an antibiotic for her kennel cough. It is the worst sound in the world- especially when you are trying to sleep! Hopefully that will be gone in the next few days.

On our way out the vet gave us a puppy kit with all kinds of coupons and free samples of preventive medicine. It also had a free id tag for your pet. On the tag it has an id number and the address to www.getmehome.com. If Lucy is ever found missing her id number can be looked up and the pet and the owner's information pops up. I thought it was a great idea and signed her up right away!

Anyway, herrre are some pictures taken over the weekend at my parents house. Maxie loved playing ball with Lucy and Lucy loved the fresh air!

I almost forgot to tell everyone my EXCITING news!!!
I got a CHI hair straightner~ now my hair is straight- not frizzy! Shiny not dull! It even looks longer! You can purchase them at beauty salon's everywhere or you can order them off E-Bay. I got mine through Michelle, my new hair stylist. I'm not sure if it was the best deal but it who the heck cares when you've got hair like mine. LOL.
;)

Thanks be to Becky for introducing me to it over the summer and to Travis for convincing me to go get it!

This weekend Travis and I went on the search for the cutest puppy in the Houston area. We successfully completed the mission on Saturday afternoon. We came home with an 8 week old Chihuahua/Shar Pei puppy. She comes from the Chinese/Mexican border where the breed is often referred to as Chihua Pei or Sharhuahua.



Lucy all settled in her box.



Lucy dressed in one of Travis' socks. Lucy is very fashionable for a such a young pup.


So far things are going great for all of us. We have an appointment with the vet on Monday for a check up and to get her set-up for her next round of shots. I decided to sign her up on pet insurance- which to my surprise is really affordable.

Well it should be a fun weekend. I'm planning on bring Lucy to my parent's house this weekend because Stephanie and Maxie are coming in town on Friday. Saturday is Julie's baby shower and then Kristine and I are getting together on Sunday for a day of shopping. Travis gets back in town on Sunday night from the bachelor party in Tampa. He should have a great weekend there too- I think he said it was in the 80's there.

Happy Friday.

My dad's birthday celebration turned out great! Here are the pictures from the party.



Here's the birthday boy! Doesn't he look happy about turning sixty?!



My dad models his new stylish black embroidered hat. I'm not sure if it will ever sit on top of his head again.



The cake, the wish, the moment. Priceless.



Maxie poo getting all decked out for Grandad's happy day!



The girls before showtime!



My handsome date was Mr. Travis Slay Miller aka Mr. Wonderful!

Only one more day to go until FRIDAY.
I decided to take Friday off and spend it with my family.

My whole family is coming down for the big birthday bash on Saturday. My dad is turning 60!! Supposedly 30 people will be attending. It should be a lot of fun and the weather is supposed to be great! So most of my weekend will be spent with the gang in Spring- which is perfectly fine with me because I love my family!

Tomorrow Travis gets back in town from his field work out in Austin. Lucky guy. I can't wait to see him!
So right after school tomororw I'm packing my bags and heading to his place for the weekend- we are going to get him organized! I love organizing and cleaning! BONUS!

Finally I have a few minutes to journal about the events happening in my life.

I've been pretty busy with work. I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong with my kids and why they are not listening to me. Travis and I have been thinking up new things everyone's but so far nothing has really worked. I just don't know what to do. Any ideas??

I did tell them about the Valentine party that is coming up and how if they didn't behave there would be no Valentine's party in Miss Johnson's class. How sad would that be?? Maybe I'll just let the ones who behave attend the super fabulous party.
Maybe then it'll sink in that good behavior equals special treats? Imagine that- good behavior = special treats.

This weekend I want to hang low. Travis mentioned something about going to the ranch in Buffalo tomorrow morning for some rest and relaxation. That's just what I need.

Too many of us wander through life with uncertainty and a lack of clarity. Now, a revolutionary report, The Dewey Color System®, creates self-awareness through color preference.

You're a Practical Wizard
You understand what people need to do to be more practical in their lives. By keeping your distance, you are able to identify the best available resources. You're constantly conducting an investigation of how to better use money and cultivate talent.


The passionate you thrives on orchestrated plans. Figuring out how to make your ideas a reality and seeing things through to completion is the ultimate high. These pursuits empower your self-confidence.

The centered you knows who is capable of giving you unselfish devotion. You see where you belong. When all is quiet within, you celebrate each person for what they have done, not said or thought.

The emotional you pulls things together. You bring up points that allow others to fit in. First, though, try to consider where you belong. The sense of being left out will then melt away.

The weather in Houston couldn't be any better. Not only is it a chilly 50' (perfect snuggle weather) but it's also extremely clear outside! Not a cloud in sight. This is my favorite kind of weather....Sure the first words out of my mouth this morning when I walked to the car were, "OH MY GOD I'M FREEZING!" But I love Texas winter weather!

So, this weekend Travis and I went up to see Stephanie, Travis and Maxie. It was really funny introducing Maxie to Travis- she didn't quite believe me when I said Travis' name was Travis. I think she was thinking how could two people have the same name??

Saturday morning the 3 of us played ponies...BIG SURPRISE. For some reason Maxie is hooked on ponies. Travis asked her if the ponies we were playing with were My Little Ponies- she quickly said, NO these are My Little Ponies. lol. Too cute!
Around 10 we headed to my Grandma's house out in Fredericksburg. We decided to dine out at Chili's and walk through the shops down on Main Street. I took home 2 candles from a store called Remember Me. I can't wait to burn them.
After our visit with Grandma, Travis and I head to the ranch to check up on the place. We both agreed that we should come back up with a trailer and clean the place up. Hopefully we will make that trip soon. We headed back to BUDA around 5 and picked up some things from HEB to make hamburgers with. Travis made the burgers- they were delicious! After dinner we all put on our pj's and watched the movie Finding Nemo and then went to sleep.

Travis ended up catching a cold so we decided to head back early so he could get some rest. The drive back didn't take long at all but we both agreed that I need some new tunes in the car. Any suggestions leave me a message on the TAG Board.

This past weekend Travis and I went back up to Buffalo to his parents ranch house. We loaded up the truck and picked Cassie Marie up from the Miller's house and headed North for the weekend. We had such a good time together! We spent Saturday making a swing to hang from an old oak tree out in the pasture. We painted it Regal Red and let it dry over night.

Sunday morning we woke up at the crack of dawn and went for a morning walk.




Sunday afternoon Travis and I hung the swing- tacky paint and all.

Here a is a picture of the tree where we hung the swing from:





Here we are steady and stable on the back of the tailgate installing the swing. I promise this is safe!





Here we are doing the final adjustments....I swear I was a BIG help and that I didn't just play with Cassie!





And here we are after the test ride!




Cassie and Travis

My parents bought me the Hoover Twin Chamber Bagless Vacuum with HEPA filtration and a furniture saving bumper guard for Christmas! My dad being the loyal Wal-Mart customer picked it up at the "everyday" low price of $100.28!

This is the kind of machine that makes every spec of dirt within earshot scream with cries of consternation. With careful assembly, my genius boyfriend displayed his masterful craftsmanship, only to find me stupified with excitement. I turned on the hygienic instrument only to find it gathering enough sand to save Venice from sinking, all within the limited extents of my apartment entry. No longer able to contain excitement and power of my new "toy", I reached for the power switch, only to find this device to be faulty. Or the vacuum was overly enthusiastic to continue working. Either case is not normal activity for this type of machine, so a trip to Wal-mart was definitely in order.

So that is where my bubble popped. We disassembled the machine and packed it back in the box and made our way to Wally World. But our fun didn't end at the first store- not even the second store where I ended up just getting a giftcard. I guess this was the gift to give this holiday season because Wal-Mart can't keep the dang thing on their shelf.

I was told by a sales associate that Wal-mart restocks their shelves nightly (but in no way, shape or form would I EVER frequent a Wal-Mart that often).

Third times the charm so hopefully I'll have some luck and be back in business.

Have you ever seen 1050 Christmas trees set on fire?
I have. Apparently it's really big out in Grangerland, TX.
On New Year's Eve in the middle of an open pasture stood a 30 foot tall pile of Christmas trees.

Where on Earth do you find 1050 trees?
Anywhere and everywhere.

This tradition was started ten years ago by "bunch of bored idiots" with nothing to do on New Year's Eve. The idiots who started the tradition were: Travis, Donny, Chad, Robert, and Charlie aka "The Original Five" not be confused with the "Fab 5." Since the beginning the piles have grown in size every year. The original pile consisted of only 14 trees. Each year the guys would go around in their big ol' trucks and collect Christmas trees that were tossed out on neighborhood drives. Every tree collected was tossed into a pile and then set fire to using mops doused in Diesel fuel. It only takes a few minutes before the whole pile is up in flames and even less time before pants are down around ankles.

What were The Original Five doing? Mooning the fire of course!

Next year's pile will probably be even bigger but you'd expect that because everything is bigger in Texas.

Let the countdown begin.

Now is the time to get creative with your New Year's Resolutions. Will it be to get in shape? Drink more water? Make more time for yourself? Whatever it may be how can you be certain to accomplish your goals?

Well you're in luck I have searched the web and found few goal setting tips to help you get started!

Don't Try Everything at Once! There's a temptation, with the New Year, to run off a list of everything we've ever wanted to change. Don't fall for it! You'll have better luck fulfilling one or two goals than you will with a list of fifty. You can always add new resolutions to your list later. Take one thing at a time.

Word it Carefully. Let's say your resolution is to relax more in the coming year. Word this carefully. Try not to think of it as "This year I am going to relax." That's a stress-inducer waiting to happen. It forces you into thinking of the resolution as something you must do, not something you want to do. Try to make it sound a little gentler: "This year I'm going to explore different ways of relaxing." It also suggests more of a plan you'll fulfill the resolution by experimenting with relaxation techniques. The first resolution sounds as if you're going to force yourself to relax by sheer willpower.

Make a Plan. Once you know what your resolution is, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn't have to be a complicated plan; just brainstorm enough to give you a place to start.

Write it Down. Write down your resolution and your plan of action. Stick it up on the fridge, in your locker, wherever you know you'll see it. That way you'll have a constant reminder of the resolution. You may want to change the wording as time passes and your goal changes.

Good luck with your goals and remember to keep it simple, have a plan, write it down and view your goal daily.

My name is Tara and I am a very nice person. I am pretty and smart and funny and intellegent. I like to be mean to my friends by talking about alligators and crocodiles while they are still REALLY sleepy. Then I pretend that I'm an alligator and I bite them with my mouth and pinch their hinny's with my "crocodile" hand. That is all. Goodbye.

Travis took it upon himself to BLOG for me.

He speaks no truth- except the part about me being sweet, pretty and funny.

But just for kicks here are some facts about The American Alligator:

Size: Adults range in size from 6ft for females to 14ft for males. Alligators weigh about 600lbs. How big and fast an alligator grows depends on the temperature and the food availible to them.

Diet: Small alligators eat insects, fish, turtles, snakes, mammals and those who fear them.

Alligator Safety: Alligators have attacked humans, but most attacks happen when they have been fed by humans or when they are protecting their nests.

Bottom Line: Do not feed the animals. Do not swim in merky water- especially when you see two eyes and nostrils exposed above the water.

be safe.

I had the best weekend in Buffalo..... Texas.

Travis invited me out to meet the folks in Buffalo, Texas .

Here are some interesting facts about Buffalo, Texas:

*The City of Buffalo was named for the Bison that roamed the open range and rolling hills of Leon County in the mid-1800s.
*Buffalo and Leon County rate in the top 3 calf producing counties in Texas
*Buffalo is located within a one hour drive of five lakes that provide excellent fishing and water sports. Camping, hiking and bird watching provide many hours of leisure time. For hunters, the Buffalo area provides some of the best deer and wild hog hunting in the State.
*According to Mr. Miller there are approximately 800 people in Buffalo.

AND here are some interesting facts about Buffalo, New York:


*Buffalo consists of nearly 1.6 million people.
*Buffalo averages approximately 25 days of measurable snowfall each year. Average annual snowfall at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 93 inches.
*In 1964 Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo byTerressa Bellisimo.
*Buffalo is a mere 20-minute drive from the Niagara Falls.


I hope to be able to travel to NY oneday and when I do, I will feel more connected to my experience after knowing those facts. lol

I just realized there are only 3 days until Christmas.... I need to do my last minute shopping before it's too late!
Happy Holidays!

I can't wait until T O M O R R O W.....not only is it early release day but it's the start of Winter Break! That means no kids for two weeks! I don't remember acting anything less than sweet while I was growing up....but these kids get worse by the minute. ;)
Today I finally had enough. I went to my computer and began composing an email to SANTA aka Susan Baitland. lol

I wrote:

Dear Santa,

My class can not keep their mouths quiet. They are not behaving or following directions. I understand that they are excited about Christmas but they still have one day of school left. Please advise me of what to do.

Please respond quickly.

Miss Johnson

THEN low and behold Santa wrote back with this:

Dear Miss Johnson,
I am very disappointed to hear that your children have been misbehaving. If they do not follow the school rule, I will have to give their presents to other boys and girls. I hope to hear from you soon.

Merry Christmas

SANTA


The look on their faces was priceless. They couldn't believe that SANTA wrote back.

They were all really concerned with whether I had included names of children in that email.....well, being the mean teacher that I am I told them that they'd find out if I did or not on Christmas morning. LOL