Throw In The Towel

You know the saying "Bow out gracefully"? First of all, I feel like that's an oxymoron. For one thing, I'm not graceful. How are people expected to throw in the towel on something and do it gracefully? I've always been in awe of those men and women who are able to handle things with poise. I aspire to be like them. At this moment, I'm trying to figure out how I can bow out and be graceful. And I've got to tell you...it's not looking good. It's looking more like I'll be bowing out awkwardly. Why, oh why, didn't my mom put me in dance classes to help with my grace?!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Boy: "Do you really miss me that much?"
Girl: "Ya, so much."
Boy: "How did you survive without me before?"
Girl: "Well I didn't know what I didn't have and now that I know what I have, I don't want to be without it."
Boy: "Aw babers."

True story.

PWebz

Dear Paul, I am miserable without you. Are you sure you want to stay in Europe until July 21? It's not too late to change your return flight date. Think about it.

ps. Too dramatic?

No More Sugar

I'm on a sugar hiatus. And not because I can't handle the sweet stuff, I practically live for it! But alas, it's because my sugar is in Europe for a month traveling and playing around. And I've got to tell you, it's hard. Probably because I'm a huge baby. But also because I completely adore the little joker and am used to having him around to play with, laugh with me and cuddle me. So far, it's been a week. One down, three to go. Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it!

Here's What I Think

...I am obsessed with checking certain blogs. It gives me a nice view of what's going on in other people's lives. Is it a little creepy? Maybe. Should that be a surprise to anyone? Probably not. Do I love reading your blogs? Indeed.
...I have recently traveled to the fine cities of Portland and Seattle for some quick weekend warrior road trips. I prefer Seattle. Sorry Portland, you're great and all but you just don't get my motor running like the Emerald City. Although I am an equal-opportunity city lover, so maybe you could still schmooze me into liking you more. Little tip: Be gentler on my allergies. I am a sensitive, fair-skinned lady and you really stirred me up. Think about that.
...I think octopus are quite a neat animal. According to the lady at the Seattle Aquarium, they are a gentle animal. But the way Olive Oil through one of her tentacles up out of the water and onto the glass makes me wonder. Maybe she's a gentle killer.
...I've been really into Animal Planet lately, but the one show that makes me want to punch myself in the face over and over is Meerkat Manor. Not sure who's idea it was to set up cameras to film gopher-like animals in Africa, but I'd like to meet them. After meeting them I'd invite them to Montana to show them how we treat gophers. Just kidding! But seriously.
...It's interesting that the owner of Molly Moon's Ice Cream in Seattle actually first scooped ice cream here in Missoula at The Big Dipper. Made me love her ice cream a little bit more. I tip my hat to you Molly.
...I need to cook more. I asked my boo if he wanted me to make him a sandwich and he said, "No, I think I'll just have some cereal." Ouch.
...What goes around comes around. And because of that, it seems to me like some people are about due for a nice butt-kicking. Don't want to name names, but universe, if you're looking to kick some booty I've got a roster for you. Always happy to help.

XOXO

CD Release Party!

Happy Friday and Happy Spring! Warmer weather is officially here in Missoula and I've got to tell you jokers, I couldn't be happier! And speaking of things that make me happy, I've got more news to tell you...I finished my first CD! And to celebrate, I'll be playing a concert and having a CD Release Party on Friday, May 8 at Lake Missoula Cellars. So...if you're around, please come down and jam with me!

Family Bonding Time Photos

There are just too many cute photos! Therefore, another post. Ta da!

Family Bonding Time

The last week or so has been full of fun family time for me. And, get this, it even happened in Missoula! I didn't even have to go anywhere for it. Woo Hoo is what I say to that.

Last week, I played a show at Lake Missoula Cellars and I had family there in full force! In all, there were 16 of them (from both sides) that came to the show and I must say that I loved it.

Then this week, my cousin was here with her family and I was able to play with my "niece" and "nephew" for a few hours. Those kids absolutely crack me up! Abby was holding my hand and kissed my big glass ring before covering the rest of my hand in kisses. Too cute! She also suckered me into going down the slide with her at the mall. When it comes to babies, especially cute ones, I do not have the ability to say no and will pretty much do whatever they want. They play me like a fiddle.

Then last night, my cuz J-Dawg and my cuz Stone played the Miss Rodeo Inauguration Ball at the Hilton Garden Inn with their band, The Walk 'Em Boys. So much fun...and we had tons of family come! They traveled from far and wide (Missoula, Pennsylvania, Bozeman, Lewistown, Augusta, California, Stevi and Lolo -- we've slowly taking over the country) and we literally danced the night away. In between busting out killer dance moves, we managed to find the time to take about a billion photos and share plenty of laughs, giggles, hugs and kisses. Grandma was even up shaking her groove thing--take that recently broken hip!

Since I don't have an eloquent way to end this entry on family, love and fun, I'm going to quote two wonderful men...their words seem most fitting.

"Cousins Rule." -Gavin Allen
"You wanna know something--I sure love you." -Don Allen

Love to all of you.

Happy Spring

So these days the weather has been getting a bit nicer and it's making me so excited for spring and summer! And those things make me really happy. But, to be honest, I have a lot of things in my life that make me happy.

And because I'm feeling the love and want to share it, here are some of the things on my "Oh So Happy" list...

1. My mom and dad came over and spent the weekend a couple of weeks ago. We went to dinner, laughed it up at Brian Reagan and danced it up at The Broadway.

2. I have two jobs! And they both make me really happy - I love enjoying my work. :)

3. Babyface is almost one! And he's soon going to be joined by Babyface #2, scheduled to make his debut in May. I am one happy aunty!

4. I have some great BFFs. Not only do they crack me up, they are fun, kind, warm and caring people.

5. My boyfriend is really nice. And cute. And sweet. And funny. (Yes, I'll stop now.)

6. My gram came over to my show on Friday and cracked me up when after the show, she asked me if some of the songs I played were "Rock."

7. Medicine. It makes me feel good.

8. My In Style subscription from my favorite brother-in-law. It's a surprise in my mailbox every month!

9. Cold water.

10. Music! My friend and I played a show on Friday night and had a great turnout, along with a fun night!

What's on your "Oh So Happy" list?

Give It Up for the "L" Word

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Be prepared for the flurry of hearts, candy, flowers, kisses, and blah blah blah blah. Just kidding. I know you may not guess it, but I love Valentine's Day. Even when I don't have a special sugar to spend it with (which I usually don't), I still love the idea behind it all, because it's all about the love.

A couple of random thoughts on this Valentine's Eve...

I was on people.com this morning and there was an "article" about Carrie Underwood saying she's "Anti-Valentine's Day" because she wants a man who will love her "365 days of the year, not just one." I have one thing to say to that: Duh, girl.

Last night, we watched "Vicky, Christina, Barcelona" and there was a part in the movie where the smoldering Javier tells Vicky about his father's poetry. His father writes beautiful Spanish poems but refuses to publish them as a way to punish the world for not knowing (or not choosing) to love. All I can think is shame on us.

When it comes to love, our hearts and feelings are going to get beat up once in a while. But I have come to learn, through much trial and error, it's okay. My hearts going to be fine. And no matter what, it's going to keep loving. Because that is what it's all about.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and make a card for my sugar. (Yep, you read that right!)

Happy Day. Love. Always.

New Song - HAPPY

Fun news: I recorded a new song a couple of weeks ago for a CD collaboration with a bunch of super talented Missoula-based musicians. The CD was recorded on behalf of Lake Missoula Cellars and will be released in a few weeks...Woo! Basically, it's the best musicians in Missoula bringing their A game. Truly awesome and inspiring.

Take a listen to the new song "Happy" at http://www.myspace.com/tiatroy. Let me know what you think.

Love.

That Cat

Okay, alright already. Enough of your harassment! I know I said I had exciting news and I really do. But you have to realize the source (me!) I think something like finding my favorite lip gloss on sale at Bath & Body Works is exciting (which is usually $7.50, but I totally scored for $3. Say it with me, "Ah yea.)

Anyway, I'm sure you're thinking my news is something like one of the following scenarios:
1. Tia's engaged! Nope, not yet. Although I do like boys. A lot. Especially cute, funny ones that like to dance.
2. Tia's fulfilling her life long dream of being a princess! Nope, wrong again. Although, just for the record, I secretly do think I'm a princess so that's not really a dream.
3. Tia's becoming a rock star! Well kind of, but not right this minute. That's more of a work-in-progress type of thing. Just for the record again, I think I would be a rock star meets cheesy, love song writer girl.

The real news is...I quit my job. Which in these current times may seem like a ballsy thing to do, but hey, sometimes I'm ballsy. And sometimes I'm brave. And sometimes, I put the line "a little less talk and a lot more action" to use. And, ladies and gentlemen, this is one of those times. You may be wondering, "What the crap are you going to do Tia, you little missy?" To which I sweetly respond, "Only time will tell my dear one." But know this...I am stoked for the future and excited for what it will bring!

Love. Always.

Six Minute Style

Hi everyone, Happy Tuesday!

Check out this blog: http://sixminutestyle.blogspot.com. It's created and written by a local Missoula woman, Susan Doherty. And let's face it--it pretty much rocks.

Wine & Obama

Get this: I spent the evening pouring wine at an Obama inauguration party. Why is this funny? Because I'm Mormon and conservative. Go figure. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Happiness For Me

Oh hey guys. So I have some news. And I really want to share it with you. But I can't yet...however, I will tell you that I am stoked and excited about it! Hopefully you all will be too.

Love.

Love of Friday

Aahhhhh......

St. John

I just had an awesome holiday away in St. John.

It was splendid for a variety of reasons...here's a few:
1. I went with my BFF Lizzy - I love her!
2. Her husband Christian and my friend Chris were there too - I love them!
3. It was warm.
4. I have a tan.
5. I went snorkeling...for the first time...and saw a stingray!
6. I heart pina coladas.
7. I was on vacation - a real one - with no worries. It doesn't get much better than that.