so.. it’s almost been a year (May 31st) since I “retired” from working a 9-5 job.  I use the word “retire” because I’ll probably never go back to that kind of work and I FEEL retired bc I’m having SO much fun yet I still work very hard.  I’ve learned through my in-laws that retired people kind of work harder after they retire, but it’s because it’s out of WILL… I’m LOVING what I do.  I’m thankful for Tate’s clients and the community here in South Louisiana that give us business so we can enjoy what we do and give back.   

this week and upcoming week is a perfect example of how crazy busy we stay.  We had to get our TTP Office windows replaced due to a shattered window, estimates on new windows for the old shack behind our house (it’s in the middle of being fixed up), keeping up with daily photoshoots AND editing…  running errands before our trip out West.  

Friday Tate will drop me off  at the New Orleans airport and I fly out to Los Angeles for a bachelorette party for my girlfriend, Shoshannah and then that afternoon he flies out to St Louis, Missouri for a wedding for Jeremy/Beatrice on Saturday. Saturday NIGHT after the wedding in MO, Tate will fly to Los Angeles and then Sunday Tate and I shoot another wedding in Los Angeles for Ty Giordano/Tia Albert.  Monday Tate and I will drive down 12 hours to New Mexico with Shoshannah, her fiance, Ricky and their dog to Santa Fe for the rest of the week until her wedding festivities (that we are also guests AND working at) start the following weekend and we fly home NEXT Monday from Santa Fe. 

Quite crazy but fun.  We look forward to it.  I can’t wait to see Santa Fe, my first time. I loved Arizona, and I have this vision that Santa Fe is Arizona-ish maybe a bit more artsy-colorful? 

Other than work, I’ve been doing ALOT of organizing in my house, rearranging furniture, getting rid of stuff we’ve saved and forgotten about over the years, working out, and doing projects here and there for myself and others.  

Tate and I are still struggling with finding balance between work and DAYTIME family/friends time.  We are always free after 7-8pm on weekdays and most people are in bed because most people have to report to work at 7-8am the next day. Our weekends are booked with weddings.  So, we end up going out during the week once or twice a week to catch up with our single friends who CAN go out… and then on the weekends we SQUEEZE in a few hours with family and friends when we can.  One day we’ll figure it out.  Tate no longer shoots on Sundays (except for weddings), so hopefully that will help.  

  I always thought I’d get back into my obsessive blogging ways when I started working at home, but I haven’t and I find myself feeling guilty because I KNOW how much I enjoy looking back at old entries…. sooo.. that’s what’s been up in a nutshell and I feel a lil less guilty today about NOT blogging enough. 

sarah signing off………………

My new but old wedge cowboy boots!?? (Taken with Instagram at Newbury Street)

So…. we’ve had this beautiful Orange Room. It’s our 2nd Guest room- no one really ever uses it- it has a bunch of my craft stuff, Tate’s photo props, artwork that needs to be framed, etc…..  Today I decided to tackle it- cleaning it out- putting all photo props in the TTP Stuido, downsizing, and I’m turning it into a CLOSET/CRAFTS room.  I cannot wait.  It’ll be my closet and a crafts room.  I’ll get to buy girly furniture, fun OCD boxes and make it a  pretty place to store my clothes and crafts.   

Here’s two pictures to give you an idea of what I want… a mixture of BOTH: 

OH! I can’t wait………. 

sarah signing off…………………………

2012. wow. i remember 1981 like yesterday. my parents moved (from Mamou, LA area) to Central (Greenwell Springs to be exact) for me to start school at the deaf school at age 4.5.  i also remember 1988 like yesterday. i started public school full time (mainstreaming). i also remember 1991 when i started high school. 1994 i graduated high school and promised myself to find true happiness, my identity and independence. 1996 i met my best friend who became my boyfriend in 1997.  i graduated with a BA in 2001. We moved to Washington DC for my masters.  tate asked me to marry him in 2003 and we were married in 2004. 2005, i received my masters in deaf ed. we moved and lived in new york city in the heart of manhattan. late 2005 we moved home 3 days before hurricane katrina. 2009 we bought our first home…..

and its 2012.  WOW.  time flies.  

all day today i catnapped, rested, played word with friends, and pondered on the upcoming new year.  tomorrow it’s back to the daily grind. i’ve been enjoying working for and with Tate.  I have a lot of goals for myself, and TTP (Tate Tullier Photography). I mainly want to get re-organized in every aspect- myself, my house, my life, our business. Looking forward to this year! 

happy new year to y’all! 

as i have a great big ole’ pot o’gumbo simmering on my stove here at maison looziana (my house) i’m pondering on how fast this year has gone by.  the holidays are already here.  as a matter of fact, we have 3 sets of couples stopping by to visit/sleep here between today and Monday on their way to visit family across the country.  one thing tate and i cherish from our Gallaudet days in Washington DC is the fact we’ve met people from all over the world.  the deaf community is so small that sometimes we have guests that we’ve never met- but we have mutual friends, so our mutual friends refer them to us to stay over in between road trips and we end up becoming good friends.  

often i get mocked for having over 3k friends on facebook.  ”how can you know 3k people?! do you actually KNOW them?” Yes, I KNOW and know OF them.  i always have to explain i only have very few close friends and a huge family, and a HUGE client base through TTP and i enjoy sharing my life with everyone.   

one of my favorite stories:  last month i went to austin, texas and the first night we were there- tate and i went to watch Chase Burton’s short film at a bar.  I had never met this guy, but about a year ago, he and about 3 other friends of his stopped by our house on their way to Austin from New York Boston or DC (somewhere northeast) to rest.  Neither Tate and I had met them before but had a mutual friend who hooked them up with us. When they arrived in the wee-wee hours, I was already sleeping because then I was still working for the state and needed at least 8 hours of sleep.  Tate waited up for them. The next morning I woke up at 6am to get dressed and went to work- they were all sleeping.  I came home and they were already in Austin.   FASTFORWARD 1 year later, I met them and proved to them Tate REALLY has a wife :)  

Needless to say- having guests here is a blast for us.  Our guests tonight aren’t vegetarians so this gumbo is loaded with chicken and sausage.  YUM!  If time permits, I might make a vegetarian taco soup for our other guests this weekend/week who are vegetarians.  That’s another thing I just LOVE about my experience with living in DC and NYC…. I’ve embraced all kinds of cultures, lifestyles, and people especially being raised in the very conservative state of South Louisiana :) 

Tate is super busy with holiday pictures (I think he’s caught up with those) and weddings.  He has about 3 plus a double wedding = 5 weddings that he wants to finish BEFORE Christmas so the wedding couple(s) can share them with their families on Christmas.  I just love how Tate’s thoughtful like that.  He’s “off” for about 2-3 weeks after Christmas and we plan on “remodeling” his office.  He has a 850-900 sqft-ish office that looks like a Hurricane.  Half of it is my stuff.. holiday boxes, my blower, my rake, etc.  We want to paint it all white, make it a very clean, bright, happy mod place for Tate and his clients.   Wish us luck especially Tate and me….. I foresee a lot of arguing because we both love to design, decorate, and we are opposite in whos anal (me) and who’s a packrat (him). 

i’ve rambled…. but that’s what happens when so much has happened and I don’t keep up with my blog.  

UPS just delievered THREE boxes full of wedding portraits.  I’m off to put together proof book albums, wash sheets for the guests, and make my house look like it’s always clean *wink*

happy holidays y’all.

sooo… i thought when i left my state job i’d get hooked to one soap opera, make at least one fun DIY project a week from inspirations from pinterest, have lunch with girlfriends and my mom and mother-in-law at least once or twice a week, have my manicures done more regularly…… 

well, well.. let me tell you- i don’t even turn the TV on ever. If I do, it’s bc I’ve sat down to have a quick lunch with my husband, or it’s not until dinner/bedtime I watch something and it’s definitely not Young and the Restless; I haven’t made anything from pinterest except wedding projects for friends which was a NECESSITY; I haven’t had lunch with ANY of my girlfriends since BEFORE I quit my job; I’ve only seen my mother two or three times during the day for coffee, and I have not yet to this date had lunch with my mother-in-law and my manicures have only become more overdue. I also said I’d blog at least every other day…  HA HA HA HA!!!!!

not complaining. i am so enjoying this new life i’m leading.  i stay very very very busy.  i answer emails ALL DAY LONG, go on shoots w Tate, package photos, mail photos, assemble and design photo albums, I’ve done taxes, we completed our 2010 taxes, now I need to get 2011 taxes in order so I don’t get so behind again.. oh wait… 2011 is over in 2 months.. oh gee! 

Last night I asked Tate if he could hold up TTP, edit, and go on shoots on his own and let me stay home and do what I wanted.  I wanted to either paint my back door, trim our crape myrtle trees (we have 6), get rid of weed/sticks around our huge pecan tree, take down our screen around our back porch, among MANY other things……  He said SURE. 

I woke up this morning and couldn’t find any of my hand-me-down tools to trim the weeds, so I IM’ed Dad-T and asked him where it was thinking he might’ve used it, or taken it back because it’s probably his.  Next thing I know, Dad-T is here with all the tools and it’s not just to drop it off for me, but he stayed the entire day and helped me weed 5 crape myrtle trees, and cleared out the junk-stick-weeds tree with me.  We were SO productive. It looks sooooo much better. 

Here’s a before and after picture of the “junk pecan tree”: 

Wish I thought to take a pix of the Crape Myrtle Trees before we cut them down….. Oh well. 
We have 20 pampas grass to plant sometime this week to block off the side of our house from Cole Street to private-ize our house more, I cannot wait!!!!!!!! 
sooo that’s what i’ve been up to in a very small nutshell.
sarah signing off…………………………..

so…. i’ve gotten at least 12 emails/texts asking how i’ve gotten my hair perfectly wavy and/or curly.  yes, i do have natural “beach wavy” hair, but to be honest, it only looks perfect on the beach after dipping it in the dirty salty ocean.  

one day when tate was out of town, i was watching all the channels I never watch since he is the King of all TV’s in this household.  I was watching the channel where they advertise silly things…. “as seen on TV“……  I saw this lady fixing this girl’s hair…. she made it curly, shorter, wavy, long beach waves, 1920’s curls, etc.  For some reason my gut feeling told me “this is worth trying” BUT of course I forgot about it until…….

i went to the beach with one of my girlfriends, Missy.  i saw her with that exact toy.  i asked her to show me how it works…. i went to heidi’s wedding w my hair all “did” and got so many compliments.  i decided to buy it and i’ve been hooked.  you can do big curls, wavy hair, small curls, etc.  

totally worth the investment.  it comes with a glove so you don’t burn yourself because you have to twist the hair around the curling iron….  after 2-3 times of using it, i no longer use the glove because i’ve learned how to be cautious (okay, i did burn my ear a little last night LOL) 

another secret for a more soft look that lasts 2-3 days without having to use the iron again…  wash your hair, put in moouse or styling products and let it air dry and then curl it however you want and sleep on it- the next day you can brush it out, put a lil serum in it, and it looks so natural and soft…..  :) 

you can buy it at target, walmart etc.  I suggest THIS exact brand (conair). It’s my 2nd one and it’s the BEST. 

ENJOY~ 

sarah signing off…………….

so… its only been 2 days since i’ve been home as “maison looziana’s domestic engineer and TTP’s assistant” because I left the day after I resigned from my job at LRS for Los Angeles and MN for a week and a half and that felt more like a vacation than “work”…… tate told all his new clients in CA and MN when they asked how he liked having me as his assistant “i’ll see how she does on her 1st performance test” ;-)

aside from our trip to CA & MN (which was a BLAST), I have to say i’ve loved my life so far.  it’s only been 2 days and it feels like it’s been 2 weeks already at home.  i’ve been working, being productive and going and going non-stop. 

i worked on adding flush mount albums to tate’s wedding package, worked on his contract, add ons for wedding packages, etc., answered all his emails, scheduled clients for the next month or two, sent invoices to outstanding gigs, got our new health dental and vision insurance set up online, took care of our equity for our new mortgage, joined the gym, started working out, got TTP artwork framed for alzheimer’s fundraising event, sent in forms for new gigs for TTP, it’s on-going…….(and trust me, i did NOT list everything)

i also spent 3 hours in best buy today dealing with Tate’s camera that could not be fixed {actually dealing with all kinds of sales associates, managers, etc}  I ended up getting him a brand new camera (FREE), GO ME.  I also got myself a new iphone4 in WHITE, and got stuck in traffic for 1 hour on my way to hobby lobby to get artwork framed, and then stood in mile long lines bc there were only 2 registeries open at hobby lobby with what it seemed like 20 employees pacing around the store doing nothing…..

i texted tate on my nice new white iphone4 and said “ive determined i passed the performance test”

its all good and im so very happy and i wish this upon EVERYONE i know. 

sarah signing off…………………………..

im still in awe soon i’ll be working at home full time for my house and for Tate Tullier Photography.  i keep pondering on what I’ll do first……  the list for TTP is NEVERENDING…. im almost overwhelmed thinking about it- I’m SO excited though.  I can’t wait to clean out his office- those who have seen it know what a huge huge huge crazy mess it is.  I’ll be clearing it out, organizing the attic with our holiday boxes so it’s easy for me to go in and out- we’ve kept most of the holiday boxes downstairs so I could access to them easier— Dad-T said he’d install a light for me up there and extend the rope so I could open and go in the attic on my own so I can keep up with my seasonal decorating in my house!!!!!

I’m also gonna start scouting for GOOD garage sales for good finds for furniture for Tate’s office- Gonna paint his kitchen and bathroom in his office- make it consumer-friendly.  Oh HOW FUN. 

I can’t wait to set up his filing system for his contracts, his shelves for his inventory (cd’s, albums, labels, etc), a file box for “in and outbound paperwork”, etc.etc.  as of now, i go in there and say

“didn’t you tell me someone wanted a donation?” 

TTP: “yeah, for some school, church, non profit something… paperwork is somewhere under here…..” (dig, dig dig)

Me: “oh i cant stand this mess/office, bring it to me when you find it”

TTP: “oh get over it, wait here………”

NO MORE SOON! :) I’ll be able to walk in, pick up all the paper in one slot and get it taken care of and file it! :) I might overwhelm Tate with organization! PAYBACK! :)

OK I’m off to run errands- so much to do since I haven’t been home all month (weekends) and we leave this Wednesday for California for a week and half. 

Y’all have a good weekend, Thank God for our TROOPS!

sarah signing off……

So, ready for some *NEWSFLASH*!!??  Here’s the story of me resigning as a VR counselor… Yes, for real.   I wrote a 2-weeks notice to resign from my job at LA Rehab Services about a year ago.  I could have turned it in then, but.. I kept putting it off for many reasons:  (bear with me, I love numbered lists)

1.              I did NOT hate my job, and I have hated several jobs before.

2.              I had the BEST supervisor + assistant.

3.              I enjoyed my bi-weekly paychecks even though it wasn’t much.

4.              I especially enjoyed my clients

5.              I loved seeing and helping my clients get jobs and better their lives

6.              I enjoyed coming home to Tate and us missing each other from being separated all day

7.              Health insurance was “cheap”

8.              I did not want to let down my clients, the deaf community and supervisor.

9.              I worried about the state’s money- I know I’ve saved them A LOT with not needing to hire interpreters on a daily basis since I could communicate with the deaf clients on my own.

However.. I’ve BEEN wanting/needing to resign for many reasons:

1.              I’ve always wanted to be a domestic engineer although I have A LOT to learn.

2.              I can remember many times saying when I grew up I wanted to be a mom, wife and housekeeper.  (the mom part is NOT a hint)

3.              I’ve always wanted to do errands, complete TO DO lists all day long for myself and my family.

4.              Tate is so fortunate with his business that it’s overwhelming him, he needs HELP.

5.              Tate needs help with his office getting organized.

6.              Tate’s taxes need to be organized and kept up with on a daily basis.

7.              Tate’s emails need to be answered daily instead of once a week.

8.              I NEED and want to work out on a regular basis.  I work out better in the mornings. I can’t wait to get in the gym every morning.

9.              Tate’s clients deserve cookies and tea/punch when they come for photo shoots.

10.          Tate needs his branding to be kept up with.

11.          Tate needs to order his albums/prints for weddings on time.

12.          Tate’s inventory needs to be kept up with.

13.          Our house needs attention.

14.          Our pets need attention.

15.          We need more balance/time with seeing all our family and friends.

16.          Tate needs assistance when he travels.

17.          Tate’s equipment needs tuning up.

18.          Tate needs an on-line shop for his art to be sold.

19.          Tate needs an on-line shop for his Tshirts to be sold.

20.          Tate’s equipment batteries need to be charged at all times.

21.          Tate needs to have business cards in his bag, vehicles, office at all times.

22.          Tate needs graduation cap/gowns in ALL colors.

23.          Tate needs updated props for seasonal photos.

24.          Tate needs to attend/sign up for local bridal shows/expos. 

25.          Tate wants to start up a magazine and publishing company and

needs help. 

….. okay.. I won’t bore the world with any more… but 25+ reasons listed above to stay home/work for TTP compared to 9 reasons why I could have stayed at LRS….

AND working for Tate, at home, and traveling just seems so much more appealing and motivating to me.  I have never been one to sit in an office all day long. I was starting to miss work to travel with him, or to help him catch up on things… LRS Staff is required to  keep a  MINIMUM of 20 hours sick AND annual leave… that is IMPOSSIBLE for me if I want to travel with him AND I like my mental-health days, and those who know me know I don’t have the most awesome-est immune system.

Working for the state is all about following rules, dress codes, no nose piercing (and mine is less than 1 mm in measurement), no socializing in the halls, etc.  I developed a case of claustrophobia by sitting in my office ALL DAY, over-following rules and not socializing, due to fear of being in trouble.  Yes, Tate will have expectations for me because it IS an and his business although I own 50%…. we all know Tate is 1,003 times more free spirited and flexible than most people to begin with.

It was a very bittersweet day turning in my resignation letter.  My supervisor has also become my friend.  I learned so much from her and she made my attendance to work so much more pleasant.  I hope whomever replaces me loves and will work as hard as I tried to for the deaf community. 

So.. here’s to me finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do.  Maybe now I can do things I’ve always wanted to do- work out in the mornings, errands with my mom, mother-in-law, participating in things my retired in-laws do, etc.  My dream has come true.  Marrying a good man, finding the job I want…  maybe I’ll decide to have a few kids after TTP gets in order, if not…. I sure have a lovely life and I DON’T take it for granted.

My last day at LRS as a VR Counselor is May 31st, 2011.  It’s been a great learning experience for almost 3 years at LRS.  My first trip with TTP guilt-free is this weekend to Rosemary Beach, Florida  to shoot a destination wedding.  This time I’ll have time to pack Tate (and myself)  healthy snacks, lunches and H2O for the trip.  Small things like that were impossible with a 2^nd full time job. 

Also, I hope this blog helps avoid silliness around my dear deaf community on WHY I left VR.  That is ANOTHER reason I worried about leaving my job… what kind of fabricated stories would develop…… Please feel free to forward this blog. 

OH, how I will miss my clients…. more than anything. 

Sarah, Full-Time TTP Assistant signing off………www.tatetullier.com