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Taking Care Of Business

Posted on August 10, 2016 Written by Tonya

It’s a leap of fate starting a business, there is also a very, very steep learning curve and things pop up almost daily that you never thought would. Decisions to be made, records to keep, documents to create, meetings, brainstorming sessions, strategy, and expenses. So. many. expenses. But here we are, Take Flight Social Media Consulting is almost 6 months old!!

We had a business plan by mid-February, took on our first client March 1, filed for an LLC March 22, launched our website April 5 and became “Facebook official” April 7.

We have worked with 11 clients to date and currently have eight on our roster.

I learn something new almost every day and thrive from trying to balance all my different roles. It’s definitely a juggling act. I misstep on occasion, but today, all the balls are in the air.

Things I didn’t know I’d love about having my own business. Also known as, things I’ll never take for granted:

Choosing an awesome business partner, who shares your vision, work ethic and is always a friend first. I’m so glad we are in this together, Nichole!
Reliable Wi-Fi. Duh.
Excepting help when offered and knowing when to ask for it.
Supportive husbands and families.
All. the. caffeine.
Dry shampoo.
Voxer.
Amazing friends who send business our way and cheer us on because they genuinely want us to be successful.
Clients that let us do you what we’ve promised.
Asking for what we’re worth!!
Taking on the risk and reaping the rewards.
~~Slowly~~ paying off our investor.
Karma.
Sundays. Sundays are sacred. Sundays are for family.

Things I’ve done while owning my own business that I’m not so proud of:

Held conference calls in the car, bathroom (with the mute button on, of course!), grocery store, car pool, parking lots, my closet, dressing rooms, etc.
Produced eight pens from my purse at any given time.
Gone through the Starbucks drive-thru just so I can respond to an email.
Been in jammies and not brushed my teeth until way past noon.
Let my children watch way too much TV on the days they are both home with me. Mommy guilt, much?
Manically checked and rechecked my phone and email for likes, engagements, notes from clients or potential clients after having delivered a killer proposal.
Told a client I didn’t care for their product. Gulp. They took it pretty well, considering.

The list of things I’ve done that I am proud of far exceeds the above list. I never thought I’d be here at all, but it has been an amazing ride and I have enjoyed every minute. I love what I do, who I do it with and I’m eager to see where the next six months take us!

“Your reputation is more important than your paycheck, and your integrity is worth more than your career.”

– Ryan Freitas, About.me co-founder

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Done! – NaBloPoMo

Posted on December 10, 2015 Written by Tonya

So much for owing myself six more consecutive NaBloPoMo posts. Agh!! Well, I tried.

This time of the year is so rough with lengthy to do lists, shorten tempers and trying to squeeze it all in. Just this past week was crazy!

We got our tree, the boys went out of town while Lola and I stayed home and nursed colds, did a bunch on online holiday shopping, decorated the house and started our holiday cards, oh and my sister got engaged! More on that later….

At any rate, I consecutively wrote 17 posts in a row and a total of 23 for the month. This will be my last NaBloPoMo post.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Editing photos, even if it’s just adding a watermark or resizing is a huge pain in the ass.

2. Participating in NaBloPoMo felt like homework every.single.day. and I decided I don’t appreciate writing under pressure.

3. I have plenty of content and ideas and don’t need prompts at this point in my life and I was thrilled to have cleared out my drafts folder.

4. NaBloPoMo kept me from watching hours of mindless TV. And reading. And I love reading. And TV.

5. This exercise encouraged me to let go of perfection and just write.

6. I’ve been blogging for over six years, but I’ve never blogged with any kind of regularity. I viewed this as a fun challenge, but decided I don’t want to be a full time blogger, I want to write bigger, more meaningful, meatier pieces and aim higher. I’ve been published a few places and I’m very proud of that and want to do more of that. Having said all that, however, I am motivated to keep adding to my blog when the mood strikes me. I like this space.

7. Writing begets writing. Even if it’s bad, I have to keep writing! I have to get it off my chest, out of my head and out here, there, anywhere for the sake of my own sanity.

Thank you for so much for reading my 7707 words and for the 50 comments.

23 days!! Yay me!!

Did you participate in NaBloPoMo, or NaNoWriMo? Did you finish? What have you learned from the challenge, whether you finished it or not?

So Very Thankful – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 25, 2015 Written by Tonya

It’s that time of year again, when we should express our gratitude for people and things a little more so than the rest of the year.

Topping my list of course are; the 35 years I had with my parents, Todd, Lucas, Lola, my sister, my friends, Dave Matthews, books, reliable WiFi, my health, having a job I love and these 15 or so simple joys:

1. Name a color you are thankful for. Blue. All shades, from Robin’s Egg, Slate and Turquoise to Navy, Midnight and Cornflower. I love blue.

2. Something your spouse does that you are thankful for. Without fail he gets up each morning with our children.

3. Something your kids do that you are thankful for. I love it when they get along, play or read side by side and laugh together.

4. A food you are thankful for. Mexican. I swear I could live off of chips, salsa and guacamole. And the spicier the better!

5. What recent good news are you thankful for? As a former sun worshiper, I had two moles removed recently resulting in 10 stitches and a nasty infection from the bandages, but the negative skin cancer result was totally worth it!

6. Name a drink you are thankful for. I couldn’t just pick one so in no particular order; water, Diet Coke, Chai tea lattes, Tequila and wine.

7. Name a restaurant you are thankful for. Jan’s Health Bar. It’s within walking distance of my house, has the best smoothies and salads and chicken salad worth dying for!

8. Talk about an animal you are thankful for. I guess dogs, although my own gets on my every last nerve!

9. Name a beauty product you are thankful for. I discovered two this year that I love; Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Lashes and Nerium Night Cream.

10. Name a cleaning product you are thankful for. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. I should owe stock. Seriously.

11. What social media platform are you thankful for? Facebook, but Instagram is a strong second. Both are such amazing ways to stay connected and showcase your photography and true works of art, your children.

12. Tell us why you are thankful for the last person who texted you. Nichole, for so many reasons. She’s kind and generous and the love she has for her children and all the small moments that make life so joyful is an inspiration.

13. Name a candy you are thankful for. I’m not a big candy person, but right now I am loving Trader Joe’s Ts & Js Sour Gummies.

14. Name an app on your phone that you are thankful for. Voxer!

15. What are you looking forward to that you are thankful for? Christmastime. It truly is the most magical time of the year!

What are you thankful for?

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 2. Answer the So Very Thankful tag questions.

Even More Things I Know For Sure – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 17, 2015 Written by Tonya

Turns out at 43 I know some stuff.

Not a lot of stuff but enough.

I’ve shared before: 13 Things I Know For Sure and 13 More Things I Know For Sure.

For those of your keeping track, I’m up to 39 things I know for sure, as in without a doubt, I’d bet my next paycheck on it certainty.

Here again, is a list of 13 more things I know for for

1. People drive through our neighborhood too fast.

2. People drive too fast in general. Last May I got a speeding ticket, my first in years and I paid dearly for it. I’ve tried to slow ever since.

3. There are few things like reveling in the fact that all the laundry is done. I live for those five minutes each week!

4. All neighborhoods should have sidewalks.

5. Any time I step foot in Target I will spend $100.00. Even if I just go for one or two items. I know I’m not alone in this phenomenon.

6. Any time I step foot in a store that has carts and I think that basket will do I’m wrong!

7. If you give a child a napkin and they will find anything else inappropriate to use instead.

8. Inevitably a playdate will fall on the day after the housekeeper has come.

9. 5 to 7 days after we’ve been at a bounce house (or any public venue) birthday party, Lucas’s nose will start running like a faucet and within 48 hours his sister’s will too. But I will will be the one down for the count for at least two days! Good times.

10. As soon as the dishwasher in my house is emptied, it’s full again.

11. Lucas will try a new food at someone else’s house and love it, but the minute I serve it to him in our home, he won’t eat it.

12. My children truly have no idea how much they are loved. There is just no way.

13. Every day brings a chance to start over, a clean slate, a new beginning. And thank God for it!

What do you know for sure?

10 Things I Love About Gilmore Girls – NaBloPoMo

Posted on November 11, 2015 Written by Tonya

I started binge-watching Gilmore Girls long before Netflix announced a series revival. I just started season 6 and couldn’t be more in love with Lorelai, Rory, Luke, Taylor, Sokie or the charming town of Stars Hollow, but these are some of my favorite things… so far:

1. Food! I love how Gilmore Girls portrays eating, between the Friday night dinners at Richard and Emily’s, breakfast at Luke’s Diner, takeout from Al’s Pancake World and Sokie’s glorious kitchen, it’s okay to enjoy food.

2. Small towns are both lovely and annoying. Everyone knows everyone. The traditions (civil reenactments, 24-hour dance-a-thon, charity picnic basket lunch auction, bike race though town, etc.) the town of Stars Hollow upholds are sweet and endearing and make me want to live there.

3. Mothers and daughters can be close. No relationship on Gilmore Girls is more important, or more unwavering, than the love between Lorelai and Rory. While men come and go, you can always count on them to talk it out over a vat of coffee. They are always there for one another. Even Lorelai and her own mother, who mostly butt heads find a way, in their own way to be there for one another.

4. Wit is a very attractive characteristic and no one does it better than Lorelai Gilmore. Her innuendos, silly quips and smart ass comments are the best!

5. Jess (Milo Ventimiglia). Sometimes the bad boy isn’t always that bad.

6. All the book love! I can’t help but wonder if 2015 Rory would have a Kindle. For a list of all 339 books referenced, read this.

7. Lorelai and Luke… I adore their will-they-won’t-they relationship. I’m rooting for them but, I fear Lorelai will end up with Chris, Rory’s father, as she should.

8. Carole King’s song used for the theme song, “Where You Lead (I Will Follow)” is perfection and did you know that she sings the song with her own daughter?

9. The plural of cul-de-sac is culs-de-sac. Thank you, Rory.

10. I still have two whole seasons left to watch of a show that ended 8 years ago! Plus the four mini movies. Yay!

Have you enjoyed Gilmore Girls? What would you add to my list?

Old School Blogging: The ABC’s Of Me

Posted on September 17, 2015 Written by Tonya

I’m linking up with my friends, Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Andrea of About 100% for a little Old School Blogging and this month is the ABC’s of me, a questionnaire of sorts.

Come play along! Copy and paste the words in bold below, write your post and link up.

A- Age: 43 or…

Best. Quote. Ever.

B- Biggest Fear: Missing my children’s futures and having them both turn out like assholes.

C- Current Time: Nap time!

D- Drink you last had: Diet Coke

E- Easiest person to talk to: My 19 month old daughter.

F- Favorite Song: #41 by Dave Matthews Band

G- Grossest Memory: The time Lucas smeared poop on his bedroom wall. It was AWFUL. I wrote about it. Of course. (I’m Still In Shock, February, 2012)

H- Hometown: I was born in Amarillo, Texas but grew up overseas. Arizona was home for a long time and now, it’s wherever my children are.

I- In love with: My husband and children. And always in that order.

Two drifters off to see the world.
There’s such a lot of world to see.

J- Jealous Of: I wouldn’t mind being Beyoncé for a day.

K- Killed Someone? What the hell kind of question is that?

L- Longest Relationship: The one with myself.

M- Middle Name: Dawn

N- Number of Siblings: 1

O- One Wish: Ah. I wish more than anything that my parents were still alive.

P- Person who you last called: Lisa, my ray of sunshine friend.

Q- Question you’re always asked: Uppie?

R- Reason to smile: Topping the list today is Lucas’s latest family portrait:

Complete with disco ball (don’t ask!).

But I also love; a good sweat, starting a new book, my children’s laughter, finding time to write, sunflowers, smelling the sea, an iced Chai tea latte, date nights, fresh sheets, Christmas morning, Dateline, capturing the perfect photograph, green lights, a glass of Dreaming Tree Cab, spending time with my friends, my sister, Jimmy Fallon, the smell of rain, kindness, pizza, fast Internet connection, a good hair day, stop me anytime.

S- Song you last sang: Something annoying on KidzBop.

T- Time you woke up: 6:30

U- Underwear Color: I’m not wearing any. Shhh…

V- Vacation Destination: I’m dying to return to kiss under the Eiffel Tower again, but also look forward to seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, sipping a margarita on the beach in Cabo (hopefully next summer!!) and standing in the middle of Times Square sooner rather than later. (:

W- Worst Habit: Setting impossible expectations and being disappointed.

X- X-rays you’ve had: Mouth, leg, fingers and ankle. Nothing was ever broken.

Y- Your favorite food: Mexican… lime, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, avocado, chips, margaritas

Z- Zodiac Sign: Cancer, the crab. Explains so much.

Incidentally, I’ve done one of these before, ABC in June, 2013.

Your turn! Answer the questions, post them on your blog and then link up at Elaine’s or Andrea’s place (don’t forget to tag #OSBlog on Twitter when you share!)

Deliriously Happy

Posted on June 4, 2015 Written by Tonya

Although my husband might disagree, it really doesn’t take a lot to make me happy.

My children, of course top my happy list, especially when they too are in good spirits, getting along and healthy. For months they have both been battling the icks. I have seen more snot and cleaned up more vomit lately than I ever care to.

My husband also makes me happy and I appreciate all the little (and big) things he does to keep our family safe, secure and on track. Going though life with your best friend is well, the best and I’m lucky that he loves me.

But here are 10 more things that are currently making me very happy (in no particular order):

1. My neighborhood. I love that I can walk a mile and a half or less and be at a grocery store, my favorite lunch spots, an office supply store, great boutiques, two different libraries, the bank, one of five parks and countless other great spots.

2. Netflix. Because how else could I have binged watched all three seasons of Scandal in 19 days?! The struggle is real, people! Season 4 is available June 13!!

3. Dave Matthews Band. Duh. 3 months until I see my favorite musician in concert again!

4. Sunny days. Not hot, just sunny. Warm. Preferably spent poolside. With a cocktail.

5. Exercise. No, really. I have to move daily. For my sanity and those around me.

6. Our new patio cover. It has basically given us a whole new room! It took a year and a half to build but it was worth the wait and it has already changed the way we live.

7. The perfect shot. I don’t really know anything about photography and all the photos I take are with my iPhone, but I know the second I get the perfect shot. I’m super excited to take a photography class this summer and learn all about my new Nikon d40, a gift from a dear friend.

8. Amazon Prime. Enough said.

9. Did I mention these two?

Mother’s Day, 2015

10. Writing. Purging, getting it out of my head, off my chest and on paper, so to speak. A completed blog post or piece of writing of any kind that I’m proud of makes me very, very happy!

What makes you happy?

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 2. List ten things that make you HAPPY.

Old School Blogging: I Am

Posted on May 22, 2015 Written by Tonya

I’m linking up with Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Angela from Jumping With My Fingers Crossed for a little Old School Blogging and this month is a questionnaire of sorts.

Come play along! Copy and paste the words in bold below, write your post and link up.

I am still in my pajamas and it is (well) after noon.

I wonder if my body will forgive me for working out so hard yesterday.

I hear birds chirping, a leaf blower, cords from the blinds upstairs gently hitting the wall and our water cooler humming.

I see a flashing cursor and it reminds me how much I love writing and don’t do it enough.

I want someone to bring me lunch and help me dress like Olivia Pope.

I am currently obsessed with Scandal. I’m binge watching it for the first time from the beginning and don’t know why I never watched it before. It is a great show and a much needed escape for me at the end of the day.

I pretend everything is okay.

I feel most at ease by the sea.

I touch my daughter’s hair a lot. It’s soft and silky like spun liquid gold.

I worry I’ll never have time to read all the books I’d like to, about dying and running out of gas on the freeway.

I cry every time I hear my son tell his little sister he loves her, for all the losses in my life and at Kleenex commercials.

I am trying my best to be more patient with myself and those around me.

I understand how important it is to be present, enjoy the here and now and let those you love know it!

I say no more than yes.

I dream of taking my children on an African safari, sipping a Kronenbourg with my husband at our favorite cafe in Paris, finding the perfect pair of jeans, clear skin (seriously, what is the deal with acne after 40?!) and being a gladiator.

I try to be a good human, loyal friend, great mom, loving wife and understanding sister.

I hope I am the mother my children need and to always be stronger than I think I am.

I am blessed.

My Loves – May 9, 2015

10 Things I Wish My Babysitter Knew

Posted on May 8, 2015 Written by Tonya

Since September I have had a sitter two days a week, 4-5 hours each day to watch Lola.

Her sole responsibility during those 8 to 10 hours is to watch Lola, keep her safe, feed her a bottle and lunch when she wakes from her nap and do some very light housekeeping.

Typically Lola sleeps for two hours on each of those days.

One of those days I ask the sitter to do both children’s laundry. Two loads. Wash, dry, fold and put away.

It’s kind of a kick job if you ask me.

We pay well, provide meals and the hours are somewhat flexible.

I have had three different young women in this position. The first one was too old and too ill to keep up with an energetic toddler, my last one was the best, but she took on a full time job. Our current one… ugh!!

Here is a list I wish I could give her:

Dear Jane (not her real name, by the way),

If you haven’t already guessed by now, I’m completely anal about our house and the care of our children. Having said that, despite numerous conversations you and I have had, here are a few things that I wish you ~~could get through your thick skull~~ knew:

1. If I call you, pick up your phone. The same goes for texts.

2. If there is an incident while I am out, especially if blood is involved, contact me immediately. No exceptions. I really don’t want to find another bloody T-shirt balled up in the bottom of the laundry hamper.

3. Poopy diapers must be walked outside to the physical garbage can.

4. If Lola is napping I don’t mind if you take a ~~break~~ nap, however, please pick up any messes that you and/or Lola have made first. I believe that my house should look exactly the way I left it upon my return. I don’t want to do your dishes.

5. I do not provide doggie bags or to-go cups.

6. If you are going to be later than 10 minutes, you need to let me know.

7. Never, ever put a bottle in the crib with Lola. Ever!

8. A little exercise and sunshine are good for everyone. Please go outside!! Or if you are going to stay in, try one of the age-appropriate activities from the play time activity book I have left out, dogeared and made notes all over that I leave out for you every day you are here. Just saying.

9. Don’t feed Lola anything we haven’t already talked about. I’m still pissed about the apple juice.

10. I really don’t know what’s wrong with the outfits I lay out for Lola and why you refuse to put them on her. Seriously, what’s up with that?

Lastly, I realize I sound like a complete ~~bitch~~ control freak, but you should know I truly appreciate your time and all your efforts. Thank you.

I know how much you love Lola, I do trust you with her and I love the photos you send me.

I know when I walk out the door, my daughter is in good hands.

Sort of.

With kind regards and a hopeful heart,
Tonya

Bassinets, Cribs & Sleigh Beds

Old School Blogging: Full-On Random

Posted on March 13, 2015 Written by Tonya

I’m linking up with Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Julia from Wine in Mom for a little Old School Blogging and today and it is going to get random!

1. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?
None! I’m not a fan of reality TV. I think most of it scripted so there’s nothing really “real” about it and it completely salacious and I feel so embarrassed for whomever is being featured. If I had to choose though it’d be Chopped. I’d be the first one kicked off, but I would have a hell of a time with that first basket of mystery items!

2. Name one thing you have saved from your childhood?
I’m a sentimental fool and I’ve saved tons of stuff from my childhood; concert ticket stubs, playbill, favorite dolls, Barbies, and my Raggedy Ann & Andy blankie.

3. If your life had a theme song what would it be?
That’s a hard one, I associate with so many different songs for all the different chapters of my life. I wrote a post called The Soundtrack Of My Life back in 2010 and revisiting it, the only song I’d add is A Thousand Years by Christina Perri because it wouldn’t be my life without it. Incidentally, for the back story on that, I wrote Live & In Person.

4. Where is your happy place?
I’m a homebody by nature, but I gain such peace and clarity by being at the beach.

5. What is one thing about your home that you and your spouse disagree on?
Our dog. Hands-down the worst mistake I’ve ever made in my life was getting a dog and my husband and I argue about him, his care, his behavior, his hair, and his actions all the time!! We don’t argue about anything else.

6. What is your favorite fruit?
Granny Smith apples.

7. Bowtie or regular tie?
I used to work for a complete ~~dick~~ tyrant who wore a bowtie so I’m going with regular.

8. Mexican or Italian (food, not men)?
Hardest question ever. Seriously, how is one to choose? Too much good stuff… Penne all’Arrabbiata, bruschetta, cannoli, chianti, salsa, enchiladas, tequila. Moving on.

9. Where do you want to go on summer vacation?
Anywhere in Europe, but my desire to return to Paris is growing greater by the day! It’s my husband and my favorite city in the world and we are anxious to take our children, but we want them to love it as much as we do so the timing has to be just right!

10. What are your go-to shoes in your closet?
After almost 20 years in SoCal, that’s easy, flip-flops!

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