DMB

Just Thinking Out Loud…

Posted on August 5, 2013 Written by Tonya

Okay, so bear with me, this is a random post in order for me to purge… I have a lot on my mind these days. Stupid, ridiculous, trivial crap and big, life changing, important stuff too. I think it’s imperative to get it all out sometimes, so here goes:

First and foremost, how in the hell is it already August?

Only 34 days until my next Dave Matthews concert… not that I’m counting or anything.

Moving. Or more importantly, finding our (close to and within our budget) dream house. Open living space, big backyard, guest room (or not), Jack & Jill bathroom, two-story (or not) and back in our old neighborhood. It’s not that much to ask for, is it? And yet, we have looked at dozens of houses and haven’t quite fallen in love with any and if we have, they were bought within days or hours of us seeing them.

Dog training. Charlie Pasta is having a hard time and will be going away for training for two weeks later this month and I am absolutely thrilled!! He hates apartment living as much as I do and has decided to act out and turn skittish (AKA bark like a maniac at every noise he hears). We’ve become very frustrated and turns out are not the best dog trainers, so it’s time for professional intervention.

North West. When and how are Kim & Kanye going to introduce their daughter to the world? I’m so curious. Unless, they have already and I’ve been living under a rock?

I’m so happy America’s Next Top Model is back!! Cycle 20, baby!! This time it’s girls vs. boys. No judging… you know you watch it or something equally embarrassing, right? Right?!

Speaking of embarrassing TV, another guilty pleasure show that I have gotten sucked into this summer is Mistresses. It’s so bad.

How many times does a day does “Blurred Lines” play on the radio and how soon before it really starts to bother me that my four year knows almost every lyric?

There is more substance to me than bad television and pop songs, I am currently OBSESSED with This American Life, the weekly public radio show broadcast and I recently downloaded the app and have listened to some of the most amazing stories from learning how to count cards in order to beat casinos to the love of summer camp and an incredible story about babies switched at birth only to find out 40 years later. The host, Ira Glass is my new hero.

I’m looking forward to the day when I don’t have to hear “butt”, “poop” and “pee” 900 times a day or reprimand someone for using them in excess. Seriously, how do you make it stop?!

There is definitely a lot more going on in this brain of mine, but this really helped. For now…

What’s on your mind?

Faves

Posted on January 9, 2013 Written by Tonya

1. Favorite 2012 Movie: Magic Mike… um, Matthew McConaughot AND Channing Tatum shirtless? Yes, please! (with Argo as a close 2nd)

2. Favorite Album: Away From the World – Dave Matthews Band

3. Favorite Song: Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia

4. Favorite Tweeter: Too many to chose from! My favorite Facebooker is Galit Breen of These Little Waves because she posts engaging and thought provoking questions all the time that I just can’t help but respond to and follow along.

5. Favorite Blog: I read a ton (Farewell Stranger, Four Plus an Angel, Funny or Snot, In These Small Moments, Mommy of a Monster, My Time as Mom, Old Tweener, Reflections of Now, Sluiter Nation, Writing, Wishing, etc.) too hard to pick a favorite.

6. Favorite TV Show: Modern Family

7. Favorite Instagramer: iheartsunnydays, her (?) photos of every day objects and scenes are whimsical, fun and always give me pause.

8. Favorite Moment: 1) Earning my first freelance writing paycheck, 2) adding a puppy to our family, 3) thinking Lucas & I had seen the Space Shuttle Endeavor when it was still an hour away, 4) Todd texting me a picture of him meeting Dave Matthews.

9. Favorite Conference: N/A 🙁

10. Favorite Viral Video: Sesame Street: Share It Maybe

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop Prompt #1 The ladies at MomSmack listed their top 10 faves of 2012 here. Use their list as a template and fill in your own answers!

Pillow Talk: Tell Me About The Time You Met Dave Matthews

Posted on December 16, 2012 Written by Tonya

My husband met Dave Matthews.

I’m still having a hard time getting my head wrapped around it.

If you have been here before, then you know the following:

I’m the die-hard fan.

I’m the one that sets an alarm to buy concert tickets.

I’m the one scouring eBay, Craig’s List and StubHub for better seats.

I’m the one that owns every CD.

I’m the one that knows every lyric.

I’m the proud member of the Warehouse, the official Dave Matthews Band fan club.

And yet, this happened:

So, here’s the story that has become our pillow talk…

Todd accompanied his friend, Josh to Boston on Sunday to help him purchase a custom built car and in the days leading up to the trip, Josh e-mailed him about what else they could do while there. Turns out the Dave Matthews Band was playing in Boston on Sunday night.

A portion of Josh’s e-mail:

As soon as Todd received it, he laughed out loud and shared it with me. I was quick to offer the boys an activity for the night, because I know Todd would never dream of attending a DMB show without me; they could hang out in the hotel with Lucas while I went to the show! Wishful thinking.

A few days later, Todd and Josh are pulling up to the Ritz Carlton on Boston Common close to midnight and who should be there too? Dave Matthews himself along with one body guard.

While Josh checked in, Todd waited while Dave graciously talked to two young fans and the bodyguard held an elevator door open. Todd told Dave what a HUGE fan his wife is, how we’ve seen him perform at private shows and many concerts over the years and asked if he could take a photo.

Todd said Dave was humbled, unhurried and very nice. Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything else.

Todd sent me the photo and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I immediately called him and then may have started crying.

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

My husband met Dave Matthews.

Swoon.

Sigh.

Swoon.

Sound Off

Posted on September 12, 2012 Written by Tonya

Lucas is asleep after a busy morning of swim lessons and errand running. Charlie Pasta is napping at my feet. My gentle typing reminds me that I am on borrowed time.

I know school is out because children whiz by on the sidewalk on skateboards, scooters and bicycles chattering at one another.

Cars drive down our street too fast. It’s one of the few things we have always disliked about this neighborhood.

I’m on my second load of laundry for the day and the clothes in the dryer whirl around and around. I can hear zippers and buttons clanging against the metal.

Soon the annoying buzzer will beckon me, but until then I will get lost in Dave Matthews Band’s latest offering, Away from the World. The lyrics to Drunken Solider, a song I have only heard once before are coming out of my laptop and they are stunning and demand my attention:

Make the most of what you’ve got
Don’t waste time being trying to be something you’re not
Fill up your head and fill up you heart and take your shot
Don’t waste time trying to be something you’re not

A large brown van slows to a stop in front of our house and then slowly backs up along the curb. BEEP BEEP BEEP. Alas the delivery is NOT for me.

The quiet bubbling filter on the fish tank is in the background.

An airplane rumbles overhead.

I sneeze and the dog decides he needs to go out.

All of a sudden, as if they planned it, I hear the familiar squeak of my three year old’s bedroom door opening.

What do you hear?

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. Prompt #2 Listen to the sounds in your house for 5 or 10 minutes. Write about what you hear. (Inspired by The Aums)

Happy Sighs

Posted on September 10, 2012 Written by Tonya

Apart from spending time with my husband, son, puppy and friends, and maybe reading and working out, the thing that makes me the happiest is listening to Dave Matthews Band.

In fact, there was an amazing moment on my recent trip to Mexico when “#41”, my favorite DMB song came on while a small group of my friends and I were sailing on the Gulf of California and I couldn’t help but dance all over the boat feeling free and light and relaxed and oh so very happy. It was one of those moments that deep sighs are made of and will make me smile for a long time whenever I think of it.

If you know me or have been reading Letters For Lucas for any length of time then you know I am a die-hard DMB fan and never miss a concert when they come through my town.

I am thrilled to be guest posting on The Trend Tribe today with my first ever concert review of Saturday’s Irvine Dave Matthews Band show.

If you have never heard of The Trend Tribe, it is a super cool Web site featuring the latest trends in fashion, travel, events, food and health and it meant a lot to me that Editor-in-Chief, Nicole Standley came to me with this assignment.

Please visit me here today!

I HEART DMB!

My Best Side

Posted on August 2, 2012 Written by Tonya

July sucked.

I was SO happy to turn the page on my calendar yesterday. Yes, there were some memorable moments, but for the most part I am more than ready to move on. July really brought out the worst in me.

I wrote a post earlier this week called The Yucky Side, where I shared just that; all the super crappy qualities about myself.

As I ring in a new month, I want to share the good stuff. I figure, new month, new attitude!

I like this version of myself…

the one that says she’ll do something and 9 out of 10 times does.

the one that is energetic and enthusiastic, ready to do just about anything at least once.

the one that asks poignant questions with genuine curiosity and waits to hear and process the answers before wanting to know more.

the one that sends cards and text messages to friends just to “check in” or let them know she’s thinking about them.

the one that no matter how many times she gets knocked down, always seeks the silver lining, picks herself up and keeps going.

the one that can laugh at herself, knows she’s a terrible dancer but can carry a tune.

the one that and usually learns from her mistakes and passes her wisdom on to others.

the one that would never let a friend cry alone, gets choked up at Hallmark commercials, tender innocent comments her son makes, breathtaking sunsets and a lyric in a Dave Matthews song.

the one that has the ability to multitask like no one she’s ever met, organize absolutely anything and basically knows how to get shit done.

the one that is well-rounded, interested in a variety of topics and able to hold a conversation with just about anyone.

the one that is dependable, reliable, will never lie and would drop everything to come to your aid if you’re her friend.

the one that is confident but will never put on airs or pretend to be something she is not.

the one that is strong, tough, not afraid to sweat, get her hands dirty and will go the extra mile (literally and figuratively).

the one that is passionate about reading and finds true relaxation and escape in books and will always pass on her favorites to friends.

the one that is determined, focused and willing to stand up for for she believes in.

I am human and there are many sides to me.

Thank goodness.

Have you ever fully realized that life is, after all, merely a series of habits, and that it lies entirely within one’s own power to determine just what that series shall be? ~ Ralph W. Trine

Giving Thanks

Posted on July 15, 2012 Written by Tonya

All the items I included on my list last week as things I will miss when I’m gone (Ode to Nora Ephron) should be what I’m thanking this week. Instead, I have a different list (in no particular order):

1. Thank you, green lights. You instantly put me in a good mood.

2. Thank you, 8:00 PM. It’s not quite Lucas’ bedtime and as long as he’s not fighting it, he is all cuddles and snuggles.

3. Thank you, books. There is nothing like getting lost inside the pages of an epic saga, falling in love with the heroes and villains and letting my imagination run wild.

4. Thank you, first sip of wine after a very rough day. Sometimes a sip is all I need for that sweet release.

5. Thank you to the expression on Lucas’ face the moment he first sees me when I come pick him up from preschool. It is absolutely priceless. I love my son more than life itself.

6. Thank you to my husband who knows exactly when I need a break, a hug or swift kick in the ass. I honestly could not have a better partner.

7. Thank you to my parents for showing me the world (literally) and what it means to be a good, hardworking person. The honor was all mine.

8. Thank you, Dave Matthews. Your music has gotten me through some of both the best and worst times of my life and every time I hear your voice, I’m immediately calmed, hopeful or happy.

9. Thank you, writing for providing the best outlet I know for expressing myself. Starting Letters For Lucas and joining the blogging community has been one of the very best and most surprising things I have ever done for myself. I learn something new almost every day and I live for the interaction. My blog is my therapy. And WAY cheaper.

10. Thank you, brain for finally slowly down enough to let me rest each night knowing full well that my “To Do” lists and other craziness with be waiting impatiently for me in the morning.

******************************************************************************
On March 14 I stated using the app, Gratitude Journal and ever since, each and every night I list five things that make me smile and most of the time I post my lists on Twitter or Instagram. This simple exercise has become one of the highlights of my day because giving thanks and expressing gratitude is something I strive to be better at. It truly is a beautiful thing!

What are you thanking these days?

Linking up with Stasha of The Good Life’s Monday Listicles, a meme right up my alley, because I LOVE lists! This week’s topic is THANKS.

For The Love Of All Things Pinned

Posted on February 1, 2012 Written by Tonya

Pinterest is all the rage. If you still don’t know what Pinterest is, good. Stay away for your own sake. There’s an app, people so you can pin anywhere, anytime and it’s as addicting as crack. I am not exaggerating. Not that I’ve ever tried crack.

It has become one of my favorite ~~ways to waste precious time~~ pastimes.

I have gobs of fun finding new things to pin, repinning others, attempting to make, bake, cook or create things I’ve pinned and of course poking fun at the whole damn pin thing.

With 41 boards, almost 3500 pins and over 500 Pinterest followers, I pin a lot!

I pin stuff I like to look at, products I want to check out, words and photographs that inspire, comfort or make me giggle, ideas for arts and crafts and other activities to do with Lucas, clothing I wish was in my closet, places I hope to see someday, celebrity crushes (both male and female) and an ever growing wish list. The Internet is your oyster!

These are my five recent pins as of Wednesday, February 1, 4:27 PM. NO JUDGING!
I have no idea how to credit this pin… I found it on my friend Rachel’s board, Wine Humor, repinned it to my board, Cheers and followed it back six pinners deep and still found no original link.

Who knows how many times it has been pinned? I’m guessing a lot because it’s hilarious. My point is, this is a big no-no in pinning! Always give proper credit to pins is the #1 rule of pinning!

Rule #2 Never pin when you’re hungry. It’s just stupid. I am SO making these!

OMG, YUM! Click photo for source.

Rule #3 Just because you haven’t been out of the country in years, doesn’t mean you won’t again someday. A girl can always dream. Can’t she? And make sure her Passport is valid.

Shangri-La Vilingili Resort, Maldives. Click on photo for source.

Rule #4 A Wish List is just that! It doesn’t mean you’re going to rush out and buy whatever you’ve pinned, but one of your many kind followers could. Just sayin’!

I heart DMB and must have these! Click on photo for source.

Rule #5 It’s my time to waste. As long as there’s a carton of milk in the fridge, the laundry is done, everyone else in the house is asleep and I have absolutely nothing better to do. So there.

The Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" series cracks me up! Click photo for source.

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop Prompt 2.) Are you on Pinterest? Share the last five items you pinned, choose one and let it inspire a blog post.

Memories

Posted on December 29, 2011 Written by Tonya

How far back do your memories go? Can you remember being two or three years old? Do you really remember or have you just studied photographs and heard the same stories over and over again?

I often wonder what Lucas will recall when he thinks back on his childhood.

Will he remember…

from time to time that his mom had black nail polish?

that every time a Dave Matthews Band song plays I ask him, “who sings this?” and giggle at his response?

that I’m always a couple minutes early to pick him up from preschool?

that I wear an “angel baby” necklace almost every day and my sister has a matching one?

how the song In My Life makes me cry because it reminds me of my father?

how his dad makes the majority of our meals because I’m a complete oaf in the kitchen?

how I may get so frustrated with him that I want to poke my eyes out with forks but the minute I am away from him I yearned to be near him again?

that in our house objects are not “it” but “he” and “she”?

that I’d be lost without my friends and the ones that have children I hope he grows up to be friends with too?

that his dad wakes up with him every morning so that they can spend a couple of hours together before he has to go to work?

Will he remember the Christmas morning we spent with his cousins, Annabelle and Francesca and the joy he exuded being chased around his aunt and uncle’s house, or…

“playing” the piano?

sitting in our laps to hear the book Purplicious three dozen times?

play dates with new friends with far cooler toys than his?

Visiting Nichole (In These Small Moments) and meeting her children, Katie and Matthew - December 23, 2011

meeting Fireman Steve and sitting in a fire truck?

Fireman Steve, Annabelle, Lucas and Francesca at the Moraga/Orinda Fire Station - December 26, 2011

Whatever Lucas recalls, I pray he remembers feeling special, adored and happy.

I Have

Posted on October 26, 2011 Written by Tonya

I am 39 years old and I have:

1. Jumped out of an airplane (tandem).

2. Been on a safari in Kenya.

3. Climbed a pyramid in Egypt.

4. Gone to the airport to meet friends and family when they’ve had layovers.

5. Lent money to someone and never expected it back.

6. Drank milk out of the carton.

7. Taken Lucas to Disneyland by myself. TWICE!

8. Lived in a perpetual state of missing someone.

9. Walked across the Golden Gate Bridge.

3-Day Walk, San Francisco - October, 2010

10. Fell in love with the Eiffel Tower the very first time I saw it. I was 10 and have been blessed to have seen five more times.

11. Been voted “Best Groomed” in high school. What am I a dog?

12. Earned an Outstanding Customer Service award.

13. Delivered a child with no drugs. By choice.

14. Cried myself to sleep.

15. Seen the Dave Matthews Band in concert two dozen times.

I heart DMB!

16. Been to a movie by myself.

18. Thrown a surprise party.

19. Been in three car accidents. All my fault.

Accident #3, 2008

20. Gotten ooey gooey weak in the knees when my husband smiles at me.

21. Stayed up WAY past my bedtime. Nightly.

22. Three tattoos.

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 1.) Last week we wrote about what we have never done… (Check out my I Never list here.) this week write a list of 22 things you HAVE done. (inspired by Sellabit Mom)

Pillow Talk: Tell Me About The Time You Met Dave Matthews

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