Omedeto, Richard-chan!!!

So, I just received word today; one of my dear friends from Walt Disney World Entertainment (where I worked for 13 years), Richard, has just been cast in Blue Man Group - Orlando.

I have a few other posts in the works - coming soon, PROMISE!! I just wanted to give a quick shot-out to My Boyfriend Richard. And yes, I know you're in a committed relationship with Rachael and a new baby and all. But - does she understand?

We're still totally together.

The Big Bamboo - March 2003

Remember that karaoke dream I had all those years ago? The one with the rugby shirt and John Mellencamp?

Yeah. True love.

So proud of you. Congrats, friend. Reach for the stars.



Much love,
Toma
xo

Toma's Favorite Song Today: "Hurts So Good" by John Mellencamp

Top 8 Things That Annoy Me at Weddings (but most people think they're all fine)

1. Women Who Remove Their Shoes at the Reception
You know who you are. Disgusting. If you choose to buy a new pair of shoes to wear to this wedding - BREAK THEM IN. If you choose to buy them on the way to the church, then shame on you. If you are a bridesmaid and have to wear new shoes and can't break them in before, or (like said just before) have to wear them 'day of' - take a long a spare pair of flip-flops or cute flats/sandals. The last wedding I was in, the shoes were 3" heels. No way could I be on those bad boys for 8+ hours. Because I try to maintain a modicum of class, I simply asked the bride, "Alicia? Once the wedding is over, and photos have been taken - would you mind if I switched into flip-flops?" And there were no issues. I wish I could tell the world - you know - like Daylight Savings Time was early this year? Yeah. WOMEN! DO NOT TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AT THE RECEPTION! It's classless.

2. 8 Million Toasts
Best Man, Maid of Honor. Bada bing. Yes, your friends have many meaningful things to say - and want to do so, in public. That's so nice. Save it. Buy a big photo and have folks sign it on their way into/out of the reception. The last wedding I attended? Yeah. TWELVE TOASTS. I counted. TWELVE! And guess what? They all said the same thing. Seriously? I wanted to gouge my eyeballs out with my salad fork.

3. Dollar Dance
This is cheap and tacky. I can't even begin to tell you why. If you want money as presents, then don't register.

4. DJs that cannot understand there is NO NEED for Electric Slide, Chicken Dance or YMCA.
This needs no explanation.

5. The Last Seven
You know these people. They absolutely REFUSE to leave, even though the catering crew has cleared all dishes and removed all tablecloths and are, literally, standing by the door with their fingers on the light switch. These seven won't leave. Open bar. Don't make that mistake.

6. The Mother of the Groom
Much like #3 (without the cheap and tacky part - unless you're Eminem), there are no words. You know you're in trouble when every sentence starts with "I promise I'm not like every other Mother-of-the-Groom."

7. Creepy Uncle Sal
Hands OFF!!

8. Garter Toss
It's a little bit gross. And, if not positioned correctly, the groomsmen get a nice show.

Toma's Favorite Song Today: "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra

It's a Day for LOVE - single, married, coupled? It doesn't matter...IT'S LOVE!

I don't hate this day. For the first time, since hitting puberty, I don't hate this day. I got baby roses from my Dad, a few gifts from friends, phone calls from family. It was just a wonderful, love-filled day. A few years ago, my friend, Donna, pointed out that I have found the love of my life. It's my family and friends. To make a great day, even greater, my last phone call of the night was from my niece, Kayla. "Happy Valentine's, Tante, I love you."

My cup runneth over.

Single women? If you're like me, you need some motivation every now and again. I encourage you to read this. And bookmark it - then go back and read it. Often. It's inspiring and hopeful. It's all about trusting Him to find your mate; with no idea of the future, or what he looks like. It's a fantastic read.

Last week, at Bible study, I was sharing with a friend how I'm not dating anymore, just for the sake of dating. I am dating to get married.

To which he replied, "Right on, Toma! You know...so few people believe that, nowadays." We went on to discuss the ministry of author Josh Harris, and how his principles and teachings (I Kissed Dating Goodbye) affect our lives. I told him that I just LOVED Josh's work, and I was actually reading his 2nd book, Boy Meets Girl.

He went on to tell me, "Toma, if you loved I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl, I have an even better book that you should read. It's by a girl by the name of Carolyn McCulley, and you need to check it out! You will LOVE IT!" We went on to chat for a few more minutes about being a single Christian today, etc.. Anyway, at the end of the conversation he said to me, "Toma - Carolyn always says 'I am 100% reliant on God to send me my husband, and I trust Him; more than any other man that walks into my life."

Wow.

That one sentence hit me like a big fat slap to the face.

A slap that didn't hurt.

I woke up. It's something I've always known, said, and believed in, you know; the fact that God's got that guy out there for me. But hearing it this way (I know, it seems so simple)? Not only saying what I believe in, but actually compounding it and taking it a step further? Incomprehensible! You mean....I shouldn't depend on a man to dictate whether he's "into me" or not - or wait for the right signal, the phone call, the perfect date, for for for...? Really, God? That's what you mean?

Huge.

Anyway.

Today, on Valentine's Day....that same friend?





Just left roses on my front porch.




And a copy of Carolyn's book.




Thanks, Jason! They really don't make 'em like you nowadays. Enjoy Tahoe this weekend.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

Be filled with love - no matter where it comes from.
If you aren't getting love....then be love.
Give some away. Your cup will run over with blessings.

Promise.



Toma's Favorite Song Today: "My Funny Valentine" by Ella Fitzgerald

Your Day is Always Brighter When There's a Celebrity Sighting

Much, long, way overdue. Here I am!

So - totally unplanned and completely spontaneous, I spent the weekend in Nashville, the weekend of the 27th. Nash is not only a place where I swear I belong, but it's home to some of my nearest and dearest; LJ, Ed*, Teresa*...and (duh), Dierks.

Okay, so Dierks isn't 'near and dear' in the 'We are BFF' way, but. You get what I mean. At the time, he was on tour in Canada, but I got wind of a last-minute-one-night-only appearance at the Grand Ole Opry (for those that don't know, Dierks is the youngest member of the Opry). And, to put the cherry on top of this delicious country music sundae: The Opry was at the Ryman (vs. its new home at Shopryland).

Anyway, I was so FIRED UP to get there; once I arrived at the airport, I went and got my bags, then went out to the loading zone, to wait for Elj. As I was standing there...I'm gathering my bags, fixing my lipstick, etc., I look to my left, and here comes a man in a wheelchair, with someone pushing him. I focus in, because I could have SWORN my eyes deceived me...but as he wheeled closer...no, they did not...

Little Richard.

No lie!

I don't care how the weekend would turn out! I get to go to the Opry, stay at an INCREDIBLE hotel, and....

I saw Little Richard.

Seriously, kids. How bad can your day be when Little Richard's in it?

One other relevant item: After I landed and recovered from my celebrity sighting (and Elj and I caught our breath after all of the squealing - it sounded something like "omgomgomgdidyouseewhothatwasinthewheelchair?"), I called my Mother. I asked her if she'd ever been to Nashville.

She said, "No.".

Then...

"...oh wait!!! Yes! Yes I have!!! I was 9 months pregnant with you. The only seats we could afford at The Ryman Auditorium were the balcony, at the very tippy top. As I climbed the steps, I felt you drop...and I knew, you were on your way!"

She went into labor shortly after their trip.

...and it all comes together.

At my 'birthplace', The Ryman

On Music Row - at the RCA Studios

...and the reason I went to Nashville...
(Shhh! Don't tell Little Richard!)

Toma's Favorite Song Today: "Long Trip Alone" by Dierks Bentley

*ET, Teresa, next time? Promise. My stay will be longer...miss you oodles!!