Tonya M. Fleetwood

If you'd like to contact me: TMF222@YAHOO.COM

What a year!

January February 13, 2005 - 8:39 pm

I cut my hair

I need to mention this, because it is a very significant event. I used to take my hair for granted, big time. I never really disliked it, but I'd always complain about it. Then, of course, my brain tumor was discovered, and everything changed including my hair. When I had my surgery in May of 2002, pretty much the whole left side of my head was shaved. I don't think I prepared myself enough, because it was a nightmare. I don't like to wear my hair short, and to not have it there at all was frustrating and embarrassing. It was ok in the beginning, because 'luckily' enough I was depressed to the point that I didn't care if I looked like a freak. Then school started again and I had to figure out ways to fix it without having to wear a scarf. I found ways to twist it and make it look acceptable, but I desperately missed wearing it down. It seemed like it took forever for it to grow out evenly again. All in all, about a year and a half went by before I didn't have to cover up my 'spot.' It was such a pain! Finally when I could just brush it and go, I had an epiphany. I was standing in my bathroom, looking/admiring my hair in the mirror. I ran my fingers through it and even started crying a little. I pledged my love to my hair and promised to never take it for granted again. From that point on I really believed that I'd never cut it again. I'd dealt with short hair for long enough. Well, that's what I thought. In the months leading up to my haircut, the length was starting to get in the way. It was half way down my back, and I found myself always pulling it back even when I wasn't busy. The thought of cutting it made me shudder though, so I left it long. Then Hector and I were talking at work one day, and out of the blue he said that I should cut my hair. The comment stayed in my head and wouldn't go away. That next weekend I went to a hair salon and very impulsively had it chopped off. The stylist cut it A LOT shorter than I wanted, but I really liked it...for about an hour. Then the shock of what I'd just done set it, and I couldn't stand myself. The haircut wasn't terrible, but I just couldn't believe I had cut off all of my hair that took me so long to grow. I was sick about it. It's been a few months though since I cut it, and I really like it now. It looks so much healthier. I got it highlighted, and it looks really polished and professional.

Lots and lots of work-related parties!

For the last part of 2004 much of my time at work has been spent on trying to organize and plan two very lavish premiere parties. One party was for 'A Christmas Carol -- The Musical' starring Kelsey Grammer, Jesse Martin, Jane Krakowski and others. The other party was for 'Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven' starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels and others. The 'Christmas Carol' premiere had a slightly larger budget. It took place at The Plaza, and the 'Five People' premiere took place at the Museum for Television and Radio. My boss was sort of at the helm of these parties, and since I'm her assistant, I was directly involved with every facet of putting on these parties. I was solely responsible for the guest list, invitations, car/travel arrangements and RSVP follow-ups, just to name a few things. I worked directly with our fabulous party planner, Jeorjie Ornstein, as well as our vendors. It kept me very busy, but it was fun! I had to work during the parties as well. I primarily helped with guest check in, since I was the one that had put the lists together. I also got to help with seating and red carpet arrivals. While I enjoyed myself much more at the 'Christmas Carol' premiere, both parties were fun. Mingling with celebrities and being served free alcohol & food is always great! Jon Voight was definitely one of the nicest celebrities I've ever met. When he and Steven Grayhm (an actor in the film) flew into JFK, I had to go and meet them at the airport. I had to make sure that their cars arrived and that everything was ok. One more work-related party that I want to mention is our company holiday party! I'm not going to go into a whole lot of detail. I just wanted to mention how much fun it was. I know a lot more people now, and it was definitely more fun than the previous year. I love my job!

Christmas and New Years

I was able to go home this year for a little over two weeks. At the time I bought my ticket to go home, my last day at Hallmark Entertainment was supposed to be at the end of December. Then at the last moment my last day got pushed back again. My wonderful boss didn't make me change my ticket. She told me I deserved the break. It was so fabulous being home that long! I spent a lot of quality time with family and connected with some friends that I hadn't seen for a while. I had a really nice Christmas. I was kind of disappointed with myself this year regarding the gifts I'd bought my family. I pride myself in being a good gift-giver. I like my gifts to make an impression. They have to personal to some degree. Money was a little tighter this year, as was time, and I just didn't get to put as much effort into Christmas shopping as I usually do. My gifts were still good though. No generic candles or calendars. I received my fair share of awesome presents though. I didn't really know what I was getting. I had a hunch that I was getting a digital camera, because that's basically all that I asked for. My grandparents got me the exact camera that I wanted. I felt bad slightly, because there were cheaper ones. My mom made me a fleece blanket with ducks all over it. It is so fuzzy and warm. I can't believe she made it. Mom doesn't usually do things like that. Grandma is the crafty one. So it makes the blanket that more special, because it's something mom made just for me. One present that I had no idea I was getting was the Nightmare on Elm Street Box set. You'd think that I would already have it, since I'm such a Freddy Krueger fan. The box set is expensive though, and I hadn't gotten around to purchasing it yet. My mom used my website's wishlist as a guide to buying me presents this year. I'm so happy she did that, because that's why it's on my website. The Freddy set was #1 on my DVD wishlist. Mom got me a few other movies too. I got some clothes, some much needed money and some practical items. Bonnie gave me a whole package of Eric's senior pictures. I couldn't wait to get them. I've been waiting for Eric's senior pictures to be taken since he was a little thing. I went completely off my diet for Christmas Dinner. I told my whole family so they could prepare my favorite foods. It was one of the best meals I've ever had! It was a great Christmas! Lots of family love! New Years Eve was different this year. As each year passes, I grow more and more distant from the people I used to be close with. There are still a few friends that I'm really close with, but overall I don't really talk to anyone anymore. It's sad, but I don't spend that much time on it. It's just a part of getting older. I've been at home every New Year's Eve, and I usually spend it with my Missouri friends. I have since 1999. Well, I wasn't really in the mood for that scene anymore. The parties just get less fun and more dramatic. I opted to spend New Years Eve in Iowa this year. It was the best decision! I didn't have to drive at all that night. I was with my family and basically the whole town of Bedford (where I went to school). It was SO nice getting to see people I hadn't seen in a while, like old classmates. I smoked cigarettes in front of my family for the first time, which was a little weird, but turned out to be easier than I thought it'd be. The only disappointment of the night was when I couldn't get in touch with my NYC friends (Blake, Cherish, Courtnie) at midnight. Mom's cell phone didn't have good reception, so I didn't get to wish my friends a happy new year. I eventually got in touch with Cherish a few hours later though, and I survived.

Movies!

The last thing I want to mention about 2004 is what a year for movies! I can't remember a year that had so many good movies. In the near future I will be making my Oscar predictions and picking my top films of the year, so check back soon for that. A few good ones were: Garden State, Saved!, Closer, The Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, Fahrenheit 9/11, Million Dollar Baby, Kinsey, and The Notebook. There were some disappointments of the year though. I'll wait to mention those in the next post. It's going to be such a surprise at the Oscars this year though. Almost all of the nominees are deserving.

Well, this concludes my reflection on 2004. I really need to put an update on what's been happening so far in 2005, but time is such an issue. Things are changing...hopefully I'll be able to reflect on that soon!

<-- Previous



Go to Older Entries Directory If you'd like to contact me: TMF222@YAHOO.COM What a year! January February 13, 2005 - 8:39 pm <--Previous Page I cut my hair I need to mention this, because it is a very significant event. I used to take my hair for granted, big time. I never really disliked it, but I'd always complain about it. Then, of course, my brain tumor was discovered, and everything changed including my hair. When I had my surgery in May of 2002, pretty much the whole left side of my head was shaved. I don't think I prepared myself enough, because it was a nightmare. I don't like to wear my hair short, and to not have it there at all was frustrating and embarrassing. It was ok in the beginning, because 'luckily' enough I was depressed to the point that I didn't care if I looked like a freak. Then school started again and I had to figure out ways to fix it without having to wear a scarf. I found ways to twist it and make it look acceptable, but I desperately missed wearing it down. It seemed like it took forever for it to grow out evenly again. All in all, about a year and a half went by before I didn't have to cover up my 'spot.' It was such a pain! Finally when I could just brush it and go, I had an epiphany. I was standing in my bathroom, looking/admiring my hair in the mirror. I ran my fingers through it and even started crying a little. I pledged my love to my hair and promised to never take it for granted again. From that point on I really believed that I'd never cut it again. I'd dealt with short hair for long enough. Well, that's what I thought. In the months leading up to my haircut, the length was starting to get in the way. It was half way down my back, and I found myself always pulling it back even when I wasn't busy. The thought of cutting it made me shudder though, so I left it long. Then Hector and I were talking at work one day, and out of the blue he said that I should cut my hair. The comment stayed in my head and wouldn't go away. That next weekend I went to a hair salon and very impulsively had it chopped off. The stylist cut it A LOT shorter than I wanted, but I really liked it...for about an hour. Then the shock of what I'd just done set it, and I couldn't stand myself. The haircut wasn't terrible, but I just couldn't believe I had cut off all of my hair that took me so long to grow. I was sick about it. It's been a few months though since I cut it, and I really like it now. It looks so much healthier. I got it highlighted, and it looks really polished and professional. Lots and lots of work-related parties! For the last part of 2004 much of my time at work has been spent on trying to organize and plan two very lavish premiere parties. One party was for 'A Christmas Carol -- The Musical' starring Kelsey Grammer, Jesse Martin, Jane Krakowski and others. The other party was for 'Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven' starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels and others. The 'Christmas Carol' premiere had a slightly larger budget. It took place at The Plaza, and the 'Five People' premiere took place at the Museum for Television and Radio. My boss was sort of at the helm of these parties, and since I'm her assistant, I was directly involved with every facet of putting on these parties. I was solely responsible for the guest list, invitations, car/travel arrangements and RSVP follow-ups, just to name a few things. I worked directly with our fabulous party planner, Jeorjie Ornstein, as well as our vendors. It kept me very busy, but it was fun! I had to work during the parties as well. I primarily helped with guest check in, since I was the one that had put the lists together. I also got to help with seating and red carpet arrivals. While I enjoyed myself much more at the 'Christmas Carol' premiere, both parties were fun. Mingling with celebrities and being served free alcohol & food is always great! Jon Voight was definitely one of the nicest celebrities I've ever met. When he and Steven Grayhm (an actor in the film) flew into JFK, I had to go and meet them at the airport. I had to make sure that their cars arrived and that everything was ok. One more work-related party that I want to mention is our company holiday party! I'm not going to go into a whole lot of detail. I just wanted to mention how much fun it was. I know a lot more people now, and it was definitely more fun than the previous year. I love my job! Christmas and New Years I was able to go home this year for a little over two weeks. At the time I bought my ticket to go home, my last day at Hallmark Entertainment was supposed to be at the end of December. Then at the last moment my last day got pushed back again. My wonderful boss didn't make me change my ticket. She told me I deserved the break. It was so fabulous being home that long! I spent a lot of quality time with family and connected with some friends that I hadn't seen for a while. I had a really nice Christmas. I was kind of disappointed with myself this year regarding the gifts I'd bought my family. I pride myself in being a good gift-giver. I like my gifts to make an impression. They have to personal to some degree. Money was a little tighter this year, as was time, and I just didn't get to put as much effort into Christmas shopping as I usually do. My gifts were still good though. No generic candles or calendars. I received my fair share of awesome presents though. I didn't really know what I was getting. I had a hunch that I was getting a digital camera, because that's basically all that I asked for. My grandparents got me the exact camera that I wanted. I felt bad slightly, because there were cheaper ones. My mom made me a fleece blanket with ducks all over it. It is so fuzzy and warm. I can't believe she made it. Mom doesn't usually do things like that. Grandma is the crafty one. So it makes the blanket that more special, because it's something mom made just for me. One present that I had no idea I was getting was the Nightmare on Elm Street Box set. You'd think that I would already have it, since I'm such a Freddy Krueger fan. The box set is expensive though, and I hadn't gotten around to purchasing it yet. My mom used my website's wishlist as a guide to buying me presents this year. I'm so happy she did that, because that's why it's on my website. The Freddy set was #1 on my DVD wishlist. Mom got me a few other movies too. I got some clothes, some much needed money and some practical items. Bonnie gave me a whole package of Eric's senior pictures. I couldn't wait to get them. I've been waiting for Eric's senior pictures to be taken since he was a little thing. I went completely off my diet for Christmas Dinner. I told my whole family so they could prepare my favorite foods. It was one of the best meals I've ever had! It was a great Christmas! Lots of family love! New Years Eve was different this year. As each year passes, I grow more and more distant from the people I used to be close with. There are still a few friends that I'm really close with, but overall I don't really talk to anyone anymore. It's sad, but I don't spend that much time on it. It's just a part of getting older. I've been at home every New Year's Eve, and I usually spend it with my Missouri friends. I have since 1999. Well, I wasn't really in the mood for that scene anymore. The parties just get less fun and more dramatic. I opted to spend New Years Eve in Iowa this year. It was the best decision! I didn't have to drive at all that night. I was with my family and basically the whole town of Bedford (where I went to school). It was SO nice getting to see people I hadn't seen in a while, like old classmates. I smoked cigarettes in front of my family for the first time, which was a little weird, but turned out to be easier than I thought it'd be. The only disappointment of the night was when I couldn't get in touch with my NYC friends (Blake, Cherish, Courtnie) at midnight. Mom's cell phone didn't have good reception, so I didn't get to wish my friends a happy new year. I eventually got in touch with Cherish a few hours later though, and I survived. Movies! The last thing I want to mention about 2004 is what a year for movies! I can't remember a year that had so many good movies. In the near future I will be making my Oscar predictions and picking my top films of the year, so check back soon for that. A few good ones were: Garden State, Saved!, Closer, The Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, Fahrenheit 9/11, Million Dollar Baby, Kinsey, and The Notebook. There were some disappointments of the year though. I'll wait to mention those in the next post. It's going to be such a surprise at the Oscars this year though. Almost all of the nominees are deserving. Well, this concludes my reflection on 2004. I really need to put an update on what's been happening so far in 2005, but time is such an issue. Things are changing...hopefully I'll be able to reflect on that soon! <-- Previous