Throwback Thursday!

I have such wonderful memories of my grandmother and a lot of them involve country music. We used to watch Nashville Now together and gossip about all of the country stars personal lives. While she was a huge Elvis fan, I also remember how much she enjoyed listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford.  Particularly his hymns. 

I find it fascinating that Ernie started off as a radio personality. That's were the "Tennessee" part of his name came from--it was a radio name!  His character became a comedic treasure. 

Ford released 50 songs in the 1950s and ALL off them hit the charts. His most famous hit is "Sixteen Tons."  He went on to host his own television show and became a spokesperson for a furniture company. Sounds like a fantastic career! 

So, in honor of my grandmother...here is some Tennessee Ernie Ford. This is also a reminder to never work with kids or puppies...they always up stage you!

Wordless Wednesday

A Pair of Book Ends?

I am in love with Blake Shelton's latest single "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking," but there are a few lyrics that have me scratching my head. The song was co-written by Earl Bud Lee, who wrote "Friends in Low Places" and John Wiggins, who penned "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off." So, why does this song sound like it was written by a 5-year-old at times? Sorry fellas, but no girl is going to swoon over the line, "you're put together like a pair of bookends." 

That being said, I love the concept of this song. Getting to know the real you. In other words, "who are you when I"m not lookin." THAT is romantic.

I also love the melody of the song. It almost has a nostalgic feel to it. It reminds me a little of Don Williams. And Shelton's voice is sweet, smooth, and in perfect form.  It proves that he is more than just a rowdy twitter junky. Shelton has pipes and when given the right song, sounds warm and sexy.

Too bad that sexy voice talks about not "tasted all your cookin." Again, sorry, guys, but reminding a woman about cooking is not romantic. But for some crazy reason, it makes me want to whip up my man some meat and potatoes for dinner--with a little candle light. 

Throwback Thursday!

Before Rascal Flatts, there was another super group on the top of the country charts.  Restless Heart.  I have to admit, I almost forgot about them until I decided to do this post.  I didn't really forget about them...I mean I spent hours in my bedroom singing their songs at the top of my lungs, so I could never forget them...but I did forget just how GOOD they were.  I mean, they were GOOD!  In fact, they had six #1 songs and nine more that broke the top 10.  They also enjoyed crossover success, which is not surprising when you put out good music.  As I went back  and listened to their songs that were hits in the late 80s and early 90s I thought, "these could still be hits today."  And then I thought, "it's a shame the way Country radio has forgotten all past fames." 

I am glad to report that the band is still together and touring.  They were on hiatus for awhile, but all of the original members are back together and making the rounds!  If you would like to purchase their music, click here.   

I had a hard time deciding which song I wanted to feature--there are so many good ones to choose from!    I think I broke my tape rewinding "Wheels" so many times, or "The Bluest Eyes in Texas."  But, I decided to feature the song they are probably most famous for:  "I'll Still Be Loving You."  Now, I need that tour of theirs to come my way this summer!




If you would like to watch more videos click here.

Wordless Wednesday: Cool Bro

Candied Carrot Recipe

It has been awhile since I have shared a recipe, but I made a favorite around our household over the weekend and thought I'd share it today.  My candied carrots were a hit over the holidays and they are really easy to prepare, plus I like that not too many people think of bringing carrots--at least in the cook form--to a pot luck, so this is a go-to recipe of mine. 

I like to use baby carrots to save time and energy on the peeling and slicing and I also like the way they look.  I think the organic baby carrots taste better than the regular ones too.  You could use a regular 2lb bag of carrots, however, peeled and sliced. 

1 package of baby carrots
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Boil the carrots with the salt and sugar for about 20 minutes, or until they are really soft.  Drain the carrots, then melt the butter and the brown sugar in the same pan.  When the mixture becomes nice and bubbly, toss the carrots back in and coat them evenly. 

You can also freeze this dish and have an easy and yummy side when you need it.  Just allow the carrots to cool completely and place them in a freezer bag.  I usually prepare my frozen carrots by placing them in my slow cooker for a couple of hours before I need them.  That's also an easy way to transport them to a pot luck.  You could also heat them in the oven. 

Let The Disinfecting Begin!

For the past few weeks, our home has been a petri dish full of germs.  We were able to get through Thanksgiving with no one falling ill.  Which surprised me, since many other family members were sick over the holiday.  We were even able to make it through Christmas with not even a sniffle from anyone.  That's when our luck ran out!  The week in between Christmas and New Year's, my husband became sick with a nasty sore throat.  I was so excited to have him home for the week (since he is a teacher and was on break) but instead, I got "Mr. I'm Sick And Grumpy As All Get Out."  Needless to say, I was ready for him to go back to work by the end of the week. 

Then Jonathan came down with the sore throat.  Then the baby got a nasty cold.  Then Jon got the stomach flu.  Then I got the baby's nasty cold.  We got 4 feet of snow.  Then the baby starting vomiting, my sore throat got worse, and everyone is now miserable and up to our necks in snow.  Now, I am kicking myself for wishing my husband back to work, because I could use help!

Needless to say, this weekend will be spent disinfecting our home!  I have never done this before.  I usually just spray some Lysol on the toilets, door knobs and light switches, but I think we are in need of something a little more drastic.  Here's my game plan, with some tips from www.typeaparent.com.

Supplies:

Bleach (no, I am not opposed to using it)

Clean Rags (I use old wash cloths or ratty T-shirts)

Lysol Spray

Lysol Wipes

Rubber Gloves

Bucket or Large Bowl

Plan of Attack for Kitchen:

Dilute 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.  Wearing gloves, wipe down ALL surfaces.  That means sink, faucet, counter tops, and cabinets.  Let the solution sit a few minutes before rinsing it off with a clean rag.  Move on to the appliances, including the inside of the fridge.  Throw away all sponges/scrubbers and throw all dish towels in the wash. 

Plan of Attack for Bathrooms:

Using a new batch of 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water, wipe down sinks, faucets, counters, shower, tub, and toilet.  Make sure to scrub the interior of the bowl with bleach and allow it to sit for awhile before flushing.  Then wipe down the exterior of the toilet.  Take out all towels and laundry and put them in the wash. 

Plan of Attack for Toys:

Wipe what toys you can with Lysol wipes.  Some of the ones often put in the baby's mouth should go into the sink with a bleach/water solution.  Place all stuffed animals in pillow cases and wash them in the washing machine with hot water.  Let them air dry.  Spray the Lysol spray on any remain toys that were not able to be washed. 

Plan of Attack for Bedrooms:

Wash all bedding in the hottest water possible, using bleach on all white linens.  Wipe down all light switches with the Lysol wipes, door knobs and bed posts.  Use a diluted bleach mixture on the hardwood floors, or spray with Lysol. 

ETC:

Wipe down walls, doors, door handles, cabinet handles, windowsills, light switches, phones, remotes, computer with Lysol wipes.

Plan of Attack on Laundry:

Wash everything in as hot as water as possible, using bleach when able, including the rags used to clean all the rooms.  When all laundry is done, run an empty cycle of hot water and bleach to clean the washing machine. 

Plan of Attack In Radio Studio:

Since I spend a lot of time there and so does everyone else at work, and we all breathe into microphones, I'll be taking my Lysol spray to work with  me to spray that mic!  As well as the board, keyboard, mouse, and chair!


Hopefully by the end of the weekend we will all be well and disinfected--ready to take on 2011 a with good health!

Throwback Thursday!

This week I wanted to feature something that was not as familiar to me.  I love a lot of country music, but there are some things that I am unaware of, mainly because I wasn't born yet...like this song from Charlie Pride.  "Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger" is a song I hadn't heard before and this performance is from the late 60s. 



It's kind of funny...I haven't been wearing my wedding ring lately.  I got used to not wearing it when I was pregnant with Tyler because my fingers swelled so badly.  Perhaps I'll need to remember to wear it tomorrow!

Charlie Pride is know for being the first black country star and his track record includes 36 #1 hit singles, over 70 million albums sold, 31 gold and 4 platinum albums - including one quadruple platinum.  My favorite Charlie Pride song is "Kiss An Angel Good Morning," which came out in 1971 and helped Charlie win Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs. 

Wordless Wednesday: Keep Away!

When Life Gives You Three Feet Of Snow...

You most definitely have a snow day!  But, believe it or not, I was quite surprised by our snow day yesterday.  While we did get a record amount of snow for our area, it came on a Saturday and most of the roads were in pretty good condition by Sunday.  At least they were cleaned well enough for a family trip to the mall for Mommy to get her hair "did."  So, I was a little surprised when the school district decided to call school off for Monday.

So, scrambling for ideas to spend our time together, I revisited an old idea.  When life gives you 3 feet of snow, you should most definitely make snow ice cream! 

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 cup of whole milk or half and half

1/4 cup of sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

4 to 5 cups of clean snow

I tried this a couple of years ago, but only had skim milk on hand, so we really made snow soup.  This time, even though we only had 2% on hand, our outcome was a little more favorable and Jonathan and I gobbled it up!

Now, if it keeps snowing, we may be able to stock the freezer full of snow ice cream for our 4th of July picnic! 

Here are some other photos from our "Snow Storm 2011."

Can You Get Me Concert Tickets? (And Other Commonly Asked Questions)

Once people find out that I work in radio, they are usually full of questions.  For some, it is fascinating, so I thought I would address some of those questions for those of you who are wondering the same thing.  So, here we go!

Can You Get Me Concert Tickets?

Sorry.  It is highly unlikely.  If you listen to me live, you have a much better chance of winning them than me pulling any "strings" for you.  Believe me, if I had strings, I'd pull them!  I simply do not have access to them 99.9 percent of the time.  It used to be a lot easier to get concert tickets, but because of "plugola/payola" laws created by the FCC, it is not as common as it used to be. 

So, Do You Actually Talk On The Air?

This question makes me chuckle, but it is one that is asked quite often.  Yes, I "actually talk."  To some, I come off pretty shy.  Once you get to know me however--watch out!  I'm a party girl in disguise! 

What Time Do Have To Get Up?

The answer to this question has changed over the years.  I haven't always worked morning drive, although I have worked mornings for the past 12-13 years.   I currently have a pretty "cushy" gig and only work part-time, so it isn't too bad.  I usually wake up around 4:30-4:45 every morning--depending on how many times I hit the snooze button!  On most days, I am leaving the station at 9:30am. 

When I was working in news, however...I was up by 3am and at my computer shortly after to write news copy before I went into the office at 5.  Again...cushy job, because most news folks are already in the studio at 3am. 

How Do You Get Up That Early?

I have no idea.  I hate getting out of bed.  I grumble every single morning.  Most people would think that I am a morning person, but I'm really not.  It just happens that the best jobs in radio are usually during morning drive, so I have learned to adapt.  Coffee is my best friend and I usually drink 2 to 3 cups every morning.  When Saturday rolls around, I can sleep in until 10am if given the opportunity--which my husband often allows! 

You Must Make A Lot Of Money, Huh?

HUH?  What in the world gives people this impression is beyond me!  The answer is ABSOLUTELY not!  Now that the cat is out of the bag, my boss can either fire me, or give me a raise! 

The truth is that there are people in radio that make great money--but most of us poor schmucks are paid rather minimally. 

Did You Have To Go To School For That?

I did go to college, but I did not major in broadcasting and I never earned my degree, so I guess the answer is "yes" and "no."  There is a mix of education levels in the world of radio.  You certainly do not have to go to college to learn how to be on the radio, but in today's work environment, that internship is a huge stepping stone!

How Did You Get Stared In Radio?

Very easily actually.  I was a speech geek in high school and was working at a local grocery store inside the deli.  I would read the specials over the intercom and many people commented on how well I did them.  Not wanting to work in the deli forever (believe it or not, it is hard work) I applied at my local radio station thinking they would let me read commercials or something for extra money to help pay for college.  They gave me a weekend air shift and the rest is history.  Granted, I started out playing church programs on Sundays, but I got to read the sponsorships!  Once they realized I could handle things, I was given a regular music shift every Saturday night.  I would come back every other weekend from college and work every vacation/break.  By the time I was a sophomore in college, I was working full time doing evening drive at a station in my college town and going to school during the day. 

Do You Meet A Lot Of Famous People?

Me?  Not so much.  Other radio folks?  Certainly.  Again...low level schmuck here.  It also depends on your definition of famous.  Seriously, I was ecstatic to meet Rick Trevino, the Kentucky Headhunters and Chris LeDoux, but do you know who they are?  Meeting Chris LeDoux is actually one of my favorite celebrity encounters.  He was a former rodeo star turned country singer and was good friends with Garth Brooks.  He came to town to play a show when I worked in New Mexico and after the show, my husband and I just sat on his tour bus with him and his band shooting the breeze.  He had several sons playing in his band, so the conversation revolved around what hotel chain had the best in-room coffee maker.  It was a cool experience.  Sadly, he passed away of cancer in 2005. 

Some names you might recognize include:  Kenny Rogers, John Rich, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Rice, Terry Bradshaw, Dick Cheney, and President George H. Bush. 
 
In an attempt to meet Vice President Al Gore, I was not-so nicely told to step aside by a secret service agent.  I didn't get to meet him, but it makes a great party story!

Football autogrpahed by Jerry Rice--a gift for my husband

Throwback Thursday!

If anyone knows me at all, you know that I absolutely positively L-O-V-E the Kentucky Headhunters.  They are my favorite country artists of all time.  I know that some might think I'm crazy and can argue with me for saying "of all time," but when I hear their music happiness just overwhelms me.  That's what music should be.  Something that moves you so much the only thing you can feel is happiness.  For me, that is the Kentucky Headhunters.  When ever I am in a bad mood, feeling down, or just want to "rock out," I throw in the Heads and let loose. 

I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with them a few years ago and it made my career.  Again, you might think that is crazy, but it is true.  If you would have told the 13-year-old girl who worshiped Fred, Richard, Gregg, Ricky, and Doug that she would one day be hanging out backstage with them at one of their concerts, she would have passed out. 

I am glad that I can say Richard Young is one of the nicest people I have ever met and didn't give a second thought to call me himself to set up an interview and to give me his personal cell phone number.  And I love the way he says my name.  "Aaaa-me."  Rock on my friends, rock on!



By the way...now you all know where the red glasses came from that I wore for years!

Bithday Number 6

On Christmas Day, my son turned six.  I cannot believe where the time has gone.  I remember the Christmas Eve before he was born so clearly.  I had been put on bed rest two weeks beforehand and was forced to take an early maternity leave--putting my radio and TV gig into emergency mode.  That night, though, I was feeling well enough to attend the get-together for my husband's side of the family, which was about 45 minutes from our home at the time.  I hadn't gone anywhere for what seemed like forever, and my due date wasn't for another two weeks, so I was excited to be getting out of the house.  I was also a little worried, because I wasn't exactly the best of company.

We ended up having a nice evening and I remember laughing like crazy when my brother-in-law received a garden hat in the gift exchange and he decided to try it on.  We drove home in the snow I and remember my husband driving very carefully on back country roads. 

Around 4 in the morning, I had to get up and use the restroom.  I remember thinking "I feel great!"  I started to look forward to opening gifts, spending more time with family, and Christmas dinner.  About 30 minutes later, my water broke. 

I called the doctor and he said that it was okay to stay home for awhile, as long as we made it to the hospital in the next 12 hours, we were fine.  So, my husband made me a pancake breakfast and we opened our Christmas gifts we had purchased for each other. 

About two hours later, I was feeling contractions close enough together to head to the hospital.  We welcomed our little bundle of joy at 6:33 that evening and I was elated.  My own Christmas miracle!  How could it have been six years ago already? 

We had a party for him on Christmas Day this year.  Something we hadn't attempted before.  Since it was on a Saturday this year, though, and we were getting together with family anyway, I thought it would be nice to actually celebrate him on the actual day he was born. 

I made a traditional Christmas dinner (including homemade stuffing, which I had never attempted before) and we had birthday cake for desert.  My mom is quite an amazing woman and she lovingly makes all of the birthday cakes in our family.  She always manages to amaze me with them!  This year, Jonathan had his own zoo!

I know that having a Christmas birthday isn't always ideal and I know that my son will have issues about it his whole life.  I so will I.  It is hard not to overdo it in order to make it stand out.  I remember flippantly saying that if our baby is born on Christmas, I wanted to name him Christopher, but that was honestly the only time I ever thought about it.   It never occurred to me that it would actually happen!  I guess I should have know--his daddy was born on New Year's Eve!  Holiday birthdays just seem to run in the family!

Wordless Wednesday!

Inbox Full

It's a new year, so that means resolutions are being spouted everywhere.  I don't normally make resolutions, because I always break them, but I am embracing the new year as a fresh start.  There are a few things that I would like to accomplish in the new year and there are plenty of things that need my attention--like my inbox.  My inbox is totally out of control and I must do a better job of sorting through all of those e-mails!  I am terrible about looking at all the e-mails I receive and I am even more terrible at deleting them. 

When I logged in this morning, I had 9,426 unread messages.  Now they are not all from the weekend, or from the two week break I took for the holidays, or even blogging opportunities.  Nope, they date back to November 11, 2009.  Most of them are junk e-mails.  Like store specials and crazy newsletters that I signed up for to get a deal on something, but never read.  Some are from updates to my Yahoo groups and quite a few are from Facebook...before I knew how to stop all updates being sent to my e-mail. 

Not wanting to tackle them, I have just been ignoring them.  And they are taking up space and memory.  So the sorting has begun and my delete button is going to get a workout today, although I am not sure it will all get accomplished today.  I mean, after all, it did take over a year to rack them all up! 

Wish me luck!