Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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."
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."
Monday, January 10, 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!
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
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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.
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!
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!
Monday, January 3, 2011
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!
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!
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