I wanted to leave you with something before Christmas. I was trying to pick something to write light heartedly about with it being the holidays. Truth be told though, I'm uber-bummed out right now with the whole situation of being unemployed and being as such right at Christmas time. I wouldn't wish this emotional roller-coaster on my worst enemy.
Instead of being a Debbie Downer though, I thought I'd instead put on my Erma Bombeck hat and just spew random thoughts going through my mind right now. So here we go...
In an effort to conserve water and thus conserve money right now, I've been showering every second day instead of my much preferred every day shower. I always hear friends talk about not showering every day to let their body produce it's natural oils, etc. My hair is so greasy that if I were put in a police line-up, I'd probably get mistaken for Ted Williams right now.
Last week I had a craving for fig newton cookies. Yes, it's one of my guilty pleasures, shut up. I ate the whole package in a day. Now I have many beautiful pimples. Worse thing is, I know sugar makes me break out and I shouldn't eat it, but as women we're compelled to do these kinds of things aren't we? If the aliens come, I have some hard-to-miss beacons to guide them now I guess.
Capone has been enjoying the nice weather and wants to go outside a lot. The other day I came home to find him hiding under the front bush with a big bird in his mouth. 11 years old, well fed and he still has to hunt birds! Last night he was on the couch beside me and he farted. It smelled like raw bird. That is all.
Finally today I got my pension papers and can put closer on this gong show of a year. When I think of this past year, I think of the X-Files, playdough, and trees. You may or may not get this, but I'm laughing my ass off right now.
I'm also laughing about the fact that I've been wearing granny undies all week! I gave up on them at one point because who wants panty lines right?! But panty lines are the least of my worries right now, so bring on my Bridgette Jones persona. I'm comfortable, that's all that matters. And if perchance I get hit by a bus and wind up in the hospital, please lord, let me have a hot male nurse who finds the humour in my grannies k? PS - please also let him know that morphine makes me sick. Thank you.
On that note, I hope you and yours and the mistress or lover you may have on the side have a great holiday season. Kidding! Gosh, how come no one uses that line in a radio commercial some time, that'd be funny! But seriously, may you have many Gipp Forster moments filled with sugar canes, laughing babies, Christmas miracles and memories.
Merry Christmas my friends.
Tia
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
I Get it Now
My sister and I are 3 years apart in age, and when we were little, we looked a lot alike. In fact, I've heard people say we looked like twins, just not identical. Because we looked so much alike, one of my biggest pet peeves when were were kids is that we'd always get the same gift at Christmas, just in a different colour. If I got green mitts, my sister got the same ones, only in red. If I got a brown comforter, my sister got the very same one, only in blue. If I got undies, she'd get the exact same ones, only in pink. That's pretty much how our entire childhood was.
After a week and a bit of babysitting, I understand now why that was the case. The psychology of it seems to be if one kid gets something different than the other and that "other" thing looks like more fun or can be used as a trigger, then there will be many fights, crying and pouting. But if they both have the same thing, well where's the fun and manipulation in that for a kid?!?! Then they simply behave and play with their toy or item.
It all makes perfect sense now.
Tia
After a week and a bit of babysitting, I understand now why that was the case. The psychology of it seems to be if one kid gets something different than the other and that "other" thing looks like more fun or can be used as a trigger, then there will be many fights, crying and pouting. But if they both have the same thing, well where's the fun and manipulation in that for a kid?!?! Then they simply behave and play with their toy or item.
It all makes perfect sense now.
Tia
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Adventures in Babysitting
My friend Barb was having some babysitter woes and I'm unemployed and having some financial woes. She was in a lurch for having someone take care of her kids and I had much free time on my hands, so I offered to help.
Kids and babysitting aren't my speciality but it's certainly been an eye opener. My day starts at about 7:30am and I'm with them until about 5pm. I'm on my 3rd day and without a word of a lie, I get home at night utterly exhausted. It might also be because I'm getting up at 6am as opposed to the usual "unemployed wake-up call" at 10:30am that I've been accustomed to the last 3 weeks.
I've learned a few things during my quality time with the two kiddios. For one - always give yourself a buffer of being 10 minutes early. Because chances are, those 10 minutes will be lost to doddling, pouting or playing. For two - find your own unique "the look" and use it often. It's quite effective in mediation disputes over toys. And for three - if you play the Gummi Bear song once, be prepared you'll have to play it 10 more times back to back to back!
I also experienced my first ever play group. The kids running around the gym burning off all their energy while the moms sit around these 2 ft high tables drinking coffee, gossiping, knitting, and talking about things like "So are you going to get scraped". I was not prepared to hear about someone else's insides.
Another challenge is that I have major gag reflex. If I smell something like vomit or poop, I start dry heaving and walking the line of throwing up myself. I'm practising the best counter measures I can, but it's not easy explaining to a 3 year old why you have to so aggressively cover your nose and mouth.
I can certainly say I have a whole new appreciation for anyone with babies or young children. It's tough work! I still wonder though, does a spoonful of sugar really help the medicine go down? You may or may not get that.
Tia
Kids and babysitting aren't my speciality but it's certainly been an eye opener. My day starts at about 7:30am and I'm with them until about 5pm. I'm on my 3rd day and without a word of a lie, I get home at night utterly exhausted. It might also be because I'm getting up at 6am as opposed to the usual "unemployed wake-up call" at 10:30am that I've been accustomed to the last 3 weeks.
I've learned a few things during my quality time with the two kiddios. For one - always give yourself a buffer of being 10 minutes early. Because chances are, those 10 minutes will be lost to doddling, pouting or playing. For two - find your own unique "the look" and use it often. It's quite effective in mediation disputes over toys. And for three - if you play the Gummi Bear song once, be prepared you'll have to play it 10 more times back to back to back!
I also experienced my first ever play group. The kids running around the gym burning off all their energy while the moms sit around these 2 ft high tables drinking coffee, gossiping, knitting, and talking about things like "So are you going to get scraped". I was not prepared to hear about someone else's insides.
Another challenge is that I have major gag reflex. If I smell something like vomit or poop, I start dry heaving and walking the line of throwing up myself. I'm practising the best counter measures I can, but it's not easy explaining to a 3 year old why you have to so aggressively cover your nose and mouth.
I can certainly say I have a whole new appreciation for anyone with babies or young children. It's tough work! I still wonder though, does a spoonful of sugar really help the medicine go down? You may or may not get that.
Tia
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Just Scored A Lotto Max Win!
Last week like I do every Friday, I bought a Lotto Max ticket. Rarely do I win anything beyond a free-play or $2.
Today when I scanned my ticket, it told me I was a $20 winner! I double-checked it, and still a $20 winner. And I just started smiling uncontrollably. When he rang that ticket in, I was smiling. When he made me sign it, yup still smiling. Walking to my car, I was all smiles.
Then I got into my car, and I started crying. But they were tears of joy! Because all things considered, $20 is a big win for me right now. But more than that, I'd like to hope it's a sign. A sign that having gone through my life trying to be a kind, good person is finally banking me some good karma. A sign that this small win is a step towards bigger windfalls very soon. If so, BRING IT ON!
I hope all this crying isn't a sign I'm going through menopause. Baby steps.
Tia
Today when I scanned my ticket, it told me I was a $20 winner! I double-checked it, and still a $20 winner. And I just started smiling uncontrollably. When he rang that ticket in, I was smiling. When he made me sign it, yup still smiling. Walking to my car, I was all smiles.
Then I got into my car, and I started crying. But they were tears of joy! Because all things considered, $20 is a big win for me right now. But more than that, I'd like to hope it's a sign. A sign that having gone through my life trying to be a kind, good person is finally banking me some good karma. A sign that this small win is a step towards bigger windfalls very soon. If so, BRING IT ON!
I hope all this crying isn't a sign I'm going through menopause. Baby steps.
Tia
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
One Month's Notice
It's a rarity in the radio business to be able to give a landlord the legal required full one month's notice. I'm pretty sure I can count on two fingers the number of times I've gotten a deposit back. Most times you get a job offer and you're gone in two weeks, losing a good chunk of money. Sometimes, you do find a landlord kind enough to return it providing he can find another tenant right away. That's a rarity as well.
As the end of the month gets closer, I wonder if I should use this opportunity to give one month's notice on my place. Come the end of the holidays I pack up whatever minimal belongings I have and leave Regina. Sell all the big things and pack the VW full to the brim, and hope the kitties fit in it someplace. And go where?
My mom would love for me to go out to BC where she is near Penticton. I'm sure the winters would be better, but the job pool size is small there and most of the stations are owned by the same company that laid me off. Not sure that's the right move. I think I know all of 2 people in Vancouver, so it wouldn't be my first choice either. Winter's are tough in Edmonton and you know how much I love winter! Calgary certainly would be an option. I really like Saskatoon, so maybe. Winnipeg I'm not overly familiar with. And I suspect I'd feel pretty homesick going any further east than Ontario, knowing only a few souls past the border. Toronto would probably be the best fit for me for friends, familiarity and size. But with the $468 a week I'd be banking on with my unemployment, that might get me a sheltered spot out of the wind under a DVP bridge or overpass in Tdot.
Sigh, so many things to think about in this little brain of mine. If you could just pack up (hypothetically) and go, where would you land?
Tia
As the end of the month gets closer, I wonder if I should use this opportunity to give one month's notice on my place. Come the end of the holidays I pack up whatever minimal belongings I have and leave Regina. Sell all the big things and pack the VW full to the brim, and hope the kitties fit in it someplace. And go where?
My mom would love for me to go out to BC where she is near Penticton. I'm sure the winters would be better, but the job pool size is small there and most of the stations are owned by the same company that laid me off. Not sure that's the right move. I think I know all of 2 people in Vancouver, so it wouldn't be my first choice either. Winter's are tough in Edmonton and you know how much I love winter! Calgary certainly would be an option. I really like Saskatoon, so maybe. Winnipeg I'm not overly familiar with. And I suspect I'd feel pretty homesick going any further east than Ontario, knowing only a few souls past the border. Toronto would probably be the best fit for me for friends, familiarity and size. But with the $468 a week I'd be banking on with my unemployment, that might get me a sheltered spot out of the wind under a DVP bridge or overpass in Tdot.
Sigh, so many things to think about in this little brain of mine. If you could just pack up (hypothetically) and go, where would you land?
Tia
Friday, November 18, 2011
I'm a Wimp
Another snowy, blustery day in Saskatchewan. On days like today, I don't envy anyone who has to drive on the highways. Yesterday, I cancelled my plans to go to Saskatoon because of the snow and wind.
5 years ago, I would have been a road warrior. These days, I'm just a wimp. If you don't have to drive in stuff like this, why do it? That's my theory. I think I got soured on winter driving when I was living in Rosetown. I was driving the station vehicle back from a trade show in Eatonia. I wasn't going overly fast, but hit a patch of black ice and did a 180 into the ditch. I took a deep breath, put the vehicle in gear, and drove back up onto the highway. About 5 minutes later, deja vu - almost the exact same thing! Only this time my drivers side was quickly slamming towards an elevated train track slope. I thought I was pretty much doomed, so I just closed my eyes and waited for it to happen. Just like the movies though, my vehicle came to a stop just before the hill. I waited about 5 secs, opened my eyes, realized I was alive, and just sat there breathing deep breaths. Needless to say, I was pretty shaken up the rest of the drive. About a week later, the office manager came downstairs to ask me if I my drivers license for her to make a copy of. Apparently they had forgotten to put me on the vehicle insurance when they hired me. This whole time I had no insurance should something have happened to me - you know, like hitting the ditch twice in one day!
I have to admit though, I love finding a big parking lot with lots of snow and doing doughnuts! Cuz I'm cool like that :)
Tia
5 years ago, I would have been a road warrior. These days, I'm just a wimp. If you don't have to drive in stuff like this, why do it? That's my theory. I think I got soured on winter driving when I was living in Rosetown. I was driving the station vehicle back from a trade show in Eatonia. I wasn't going overly fast, but hit a patch of black ice and did a 180 into the ditch. I took a deep breath, put the vehicle in gear, and drove back up onto the highway. About 5 minutes later, deja vu - almost the exact same thing! Only this time my drivers side was quickly slamming towards an elevated train track slope. I thought I was pretty much doomed, so I just closed my eyes and waited for it to happen. Just like the movies though, my vehicle came to a stop just before the hill. I waited about 5 secs, opened my eyes, realized I was alive, and just sat there breathing deep breaths. Needless to say, I was pretty shaken up the rest of the drive. About a week later, the office manager came downstairs to ask me if I my drivers license for her to make a copy of. Apparently they had forgotten to put me on the vehicle insurance when they hired me. This whole time I had no insurance should something have happened to me - you know, like hitting the ditch twice in one day!
I have to admit though, I love finding a big parking lot with lots of snow and doing doughnuts! Cuz I'm cool like that :)
Tia
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Knock On Wood
When I was a kid, my outlet was writing. I mostly wrote songs and someplace on a floppy disc I still have them. I wrote one that I thought would be perfect for Whitney Houston to cut some day. It was about a cat. Surprised?
Today, I need an outlet more than I ever have I guess. Today, I got let go from my job. Restructuring. Truthfully I've seen it coming a couple of months. You can't be a 20 yr vet in this business and not pick up the signs. I even told 2 people today that it was probably going to happen before it did. I wish I would have made a bet on it, lord knows I could use the money now!
There's an urban legend in radio that you'll get fired or let go at least once in your radio career. I was joking about being one of the lucky ones not that long ago. Knock on wood though, the jokes on me.
But you know what the great thing about being a hippy buddhist type is? You can take it for what it is. You can walk away from it knowing that it happened for a reason. You can walk away from it knowing you were destined for bigger and better things and that there's a greener pasture waiting for you somewhere else. I have and will be that person who holds my head up high and is the bigger person for it. I've always been a fighter, and my motto in life is "I'd rather say I tried then quit, than say I quit before I even tried". The worst part is it's my mom's birthday on Thursday, so that phone call is going to be tough breaking the news to her.
There are advantages to being unemployed. The dude's from the water heater place are always calling me to get into the house to check the heater. Hey, now I have time!
But more than anything today, I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. My phone has been going off the hook with text messages and calls and my FB email is getting more action than Snooki at a masquerade ball! Thank you for that. I guess it's true what they say, you truly find out who your friends are when you get laid off. Remember that, because I might hit you up for a loan in January :)
Thanks everyone. We'll talk soon k?
Tia
Today, I need an outlet more than I ever have I guess. Today, I got let go from my job. Restructuring. Truthfully I've seen it coming a couple of months. You can't be a 20 yr vet in this business and not pick up the signs. I even told 2 people today that it was probably going to happen before it did. I wish I would have made a bet on it, lord knows I could use the money now!
There's an urban legend in radio that you'll get fired or let go at least once in your radio career. I was joking about being one of the lucky ones not that long ago. Knock on wood though, the jokes on me.
But you know what the great thing about being a hippy buddhist type is? You can take it for what it is. You can walk away from it knowing that it happened for a reason. You can walk away from it knowing you were destined for bigger and better things and that there's a greener pasture waiting for you somewhere else. I have and will be that person who holds my head up high and is the bigger person for it. I've always been a fighter, and my motto in life is "I'd rather say I tried then quit, than say I quit before I even tried". The worst part is it's my mom's birthday on Thursday, so that phone call is going to be tough breaking the news to her.
There are advantages to being unemployed. The dude's from the water heater place are always calling me to get into the house to check the heater. Hey, now I have time!
But more than anything today, I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. My phone has been going off the hook with text messages and calls and my FB email is getting more action than Snooki at a masquerade ball! Thank you for that. I guess it's true what they say, you truly find out who your friends are when you get laid off. Remember that, because I might hit you up for a loan in January :)
Thanks everyone. We'll talk soon k?
Tia
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Old Haunted Hospital
I grew up in a little town of about 600 in Alberta. When the new hospital was built, the old hospital (already a house-like structure) was converted into a livable house area and rented out. We lived there for a brief spell when I was a young lass. The main floor was the only space we occupied, and the upstairs was closed off as it was still uncoverted from the old hospital rooms they had been.
One day when I was at home alone after school, I was standing in the kitchen area and could suddenly hear this very heavy breathing coming from the hall leading towards the bedrooms. At first I thought it was maybe our dog Dobey having a pretty intense sleep. But when I went to look for him, he was sleeping in the front of the house by the door. So it wasn't him.
I very cautiously started to walk down the hall to investigate, my heart going a million miles an hour. By the time I got to my dad's bedroom, it was getting louder and louder. That was all I could take. I quickly turned around, beat a quick path to the door, grabbed the dog and went crying down the street to find someone I knew. I found my dad who came back to the house to find out what in god's name was going on.
To this day, I don't know know that we ever found out what or where the breathing was coming from. And needless to say, we didn't live in that house very much longer after that. A few years after I had graduated and moved away, it was demolished. Hopefully it took all its mouth breathing spirits with it. Because I'm pretty sure that's what it was.
Tia
One day when I was at home alone after school, I was standing in the kitchen area and could suddenly hear this very heavy breathing coming from the hall leading towards the bedrooms. At first I thought it was maybe our dog Dobey having a pretty intense sleep. But when I went to look for him, he was sleeping in the front of the house by the door. So it wasn't him.
I very cautiously started to walk down the hall to investigate, my heart going a million miles an hour. By the time I got to my dad's bedroom, it was getting louder and louder. That was all I could take. I quickly turned around, beat a quick path to the door, grabbed the dog and went crying down the street to find someone I knew. I found my dad who came back to the house to find out what in god's name was going on.
To this day, I don't know know that we ever found out what or where the breathing was coming from. And needless to say, we didn't live in that house very much longer after that. A few years after I had graduated and moved away, it was demolished. Hopefully it took all its mouth breathing spirits with it. Because I'm pretty sure that's what it was.
Tia
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Soul-Mates to the End
Making news this week is the story of a couple who had happily been married for 72 years. They were in a serious car accident and put in a room together at the hospital side by side so they could hold hands. And that's how they passed within an hour of each other - holding hands right to the end. Pretty amazing huh?
It reminded me of my very first radio job in 1992. I had moved way north to Peace River with merely a couple of suitcases and my cats. I didn't even have a car. I was living in a basement suite in the house of an elderly couple - Tim and Harriot. They had met a few years before at a seniors centre after both had been widowed. They found love again and at the age of 84 and 82, got married again.
They were the sweetest couple. Harriot clearly wore the pants, and Tim admired her to death. They treated me like one of their grandchildren. Often times I would come home at around midnight from finishing my shift at work, to find baking placed on the floor in front of my door, or a meal of some sort. There was even a point that I was trying to purchase my first car, but needed a co-signer otherwise couldn't proceed. Tim had caught wind of my banking struggles and took me down to the bank the next day to co-sign for me, no questions asked - he just offered. He barely knew me, but co-signed a car loan for me.
After 10 months of living in Peace River, I got a job in Lethbridge. The day I loaded up my new car to hit the road, Harriot had to come outside and take a picture. She always made duplicates so she could be sure to give me one too.
About 6 months into living in Lethbridge, I got a letter from Tim. Inside, Harriot's obituary - she had passed. I cried alot for missing Harriot, but I cried alot thinking of poor Tim who would be heartbroken without her. I think I had heard at one point not too long after that that he wasn't doing very well either. I didn't get anymore letters from Tim and I suspect he may have passed that year as well.
To this day I still have the letter with her obituary that he sent me. And hearing the story this week of these two long-time lovebirds passing away holding hands made me think of them again today. As sad as these stories are, here's hoping we all have that kind of love someday!
It reminded me of my very first radio job in 1992. I had moved way north to Peace River with merely a couple of suitcases and my cats. I didn't even have a car. I was living in a basement suite in the house of an elderly couple - Tim and Harriot. They had met a few years before at a seniors centre after both had been widowed. They found love again and at the age of 84 and 82, got married again.
They were the sweetest couple. Harriot clearly wore the pants, and Tim admired her to death. They treated me like one of their grandchildren. Often times I would come home at around midnight from finishing my shift at work, to find baking placed on the floor in front of my door, or a meal of some sort. There was even a point that I was trying to purchase my first car, but needed a co-signer otherwise couldn't proceed. Tim had caught wind of my banking struggles and took me down to the bank the next day to co-sign for me, no questions asked - he just offered. He barely knew me, but co-signed a car loan for me.
After 10 months of living in Peace River, I got a job in Lethbridge. The day I loaded up my new car to hit the road, Harriot had to come outside and take a picture. She always made duplicates so she could be sure to give me one too.
About 6 months into living in Lethbridge, I got a letter from Tim. Inside, Harriot's obituary - she had passed. I cried alot for missing Harriot, but I cried alot thinking of poor Tim who would be heartbroken without her. I think I had heard at one point not too long after that that he wasn't doing very well either. I didn't get anymore letters from Tim and I suspect he may have passed that year as well.
To this day I still have the letter with her obituary that he sent me. And hearing the story this week of these two long-time lovebirds passing away holding hands made me think of them again today. As sad as these stories are, here's hoping we all have that kind of love someday!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Elvis at a Strip Club
I'm not entirely sure why I was thinking about this today, but it made me laugh out loud, so I thought I'd share.
Back in about 2003 I was on a Halloween pub crawl with the gang from MY 96/CHAT. Some of you reading this might have been there too. My costume was this plastic Elvis half face mask that had his hair and trademark sunglasses. Top that off with a beautiful powder blue pair of pants and a 70's big collared shirt and I had the King down to a tee, but with boobs.
We were at this little lounge called Cougars, which was upstairs from a strip club in the basement of the building. For whatever reason, a group of us decided to give the strip club a whirl for shits and giggles. As a woman, I can't say I'd ever been to one before.
Within a few minutes the waitress came up to take our order. Being the smart ass I am I said (in my best Elvis accent) "I'd like a peanut butter sandwich please". She looked at me with the "are you an e'ffing idiot" look and walked away. She was not amused.
That was my first and last time in a strip club. If I die tomorrow, someone please tell that story at my funeral ok? I thank you in advance.
Tia
Back in about 2003 I was on a Halloween pub crawl with the gang from MY 96/CHAT. Some of you reading this might have been there too. My costume was this plastic Elvis half face mask that had his hair and trademark sunglasses. Top that off with a beautiful powder blue pair of pants and a 70's big collared shirt and I had the King down to a tee, but with boobs.
We were at this little lounge called Cougars, which was upstairs from a strip club in the basement of the building. For whatever reason, a group of us decided to give the strip club a whirl for shits and giggles. As a woman, I can't say I'd ever been to one before.
Within a few minutes the waitress came up to take our order. Being the smart ass I am I said (in my best Elvis accent) "I'd like a peanut butter sandwich please". She looked at me with the "are you an e'ffing idiot" look and walked away. She was not amused.
That was my first and last time in a strip club. If I die tomorrow, someone please tell that story at my funeral ok? I thank you in advance.
Tia
Monday, August 22, 2011
Too Picky?
You always hear stories of single women whose friends claim they're just too picky, and that is the lone reason they're not hitched up. I, for one, think it's perfectly fine to wait till someone passes your sniff test rather than hook up with someone and settle, hoping to find abundant things you like about them that out weigh the things you'd rather overlook.
I won't try to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. I'm as finicky about men as I am about food. As many women do, I too, have " a top 10 list " or requirements and no-no's.
#10) Must not live at home with his parents still. Seriously, I get the whole saving money while you're in school thing, but by the time you're a min 27-28, you should be gonzo from the nesto pablo.
#9) Must be employed. There is no forgiveness on this one. I'm a Leo, and I'm selfish with my money. That's why I don't have kids.
#8) So yeah, about that kids thing, not sure I want them. And marriage, well, not high on my to do list either. I know, I'm a catch. Speaking of catch, I don't eat fish either. EVER. In anything. Or Eggs.
#7) Must be sincerely nice. I always choose to surround myself with people by this guideline: You can tell how people are by how they treat the wait staff. If they for one minute treat them as if they're below them, then heed that red flag.
#6) Quirkiness is a must. And sprinkle in some geek too, with a big dash of hippy. We'll get along just fine.
#5) Big trucks hoisted up 5 ft in the air with their big mufflers or a motorcycle as a second vehicle don't impress me much. Truthfully, a man in Jetta will have me at "das auto".
#4) Thinning hair, no hair, bad hair. Uncle Jessie set the hair standard for this gal. If you can't raise the hair bar, don't come combing around my house.
#3) There's nothing more un-sexy about a man, than one who's crude and rude. Cat-calls and F-bombs are an instant no thank you. I want a man who has never sworn around his mother or grandmother. Or if he did, he said "excuse my language".
#2) I have a huge thing for sweetness and people who do nice things without being asked to. It says a lot about how considerate and thoughtful someone is. I believe in good deeds, generousity, and not keeping count.
#1) James Dean may have looked cool with a cig in his mouth, but if he would have asked me out, I would have said no. Sorry. Non-smokers only. I value my lungs, and I suspect I'll need them when I'm 40, much like my knees.
Ironically, after typing this, the movie "10" came to mind. So here's to one day meeting my "10" too :)
(although judging by this list, it may take awhile - but I have the patience of Job).
Tia
I won't try to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. I'm as finicky about men as I am about food. As many women do, I too, have " a top 10 list " or requirements and no-no's.
#10) Must not live at home with his parents still. Seriously, I get the whole saving money while you're in school thing, but by the time you're a min 27-28, you should be gonzo from the nesto pablo.
#9) Must be employed. There is no forgiveness on this one. I'm a Leo, and I'm selfish with my money. That's why I don't have kids.
#8) So yeah, about that kids thing, not sure I want them. And marriage, well, not high on my to do list either. I know, I'm a catch. Speaking of catch, I don't eat fish either. EVER. In anything. Or Eggs.
#7) Must be sincerely nice. I always choose to surround myself with people by this guideline: You can tell how people are by how they treat the wait staff. If they for one minute treat them as if they're below them, then heed that red flag.
#6) Quirkiness is a must. And sprinkle in some geek too, with a big dash of hippy. We'll get along just fine.
#5) Big trucks hoisted up 5 ft in the air with their big mufflers or a motorcycle as a second vehicle don't impress me much. Truthfully, a man in Jetta will have me at "das auto".
#4) Thinning hair, no hair, bad hair. Uncle Jessie set the hair standard for this gal. If you can't raise the hair bar, don't come combing around my house.
#3) There's nothing more un-sexy about a man, than one who's crude and rude. Cat-calls and F-bombs are an instant no thank you. I want a man who has never sworn around his mother or grandmother. Or if he did, he said "excuse my language".
#2) I have a huge thing for sweetness and people who do nice things without being asked to. It says a lot about how considerate and thoughtful someone is. I believe in good deeds, generousity, and not keeping count.
#1) James Dean may have looked cool with a cig in his mouth, but if he would have asked me out, I would have said no. Sorry. Non-smokers only. I value my lungs, and I suspect I'll need them when I'm 40, much like my knees.
Ironically, after typing this, the movie "10" came to mind. So here's to one day meeting my "10" too :)
(although judging by this list, it may take awhile - but I have the patience of Job).
Tia
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Shitty Summer Jobs
I was driving through Evraz Place today, quiet as a ghost-town with the Queen City Ex done for another summer. It reminded me of that point towards the end of summer when you were younger and grateful summer was almost finished because you were working the worst summer job ever.
I think back to some of mine. When I was 15, myself and another girl were hired to paint oil wells. We were transported from well to well, painted, then moved on. The upside was that at that age, I was making $10 an hour, which back then was some serious grown up money. The downside, it wasn't rocket science, it was rather boring, and you're around slimy rig pigs all day.
At 16, I took odd jobs, including packing sileage. For those who don't know what this is, you basically drive back and forth, up and down in a tractor, packing the sileage that's been dumped into the pit. The better it's packed, the better it keeps I believe is the reasoning. So here I am, in a small Massey tractor with no cab, in the summer sun, back and forth. Not the most aspiring job ever. The upside was, I had a lot of time to think...a lot!
When I was about 18, I made the move out to BC for the summer. At first I attempted to work as a cashier at a Shell station. It was on the main highway, busy as hell, and I had an incredibly impatient boss who insisted we count change back on every transaction. I think I worked two shifts and quit. I did gain a whole new respect for people at gas stations. Especially ones in high traffic locations. Can you say pressure cooker??
After the gas station thing didn't work out, I set out to pick cherries for the summer in the Okanogan. We lived in a tent, and shared a common pickers shack for showering, bathroom and kitchen areas. We met a lot of different people, as a lot of Europeans and Quebecers hit up BC to work the orchards in the summer and it was a pretty carefree gypsy lifestyle. The downside though was that the pay was the shits, you had to be up picking by 6am to beat the heat (once cherries are too warm they come off the stem), and physically it was hard work. Not as hard as picking apples or peaches from what I've heard. One should mention as well that you're often tempted to eat what you pick, and in the case of cherries, well they have certain laxative qualities if you know what I mean. Rarely do I ever eat a cherry now.
Tia
I think back to some of mine. When I was 15, myself and another girl were hired to paint oil wells. We were transported from well to well, painted, then moved on. The upside was that at that age, I was making $10 an hour, which back then was some serious grown up money. The downside, it wasn't rocket science, it was rather boring, and you're around slimy rig pigs all day.
At 16, I took odd jobs, including packing sileage. For those who don't know what this is, you basically drive back and forth, up and down in a tractor, packing the sileage that's been dumped into the pit. The better it's packed, the better it keeps I believe is the reasoning. So here I am, in a small Massey tractor with no cab, in the summer sun, back and forth. Not the most aspiring job ever. The upside was, I had a lot of time to think...a lot!
When I was about 18, I made the move out to BC for the summer. At first I attempted to work as a cashier at a Shell station. It was on the main highway, busy as hell, and I had an incredibly impatient boss who insisted we count change back on every transaction. I think I worked two shifts and quit. I did gain a whole new respect for people at gas stations. Especially ones in high traffic locations. Can you say pressure cooker??
After the gas station thing didn't work out, I set out to pick cherries for the summer in the Okanogan. We lived in a tent, and shared a common pickers shack for showering, bathroom and kitchen areas. We met a lot of different people, as a lot of Europeans and Quebecers hit up BC to work the orchards in the summer and it was a pretty carefree gypsy lifestyle. The downside though was that the pay was the shits, you had to be up picking by 6am to beat the heat (once cherries are too warm they come off the stem), and physically it was hard work. Not as hard as picking apples or peaches from what I've heard. One should mention as well that you're often tempted to eat what you pick, and in the case of cherries, well they have certain laxative qualities if you know what I mean. Rarely do I ever eat a cherry now.
Tia
Monday, August 15, 2011
In Sugarland's Shoes
Many are still in disbelief over the tragedy this past weekend with the collapsing of the stage at the Indiana State Fair minutes before Sugarland was to perform. 5 people are dead and many are going to be scarred either physically, emotionally or mentally.
Kristian Bush released this statement: "Our fans just came to see a show, and it ended in something terrible. My heart is totally broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives. It's broken for all the people who got hurt, for the people who were scared. I thank God for every person who lifted a truss, who pushed against that metal to get it off someone; for every person who used a chair as a stretcher. I thank God for every fan and emergency responder, for everyone who ran to the trouble instead of away from it. The courage of those men and women will forever be with me." -
I recently met Kristian and Jennifer at Craven. They were both sweet and genuine and incredibly grateful for their fans and their support. I watched how sincere they were about the Little Miss project and how their fans interpreted that song in home-made videos in tribute to the message. I watched a video recently of a teen-age girl who started a campaign to just get something as simple as a hug from Sugarland when they played in her city. It paid off as this young girl was taken backstage with a friend and surprised when Jennifer and Kristian walked into the room and each gave her a huge hug, sending her over the moon.
Today 4 members of their "Fan Family" are no longer alive and one 14 year old boy is paralyzed because they only wanted to see their favourite band perform. When I try to put myself in their shoes, I feel heartbreak for Jennifer and Kristian knowing they must feel immense sadness and possibly guilt over this whole tragedy. It may take awhile for them to ever step up on stage again without feeling heavy hearted. Not to mention their fear of being on stage, considering they were only minutes away from stepping up to sing on the same stage that buckled like a toothpick in the wind. From this point on, Sugarland, like many who experienced that fateful night at the Indy State Fair, will be trying to heal.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
One of those Moments
At the beginning of July, my cat Mozers got hit by a car and I had to put her to sleep. I had her since the very minute she came into this world back in 2005. She was the only grey cat in a litter of siamese kitties. She was the first to walk, eat, purr and poop. She was my little baby so it was heartbreaking to put her down.
The first few days after are the hardest, and by day 3 you reach a point of being at peace with everything and the world goes on again. But every now and then you have "a moment".
Tonight I took off my black socks, rolled them up into a ball, and then threw them across the room for Bazil to play with. And the memory of Mozers slapped me in the face. She was very "siamese" in behavior and had some unique qualities. One of them was black socks. For whatever reason she was drawn to them. Sometimes she would just go into my closet and pull out a pair of black socks and walk around the house with them. Sometimes she would take a pair of black socks from the laundry, walk into the bathroom, and put them in the toilet. True story! I have no idea why, but it was her thing.
So when that pair of black socks landed on the floor tonight, I had " a moment ", teared up, thought about her for a few minutes, wiped my eyes, got up and put them in the laundry basket and smiled.
Tia
The first few days after are the hardest, and by day 3 you reach a point of being at peace with everything and the world goes on again. But every now and then you have "a moment".
Tonight I took off my black socks, rolled them up into a ball, and then threw them across the room for Bazil to play with. And the memory of Mozers slapped me in the face. She was very "siamese" in behavior and had some unique qualities. One of them was black socks. For whatever reason she was drawn to them. Sometimes she would just go into my closet and pull out a pair of black socks and walk around the house with them. Sometimes she would take a pair of black socks from the laundry, walk into the bathroom, and put them in the toilet. True story! I have no idea why, but it was her thing.
So when that pair of black socks landed on the floor tonight, I had " a moment ", teared up, thought about her for a few minutes, wiped my eyes, got up and put them in the laundry basket and smiled.
Tia
Thursday, July 21, 2011
People Watcher
One of my favourite things to do is to people watch. Tonight I was in the restaurant at my hotel observing two very different scenarios.
The first was a couple on my left, in their mid 40's, who barely said a word to each other the whole time they were there. They didn't seem to enjoy each other's company at all, and couldn't find a conversation that they seemed to have a vested interest in on both sides. My impression was that marriage had probably run its course. He seemed helpless and she seemed disinterested.
To my right, the somewhat opposite. A woman in her late 50's, early 60's. She was originally from New York and had been living the last few years in Florida (Pensacola I think she said). She's apparently been coming to Biloxi for many years. One day she just told her husband she was going, he said ok goodbye, and she got in the car and drove 7 hours to get here. She's happy as spit to be enjoying the "her" time, just relaxing and eating her pecan pie.
That'll probably be me when I'm her age. Not a care in the world, off to the freedom of my heart's content, driving endless miles just to be someplace that grounds and humbles me. It would beat being the other couple for shizzle. I actually found myself thinking "if I'm like that when I'm married that we can't even talk to each other like we enjoy being with each other, then just shoot me".
As a cliff note, pecan pie is huge in the south for some reason. I don't get it.
Tia
The first was a couple on my left, in their mid 40's, who barely said a word to each other the whole time they were there. They didn't seem to enjoy each other's company at all, and couldn't find a conversation that they seemed to have a vested interest in on both sides. My impression was that marriage had probably run its course. He seemed helpless and she seemed disinterested.
To my right, the somewhat opposite. A woman in her late 50's, early 60's. She was originally from New York and had been living the last few years in Florida (Pensacola I think she said). She's apparently been coming to Biloxi for many years. One day she just told her husband she was going, he said ok goodbye, and she got in the car and drove 7 hours to get here. She's happy as spit to be enjoying the "her" time, just relaxing and eating her pecan pie.
That'll probably be me when I'm her age. Not a care in the world, off to the freedom of my heart's content, driving endless miles just to be someplace that grounds and humbles me. It would beat being the other couple for shizzle. I actually found myself thinking "if I'm like that when I'm married that we can't even talk to each other like we enjoy being with each other, then just shoot me".
As a cliff note, pecan pie is huge in the south for some reason. I don't get it.
Tia
Thursday, June 9, 2011
I've Taken a Fall too Shania
Everyone's talking about Shania's fall last night at the CMT Awards. One facebooker even said she "makes even falling look beautiful". There's some truth to that, as it was the most graceful fall ever caught live on camera.
We've all had those moments. In the early 2000's I was leaving a Christmas party...ahem...banquet....slipped on some ice and biffed it good. I got up and polished myself off like nothing happened, wanting to seemingly still appear somewhat cool to all the those driving by in traffic. I was not as lucky as Shania though. By the time I got to the corner, my wrist was on fire and pretty much just hanging there. I ended up spending a lovely night with the good folks at the Regina General hospital waiting for a surgeon to come in and put me back together. Morphine and I were BFF's by the time that episode was done.
In hindsight, I too wish I had those shoes to auction off. I'm sure Steven Tyler would applaud Shania's get back up attitude. Good on you girl!
We've all had those moments. In the early 2000's I was leaving a Christmas party...ahem...banquet....slipped on some ice and biffed it good. I got up and polished myself off like nothing happened, wanting to seemingly still appear somewhat cool to all the those driving by in traffic. I was not as lucky as Shania though. By the time I got to the corner, my wrist was on fire and pretty much just hanging there. I ended up spending a lovely night with the good folks at the Regina General hospital waiting for a surgeon to come in and put me back together. Morphine and I were BFF's by the time that episode was done.
In hindsight, I too wish I had those shoes to auction off. I'm sure Steven Tyler would applaud Shania's get back up attitude. Good on you girl!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
And the Wiener Is....
Terri-Ann, one of my old roomies in Lethbridge, used to call them Mystery Tubes. I have friends in Toronto who call them Street Meat. Whatever you call a wiener or hot dog is completely up to you and your imagination.
Here's the thing: we all have our visions of pigs feet and horse lips in wieners, but they've been a life-saver the last couple of days. I've had an on-going stomach ache for about 3 days now. The first day I was afraid to eat anything. By the second day, I had to eat something. My diet yesterday consisted of hot dogs and pro-biotics yogurt. I can't make this stuff up. And it was actually the first night I went to bed without pains shooting through my stomach all night.
We'll just chalk it up to that whole Mystery Tube thing and leave it at that.
Here's the thing: we all have our visions of pigs feet and horse lips in wieners, but they've been a life-saver the last couple of days. I've had an on-going stomach ache for about 3 days now. The first day I was afraid to eat anything. By the second day, I had to eat something. My diet yesterday consisted of hot dogs and pro-biotics yogurt. I can't make this stuff up. And it was actually the first night I went to bed without pains shooting through my stomach all night.
We'll just chalk it up to that whole Mystery Tube thing and leave it at that.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Election Nerves
In 1995, I remember sitting on my living room floor in my house in Moose Jaw that had no furniture. The radio life, don't ask.
It was the referendum on Quebec sovereignty, whether Quebec should seperate to become an independant state, or remain a part of Canada. Do you remember that? I'll never forget it, mostly because the results were so close: 49.44% "Yes" to 50.56% "No". I was honestly scared for the future of our country that night.
I feel those same nerves today on the eve of our election. I sincerely hope we've done a better job at stirring up those apathetic voters and encouraged our youth enough that both will continue to take a vested interest in our country's direction this election and all elections in my lifetime. Here's hoping.
Tia
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I Sure am Social
Do you ever take stock of how much social media activity you have under your umbrella?
I have: 2 facebook accounts, a Twitter account, a Twitpic account, a LinkedIn account, a bityl account, 2 hotmail accounts, a work FB page to manage, a Blogger account, a YouTube channel, a work website to manage, iChat, and let's not forget personal texting.
My mother's always harping on me for not calling her anymore. Seriously mom, why do I need to do that? I keep in touch with everyone without even having to talk to them. I have to save my voice you know.
I'm a social butterfly by all accounts. Or a geek. Either or.
Tia
I have: 2 facebook accounts, a Twitter account, a Twitpic account, a LinkedIn account, a bityl account, 2 hotmail accounts, a work FB page to manage, a Blogger account, a YouTube channel, a work website to manage, iChat, and let's not forget personal texting.
My mother's always harping on me for not calling her anymore. Seriously mom, why do I need to do that? I keep in touch with everyone without even having to talk to them. I have to save my voice you know.
I'm a social butterfly by all accounts. Or a geek. Either or.
Tia
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Is there anything more awkward....
Than going to the dentist? You lie in this chair, turn this way, look up, open up, bite down, try to fit this is your mouth, make funny slurping noises, have to cough at the wrong time, and I could go on!
The one that gets me the most - when they ask you a question and try to initialize conversation while leaned over you with 6 tools in your mouth that's stretched open to it's full capacity. I'm sorry, I can't answer you right now for obvious reasons, please leave a message and I'll get back to you on that one.
After 3 years of braces and ortho appointments and a broken jaw that was wired shut, I'm so done with people being in my mouth. Having said that though, I got this awesome new toothbrush last night and mint floss. Yum.
Moral of the story...floss, floss, floss!
Tia
The one that gets me the most - when they ask you a question and try to initialize conversation while leaned over you with 6 tools in your mouth that's stretched open to it's full capacity. I'm sorry, I can't answer you right now for obvious reasons, please leave a message and I'll get back to you on that one.
After 3 years of braces and ortho appointments and a broken jaw that was wired shut, I'm so done with people being in my mouth. Having said that though, I got this awesome new toothbrush last night and mint floss. Yum.
Moral of the story...floss, floss, floss!
Tia
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tiffany Vs Debbie
I was an 80's child and it was a fabulous time for music. Genesis, Lionel Richie, Wham, Culture Club, Madonna, Michael Jackson - the list could go on. The fold of the 80's changed however when we got into '89 or so, when bubblegum pop took over. Along came Tiffany and Debbie Gibson.
Tiffany was rough around the edges, from a broken home, and different look-wise with that flaming red hair. Debbie was the princess brought up in Long Island from a seemingly perfect world. I liked both and had cassettes from both. But when it came to who, I as a teenage girl related to the most, Tiffany won out. In fact, my first ever concert was a Tiffany concert at the Northlands Colesium in Edmonton. I also met her totally by chance earlier in the day at the West Edmonton Mall at a Dalmy's store.
That was over 20 years ago. I've grown up, she's grown up. But she's still kicking around the music scene and in fact is getting ready to release a country album and calls Nashville home. The last few years she had released a couple of albums which, although not huge sellers, received great critical acclaim. So I'm truthfully excited to hear this new album. What can I say, still a fan after all these years.
But if there was any doubt about Tiffany's singing ability, watch the video enclosed. She could probably outsing anyone in the industry today. This song even though it came out in the 90's, still gets me right there. Enjoy my trip down memory lane.
Tiffany was rough around the edges, from a broken home, and different look-wise with that flaming red hair. Debbie was the princess brought up in Long Island from a seemingly perfect world. I liked both and had cassettes from both. But when it came to who, I as a teenage girl related to the most, Tiffany won out. In fact, my first ever concert was a Tiffany concert at the Northlands Colesium in Edmonton. I also met her totally by chance earlier in the day at the West Edmonton Mall at a Dalmy's store.
That was over 20 years ago. I've grown up, she's grown up. But she's still kicking around the music scene and in fact is getting ready to release a country album and calls Nashville home. The last few years she had released a couple of albums which, although not huge sellers, received great critical acclaim. So I'm truthfully excited to hear this new album. What can I say, still a fan after all these years.
But if there was any doubt about Tiffany's singing ability, watch the video enclosed. She could probably outsing anyone in the industry today. This song even though it came out in the 90's, still gets me right there. Enjoy my trip down memory lane.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sister Dearest
A co-worker was looking at a picture I had on my desk of my sister the other day, trying to determine if there was any resemblance. When we were younger, everyone knew we were sisters. The dark hair and dark eyes combined with the rugrat look we so proudly displayed gave it away.
I'll be the first one to admit though, I was a horrible big sister. Let me count thee ways!
We used to help clean houses when we were little for spending money. One time at the next door neighbour's while cleaning one day, I talked her into getting into the dryer. God only knows how I charmed her into that, but it worked, so I turned the dryer on. She did a couple of rotations with some very loud thumping before I opened the door. She was nicely air-fluffed with only a minor cut on her toe.
Another time dad left us in the car alone for perhaps too long of an extended period. I, being a little ADD'ish was getting bored, so I thought it would be fun to throw the gum I was chewing into my sister's hair. Keep in mind, she had long beautiful hair that was my mother's pride and joy. After this, not so much. Every trick in the book didn't get the wad of gum out of her locks. Only the scissors and a good hair cut solved that beauty. My mother loathed me.
What else? There was this girl named Denise Gould who kept breaking every bone in her body. A tragedy really, but she always got a lot of attention out of it. My sister decided she also needed attention, so I told her if she broke a bone, maybe it would help. So she went and got a hammer and took it to her leg to try and break it! Unfortunately she turned out to be quite hardy, and could only muster up some pretty nasty bruises.
I believe it was around that age that she also started getting a little hair on the legs. So I told her she should start shaving her legs. Well she was maybe a little young for that, but she, again, listened to me and went for it. Of course, once you shave that first time, it only comes back thicker and faster. Let's just say, her puberty was perhaps brought on a little sooner than she would have liked, in part, thanks to me.
I was evil, what can I say? I'm grateful I didn't grow up to be a horrible person and she still speaks to me. But after reading this, how can you not think my sister was THE MOST gullible person in the world lol??
Tia
I'll be the first one to admit though, I was a horrible big sister. Let me count thee ways!
We used to help clean houses when we were little for spending money. One time at the next door neighbour's while cleaning one day, I talked her into getting into the dryer. God only knows how I charmed her into that, but it worked, so I turned the dryer on. She did a couple of rotations with some very loud thumping before I opened the door. She was nicely air-fluffed with only a minor cut on her toe.
Another time dad left us in the car alone for perhaps too long of an extended period. I, being a little ADD'ish was getting bored, so I thought it would be fun to throw the gum I was chewing into my sister's hair. Keep in mind, she had long beautiful hair that was my mother's pride and joy. After this, not so much. Every trick in the book didn't get the wad of gum out of her locks. Only the scissors and a good hair cut solved that beauty. My mother loathed me.
What else? There was this girl named Denise Gould who kept breaking every bone in her body. A tragedy really, but she always got a lot of attention out of it. My sister decided she also needed attention, so I told her if she broke a bone, maybe it would help. So she went and got a hammer and took it to her leg to try and break it! Unfortunately she turned out to be quite hardy, and could only muster up some pretty nasty bruises.
I believe it was around that age that she also started getting a little hair on the legs. So I told her she should start shaving her legs. Well she was maybe a little young for that, but she, again, listened to me and went for it. Of course, once you shave that first time, it only comes back thicker and faster. Let's just say, her puberty was perhaps brought on a little sooner than she would have liked, in part, thanks to me.
I was evil, what can I say? I'm grateful I didn't grow up to be a horrible person and she still speaks to me. But after reading this, how can you not think my sister was THE MOST gullible person in the world lol??
Tia
Thursday, March 10, 2011
He's Purr-fect!
About 5 years ago, I took in this scrawny, beat up, scratched up stray who I named Capone because of the scars you could see on his face from his many tom-cat brawls. He was actually quite friendly for a stray, and it didn't take long to find his weak spot - belly rubs. Soon I was taking walks with my little orange guy walking right alongside me like most people would walk their dogs. He'd just follow along, happy as spit. He's still the same to this day.
One of his oddities though was that when I found him, he didn't know how to purr! He'd get excited and snort through his nose like a dragon trying to breathe fire. It was the funniest, but saddest thing, at the same time. After 5 years though, he has found his purr, although a quaint one.
Last night while in bed, he was laying on top of my leg. The world was peaceful and quiet enough that I could feel him purring and if you listened closely, you could hear his little purr. These moments in life are what make me smile.
Tia
One of his oddities though was that when I found him, he didn't know how to purr! He'd get excited and snort through his nose like a dragon trying to breathe fire. It was the funniest, but saddest thing, at the same time. After 5 years though, he has found his purr, although a quaint one.
Last night while in bed, he was laying on top of my leg. The world was peaceful and quiet enough that I could feel him purring and if you listened closely, you could hear his little purr. These moments in life are what make me smile.
Tia
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Travel Bug
I would probably be a much richer person if I didn't always have the travel bug. It's the reason my visa is dying a slow death and why I can replicate a good security pat down.
It all started when I turned 30. I decided that year that life was too short and I had seen very little outside of Alberta or Saskatchewan. It became my life's mission to take a trip somewhere each year where I'd never been before. My first destination was San Fransisco! Well South San Fransisco. Apparently they're different cities. Little did I know this when I booked my hotel is South San Fran. Luckily there was a lovely bus route right by my hotel that accounted for about 40 minutes of my day each way.
Since then I've been to Jacksonville in Florida, Jekkyl Island and Savannah in Georgia, Corpus Christie and South Padre Island in Texas, New Orleans, Vancouver, Toronto and even Winnipeg. This summer if all goes well and I don't get fired, laid off or go broke, I'm hoping to go to the Carolinas.
I've learned a lot of tricks over the years and mastered travel for a week with only one small suitcase. The first few years I actually packed only a backpack of stuff and was on my way. But then luggage with wheels came along and seemed like a fabulous idea so I went astray like the rest of the world. I've also come to expect that I'll likely be one of those people pulled aside and questioned at the border. I just have the gypsy look or something. Although I have yet to have a full cavity search, knock on wood.
My advice though, if you have the means to travel, do! It's relaxing, interesting, enriching, and breathing the air somewhere else just makes you a better person. One thing I'd suggest though, is try to truly appreciate your surroundings. I went to Europe when I was in grade 12, and although cool, I didn't appreciate that experience the way I should have. Now, I wish I could go back and make good on that.
Tia
It all started when I turned 30. I decided that year that life was too short and I had seen very little outside of Alberta or Saskatchewan. It became my life's mission to take a trip somewhere each year where I'd never been before. My first destination was San Fransisco! Well South San Fransisco. Apparently they're different cities. Little did I know this when I booked my hotel is South San Fran. Luckily there was a lovely bus route right by my hotel that accounted for about 40 minutes of my day each way.
Since then I've been to Jacksonville in Florida, Jekkyl Island and Savannah in Georgia, Corpus Christie and South Padre Island in Texas, New Orleans, Vancouver, Toronto and even Winnipeg. This summer if all goes well and I don't get fired, laid off or go broke, I'm hoping to go to the Carolinas.
I've learned a lot of tricks over the years and mastered travel for a week with only one small suitcase. The first few years I actually packed only a backpack of stuff and was on my way. But then luggage with wheels came along and seemed like a fabulous idea so I went astray like the rest of the world. I've also come to expect that I'll likely be one of those people pulled aside and questioned at the border. I just have the gypsy look or something. Although I have yet to have a full cavity search, knock on wood.
My advice though, if you have the means to travel, do! It's relaxing, interesting, enriching, and breathing the air somewhere else just makes you a better person. One thing I'd suggest though, is try to truly appreciate your surroundings. I went to Europe when I was in grade 12, and although cool, I didn't appreciate that experience the way I should have. Now, I wish I could go back and make good on that.
Tia
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Listener
If I could pick one statue to epitomize my existence, I'd want it to be the "Listener". Because despite what I do for a living, when I'm not getting paid to talk, listening to someone else talk for a change, and people-watching, are two of my favorite things to do. I think that's why I like to travel so much.
You can learn a lot about someone by watching them talk. Watch their facial expressions, watch their eye movement and watch their gestures. Now turn it up a notch and listen to how they say their words and observe how they choose the words they use. You can sum a person up pretty good if you master these skills. Secretly I play this game all the time. I call it "Tia's amateur attempt at profiling". It's silly, but in my head, I'm having a blast!
Listening also puts life into perspective sometimes. Yesterday I was riding the subway in Toronto. As I stepped onto the train, I saw this guy sitting there reading his paper. He didn't appear to be Mr.Chatty Catty (not many on the subway are). But within 2 minutes of sitting down beside him, he flashed me a smile and went onto school me on the workings of the TTC. I didn't tell him I wasn't from Toronto, didn't let on that I didn't know toot sweet about the TTC or care for that matter, but just acknowledged his musings and let him talk. I didn't walk away from that conversation with much to help me in life, but it made me smile to think this guy put all his TTC rumblings out to a stranger who cared enough to listen. I bet he felt better about his day. I know I did. Good deed done Tia.
You can learn a lot about someone by watching them talk. Watch their facial expressions, watch their eye movement and watch their gestures. Now turn it up a notch and listen to how they say their words and observe how they choose the words they use. You can sum a person up pretty good if you master these skills. Secretly I play this game all the time. I call it "Tia's amateur attempt at profiling". It's silly, but in my head, I'm having a blast!
Listening also puts life into perspective sometimes. Yesterday I was riding the subway in Toronto. As I stepped onto the train, I saw this guy sitting there reading his paper. He didn't appear to be Mr.Chatty Catty (not many on the subway are). But within 2 minutes of sitting down beside him, he flashed me a smile and went onto school me on the workings of the TTC. I didn't tell him I wasn't from Toronto, didn't let on that I didn't know toot sweet about the TTC or care for that matter, but just acknowledged his musings and let him talk. I didn't walk away from that conversation with much to help me in life, but it made me smile to think this guy put all his TTC rumblings out to a stranger who cared enough to listen. I bet he felt better about his day. I know I did. Good deed done Tia.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Cupid Cometh Whenever
The full thrust of Valentine's Day shall be upon us tomorrow. Yet, do you ever think about how non-inclusive this holiday is? Discriminatory really if you want to be brutally honest. Is everyone in the world in love?
If you think about it, this holiday is a psychological killer. We're taught from the age of 5 and up that we should be excited about the possibility of being someone's Valentine. You may remember that anticipation of getting to school to see if you got a card from that boy or girl you had a crush on. When you didn't, how sad did that make you? Crushed at such a young age. And that's just the start. Welcome to being in love!
There are pressures that go along with this special designated day. Do you get someone flowers? If you do, what colour? What message does that send? Do you buy another gift to go with the flowers? If you don't, do you come off as cheap or inconsiderate? Do you cook supper or go out with reservations you made 6 months ago. If you didn't make reservations and stand in line for 45 min, are you an idiot for not having put enough thought into it? If you go out with someone for Valentine's Day in what you think is a platonic sense, does that send a message of another sort?
Valentine's Day is stupid. There! I've said it out loud. It's an excuse to play John Michael Montgomery songs over and over and make single people want to grab a spoon and gag themselves. It's like a mini version of life. We, as a society, are told from a young age that we have to grow up, go to university, get a career, meet someone, get married, buy a house, make babies, and then retire in Arizona or Florida.
Guess what? You don't have to follow the laid out Valentine's Day path. You can buck the trend, ignore it, and be a happy single person all you want. As long as you're happy with who you are and how your life is, why should society go "oh honey" when you tell them you don't have any special plans for February 14th. Some of you may get that HIMYM Katy Perry reference.
February 14th to me, is my sister's birthday. That's why it's special. Happy Birthday sis!
Tia
If you think about it, this holiday is a psychological killer. We're taught from the age of 5 and up that we should be excited about the possibility of being someone's Valentine. You may remember that anticipation of getting to school to see if you got a card from that boy or girl you had a crush on. When you didn't, how sad did that make you? Crushed at such a young age. And that's just the start. Welcome to being in love!
There are pressures that go along with this special designated day. Do you get someone flowers? If you do, what colour? What message does that send? Do you buy another gift to go with the flowers? If you don't, do you come off as cheap or inconsiderate? Do you cook supper or go out with reservations you made 6 months ago. If you didn't make reservations and stand in line for 45 min, are you an idiot for not having put enough thought into it? If you go out with someone for Valentine's Day in what you think is a platonic sense, does that send a message of another sort?
Valentine's Day is stupid. There! I've said it out loud. It's an excuse to play John Michael Montgomery songs over and over and make single people want to grab a spoon and gag themselves. It's like a mini version of life. We, as a society, are told from a young age that we have to grow up, go to university, get a career, meet someone, get married, buy a house, make babies, and then retire in Arizona or Florida.
Guess what? You don't have to follow the laid out Valentine's Day path. You can buck the trend, ignore it, and be a happy single person all you want. As long as you're happy with who you are and how your life is, why should society go "oh honey" when you tell them you don't have any special plans for February 14th. Some of you may get that HIMYM Katy Perry reference.
February 14th to me, is my sister's birthday. That's why it's special. Happy Birthday sis!
Tia
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Loyalty Gets you Everywhere
I've been very lucky to have some amazing mentors over the course of my 20 year career. They taught me a lot about logistics, planning, problem solving, mechanics etc. But something no one can teach, but can exhibit by leading by example, is how to build loyalty.
To be able to build loyalty is an amazing tool to have in your deck of cards. To be loyal is a strength those above and around you admire. When you don't have loyalty, you shouldn't be in a leader's chair.
As a manager, it's important to me that everyone who works for me is a human being, not a slave. Consideration of their time, family, schedule and life in general is a code I try to abide by. I don't care if they're on the bottom of the totem pole and they only make $10 an hour. They're no less a person than I am. And as a manager, I try to be friends with my employees as well.You do have to be careful about friendships, and there's an art to where you draw the line, but it can be done.
I'm very lucky to have a great team of ladies who work for me. Most of my street team crew have been with me for at least 2 years. Jen, the vet, has been with me since we launched the station almost 3 years ago. These girls don't make a fortune, they often attend things that aren't always the most exciting to be at, and there's some pretty nasty stuff they put up with being the face we send out on the street. But they're a loyal bunch. I have girls who offer to take sick days or use their vacation days from their full time jobs so they can come work a filler last minute shift for me. I always have someone who puts their hand up when I'm in dire straits. And if I personally ever needed anything, I'm sure I could ask for their help. I've even had one of my girls say that when I leave, she leaves.
If only I could win the fight to get them a raise, I'd be happy. I'll keep trying, but until then, I'll just tell everyone how amazing they are instead and always be grateful for their loyalty.
Tia
To be able to build loyalty is an amazing tool to have in your deck of cards. To be loyal is a strength those above and around you admire. When you don't have loyalty, you shouldn't be in a leader's chair.
As a manager, it's important to me that everyone who works for me is a human being, not a slave. Consideration of their time, family, schedule and life in general is a code I try to abide by. I don't care if they're on the bottom of the totem pole and they only make $10 an hour. They're no less a person than I am. And as a manager, I try to be friends with my employees as well.You do have to be careful about friendships, and there's an art to where you draw the line, but it can be done.
I'm very lucky to have a great team of ladies who work for me. Most of my street team crew have been with me for at least 2 years. Jen, the vet, has been with me since we launched the station almost 3 years ago. These girls don't make a fortune, they often attend things that aren't always the most exciting to be at, and there's some pretty nasty stuff they put up with being the face we send out on the street. But they're a loyal bunch. I have girls who offer to take sick days or use their vacation days from their full time jobs so they can come work a filler last minute shift for me. I always have someone who puts their hand up when I'm in dire straits. And if I personally ever needed anything, I'm sure I could ask for their help. I've even had one of my girls say that when I leave, she leaves.
If only I could win the fight to get them a raise, I'd be happy. I'll keep trying, but until then, I'll just tell everyone how amazing they are instead and always be grateful for their loyalty.
Tia
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Oh Oprah
I wonder sometimes what it's like being in Oprah Winfrey's family. Having all your laundry put out there for the entire world to see. I also wonder how much of it is really true or to what extent. I will put my hand up right now and say I cannot stand Oprah Winfrey. Truthfully I feel like she makes half the stuff up about her life for the sake of having something sensational to put on her show for the sake of viewership numbers.
Yesterday was a perfect example of that manipulation. They teased all weekend about a "shocking family secret" coming up on Monday! Ohhhhhhhhhh, awwwwwwww. Then this shocking secret that Oprah says "shook her to the core" is that she has a half sister she just found out about! What a waste of suspense.
I, too, have a half brother I've never met. I've known for a long time that I did. I don't remember being shook to the core when I found out. I have no desire to meet him or know where he is or what he's done with his life. I can't say the same for my mother. I know that she would love to find him and meet him and will till the day she dies. I wish I shared her heart's desire for her sake, but I just don't. I'm a believer that everything happens for a reason, and you should leave well enough alone. I have a sister who's one of my best friends and that's all the siblings I need.
I also have a half-eaten potato salad in the fridge. Maybe I should do a whole show of my own about that. Ratings grabber I say!
Tia
Yesterday was a perfect example of that manipulation. They teased all weekend about a "shocking family secret" coming up on Monday! Ohhhhhhhhhh, awwwwwwww. Then this shocking secret that Oprah says "shook her to the core" is that she has a half sister she just found out about! What a waste of suspense.
I, too, have a half brother I've never met. I've known for a long time that I did. I don't remember being shook to the core when I found out. I have no desire to meet him or know where he is or what he's done with his life. I can't say the same for my mother. I know that she would love to find him and meet him and will till the day she dies. I wish I shared her heart's desire for her sake, but I just don't. I'm a believer that everything happens for a reason, and you should leave well enough alone. I have a sister who's one of my best friends and that's all the siblings I need.
I also have a half-eaten potato salad in the fridge. Maybe I should do a whole show of my own about that. Ratings grabber I say!
Tia
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Dude Doesn't Need a Wingman!
I got this email via Facebook today from some dude. I'm going to assume it's a scam, but for just a moment I had butterflies (rolling eyes...throw up in my mouth a bit butterflies)...read and enjoy!
"Hope you don`t mind my email because I was just surfing through my matches as it was sent to me by this site and I guess your profile captured my minds eyes, Oh I’m sorry for not introducing myself, your beauty almost took me on hostage, Am James. I’m new here and am hoping you could say hi and let’s see what fate has for us, do you believe in Faith? Sweetie, why don`t you tell me a little about yourself, you know a journey of a thousand miles always begins with a step really wish to get to know you and start correspondence with you to see what we can make out of this. I am eager to get a response from you soonest on my private email"
I think he forgot to ask me "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven like that".
PASS!
Tia
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Stealing our Format
Every few years, not unlike any format, country music goes through this cycle of cookie cutter-ness in order to survive. It went through it in the mid 90's when even Garth Brooks was struggling to put out a good product that radio and fans were receptive to.Sadly our format is, in my opinion, back in that boat.
Every time it happens, someone comes along and saves our dying format. Say what you will about Shania, but she was very instrumental during that dry spell in making our format sell-able again, even though it was a mediocre product. The world suddenly took notice and the format had a breath of well needed fresh air blown into its weak lungs. Shortly after, the Dixie Chicks came along and took it to whole new heights, only they actually kept the element of "country" in it.
The major difference nowadays, is that the artists coming along are "Shanias". Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and so forth. By Shanias, I mean they're artists who sell records like hot cakes, but they're also artists who other formats are raping us of. The other day a friend told me she was listening to a Hot AC station in our market that played Sugarland, Keith Urban and Johnny Reid back to back! Can you believe that?? AC stations are doing the same.
So as a country format, what are we doing about it to make our product retain our listeners? What can you do really? You can' t tell the other stations to stop or you'll spank them. You can't tell Keith Urban to make his music sound more country.
Here's what we should be doing. We should be reaping the benefits of the strength that country "gold" music offers us. Those other stations aren't going to suddenly start playing Mark Chesnutt, or Clay Walker, or Clint Black, or Lorrie Morgan, or Pam Tillis or the older George Strait stuff. So why not play it!? It's like an oil well in your back yard that you're not doing a damn thing about. You and I grew up listening to that stuff. It's a part of our being and it sounds damn good on the radio.
Am I wrong?
Tia
Every time it happens, someone comes along and saves our dying format. Say what you will about Shania, but she was very instrumental during that dry spell in making our format sell-able again, even though it was a mediocre product. The world suddenly took notice and the format had a breath of well needed fresh air blown into its weak lungs. Shortly after, the Dixie Chicks came along and took it to whole new heights, only they actually kept the element of "country" in it.
The major difference nowadays, is that the artists coming along are "Shanias". Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and so forth. By Shanias, I mean they're artists who sell records like hot cakes, but they're also artists who other formats are raping us of. The other day a friend told me she was listening to a Hot AC station in our market that played Sugarland, Keith Urban and Johnny Reid back to back! Can you believe that?? AC stations are doing the same.
So as a country format, what are we doing about it to make our product retain our listeners? What can you do really? You can' t tell the other stations to stop or you'll spank them. You can't tell Keith Urban to make his music sound more country.
Here's what we should be doing. We should be reaping the benefits of the strength that country "gold" music offers us. Those other stations aren't going to suddenly start playing Mark Chesnutt, or Clay Walker, or Clint Black, or Lorrie Morgan, or Pam Tillis or the older George Strait stuff. So why not play it!? It's like an oil well in your back yard that you're not doing a damn thing about. You and I grew up listening to that stuff. It's a part of our being and it sounds damn good on the radio.
Am I wrong?
Tia
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tia to the Max
Do things happen in 3's? I'm hoping that holds true with the lotto luck I've been having as of late. First a free play, then the next week $2. Today I bought my coffee and lotto max ticket feeling like it was my time to shine.
Statistically speaking though, it's probably not going to happen. The odds are about 1 in 30 million, and I'm not sure what kind of person I've been for god or whoever's in charge these days to bestow some goodness on me. Geographically, it's probably not Saskatchewan's turn to come up big in the "random" draws. New Years eve we had two Maxmillion winners. Last week I think there was an Alberta winner. This weekend's win will likely come from PEI, BC or Manitoba. Poor Manitoba doesn't get a lot of winners. I think it's because of they have a football team named the "Bombers" personally, but who am I to say?
But perchance I defy the odds, what would I do with $32 million or even half of it? This workin' for a living thing would be over in a real hurry I can tell you that! I'd buy a place on Jekkyl Island and golf day and night, or until the Georgia skeeters ate me up, whichever comes first. I'd also buy a place in Toronto, flip houses in Cabbagetown, and busk in Kensington Market. Obviously I wouldn't need the busking money, it would just be great material to blog and webisode with! I would probably go back to school as well and take something that would be useful should I ever blow my wad of cash too fast. But I've got some mean busking skills, so I can't see money ever being a problem.
Wish me luck ;)
Tia
Statistically speaking though, it's probably not going to happen. The odds are about 1 in 30 million, and I'm not sure what kind of person I've been for god or whoever's in charge these days to bestow some goodness on me. Geographically, it's probably not Saskatchewan's turn to come up big in the "random" draws. New Years eve we had two Maxmillion winners. Last week I think there was an Alberta winner. This weekend's win will likely come from PEI, BC or Manitoba. Poor Manitoba doesn't get a lot of winners. I think it's because of they have a football team named the "Bombers" personally, but who am I to say?
But perchance I defy the odds, what would I do with $32 million or even half of it? This workin' for a living thing would be over in a real hurry I can tell you that! I'd buy a place on Jekkyl Island and golf day and night, or until the Georgia skeeters ate me up, whichever comes first. I'd also buy a place in Toronto, flip houses in Cabbagetown, and busk in Kensington Market. Obviously I wouldn't need the busking money, it would just be great material to blog and webisode with! I would probably go back to school as well and take something that would be useful should I ever blow my wad of cash too fast. But I've got some mean busking skills, so I can't see money ever being a problem.
Wish me luck ;)
Tia
Monday, January 10, 2011
Osgood Did Good
This time of year always reminds me of my first semester of college. My dad drove me to Medicine Hat with a pick up truck loaded up with all my worldly possessions, which could have fit in a Toyota Corolla truthfully. We checked into the Resident Advisor's office, paid our fees, got our keys and went to our rez building.
As soon as we opened the door, we were hit with a draft of hot air. Apparently the rez advisor (whose name was Simon if I remember correctly) was checking houses over the holidays. Ours must have been a little cool, so he turned the heat up. All the way up and then forgot to go back and turn it back down! It was so hot in that place, that without a word of a lie, I can tell you that even the frozen foods in the freezer were melted.
My poor room-mates came home expecting a Chinese room-mate. They expressed happiness I was not. But they had quite the mess of melted food to clean up thanks to a dumb boy.
Aside from that hiccup, living in that rez was one of the best times of my life. I met one of my best friends from Saskatchewan who ironically now lives 45 minutes north of my hometown in Alberta. I dated a volleyball player from the Rattlers, which apparently was kind of a big deal. Although he turned out to be a nerd. And I met a future NHL'er before he was famous.
We had been out to the club (Mario's was the hot spot then) and ended up bringing a little party back to our rez. One of the guys there was this hot shot that played for the Tigers. He was pretty lit up and decided he was going to hit on my room-mate all night. I'm not sure her interest level, because she left him passed out on our living room floor. When we woke up he was gone though. Apparently he had walked from the college area, very poorly dressed for the blizzard that day, likely hungover, all the way up to the Crescent Heights area where he lived.
That's how I'll always remember Chris Osgood. I guess even though he struck out with the ladies that night, who am I to judge? Because he's now of course a millionaire playing in the NHL.
Tia
As soon as we opened the door, we were hit with a draft of hot air. Apparently the rez advisor (whose name was Simon if I remember correctly) was checking houses over the holidays. Ours must have been a little cool, so he turned the heat up. All the way up and then forgot to go back and turn it back down! It was so hot in that place, that without a word of a lie, I can tell you that even the frozen foods in the freezer were melted.
My poor room-mates came home expecting a Chinese room-mate. They expressed happiness I was not. But they had quite the mess of melted food to clean up thanks to a dumb boy.
Aside from that hiccup, living in that rez was one of the best times of my life. I met one of my best friends from Saskatchewan who ironically now lives 45 minutes north of my hometown in Alberta. I dated a volleyball player from the Rattlers, which apparently was kind of a big deal. Although he turned out to be a nerd. And I met a future NHL'er before he was famous.
We had been out to the club (Mario's was the hot spot then) and ended up bringing a little party back to our rez. One of the guys there was this hot shot that played for the Tigers. He was pretty lit up and decided he was going to hit on my room-mate all night. I'm not sure her interest level, because she left him passed out on our living room floor. When we woke up he was gone though. Apparently he had walked from the college area, very poorly dressed for the blizzard that day, likely hungover, all the way up to the Crescent Heights area where he lived.
That's how I'll always remember Chris Osgood. I guess even though he struck out with the ladies that night, who am I to judge? Because he's now of course a millionaire playing in the NHL.
Tia
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Career Aptitude Test
When you hit grade 10, you might have gotten scheduled for a sit down with the school guidance counsellor to discuss "your future". I remember Mrs.Thorton and that tiny little dark office in a wing of the school library very well. After all the multiple choice questions one could answer, my career aptitude test suggested I go into the army or become a detective. It's ok, you can laugh out loud at that all you want, I know I did at that time!
20 years later, I think being a detective would be great! I watch Criminal Minds and NCIS all the time after all. But I did not follow those career paths. Instead I started out taking psychology. My reasoning was that I wanted to help people, but reality was, I came from a bad childhood and wanted to figure myself out moreso. That and I couldn't afford to go to university for the length of a master's degree. So I switched paths and decided to go into music production. However, somehow in my interview process, I got put into the broadcasting program instead. I thought "what the hell" and here I am today almost 20 years of radio under my belt.
I'm sure everyone questions their career path at some point. Guilty as charged! When I was living in Lethbridge in the early 2000's, I decided to look at going back to school after working in a station that was stress riddled with turmoil. I remember sitting on about the 5th hole of a golf course with my friend Linda, telling her that if I didn't get a job at the station in Medicine Hat that I had applied for, I was going back to take my New Media program which I had been accepted for. About a week later, I got the job in Medicine Hat and continued my radio path.
Present day, I often wonder where I would be if I had gone back to take that New Media program. It's a field these days that's in demand, and we radio folk know how fickle our industry is for jobs don't we? Given that situation though, would I know the people I know and have the friends I do if I had followed that path?
Catch 22 I guess.
Someday I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up :)
Tia
20 years later, I think being a detective would be great! I watch Criminal Minds and NCIS all the time after all. But I did not follow those career paths. Instead I started out taking psychology. My reasoning was that I wanted to help people, but reality was, I came from a bad childhood and wanted to figure myself out moreso. That and I couldn't afford to go to university for the length of a master's degree. So I switched paths and decided to go into music production. However, somehow in my interview process, I got put into the broadcasting program instead. I thought "what the hell" and here I am today almost 20 years of radio under my belt.
I'm sure everyone questions their career path at some point. Guilty as charged! When I was living in Lethbridge in the early 2000's, I decided to look at going back to school after working in a station that was stress riddled with turmoil. I remember sitting on about the 5th hole of a golf course with my friend Linda, telling her that if I didn't get a job at the station in Medicine Hat that I had applied for, I was going back to take my New Media program which I had been accepted for. About a week later, I got the job in Medicine Hat and continued my radio path.
Present day, I often wonder where I would be if I had gone back to take that New Media program. It's a field these days that's in demand, and we radio folk know how fickle our industry is for jobs don't we? Given that situation though, would I know the people I know and have the friends I do if I had followed that path?
Catch 22 I guess.
Someday I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up :)
Tia
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