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.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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
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