Mod Maid's Maple Musings

Kill Your Television - Ned's Atomic Dustbin

2009-09-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Mod Musing from the Pacific Northwest:

*I have been going on about these bikini espresso places, and had to laugh when I caught on the news that a local “Grab and Go” was raided for a sting operation. Seems the girls at Grab and Go were charging for flashing customers and even more for allowing the clientele to touch them. Yep, arrested for prostitution out of a coffee hut. Amusing as heck to me…

*I saw a caterpillar on the road while walking. (Yes I have started walking again and it feels great!) I swear I can not remember the last time I saw a caterpillar-wow to the little things!

*Direct TV shows reruns of Trailer Park Boys!! I am finally getting it, and loving it! I also love that show I spoke of before, the Meatloaf hosted “Rock and a Hard Place” Music trivia answered by musicians- best show evar! LOL! Today- Tommy Tutone vs Ray Parker Jr. and Lisa Lisa vs Da Brat. I saw Sha Na Na on there a few days ago, they were real members from back in the day when they had their TV show. RIP Chico…

*I continue to get snide comments when I am walking my three pups. I bet if it were just two, I would not get the comments. I don’t understand why people feel the need to say something mean about the fact that I love dogs? Some people are nice, don’t get me wrong..I have adorable dogs but the people who pop off, why? I am a good dog owner who picks up after them in parks. And in doggie news, Wicket is ahead of the curve in his recovery..he is doing fantastic. I knew it wasn’t his time yet.. 

*A few after notes on the Polaris Prize:
It was interesting to hear the radio folks saying the next day that F*cked Up winning could push the awards a step back. It did seem to be an interesting problem, as other stations couldn’t even announce the name of the winner. It was so odd how they saved them for last to perform, a food fight breaks out and then this hardcore punk band, stripped down to their underwear wins the award for artist merit. I am willing to guess there are more people who think it was a mistake although I heard some say even if you don’t like hardcore, it is a masterpiece record. I saw F*cked Up while in Toronto for the 6 nights of Plaskett. That was the band Chris Murphy got up and sang punk with. Let’s be truthful, why else would I have seen a punk band? LOL

Jian Ghomeshi not only played with my least favorite band Patrick Watson, he introduced hip hop star K’Naan. I was quite impressed with K’Naan as a person and performer. I was not impressed with Patrick Watson, Jian or no Jian-LOL!

Elliott Brood, Hey Rosetta! And Joel sounded the best live! I don’t understand why Metric couldn’t play full band. I want to see Elliott Brood here in Seattle. We shall see, they are here in 2 weeks. They used cookie sheets and wooden spoons in the audience for percussion.

*Speaking of Hey Rosetta! I knew I like Tim Baker! His first concert was Glass Tiger!! LOL GT for Polaris Prize next year!

*I applied for a lot of radio jobs this week. Maybe I will get one response from them? Oh man, this is yet another of my most difficult challenges of my life. Believing something right will come along is HARD…

*I watched the premier of CSI for the heck of it last night. A lot of the good characters are gone-hello no Grissom? Gil was the reason I ever started watching, William Petersen is a fine actor in my opinion. But I bring this up because I can’t handle shows like that anymore. Plus it had spiders on it last night. My dreams after were nothing but bodies and spiders. Nope, can’t do that or horror films..

*Jon Auer is playing in Phoenix, I am excited for my friends that get to see him! He called from his hotel, so funny..it was in my old hood, where Karen and I always went for Joanns and Cracker Barrel. I am hoping one of my pals will call and let me hear a song from the show. I am sure I will get a show sooner or later living here..He did sayin an interview Serene Dominic did that they want to do another Posies record! Yes to all my fave bands still recording new music!

*Hoping I may get to drive someone to Portland, Oregon tomorrow!??

Leah's take on the Short List nominees of the 2009 Polaris Prize

2009-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

K’naan – This is the nominee I am least familiar with as I am not a hip-hop fan but I know He got some airplay in the states. He has the reggae thing backing his rhymes. Canada is not known for it’s Hip-Hop. Maybe they aren’t angry enough or have enough attitudes. This is the first hip-hop nominee I recall. It is well done from what I have heard but I highly doubt this will surpass the CanCon Indie superstars nominated.

Malajube – You know, I think Malajube has some pretty good odds. They make French speaking music that is fun to listen to whether you understand the language or not. They have poppy songs, very cool piano use in their arrangements. Sometimes they even add hip-hop flare. They have a decent shot at winning, but they probably won’t. Maybe-because it is in French? (I can say that, I don’t write for anyone!)

Elliott Brood – Hearing strains of this record again recently reminded me how original this band is. You may want to lump them in the Americana category but they are more then that. Yes they, Elliott Brood is a band, not a guy. I think this is a fantastic record, different than anything else that has ever been nominated. There is a dark horse shot here…

Metric – It seems like each year, there is one band nominated that is commercially more successful than the rest. (Ex – The New Pornographers, Stars, or Arcade Fire) It almost feels like it gives some mainstream attention to the rest of the more unknown, indie bands. Metric has a fine record nominated “Fantasies” that is quite varied in styles and instrumentation. Emily Haines has proven she can change up her singing style. It is a fantastic danceable record with 80’s undertones. It is also the most commercial sounding of the nominees. If the Polaris prize is political, Metric will not win. This award appears to be about rewarded the more independent band. Metric is not that band. If Arcade Fire didn’t win for Neon Bible, Metric will not win.

Patrick Watson – Patrick Watson is a band of super young guys who make music that sounds much older than they are. Patrick has an operatic-style voice (think Jeff Buckley only higher) The songs are deep lyrically but quite frankly put me to sleep. Patrick Watson will not win the Polaris prize again. Yes, what they do is unique but this new LP is not that much different than the one they won with 2 years ago.
Hey Rosetta! – There are bands that are good but even better live. I believe this is the case for NFLD’s Hey Rosetta! I was a casual fan of theirs but once I saw them live, I understood all the fuss. Tim Baker is a fantastic song writer; he commanded an audience like Dave Matthews does. The young girls love him; the guys dig the whole band thing with string instruments. I watched a college age crowd bounce with complete adoration for them. I listened to “Into your lungs” on the drive back from seeing Hey Rosetta! Live and it wasn’t quite the same. Oh I would love for them to sneak in and win, I will be rooting for them but I don’t think they have enough clout yet…

Joel Plaskett – There is absolutely no question Joel Plaskett can write a memorable, catchy song full of his self-deprecation, down-home honesty and love for his home Province of Nova Scotia. He went for a concept record once again, this time all about Three. It includes Three records, songs with three word titles and in some cases, three singers-himself with Ana Egge and Rose Cousins. The three CDS each have their own theme. It all works, it shows a different side of Plaskett and should win. But “Ashtray Rock” didn’t win and it should have. I fear Three is too long for the judges to vote for it. Plaskett is certainly the king of Canadian Indie rock but this may not be the record he will win with. I will still be cheering this sweetheart of a fella on!

Fucked Up – Believe it or not, I actually saw this band live, for a Christmas show no less! They do punk rock like all the great ones did. It is not that far from any other pure punk rock record. It was wise on the Polaris Prize nominating committee to recognize this band’s talent. They will not win however.

Great Lake Swimmers – Most everyone who follows this prize thought GLS had it in the bag for their debut record 2 years ago. Patrick Watson later even came out and said GLS should have won! I think there is a soft spot still in the judges for this folky band to win. Do not rule them out Monday night. Their most recent “Lost Channels” is a very, very quiet effort. Too quiet?

Chad Van Gaalen – If you listen to Canadian Independent radio and writers, He should have won two years ago and will win Monday night. His music is unique, I understand that but in the Indie media, he is the second coming of Neil Young. They will award him the Polaris Prize. He will mumble some bizarre thanks and the Indie CanCon world will all be happy he finally got what they all believe he deserved. If he doesn’t, my jaw drops and he becomes the Susan Lucci of the Polaris Prize.

Don't Change - INXS

2009-09-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

Last night Karen read me a letter I wrote her in May of 1989. Want to know what the scariest part of it was? 20 years later and I sound the same! I was chattering about bands, life in AZ and our friends. It was insane how little I have changed yet some much transpired in between. My favorite line from it was: “I don’t mind rock radio playing alternative stuff.” OMG, hilarious! I was going on about KUPD playing The Cure. Hahaha!
What I also find interesting about this letter is that when my mom passed away, Dan insisted I changed. What I think may be more true is that I changed (conformed) when I got married and that the real Leah came back. Because I no longer had my mom, I reached back inside and found me. I went back to what I truly enjoyed from crafting to travelling to see bands. What a revelation! Dan had me convinced I changed. Of course, without my mom I was altered but I don’t believe I truly “changed” even though he had me believing I did. I rediscovered ME! In fact, I am a bit disappointed with myself if I compromised who I was for marriage. I have watched so many girlfriends do that for their husbands, I swore I never would but maybe I did. Our demise had more to do with finding our true selves. He did too and then he realized that our true-selves had completely different directions in which we were heading. I think that is why we were both so ok with our divorce. We both knew we only needed each other for that period of time. I sense that is why I am so at peace right now, I finally have returned to 1989 Leah… It explains my desire to move too. The very first thing I realized when I swallowed that the divorce was happening was that I didn’t have to stay in Arizona anymore. Complete peace will come when that job slips into my pocket along with my own place; And when I am entertaining friends again at my own place. That is me.

Randomness:

It dawned on me that I should do a search for diners in Washington! I bet there are some cool ones here!

One thing I don’t necessarily like still from 1989 is my constant need to have a crush. It is lame at 42 because you have too much sensibility to let it just be fun. But trust me, I always have a crush and most of the time, it is not a healthy one.

So remember how I was saying they have these bikini espresso places here in Washington. Well now I drove by a place that proclaimed- No Bikinis! See, I knew some women would object! They have ones labeled Bikini bottoms too- oh brother.. Plus they have city meetings to ban them. Hilarious.

I noticed that out in the country, the convenience stores have fryers so the food in the case is fresher than a place like 7-11 with hot dogs rolling. I am guessing this is because you have longer drives so you eat more “real” food from the gas station? On a drive to Port Angeles I stopped at the absolute nicest convenience store ever. I can’t even describe it but it was nicer than most AJ’s plus it was huge! It was on a reservation near a casino, not sure if that had anything to do with it.

I took the dogs to a “forest” today. It was part of Spanaway city parks. It was very nice but it was the first time I realized I should be more concerned with my safety. I saw an unsavory character heading into this forest then as it wound around a lot of woods, I realized I shouldn’t do everything by myself. I am awkward enough trying to walk three dogs. If someone would have robbed me I would be so easy with the clumsiness of the dogs. I will not be returning there. I need to stick to open dog parks with lots of people. Maybe I am too independent sometimes..

The Polaris Prize is only 2 nights away. I wonder if anyone else gets as excited for this as I do. Next year I will host a party for it! Hahahah! I need to listen to Jian on Monday! Wish he was hosting it again but he is not, Grant Lawrence is again.

I miss being social. This should not be a big surprise. My life was always so packed with activities. It is good to reflect but I need to just hang out with my pals-just laugh and have fun…Thank goodness for the phone. I have gotten some great laughs on the phone since in Washington-you know who you all are! ;)

You know who I have been listening to lately..The Posies.. Must be something about the location?? ;)

I heard the K-os take over show on Iceberg this week. I really like how much of a music fan he is. He is very humble to be around other musicians. He told stories of meeting Moe Berg from TPOH plus his appearance in the Death from Above video. I knew he would play Sloan because I knew he was a fan. He went on about how he thinks Chris Murphy is talented at everything he does. He also played "The Other Man" and hinted to it being about Feist but would not break musician code. Sorry, K-Os, most fans know Chris was the other man who stole her away from which ever BSS guy she was with at the time. The most entertaining story he told was about Sam Roberts. He said he was watching Live 8 and saw Sam sing a new song at the time "Brigde to nowhere" K-OS thought it was a song about him and was bummed out. Then he said he talked to both Peter Elkas (:HEARTBEATS:) and Murray Lightburn of The Dears. They both thought Sam wrote the song about them. As K-OS concluded- we were all so vain, we thought the song was about us. That was funny! Maybe other musicians confide their deep dark secrets to Sam Roberts. Who wouldn't? If it meant a longer chance to stare at that gorgeous man, well? He must have more bromance than Plaskett!

Karen swore I would love the new Mountain Dew Ultra Violet but nope. I had another self discovery! I do not like fruity flavors carbonated. They have to be like kool-aid. Carbonation for me needs to stay in the cola family. Who am I kidding, carbonation needs to stay in the Dr. Pepper family for me-period. Did you know I never drank carbonated drinks until my late 20's. Now there was a habit I should have kept! I had an ex-boyfriend who loved Dr. Pepper. I would sip his everyday and boom- I was hooked! Damn him! LOL!

Did I mention I am seeing Matthew Good in November? I suspect so for the next 2 months until the show!

Bandages - Hot Hot Heat

2009-09-18T22:25:00.001-07:00

Ode to DB Sweeney! Found out he is on a TV show called Crash. Glad he is getting work, will have to see the show...

I was super insecure about myself pretty much until I started racing. It stemmed for the constant desire to please people along with the desire for everyone to like me. Plus I was never shapely or particularly cool. I was a successful on-air personality for years but never had a confidence about what I did. It was an odd thing, it was more important for my ego and self-confidence to do well drag racing. It was something I had to put effort into, it was not a natural talent like talking on the radio. My desire to race constantly was because it advanced my confidence. But when I did poorly, it was hard to hide my disappointment. I also credit my ex-husband for making me realize someone could accept me for me. He encouraged me to believe that I was beautiful. I will always credit him for that. I refuse to let those feelings of confidence rescind just because our marriage ended or because I am not racing anymore.

Not finding a job is clawing at that confidence. After the split, I found myself to be stronger than ever. I believe it showed. I was feeling so good about starting a new. I was free from the very difficult situations that came with my marriage. I wore my clothes with a different belief. I had a successful career; I worked hard plus I believed that I would find love again also. I have got to get that sense back. I know it is in me. Yet today, when trying to make a radio demo, I felt like that insecure girl of 25 all over again. It makes me think I should have capitalized on the Best of Phx and local CD release. But I was too insecure to realize those accolades could have moved me beyond where I was in radio. I never had enough confidence to push open bigger doors. My answer when asked what I do best is radio. I know in my heart that it is the one thing in my life that is the most natural. (Along with caring for those I love) So why, why would I not feel the most confident ever in the idea of approaching radio again? It is so subjective, one program director may love ya, and the next finds you lacking energy. I suspect that too much is riding on this so I am pressuring myself beyond belief. Therefore, not sounding natural…

I watched two married folks at dinner tonight look so happy and in love. I can only pray it can happen again. But it will have to be an equal partnership this time. I don’t want it just to have love in my life again. I believe I will repel anything that resembles the difficulties in my marriage. I liked being a wife, I really did. It just has to be completely equal if I ever enter something again.

Music Musings…
The Polaris Prize Gala is this Monday. You know I am counting the days to listen! I will try to write out my evaluation of the ten nominees in my next blog.

Jon Auer is playing in Phoenix next week. I am excited for my friends to see him. Maybe someone will hold up the phone for me to hear some of it! I have been trying to help him get some press in town prior to the show. He is heading by the Blaze too. Of course I will be even more thrilled when I get a show to see here in Seattle. Kinda funny I move to Posieland and Phoenix gets a show before I do…

This lack of money is crimping my concert going desires! In-Flight is playing in Vancouver as is Two Hours Traffic but I can not justify going up there for shows until I have an income. Hence I am looking for jobs closer to BC, so it is easier yet to see all my CanCon bands.

Two shows I am definitely going to: Amy Millan in Seattle-oh yes..I will ball my eyes out when she does “Skinny Boy.” That is a given. My dear pal Andrew purchased 2nd row tickets for Matthew Good Nov 10. I am so excited for both!!! I have wanted to see Matt again so bad and Amy solo is going to be amazing!!!

Listening to some extra Plaskett songs from itunes-good stuff. Plus he has a funny little hip-hop song with Classified. I would love to see him win the Polaris. I just think the Three record is just too long for the judges.

I heard a band I liked on CBC3 last week. They are called Hospital Grade. While poking around the internet, I went to their website. Their latest news? They finished recording a song for the Sloan tribute record. Of course.., Of course… So it turns out indeed there is a tribute record being done. It should be fun a few times, I liked The Posies one but tributes only last a few listens in my opinion.

And finally, good old Kella on Iceberg could not pronounce Nanaimo. (nor could she say Polaris) Give me that girl’s job!!! See I haven’t lost all my self-confidence….LOL

Day Job - Gin Blossoms

2009-09-13T00:08:00.001-07:00

Don’t quit your day job unless you have another one signed and sealed! Times are extremely tough; some jobs are getting hundreds of applicants. I have a file full of big rejection letters. Shame on me for being so confident my resume was enough to get myself another gig. I maintain that I have the talent and the skill to kill at any job hired for but I am a job search virgin. Seriously, I never had to do this before. How blessed I have been, I went from job to job by reputation without ever needing to search for one. My interview several weeks ago with UW was my first committee interview ever. I plug away but the internet applications do not substitute for face to face contact. My resume certainly may throw off some educational institutes. I did not have a conventional job so the adviser jobs I apply for are probably thrown out the window. The one job closest to my Cronk job needed a fricking Masters degree. I suspect one needs an insider to assist in getting any interview. I magically dream that someone in a hiring committee sees this resume, says “Look how interesting and different this gal is.” Doubtful considering the amount of calls I have gotten. (That total is 1)

Here is the truth…I am scared and I am running out of money. What I am not out of is optimism. I took a huge leap leaving Arizona. I refuse to believe I made a mistake doing so. I absolutely LOVE Western Washington. I want to be here and I believe somehow I will find a way to make this work. I have my moments of depression, who wouldn’t? I miss having my own home, my chance to be creative, heck I miss my shoes.. ;) I have worn the same set of clothing I packed for the drive to Alaska. But do not read this as a feel sorry for me blog. I am so grateful to have a place to stay with Mary. I never realized it as much as when I drove back from Bellingham. I felt like I had a ‘home’ to return to. Being in this atmosphere has helped heal me. I was a wreck when I left Phoenix…I was worse from the Alaska ordeal. The peace I have been seeking since Dan said he wanted a divorce is happening in Yelm, Washington. I am learning so much about spiritual teachings. The ideal of living in the “now” is appealing to me on so many levels. I believe I will be thoroughly entrenched in bliss once the job search ends. It is such a nagging tap on my shoulder.

I was supposed to start the temp job at the Puyallup Fair this week. At training we were told we would work 12 hours a day for 22 days straight. Add an hour drive both ways for me and it would have been 14 hours a day. I really wanted to do it and was looking forward to the chance to mingle with all sorts of people! And yes I need the money. It just wasn’t going to work. Various reasons from the dogs to not being enough money made it impossible. I wish it could have worked out but it wasn’t meant to be for some reason.

One of those reasons may be the opportunity to meet with a GM at a radio group in Bellingham, WA this past Friday. Once again, my guardian angel of Yelm Mary made a few calls and found the contact for me to email. I have been thinking a lot about Bellingham as an option because of it being between Seattle and Vancouver. I also suspect the rent may be fairly less then Seattle. Mary encouraged me to take the 3 hour drive up and explore. The GM responded quickly to my inquiry, kindly agreeing to meet with me the following day. We had a very nice 45 minute talk about the Phoenix radio market in which he was quite familiar with. He was impressed with the stations I had worked at. It ended with him telling me to do a simple demo for him and he would “see what he could do.” That was more than I was even expecting so I felt empowered again. Empowered that I could do radio again, that I wasn’t too far removed from it to be considered. It was a reminder to myself that I did do major market radio and it could still be recognized as such. It was also an interesting juxtaposition of occupational interview styles. The discussion was much more down to earth. It reminded me that I was never fully part of the educational world. Job or no job, the meeting was important to my self-worth and confidence.

I don’t know what happens when I run out of money. It is the major worry I keep trying to fight. I know I need to keep looking for temporary work. My therapist suggested I advertise dog-sitting. I like that idea! Selling items is also an option. If I move my items into a storage space, I could sell the trailer. And yes, if worst came to worst, I start selling my CDs. It is so hard to explain but I am so calm and happy inside even though I am in the direst circumstances of my life. Oh if we didn’t need money in our lives…

Random music notes:

In the very same day I listened to the new Two Hours Traffic, Amy Millan and Matthew Good. WOW! I still just get so excited for release dates of my favorite artists! At this moment I would say that Matthew Good’s Vancouver will be my LP of the year. We shall see in December ;)

I got in the car to drive to Bellingham and Chris Murphy was co-hosting on CBC3. Naturally I was tickled! I have expressed a zillion times how much I miss his and Jay’s radio show. My favorite giggle of the show was Chris saying who else would host a show like Q than Jian Ghomeshi to which Craig Norris responded “You.” Chris said he tries to get Jian to let him fill in all the time to no avail. Love it! Another giggle was Chris looking at a picture of Sloan and saying “There I am with my old collarbone.”

Elephant Stone is a project from a former member of the High Dials. Big Ah-ha moment. Makes perfect sense now as opposed to them coming out of nowhere.

Andrew and I are plotting to go to Vancouver to see In-Flight Safety in Vancouver at the end of September. (I told Dan to send me money-LOL!) Two Hours Traffic are playing there the same week but I need to choose. I pick In-Flight because I know THT will be back but In-Flight seems to be touring less. Their record came out in Jan and they are just touring on it now… I am now Andrew’s flight partner. It means I fly as if a family member of an airline employee. Of course until I have a job, I won’t really be able to take advantage but I hope it means I can be at CV2 graduation…

(And I had no real good reason to use the adorable picture of Jim Zorn except that NFL starts tomorrow-Go 'Skins and 'Hawks!)

Last Parade - Matthew Good

2009-08-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Matthew Good! His new song was the first thing I heard when I turned the radio on today. Fantastic tune..New CD in October!

There is live mariachi music out my window, I am out in the middle of the country…ok I really can’t get away from AZ (I am sure John thinks that is a racist statement)

I have a lot of random thoughts to blog today. I have had an absolutely wonderful week after one day of pure depression. I am fighting so hard to have less and less of those days where I dwell on what I don’t have or what happened in the past. Live in the moment. Believe in your decisions. The past is gone, no changing it and no need to relive it in my head. No more wishing for things I don’t have, let things happen as they may. All those positive chats need to be present constantly. No more getting those neurons all worked up into frenzy! Yep, if I focus on good, things all flow.

Some things about Washington:

*I saw a store called “Stupid Prices” I should go in and see if it is true. It was next to a dollar store, does that mean it is less than a dollar?

*To attract folks away from Starbucks, many espresso places have bikini-clad girls working the drive thru. A few thoughts come to mind…
a. what about the women customers, where is Jim Zorn to serve me my Chai tea? (Ok maybe most women want that Twilight guy or Brad Pitt)
b. Is this wise? What if she accidentally spills, scalding her body…
c. Is this any different than Hooters, I am sure it offends women. I am indifferent to that but many women find this super degrading.
d. I never saw this in Phoenix where it is warm, I bet these women in Washington are freezing. Oh now I get it…

*They have a lot of these “roundabouts” on their roads. The first time I encountered one was in Halifax. I was pretty sure I was going to die. The ones here in Washington are not as traffic-filled but still scare me. I just don’t think everyone gets the concept, therefore “danger-danger!” Why can’t we just stick to 4-way stops? A traffic light?

* Ivars is a famous seafood place downtown Seattle. Maybe they have always had these but I just noticed they have Ivars fast food joints around the rest of town. It is a small consolation for lack of In ‘n Outs… “Giant Prawns to go pleas!”

*I keep seeing the same people! Even the same cars! The day I got the job at the Puyallup Fair, I was parked next to a cool PT cruiser with flames. Two days later I saw it in the town I am staying in which is a good 30 miles away.

*Grr to a Sheriff who came flying up on my rear while driving. It made me figure I was nailed for speeding. I was waiting for him to pull me over as he tailed me for miles. When we finally came to a second lane, he flew around me like a jack-ass in an import racer. I watched him with other cars after, he was a tailgating Sheriff. JERK!

* I hear the most bizarre noises at night out in the country, Ones that wake me out of a dead sleep. The funniest one wasn’t outside though. Mary’s refrigerator must have demons to shake when it defrosts. Scared me straight out of bed one night! Speaking of beds, when I finally get my own place I am going to get a King size bed. My two hounds take up more room than I do.

*Oh I found a tiny little scam…I heard a women say to a sales clerk that she was from Oregon so they didn’t charge her sales tax. She just had to show her drivers license. Guess who has a driver’s license from a state with no sales tax…. (and no I don’t mean AZ. AZ has plenty of sales tax…)

*Finally if I may make a small suggestion for my bearded male friends, never go apply for a job with a comb stored in your beard….;)

What You Need - INXS

2009-08-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

It's Tim Farriss' 52 B-day today!!!

I think I am listening to my favorite record of the year as I type! Before I moved, I heard a single from this band Elephant Stone on The Verge. Oh the single was killer! Then they ended up on the Polaris long list. I searched all three Canadian record stores I got to stop at on the way to Alaska. Only one had a slot for it but no CD. Today, I wised up and looked on itunes…I just never expect obscure little Canadian bands to be on itunes but it was! This is sweet poppy heaven! The vocals are very slightly Jay Ferg sounding..

Also discovered today that I can listen to CBC3 and CBC1 on my iphone! I finally looked into applications for it. I have not cared for the phone because it does not last for a long phone call. Maybe 2 ½ hours at best. I am a long way from my friends; I need long phone calls to keep me socially adept. Hahaha!

Saw Mt. Rainier today, I haven’t seen her in a few weeks. She just towers over everything and is impossible not to stare at! It is so odd how she is just sort of away from any other mountains. John Muir Quote: “Of all the fire mountains which like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier is the noblest.” Yelm is in the most ideal location to view her perfectly. Blessed I am to be in such a beautiful location!

I have now been turned down for 4 jobs. Maybe I am vain, but I thought I would get to the interview stage sooner than this. My resume is outstanding for education jobs, I know it is. I am not going to slide into self-doubt. I am learning to focus on what I want and making it happen. The tricky part is that my truest desire is to live and work in Canada. So do I focus on that or do I plan on staying in Washington for a while so I can work on manifesting my desire to become Canadian? I will change my citizenship. I don’t think I have ever fully expressed that to anyone but when I voted in the last US election, I prayed it was my last as a US citizen. After Canadian Residency, you can work towards citizenship. And I will.

Last week while poking around careerbuilder.com, I fell into a website I wasn’t even looking for. A website for Canadian radio jobs. Radio gigs open in Halifax. What could I do but try. I was out of my mind trying to be practical. I thought I wasn’t being focused enough, that I shouldn’t even go there. I have been avoiding the radio option. But as my dear friend Andi reminded me, I have a talent that could someday get me to Canada. Not every job skill could get one there. No matter what comes of this, I have to remember that doing radio is my God given talent. I may not love the business of radio but I can do it. I am staying with a dear friend who has a studio, all I can do is put together a real good demo and keep trying. I felt really good about the top 40 demo I did. I always was accused of being too bubbly on alt radio..so maybe top 40 is my gig-LOL! I still feel like I could have done even better had I not been hurried. There were more too, Northern BC, and small town NS stations.

So the question is, what do I focus on? I need to make a few calls this week to find out where the process is at. I also need to go back and check all the Washington schools again for new postings to apply for. I plan to check in with University of Washington’s Comm school as their opening has not posted yet. But what of those other radio jobs? Oh Halifax….I want to be there so bad, for the rest of my life. Is that desire keeping me from getting a job in Washington? I need spiritual guidance. I know the Universe will work for me if I work it.

What else happened this past week?
I like doing yardwork in a nice climate. I think I may even have a garden and flowers myself. Another reason I don’t miss Phoenix.

Della has a yeast infection which has caused her to need special bathes and pills twice daily. She is all dandruff looking and losing hair. I worry, of course. It is probably from the change of area, maybe even the nettles scratching her low-lying belly. She can chase a rabbit though, man she is fast! Jasper seems to love being in the country the most. He was always guarding his yard in Mesa. Now he seems to love to investigate all the acres here. Wicket actually has worried me the most. He seems to have aged from this trip. He is getting slower and looks like his legs ache when he wakes up.

I am listening to Airborne Toxic Event now. Andrew says they are the most Canadian non-Canadian band there is. I like it so far, but I knew I liked the radio tracks.

The new OLP is just that, new OLP. It seems like the last three records have presented this more polished adult rock band instead of the harder alt rock they used to be. But they always have a hooky tune or two per record. I adore their new single so I still buy.

I went to a rubber stamp store last week. Shame, shame…. I only bought one…GUILT!

I got to view the Perseids meteor shower last week. I had just spent time reading about how to live in a joyful state. The timing could be more perfect. They were almost like a dream, in fact when I awoke the next day I wasn’t sure if I really saw all those meteors or not. So weird but so fantastic. Some of them were so brilliant they would take my breath away. I am always in awe of God’s universe.
At that I say goodnight! Here’s to a great week!

"Rearview Mirror" - Pearl Jam

2009-08-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just added my resume to Career Builder.com and it spit out some recommendations based on my resume! Senior Citizen’s home activities director or Pizza Hut Delivery Driver! I am on my way!!! (Or several jobs in the US Army) Today I applied for a job that demanded an hour long personality test. It was like a facebook quiz but not as fun. It also had two math sections! I skipped the entire math reasoning section. Not surprisingly it stated the fact that I could use some math courses in the evaluation.

I have been pondering if I am a city or a country girl. (Is there a fb quiz for that?) I love being out here in the country while staying with Mary. But admit I miss being closer to the city to head out to a show at a moment’s notice. I know my reaction to an ugly orange spider the other day does not indicate I will be camping anytime soon.

It has been so enjoyable to watch my dogs enjoy the open space. Della spotted her first rabbit recently. I thought she was going to bring it back for me she ran so fast! Jasper’s sight is not so stellar; he has had two bunnies in his path but did not know it.

The job search continues. I am trying to think outside of my box. I have been exploring more general job websites now. I think I have hit all the Universities and colleges in the surrounding areas. (Maybe a few a little farther east also) I got declined for an advising job at University of Washington but it was Adviser Senior. I was pushing it-LOL! UW has new job postings daily so I frequent it. Thanks to a contact with their Communications program, I am awaiting one to apply for. It is working with Grad students. I believe I can work well with any age student. Basically I feel good if I find one or more to apply for a day.

My mind has been in overdrive, especially since we watched “What the Bleep do we know?” I am not sure I have words to properly describe how all the theories work. I just know it has opened my mind, made me think long and hard about how I have been living my life. Most importantly, how I want to see my life in the future. Visualizing what I need feels so good to me. The women I am staying with are absolutely incredible.

Watched the Tinted Windows concert on Direct TV last week. I will tell you one thing; if you looked away you would think Taylor Hanson was Robin Zander singing. They are a tad boring live but the music is so perfectly power pop. Hanson was meant to sing this style of music. Bun E. looked really fit and healthy, I heard once he had back issues. Schlessinger knows how to write a perfect pop song but we knew that already from his penning “That Thing You Do!” (Which we listened to the soundtrack several times up to Alaska and back)

I haven’t blogged yet about what happened to Chris Murphy. Chris was hit by a drunk driver while riding his bike. By the grace of God, he only has a broken collarbone. He was thrown from his bike into a parked car. I just felt sick to my stomach hearing this. I certainly sent him my get well quick wishes. Word was that Greg was learning the bass parts so they could still play a big Hali show. I think he could be a great voice for “Don’t drink and drive” in Canada once he recovers.

Dizzy - The Wonder Stuff featuring Vic Reeves

2009-07-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Just random notes today:

This is so simple for some people but I have got to learn to take better care of myself. I was dizzy all day from not taking meds for a while. (It is called broke with no insurance..) I am waiting on a package with my cobra information mailed from the Ex… I almost passed out the night we got into Seattle for the same thing. Today I was just plain annoyed because if I am dizzy, I can’t focus on a computer screen. Mary picked up my meds for now, bless her heart of gold. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be back on track!

* Andrew and I are really into following the Polaris Prize. It is a Canadian music prize of $20,000 to the artist whose record is the best of the year, according to an industry panel of judges. They select a long list of potential records then eliminate it down to the short list of 10 records. We like to try to predict the winner. They air the awards show on CBC3 this Sept 21. I am going to attempt to listen to each record fully before. Of course we have our favorites. Andrew is all for Metric- “Fantasies” to win this year. I believe Plaskett deserves it for “Three.” I even wrote out little odds this year. I will share them soon. My guess to win this year is Chad Van Gaalen for his CD “Soft Airplane.” He lost to Patrick Watson two years ago and I think they will give it to him now.

* It is a well known fact about me; ridiculous things make me burst out in tears. Now I really don’t mean to. It is involuntary most of the time. So please laugh that I burst into tears twice yesterday. First for hearing In-Flight Safety’s “The Coast is Clear” on Iceberg. Then I got sniffles for seeing a young gal driving a gorgeous Chevelle as her daily driver. (In-Flight because it reminds me of my first trip to Halifax and the Chevelle because I used to drive one daily also.)

* Andrew was in Seattle but we didn’t see each other-LOL! He was too busy spending 3 hours at one record store here called EM. I think I better stay away from there for a good long time. Same with the rubber stamp convention here this weekend.

*Unbelievable! John is back in Phoenix as of yesterday. That my friend is a heck of a job that you can manage that amount of time off! I don’t even remember what day we left for Alaska anymore. His fb status was something about the joy of sleeping in your own bed, I bet!! I can’t wait until I can own my own bed again!

*In the Tacoma paper yesterday was an article about what Jim Zorn did for the summer! HEEHEE. It was mainly about training camp starting but it detailed his vacation stops and the books he read. I am just guessing that article did not run in the Arizona Republic.

*I turned the TV on today to find a music trivia game show hosted by Meatloaf. The competition was between Leif Garrett and the Bay City Rollers. One of my favorite singers, Kyle Vincent (In photo above) has been touring with this version of the Rollers. There he was, Kyle on TV. It was fun to watch! Kyle does these Living Room performances where he will come to your house and do a show for you. I had him do one at our home in 2004. I also had him speak to my class about the music industry while he was in town plus play live on The Blaze. Another Phx resident also had him do a show a few years later. He is a wonderful guy with an absolute angelic voice. He was once the vocalist for 80’s band Candy with Gilby Clarke, later of G n R fame.

*On the same channel, The 101, they are showing a concert of Tinted Windows. They are the power pop super group with Bun E Carlos from Cheap Trick, James Iha from the Smashing Pumpkins, Adam Schlessinger of Fountains of Wayne (and wrote “That thing you do”) and vocalist Taylor Hanson. (Yes that Hanson!) I missed it today but it is showing again tomorrow! Can’t wait! Their record is in the running for my favorite of the year!

*I saw a gorgeous shooting star above me tonight reminding me it is all going to work out. I may have gotten my first rejection letter today and been sick but I have the highest of hopes and peace around me!

The Key - Erroll Star

2009-07-27T00:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may be interested in reading this blog I started back in ’04, you might need a key to terms used often in the Mod Maid language. As with anything, it is best to start from the beginning and attempt to follow. Attempt is the key, a Mod Maid’s mind is tough to decipher sometimes!

Key for terms used on Mod Maid’s Maple Musings blog:

Mod Maid – A nickname given to me at my first college radio station, WQBR at Eastern Michigan University. My on-air name throughout college. Origin of the name comes from the brand name of my 1985 winter jacket. Alliteration of name was used for specialty show playing all Canadian music: Mod Maid’s Mighty Maple Minutes. (at Midnight)

CanCon – Term refers to Canadian radios stations requirements to play a certain percentage of Canadian artists. Canadian Content. I utilize as a term for my favorite music.

The Verge, Iceberg and CBC3 – Satellite radio stations that play all Canadian artists. My sources for hearing my favorite Canadian music and learning new ones.

Andrew – My Canadian music partner in crime… Between the two of us, we own just about every rock-based Canadian artist in some form or another. If neither of us have heard of the artist, they must still be playing in their parent’s basement.

The Blaze – (AKA – KASR/KASC) the campus radio station at Arizona State University. As an undergrad, I was music director and station manager in KASR days. From 2000 to 2008, I was their professional advisor.

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications – My employer at Arizona State University from 2000-2009. The school I have my BA from, 1991.

Cronkite Village (AKA – CV, with year variations-CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4 and now CV5) – A Living Learning community for freshmen students from the Cronkite school. I was charged to form this community and develop it.

Big Red – Nickname for the 1969 Chevy Camaro SS I owned and bracket-raced from 1996-2009.

Dan – The ex-husband. LOL

“Bay Window” – The name of the novel I wrote in 2005-2006. The early portion of this blog is all the emotions I went through writing this novel and editing it.

Patrick and Elise – The main characters in “Bay Window”

Sloan – A favorite Canadian band. After a performance of theirs in 2005 in Tempe, AZ, I was inspired to write “Bay Window” based on all the rock band members I had known and experiences I had lived through in my personal days as an on-air personality in Phoenix radio.
There are also many references in this blog to members Chris Murphy and Jay Ferguson (C & J) who once were radio show hosts on CBC3 that I wrote many letters to.

KUKQ, KUPD, KSLX and KZON – Radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona that I once worked for at some point in my radio career. Mary McCann, who has kindly opened her home to me currently, was a colleague at both KUKQ and KZON.

Karen and Nina – My two best friends who I met at Eastern Michigan while working at WQBR.

Blossoms – Gin Blossoms. A band from Tempe, Arizona that were playing clubs while I attended Arizona State University. My life revolved around them during my years at ASU and beyond. I believe I can state I was the first on-air personality to play them and interview them on commercial radio. KASR was also first radio station to play this multi-platinum act. My most prized possession is a Gold record presented to me by the band.

Robin – The lead singer of the Gin Blossoms.

Hopkins – Doug Hopkins, Deceased lead guitarist of the Gin Blossoms.

The Posies – My favorite rock band since 1988. From Bellingham, Washington. I have seen live 16 times, many of which I travelled throughout the country to attend.

Jon Auer – One of two lead vocalist of said favorite band; The Posies. Ken Stringfellow is also Posies lead vocalist. Each have solo careers along with the band they began as teenagers.

NS – Nova Scotia. Mentioned often on blog because of two incredible trips there, fictional location of my novel Bay Window and my desired future home.

AZ – Arizona. The state my parents decided to move to in 1987. I left Eastern Michigan University and transferred to Arizona State University. I lived there for 22 years.

AK – Alaska. The state I moved to for about a month in June/July of 2009. Things did not work out as planned. I retreated to Washington due to, presumably, more career opportunities, more record stores, tons of musical acts playing live in the city of Seattle and because St. John said “I can get you as far as Seattle.”

St. John – A former student and director at the Blaze that has become one of my dearest friends. Inducted into sainthood after agreeing to drive this “crazy broad,” her three dogs and a trailer full of music all the way to Alaska. HE: Re-packed the trailer three times, never allowed me to drive once the entire trip, endured my tears daily, scrubbed an f-ing carpet in Jasper, Alberta, listened to me babble on about Canadian music, didn’t complain about the amount of Kleenex strung through the cabin in Homer when I was sick, didn’t guilt me when I killed my fender on Dino, waited for me to record shop in Canada, drove the horrible roads of the Yukon slow enough so the trailer didn’t bounce too bad, and then…offered to drive me back down to the lower 48 when I decided not to stay in Alaska. That is the definition of a great friend and a saint, ladies and gentlemen….

Dino – Nickname for my GMC Sierra Denali. Did I forget to mention I also had a minor fender bent and broken off in AK also..?

Jasper, Wicket and Brendella – My three dogs I was awarded full custody of. *wink*

Jasper is a mutt, Bassett mix who is a distemper survivor. Named after city in the Canadian rockies of Alberta. He was my parent’s dog. Apprx age: 13

Wicket is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named after the Ewok who befriends Princess Leia in “Return of the Jedi.” He is 7 years old.

Brendella is a black colored Basset Hound. She was named after a manufacturer of drag and ski boats. My parent owned drag racing boats while I was growing up. Most often referred to as “Della,” she is 5 years old.

Lucky Star - Goo Goo Dolls

2009-07-25T19:24:00.001-07:00

July 25, 2009

Just finished harvesting strawberries from Mary’s garden! Those were direct orders from her to harvest and eat them while she is at work at KPLU playing jazz music all day.  Found about 20 really red ones that are incredibly sweet.

I have officially been in Washington for a week now. Spent Friday job searching online, I first checked University of Washington (UW) and found two more to apply for. That brings my total at UW to 13 jobs I have applied for. Most have an end date next week so perhaps some interviews will come early August? I spent most of the day on craigslist. That yielded some amusing considerations. I wrote a new cover letter insisting that both advising and radio was the ultimate in customer service. (With my editor’s help – wink) I then applied for front desk clerk at a boutique hotel downtown Seattle. I am a big fan of those hotels that have special flare in each room! I then applied for an attendant on the Victoria Clipper. This is the famed (in my head) boat that goes from Seattle to Victoria, BC. Monday I will return to scouring Universities and Community Colleges in Western Washington.

I had a fantastic last two days! Thursday I met John at Pike Place Market. At first I couldn’t find him..I told him I was the girl in the Sloan shirt-LOL! Then I saw some young dude that vaguely looked like the guy I spent 5 weeks with in a truck with. Hee! The Grizzly Adams beard for Alaska is gone. I guess that means he may finally be getting ready to return to Phoenix. We watched the fish throwers pull out a huge octopus out of a box. Yikes! We ate at my old favorite Athenian where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner sat in “Sleepless in Seattle”. My mom and I loved that movie so much! John sat in Tom Hanks’ spot. When I was trying to find John, I spotted really cute purse at one of the booths. I am not like most women, I am pretty fussy about purses and don’t have a bazillion of them. While walking by it, I showed it to John. He walked up, looked at that label and said they were his Aunt’s creation! He had told me before his Aunt had a booth there but never even told me what she made. Bizarre coincidence! After a day of tooling around, John had to get back to Port Angeles for dinner his step-mom was making for him. Knowing I am a ferry-loving fool, he suggested I ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island with him and back. It was super crowded as it was rush hour on the boat. It raised my imagination for what it would be like to commute on a boat daily. While I was pleased as punch to be ferry riding, I was pretty sad returning to Seattle knowing it was the last time I would see John for a few months at least.

By missing the rush hour, I made it back to Mary’s in only an hour and ten minutes as opposed to 2 hours the day prior. I-5 is a nightmare when it wants to be. Seattle lesson number 23!

Friday evening, Mary and I set out for Mt. Rainier. She spotted a program in the paper that they were holding called “The Heavens of Paradise.” Paradise is the visitor center area at about 5000ft. They have a gorgeous brand new visitor center and Paradise Inn. Leah’s love of mountains- check, Leah’s love of road trips –check, Leah’s love of lodges –double check and Leah’s love of stargazing- triple check! The road was crazy switchbacks to get there. Narada Falls was a quick stop then we reached the center. Mary and I took a little hike along a path to get a better view of my new favorite volcano, Rainier. Not 50 ft away, a lovely deer having her dinner. We took some pix and relaxed. I stared at the mountain and did some serious praying again that I could find a way to stay in Washington. I would have picked Seattle area had I started out just saying, ok where do I want to move in the United States. I have had a picture of downtown Seattle in my bedroom since the early 90’s. The theme of the talk was wilderness does not just end at the horizon. The talk was inside the lodge. Oh my, I was in awe of the lodge décor. I am a fan of that look. It rivaled Jasper Park Lodge for design and décor! After the talk, we were invited to a “Star Party.” The Tacoma Astronomy club had various sized telescopes set up in the parking lot to allow all of us to gaze into that celestial wilderness. Local Girl Scouts were set up to help celebrate 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. They helped us built constellation maps. The magnitude of the universe is beyond my comprehension. Looking at millions of other galaxies was mind blowing. I honestly had never looked into a telescope before last night! Mary had a night of shooting stars; she even saw one in a telescope that was not visible to us! I learned so much about Nebula, the Milky Way, Jupiter that was visible and the zillions of stars we can not see with the naked eye. It was fantastic. And more of the peace my body needs right now…

Random music notes:

On the drive Thursday, I heard Superfriendz, Dog Day and Two Hours Traffic on CBC3. THT song “Stuck for the Summer” is apparently the theme song for an MTV show about “band camp.” Yes for one of my bands getting some US airplay!

On Iceberg I heard a double shot of Gowan (random!!) and “It doesn’t really matter” – Platinum Blonde. Of course my distain for DJ Kella on Iceberg increased when she once again talked over the ending of Platinum Blonde. Did they not teach her at her radio school that you don’t talk over COLD endings? URGH!

CBC3 played a band called The Lodge from Halifax. It was killer but it took me a few google searches to find said band because of the generic name. My dear friend Mike has a radio station by the same name!  Turns out The Lodge are former members of The Inbred and friends…of course, Mike O’Neill is involved. Andi, this is info for you dear! ;)
For Andrew: Ten Second Epic has a new single featuring Lights called “Everyday” and I am digging on a band called Contrived.

I Am The Cancer - Sloan

2009-07-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2009

I had such a fantastic day I am inspired to return to blogging. Besides, a blog on the “crazy broad” trying to find a new life and job in Washington should be fun read, right? I will post on facebook and return to my blog also.

The day started with an actual hairstyle as I haven’t used a blow dryer or hairspray since my last day at Cronkite. The hair ended up looking 70’s era Kristy McNichols since I had to have most of the two-tone black hairs cut out prior to leaving Phoenix. It was funny looking and made me think about how much I loved the movie “Little Darlings” when I was a young teen. Tatum O’Neal is filming the new Runaways bio pic. See, my hair style may make a comeback when the world sees Kristen Stewart (As Joan Jett!) and Dakota Fanning (As Cherie Currie!) sporting feathered hair!!

The job fair was smaller than I expected. Most of the companies were young male based, like the Army, Navy, CIA and the Edmonton Police. The two Universities represented both informed me their academic adviser-style jobs were sales driven. I have always been aware I am not fit for sales, I would cry every time someone said no! I found humor in the jobs in Alaska that were available. I spent the most time discussing how to become Canadian with the kind fellas from Edmonton. It inspired me to work hard to look into communications jobs in civil service in Canada as they may speed up my goal to get permanent residency. Or convince someone in Canadian radio that I am a one-women Canadian record store…

I went to a small Lutheran school in Michigan. There were 8 students in my graduating class in 8th grade. All the boys at St. Matthews were hardcore football fans. Jimmy, a dolphins fan, Jonathan loved the Cowboys. Being the tomboy in the class, I already loved the NFL and claimed Fran Tarkington and the Vikings as my team. But in 1976, my crush on Tarkington dissipated as I spotted a scrappy lefty who was the quarterback for the new team from Seattle, Washington. That year, our teacher had us write a journal daily. I ended each day with my new daily affirmation: I love Jim Zorn! I collected the articles from the Detroit Free Press every Monday, and then wrote an entire year report on the Seattle Seahawk’s season. They were fun to watch, and as the hormones sparked each year, this girl could not get enough of the duo of Zorn and Steve Largent, his favorite wide receiver. I wrote an A graded short story for Mr. Bond’s creative writing class about said duo! In my second trip to Seattle in 1993, I toured the King Dome. It was only natural that I was overjoyed to travel to Qwest Field in my very first week living in Seattle. I had to find the tour!

I felt like I should have had Cronkite Village with me on the tour! I wasn’t there to see a suite, the field or the press box this time though… I wanted to see the Seahawks history; I wanted to see those players’ photos in that Ring of Honor. The tour guide walked so fast I constantly lagged behind as I tried to photograph all the historic items. I was honestly annoyed that the tour was not focused at all for an actual Seahawks fan. And then, the guide said Zorn was now the coach of the Giants. I cringed at myself; miss know-it-all had to spew “Redskins” to correct him. But come on, the guy is a hero in this town! Get it right! No matter, I was beaming happy as I left the stadium.

My fine host, Mary warned me of the traffic on I-5 after about 3pm. In my truck at 4pm, I tried to decide if I would fight it. As I flipped on my Sirius satellite radio, the guest-DJ take over show on Iceberg was just beginning. The Canadian musician hosting? The one and only Joel Plaskett. SCORE! I will gladly sit in traffic for the next hour! (not to mention, stare at Mt. Rainier while listening!) Oh Joel, he is such a music fan. No question he brought his own stash as he played absolutely nothing Iceberg has ever played. He spoke of his Halifax history, Thrush Hermit tales and his fond memories of seeing Chris Murphy and Jenny Pierce singing “I am the Cancer” live. The show was fantastic! I included the artists Plaskett played below.

Maybe only I find these kinds of connections but as “I am the Cancer” played I started to tear up. In 1993, my first radio job at KUKQ came to a close as the station changed format to all News. By chance, my vacation, a trip to Seattle/Vancouver was planned the week after this surprise event occurred. I considered cancelling my trip but my parents encouraged me to still take the vacation and relax. On that very trip was when I first heard “I am the Cancer” on the radio. It was the song of our trip, as it was in heavy rotation on the alt-radio stations in Seattle and BC. Now I am living in Seattle, staying with a former co-worker from KUKQ and I hear “I am the Cancer” ?! See what I mean? Or is it just me? 

Random notes from today:
Rural Alberta Advantage remind me of Immaculate Machine (No wonder you like them, Andrew!)
I like Lauren Burrows and Lana Gay on CBC3 but not Lisa Christensen
Heard band Green Go today, pretty fun stuff
New Cancon band called Davinport (sorry t, they spell it wrong but you wouldn’t like them)
I am so bad; I bought a Seahawks heart necklace-LOL!
Delicious Blue Cheese hamburger for dinner.
Sleeping puppies all around me!

Tomorrow-Pike Place Market!
Friday – Star Gazing at Mt. Rainier

I love it here  Leah

Plaskett played:
Martha Wainwright
The Constantines
The Nils
Al Tuck
Dave Marsh
The Band
Old Man Luedecke
Joni Mitchell
Sloan
Two Hours Traffic
One track from each of his 3 new records

In and out of love - Bon Jovi

2008-06-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

There are a set of people I have adored since I was a teen. This guy above is one of them. He is Mark Oswald, former driver of the In and Out Funny Car. He jumped back into a race car last weekend in Chicago and qualified 2nd. I just wanted to shout it out as he is one of my all time favorite people I admire!

I got the wisdom tooth out on Friday.... the one that was supposed to come out in 1986 (Best year ever for Canadian music!) In March I found out it was coming out but kept putting off the extraction. It was abcessed...no wonder I have had such a hard time sleeping! Now I am bruised and swollen but it is gone before the big trips!

New York is a go as long as we get on a flight. (flying stand-by) Dan is going to help me make some coasters today for Rob and Jay. I want to give Rob something for getting us into Mamma Mia! Want to make Spoons and HMS coasters for him.

I have a ton of work to do before NS but I will be dilligent to get it done so I have no worries while I am gone!

In my search for a show to see while I am in the mariti,es, I finally found it!!! The New Bruswick countdown to Canada Day announced it's headliner!! In-Flight Safety!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More soon :)

"It's a mistake" - Men at Work

2008-06-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

Iceberg is STILL playing something by New Pornographers that is NOT "Myriad Harbour" I was laughing as the idiot DJ stumbled through the pronounciation of Myriad then out comes this fantastic other song. I wish I knew what that song is that they are playing because it is not on Challengers! The song ends, I go out in the kitchen and The Verge is playing the real "Myriad Harbour" Oh I laughed!!!! (And yes I keep radios on in most every room)
So have the real "Myriad Harbour" It is a cool video! Iceberg is not cool for this blunder! I really have to wonder if they are playing a B-side from a CD single or what??

"Lost Together" - Blue Rodeo

2008-05-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

I can not get the above song title out of my head. It was the encore for the Blue Rodeo show I attended this week. They called Luke Doucet and his wife Melissa McClelland on stage to sing the song. The entire night was a fantastic night of Canadian music talent new and established. This was the third time I have seen Blue Rodeo but the time lapse between is so lengthy, it felt anew. Best I can recall off hand, it was 1993 they played an opening set in Hayden Square. I also saw them at SXSW but festival shows are never the satisfactory way to see a band. This was 2 hours of all the hits and the latest CD. I felt like I did the first time I saw Sloan. Here is this huge bus at this tiny club, a high caliber, Canadian headliner playing to 60 people. Sad representation of our country but huge advantage for the diehards who "know" how fortunate they are. People shouted out "Thank you" to Blue Rodeo for coming to Phoenix. That gives you an idea...Sigh for the talent little known to the mass public. It probably goes without saying but Blue Rodeo was fanastic!

I am listening to Main Street on CBC Halifax so I can pretend like I live there. They are talking about gas prices and if it will affect your summer travel. Gas prices are not even in my head for my travel plans to Nova Scotia-haha! It cost $95 to fill my truck today. It is hard not to mention this. I was stuck in traffic the other day, no clue why as it was in the middle of the day but it turned out "W" was in town at some small Mesa business. There were tons of protesters, I raised my fist in solidarity. I am not political whatsoever but I know the government could change this oil issue.

The Blaze received the new Sloan CD yesterday. It makes a difference being able to listen to it on my stereo in my truck. I would still say my Sloan mood is Jay lately. I do believe I go through Sloan member moods in regards to their songs. I remember in Nova Scotia, all I wanted to listen to was Andrew. Chris ruled the NHTEOI era. Patrick was the reason I was sucked in hardcore around Action Pact era. Jay's songs were the early Sloan songs I liked so I guess I am back around. I hope Andrew and I get to go to the show but we are going to try stand-by. It is tough getting on flights these day that way. If not, I will find a show later this summer I suspect.

The Blaze is also playing Two Hours Traffic and Tokoyo Police Club. Also Jason Colett and Black Mountain. I have my CanCon at work all day now too! :) Having an office at a radio station means music the entire day. Good thing we have excellent music! When I listen to Jian, I have to turn it up to overpower the Blaze monitor because it doesn't have an off switch.

Still no luck with artists playing in Halifax while I am there.

We have an interview with Hayden on the Maple Minutes in two weeks.

Iceberg is still playing the wrong song by New Pornographers. Hilarious! I heard new Sloan on both Iceberg and The Verge.

Finally, I saw Speed Racer with my nephew. I have thought a lot about it since. I understand why it is not a hit movie. The story is pretty convoluted, even I lost what was going on at certain points. BUT I think they cast it very well, the actors made the movie. I liked it, I wasn't expecting to. It has it's problems, it is much too long but as a fan of the story of Speed Racer I am pleased with the tale.
KBM found a Barbie doll set of Speed and Trixie. I am trying to avoid buying the new merch. I have collected Speed stuff all my life, it has never been the easiest stuff to find. Now it is everywhere but I have resisted. Except the Barbie set...;)

27 days until I leave for Nova Scotia!

Magic Power - Triumph

2008-05-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

You know you think about Canadian music too much when you have a dream you are making out with Rik Emmett of Triumph. I swear to god, I never had any crushes on any Triumph members or was really ever that much of a fan. My Canadian music subconscious got mixed up!

In something that was a dream to do, yesterday I interviewed someone I have adored since I was in high school, Rob Pruess of The Spoons. (And Honeymoon Suite) Long story short, I googled him after writing “God Bless Rob Pruess” in my last blog. I found he had a myspace, asked if he would do an interview and here is the result:

http://www.theblaze1260.com/events

Rob's story is absolutely fascinating- He started in the Spoons at 15. You always hear about Tommy Stinson but Pruess got his start just as young! The Spoons toured with Culture Club on CC's first US tour when "Do you really want to hurt me?" was starting to happen. Rob quit the Spoons at 20 because he needed to relax.....at 20!!
Then he joins Honeymoon Suite at their highest point. When HMS started having manager problems; Rob moves on to the call of Phantom of the Opera in Toronto. Ever since he has been working as a musician in huge Broadway plays! He lives in NYC now and is an assistant music director for Mamma Mia! His story is book worthy and made for a hell of an interesting interview. I mean, I know I am a fan but Danee and Andrew were impressed with his story also. He is so super nice! He invited us to come to New York to see the musical. Here's the kicker- I think we are going to!!!!!!!

Does this also involve Sloan? But of course. As I said on the air, I am a one-track mind. I'll explain more when I know more, it may fall through, or it may be amazing!!

In the meantime, I am already packed for NS/NFLD...5 weeks in advance...

I have been delving into something else I have been a fan of for years-WKRP in Cincinnati. IT is SO AWESOME to finally have it on DVD! It was my favorite long before I ever imagined I would have a radio job...it was meant to be! And I think The Blaze has elements of it-hahahaha!

So once again I say, God Bless Rob Pruess!

"Walking in my shoes" - Depeche Mode

2008-05-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

I adore shoes just like most women. People ask me all the time how many Converse I have. I honestly don't know because they are scattered around the house. We used to have Converse outlet stores in AZ. I would buy a few at as time, they were cheap back then. When the company moved to Asia, the shoes got more narrow and I had to go up a size. I actually sold a few pairs on ebay that just didn't fit. Ask KBC, I almost fell to the ground crying when I saw Target was selling One Stars. (In joy...I love One Stars also) Surprisingly I have yet to design my own like you can now. My most recent purchased Converse were ones with a Diner Menu on them and a no lace pink pair on sale at Target. An old friend bought me my first pair, plain old black, as a joke because Robin wore them. Now it is an obsession collection.

What I never realized is that they are not really the best walking shoes. I have very wide feet but Converse always fit so I don't bother with much of any other kind. I have a soft spot for Doc Martins so my nice shoes are DM Mary Janes. Ever since Dan and I started walking, I realized Converse offer zero for support or cushion.

I can't be the most fashionable but in my life, I HAVE to wear cool shoes. I found out this week that I am a complete shoe snob and picky as hell! Wal Mart had plenty of fine, wide size Dr. Scholls walking shoes that would be perfectly fine for our neighborhood strolls. BUT I COULDN'T DO IT! I hate white tennis shoes, in fact I realized I hate tennis shoes in general. I saw some flat looking Puma that kinda look like my race shoes but knew they would not be the cushion I need. I went into almost every shoe store in Fiesta Mall (Malls are shoes and jewelry, ya know!) My last store I went in, one I never go in, was Macy's. Not only did I find the shoes I saw in the newspaper as a possiblity, they were on sale! Anguish over, somewhat acceptable shoes found! That is them in the photo above. I don't adore them but they will do. I know I need something for the trip too as many items in the travel books say you need to walk a bit to see them..(Vistas, Lighthouses, Seals)

I do still have a problem heel. I have had it for over a year. I thought it was one of those bone spurs. ( I Sound so frickin old discussing aches and pains!) But now the handy internet tells me this: Atrophy from Diabetes!

Ahh Yes, this Diabetes this.... You know, it took them a while longer than it should have to diagnose me. I guessed it a good 3 years ago. I realize now I had a crappy nurse practitioner. Ever since Dr. Jones took over the practice, he found it on a hunch. I have been really good about giving up sugar. I haven't had real ice cream in 5 months! Ice Cream is my absolute favorite food group! I gave up Dr. Pepper which was also an addiction. Diet Doc is ok but just not the same so I don't drink as much. Bread and pasta are still the problem... But I think I am managing. I got a blood monitor but have yet to use it (The doc just said we could check every 3 months if I just take my pills) Bottomline, I am dealing ok with the diabetes I think. Dan won't let me cheat anyway. I may have some ice cream on vacation though... wink!

Maple notes

** Sam Roberts was on Jian's show today. He is so smart and cleaver (Sam, really I mean Sam!) The new songs sounded great. One was called Detroit 67. I was born in Detroit in '67 so it is a fave already. It has great mentions of the city and eventually ends with the riots. I am looking forward to the new record which comes out this week.

** Know how I ended last blog entry with a nod to Rob Pruess. Well holy crap!!!!! I get another chance to talk to one of my fave 80's Candadian idols. Yes! Rob of The Spoons and Honeymoon Suite fame is going to do an interview on the Maple
Minutes! OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Raise a little hell" - Trooper

2008-05-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Oh am I nervous about seeing this film. Speed Racer was one of my first favorite cartoons growing up. It was on after Kimba the Lion on Ch 50 in Detroit, I believe. I read a review in the paper today that said Racer X died. I sure hope they didn't deviate from the original plot that Racer X is Rex Racer. I will be annoyed. I am still annoyed that Princess Leia says she remembers her mother in Jedi then Lucas kills her off in Revenge. I do NOT like plot inconsistencies!

OK this blog is supposed to be Maple musings, right?

*I am giggling about SMB having the lyrics for the entire new Sloan LP. Man, who has that kind of time to try to figure them all out?! I am giggling because of CMM's thinly veiled lyrics about giving up his Peter Pan life for fatherhood. None of us ever want to grow up but why let it completely drag you down?

*I went on about this on the Maple Minutes but I am still annoyed that Chart magazine has this headline of it's cover - Tokyo Police Club: The next Arcade Fire. I haven't read why but that might be the most idiotic headline in Canadian music history. They are supposed to be the sorce for Canadian college radio yet they make an ridiculous statement like that? TPC is 4 guys who make fun, quirky pop. Arcade Fire is a million members with stylish, plodding, intricate songs. I guess one must remember how affected this magazine is by US success for CanCon.... One year Len was their artist of the year. Every year their artist of the year is seemingly the one who sells the most. And has YET to have Plaskett on their cover!

*In pulling out some old files, I found articles about Harlequin and Headpins from teen beat style mags. Proof once again, I have saved everything... Harlequin put out a record last year. My pal Roger made me a copy but I have yet to listen. (bad LMC)

*Iceberg seems to not be playing New Pornographer's "new" track anymore...heheheheh (I wrote them to tell them the song they were playing was not "Myriad Harbour") Know it all brat I am...

* Andrew played the new Awkward Stage single and it was really good! I need to get a hold of a band called Elias also. I dig The Orchid Highway from Vancouver. CBC 3 is playing Kevin Kane of Grapes of Wrath. I need that record also when I go shopping in Canada.

* One of my Toronto pals texted to say she was seeing Peter Elkas tonight. Darn I need to reschedule that interview!!

* Andrew also told me that CBC3 did a listing of the best record stores in Canada. I want to see or hear that list! I wonder how many I have been to? I wonder how many are still in business thanks to me-LOL! He said one was in Halifax. I bet it is the one I spent $300 at! (Can't think of name) Recordland in Calgary probably floored me the most in recent years. I know there used to be a killer huge vinyl store in Toronto but I believe it is gone. (Jferg told me once all the old ones I remember are gone)

*I used a Trooper song as my title because on SMB I was joking about Trooper playing in Halifax for Canada Day and DAMN if it isn't true. I was totally just thinking of some old washed up band I didn't like (Because most are still my fave bands-LOL) I looked up Casino Nova Scotia and there they were! I hope some other show develops because it does not look good for July 1 so far! The PEI Festival of Lights show is posted. I was relieved that no one I die for is playing so far because it would be a major pain to get up there. It is a fine bill, don't get me wrong but no one I haven't seen a ton (except Matt Mays) OLP and The Hip who I have seen countless times. Hip maybe at about 16 times... Anyway, it doesn't appear that I will be trying to get to PEI. Keep your figers crossed for just one cool show for me while in NS!

Maple raging done for the night-Over and out! Long live Rob Pruess <3!

"Two hearts beat as one" - U2

2008-05-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!! Strombeshi! I am dying! Two of my faves parodied!

"Dancing in the sheets"- Shalimar

2008-05-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

HEE HEE One of my fab directors of the Blaze sent me the link for making your name in anything, including Vinyl...I couldn't resist. Not only could I not resist, I am crafting with them for the new office.

I never did report back about said new office which I saw. It seemed a tad small to me. I have a hard time visualizing things before they are done so I look forward to seeing it with the U shaped desk in it. Then I will truly know how much crap I can fit in it. I may need to stop buying stuff for it. I did realize I need shelves to move up instead of things for limited floor space. I have the record stand, a floor shelf from my living room, a small cabinet I painted from Michaels this weekend and there should be a bookshelf provided. I was pleased that the 3/4 window has a ledge. Ledge = more knick-knacks=LOL!

The last few weeks have been one year end event after another. Only graduation is left this week. The CV party was lovely in the secret garden. The Blaze prom was beyond cool. They transformed the station with black rolls of paper and sparkles. I said it reminded me of the end of Footloose but most of the kids hadn't seen it. (!) Dan and I did the DJing. We played fun 80-00 dance music. When kids wanted requests, they would just hand me their ipod... Crazy!

Some other fun things from this past week:

Took Hunter to see Iron Man. Much fun and good flick!

Two of my frosh helped me do the Maple Minutes while Andrew is in Germany. We had a blast doing it. They let me play 80's stuff and made fun of me.

Found out Blue Rodeo is playing in PHOENIX! I was looking for bands playing in Hali and found them here, this month!

Taught Cheryl and Karen how to make cute magnets for gifts. I want to be a craft teacher!

Met some great new CV kids at orientation.

Won best promo at the Blaze prom. Also gave the Hornstein-Kelly award to dear Ashley H who I will miss so much. She cried, I was touched.

Took three walks with Dan. 8 years of marriage, we have never gone on a walk. Now we are regulars, holding hands and everything.

That's a darn good week!

Far from over - BLVD.

2008-04-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

Indeed the school year is almost over. Tonight was the end of the year party for Cronkite Village. CV3 as I call them. Watching the video they produced of all the year's events made me teary. It was a lovely evening weather wise so it set a nice tone in ASU's secret garden. I made cards for my peer mentors and paraprofessional. They worked a ton for me this year, I gave them gift cards in gratitude.

Last week was not the best week for me. I had some real rough times at work. Rather than re-hashing it, I am hopeful for a good week to come. In the photo is the band that headlined the Blaze Kick Ass Spring Concert. They are called Mostly Bears. I was stunned how good they are! To me, they were a mix of Sabbeth and Soundgarden. We rented a PA so the sound was huge and clear! I recommend them whole-heartedly. Sam had played them to me on Myspace prior to the show and I was not affected. I think their reorded material may not represent them fully.

The week hit me so hard emotionally and physically I decided to not go to see Stars. Timing just sucked. I had been so drained from responsibilities all week, I had no desire to drive downtown and find parking among people going to a Suns play-off game. I just knew I didn't have the patience. I haven't heard from Andrew how it was but I am sure it was fabulous. I had a nice dinner and time with Dan, we hadn't had dinner with each other all week.

On what would have been Mom's birthday, I had a very nice honor. One of the CV students took me to an ASU tradition called Apple Polishers. He had to get up in front of the room and tell why I was an influence on him at ASU. It was among Deans, faculty and staff members. It was a very lovely night and very flattering to be selected.

I am still trying to fill up the new ipod. It still kills me that I lost my old one. I can't seem to get the same great mix of music on this one which is ridiculous because I have the same CDS. It just took a long time to get that one the way I wanted it. I need it to be my company on my trip with all my driving I plan to do. I doubt there are killer can-con stations in Nothern Newfoundland. I just added a band called Big Bang. Shame on me, I can't recall what they sound like whatsoever.

I got my Sirius Subscription back. I wrote Iceberg today being the snotty know-it-all. They are playing a New Pornographers track and keep saying it is "Myriad Harbor" but it isn't. Sorry but a major CHUM station f-ing up is a big giggle for me. Funny thing is, I don't know what song they are playing, it is not on Challengers. I like it though....Nico and AC singing..

I have still only listened to the new Sloan once. I will listen some more this week. Tour dates are starting to trickle out. If west follows their east coast dates, I am completely screwed for US dates again. Not that I am complaining about going to Nova Scotia. Just looks like timing may be about when I am gone... Which is funny because my love for NS came from them.... Something will work out though, I will find my way to the right show!

This week I get to DJ the first ever Blaze Prom. I think it will be a blast. I am looking forward to it. Dan is going to come help me. It will be broadcast on the air so if you feel like reliving your prom from the 80-90's, tune in Wednesday night around 7pm www.theblaze1260.com

I'm not a kid anymore - Sloan

2008-04-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

I just listened to the new Sloan record, it doesn't even come out until June 10. Well...I am not prepared to write a full review (Nor do I like writing them) I feel like it is a Jay and Andrew record. Their songs seem to shine. Patrick's don't seem as definitive as his. Chris' will need to grow on me. I can't say it affected me like NHTEOI. We'll see, I am going to hold judgment until I can spend more time.

School year is ending soon. I have the first of many year end activities tonight. So hard to let go of some of my kids as they graduate.

Blaze huge concert tomorrow. I will report more soon.

"The Perfect Size" - Jon Auer

2008-04-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last week was spectacular! Two major events for the year in one week! Thursday I interviewed Jay Ferguson of Sloan on the Maple Minutes! Oh boy, I was so ready! I wrote all my questions out and stuck to them without sounding rehearsed (I think?) It is on www.theblaze1260.com. I was not nervous and he is just so easy to talk to. I kidded about Murphy, make jokes about Andrew smoking and Patrick being the penny counter in the murder records headquarters. My favorite question was asking Jay if there was anything else in his life besides music. I remember always asking Robin about other things in his life because he would always just update me on Blossoms news. Jay answered NO! :) Bless him- he is such a good man and he writes a damn good song or two! I teased Jay that they should come to me for once-as in Sloan in AZ! My fear would be them in AZ while I was in NS. I was lobbying Jay to find out about Paul McCartney playing in Halifax and how Sloan should open! (Because it maybe while I am there!)

I think I was more nervous about Jason Collett the week prior. That interview was fine, a little hairy because he was running behind and we had a set amount of time with him. It was fine though. Next is trying to get Elkas to reschedule!

Still pleased as punch over talking to Jay, I then had a full Saturday with my crafting guru, Mr. Tim Holtz. (See happy Leah in photo above with said Grunge God) He is very funny, and just has the best ideas for crafting that merge two of my loves, scrapping and antiques. Tim loves items that look old so he encourages you to distress, antique, hammer and grunge your crafts. I went to two of his classes last year and crushed hard ever since. He is from Prescott and worked at a Ben Franklin store. I loved those stores! LOL! Not all of my stuff ends up looking like his but I love what I have learned from him! Last time I was sick, I watched his DVD I got for Christmas in bed. Made me so happy-hahaha! I wanted to go on his cruise but it also was a choice of the cruise or NS/NL. Anyway, I had an incredible day, felt great about the projects I made and made a few friends too. Dan was even impressed with the items, especially the shadowbox.

Since we last spoke, I have booked all my hotels and rental cars for the big trip. I went home on one of my breaks on Tim-Day. In the mail I got both the NS Doers and Dreamer guide and the Newfoundland and Labrador guide. I have poured over all my books several times now. I made a few changes in my agenda. I think it would be near impossible for me to get to PEI on Canada Day. I booked a hotel in Halifax that night. I guess I will let the cards fall where they may. One of the hotels, the Blomidon Inn in Wolfville looks spectacular! It was an addition to my plan that I added last. Besides missing Danny and the dogs, I know this will be an incredible experience! I will certainly blog it all but it looks like there is no internet in Twillingate, Newfoundland. What will I do four days without internet? LOL! I will write!!!!!!

Touring the new Cronkite building tomorrow. Will I see my new office!?!

xoxoxLMC

Cold as Ice - Foreigner

2008-04-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

I just blew my life savings to buy plane tickets to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland!!! LOL! I'll never make it to retirement anyway. More soon, so tired from work being busy! P.S. I didn't cry this time like I did when I bought tickets last time to NS. Heehee

Jason Collett on Maple Minutes Thursday..OK! AWESOME!

"Can't you figure it out?" - Sloan

2008-03-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by a dear friend named Beth in Toronto. She is so talented with her camera!
www.rockpaperpixels.com
OH YES! Jay Ferguson is going to talk to us on the Maple Minutes. I have always wanted to talk music with him but get kinda tongue tied in person. I mean, how do you start a conversation about about a million bands while other people are waiting to talk to him after a show. He is just a sweet, sweet man so I am honored. Hopefully I get out a few things I have always wanted to ask. When I would listen to his and Chris' show each week, I would pretty much be their third anyway-LOL! It should be fantastic.
Elkas forgot to call in this past week but sent the most charming apology. We will have him on also in a few weeks. In-Flight Safety's Daniel Ledwell is this week. I adore them too as you all know.

Today a member of local band The Love Blisters was on for guest DJ week. I heard the starting chords of "Fashionable People" by Plaskett. I hear that song so often on the radio it took me a minute or two to realize it was on The Blaze. After Plaskett he played "Last time in Love' by Sloan. I was floored. I went in and introduced myself. He proclaimed NHTEOI and Ashtray Rock the best records of last year. I said we need to talk more! Nice guy. He also played The Zombies! I had to leave to teach but wish I heard the rest of his set.

More maple madness today. Billy Talent is playing the Tempe Music Fest. I am not a huge fan but see no reason they do not come by the station since they are a block away. I called around and ended up on the phone with their publicity guy. Super nice guy, talked music for a bit. Turns out he does publicity for Arts n Crafts. Holy nice phone call... He was super interested in The Blaze and I mentioned we would like Jason Collett....What a huge connection! Hi, could we talk to Amy and Torq please? <3

My birthday last week tunred out to be a super nice day. No drama, all good feelings, fun gifties and wonderful friends and family around me. And I laughed so much at Sloan on with Jian that morning. Jian handles everyone so smooth but Chris Murphy always throws him off a bit. I told Chris that, he is about the only one who can snag Ghomeshi's cool demeanor on air. Hooray for fun birthdays!

We interviewed that gal Lights that Jian manages. She was just an absolute ray of sunshine. Super positive and very sure of herself and what she wants to accomplish. Sadly we lost the interview to a technical glitch. I can wish and dream Jian heard it, right? It went really well. I think she is going to be huge. The Old Navy commercial is already helping that.

I have been just pouring over Newfoundland books trying to plot my course of action. I am going to work at it again tonight to plan making both my Nova Scotia travel aspirations and Newfoundland ones work.

A little wrench in my plans to travel for now on came on Saturday. Dan decided to fire up Big Red and put her in the trailer. I know it may seem ridiculous to some but the minute it started up I balled my eyes out. I loved racing and hearing my car start for the first time in two and a half years was a jolt. Of course, uncapped, it jolts the entire neighborhood and all the pictures on the wall also. I can not imagine being able to travel and race. It was so hard to see Dan drive it the few feet he did to get it in the trailer. I just don't know.

Work is crazy but good. Orientation season has started and somehow I still ended up involved in it. Not all students are reacting well to our school's move to downtown Phoenix. There are only a few weeks left of school and I will have to say good bye to more of my fave kids. Plus 2 of the first Cronkite Village group are graduating (in three years!) It gets so hard to see them come and go. Then I have lunch with some of my past directors and hear all the new marriages, babies and even divorces. 8 years worth of students now, I am so fortunate to have a job I LOVE!