A Couple of Things…

Posted on August 10, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine, but I also believe that music is the next best thing.

2. I recorded my first song courtesy of Christine Law. SOOOO much respect to artists who do this for a living. Grueling!! It still needs beaucoup work, like lyrics, so don’t even ask.

3. What does it say about society when you have to offer a reward for someone to come forward and do the right thing?

4. You know that expression, “A body in motion, stays in motion”? It’s really true, and to be honest, I hate it; because a body lying about watching a movie and eating potato chips…with dip, and a root beer float, sounds so much more fun.

5. It just occurred to me why people love Weird Al so much (See #1). Combining wit with music is genius, which also explains why I love Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice Restaurant.” It was tradition for the longest time to play the title cut every Thanksgiving. I miss that!

6. The Huffington Post had a blog called “23 Reasons You Should Go Hug Your Mom.” Just a couple I would share with Sydney Rose:

a. For every event that you tried to resist photos, because your mom is probably the only person in your life who will take more photos of you than TMZ does celebrities. She wanted to capture every prom, little league game, and academic awards ceremony because to her you are the biggest celebrity.

b. For supporting your decisions and dreams no matter where they took you.

There were 21 other ones, but really, they didn’t so much apply. I thought about how sad this one was: “For every time you acted like she was embarrassing you and she had to hide how much that probably hurt her feelings,” Because I only remember the times she showed me off to her friends thinking I was kind of cool, which is the best feeling EVER! My daughter rocks!

Here is the blog: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lexi-herrick/23-reasons-you-should-go-hug-your-mom_b_5584982.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037&ir=Parents

7. When I log on at 4:30 in the morning, I wonder how many people are up late, and how many are up early. Sometime for me, I’m just taking a break from sleeping.

8. Life is full of interesting phases, obstacles, amazing highs and frustrating lows. It’s the human experience that makes the ride worthwhile. How one handles adversity is a character issue.

9. Someone, some time ago, made a statue of Father Serra and it can be found in front of Ventura City Hall. Then someone thought it would be a good idea to paint a picture of this statue of Father Serra and that life-sized painting is found inside City Hall. Then I thought, hmmm, how can I make this even more removed from the actual subject? Hence, this photo of a painting of a statue of Father Serra. I do what I can to forward the arts. 🙂

10. I love silly headlines. Here are a couple more I’ve come across recently:
a. What happens if your parachute fails

b. Super rich pets who live better than you do.

11. Even as an adult, my future ex-husband use to say that I run like an upright turtle. It made me laugh because it was so true.

12. From my favorite quotes file: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” –Stephen R. Covey

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

Posted on August 3, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. I love birthdays. I love partying with family and friends, there’s nothing like it. A couple thoughts about celebrating getting older:

a. Age is a state of mind; however, one’s body isn’t always on board.

b. When people say, “You’re 29 and holding” that just means you look NOTHING like a 29 year old.

c. I’ve gotten over the embarrassment of people singing “Happy Birthday” to me. I use to cringe, now I embrace it.

d. I rarely remember the gift, but I always remember who I was with and where we were at. Friendship is the best gift.

e. I can’t believe what a charmed life I live. Family, friends and this amazing community. I feel the love. I will never take it for granted.

2. Okay, I’m just thinking out loud here, but if a younger man flirts with an older woman, she doesn’t qualify as a “Cougar”, right?

That being said, Casey Abrams singing to me at Squashed Grapes recently was too freakin’ cool. You might recognize him from American Idol. He is self taught – by ear – on eleven musical instruments, the man is such a talent! There were a handful of us hanging out after his show and when he sat down at the piano and asked what song we wanted to hear. I said, “You know what I want to hear” to which he said, ‘I’ll play it only if you sit next to me.”

Here is a video that was taken afterhours when Casey Abrams performed “Cougartown” July 26 here in Ventura:

3. For my bi-lingual friends: I love that somebody poised the question: “What if Soy milk is just regular milk introducing itself in Spanish?

4. When you see an obviously photoshopped picture, don’t you wonder, “Who do they think they’re kidding?”

5. As you may or may not know, I am on a quest to spot an owl in the wild. I understand they are nocturnal, so I look at dusk and dawn and in the evening, but my night vision really sucks. I spoke to my optometrist about it complaining that the Lasek surgery I had diminished my night vision, but sadly he said, “No, it comes with old age.”
Fucker.

6. Funny anecdote from my marriage. One weekend we decided to take Sydney Rose up to the local mountains for her first encounter with Snow. As we drove through the winding roads, we finally got high enough to see the fluffy white stuff on our way to Mountain High ski resort. It was at this point that Sydney started shouting, adamantly I might add, “NO NO NO!!!” So much so that Chris stopped the car because we were so startled. Turns out she couldn’t enunciate the “s” yet, so “Snow” became “No”!

7. On the subject of breasts, my daughter said she’s been told that more than a handful is too much. Of course, only small breasted women believe that. HA! I am JUST KIDDING!!! But that being said, of course men have their preferences. I know a man who loves teeny weeny hardly-there breasts. I never dated him of course because clearly we are not a match..

8. Another real book title: Knitting with Dog Hair: Better a Sweater From a Dog You Know And Love Than From a Sheep You’ll Never Meet.

Creepy?
Now I’m re-thinking those sweaters in my closet. Is sheep hair kind of creepy too?

9. Do you remember seeing E.T. The Extraterrestrial for the first time? Or Jurassic Park or Indiana Jones Temple of Doom? Independence Day? So thrilling!

10. From my favorite quotes file: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

Posted on July 24, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. Today would have been my mother’s 79th birthday. Honestly, I don’t think she would have aged all that gracefully, but it would have been fun to watch. I’m sure she would have been that special grandma to Sydney Rose, the kind that do everything against your wishes, the kind the grandkids love! And I would like to think she would have been proud of how her daughter turned out. Well I’d like to think so. 🙂

Happy Birthday Mom. 40 years gone, and miss you everyday.

2. Seriously, Couldn’t someone have fixed my hair for me????
Here now, City of Ventura employees sharing how green we try to be:

3. My conversation with a gentleman at the recent Latino Business awards presentation touched on what people’s “exit strategy” is for retiring from the work force. Mine is dying. And believe it or not, I’m totally fine with that. I’m happiest when I’m productive!

4. How can something so good be so evil? I’m referring of course to the new Lay’s Cheesy Garlic Bread favored potato chips.

5. It’s no secret that I play guitar. It’s also no secret that I suck at it. But I was playing around one night recently and I wrote a song (well the music) and I wondered to myself, “Have I heard this before?” So I started asking songwriters that I know whether they question themselves on songs they write. Everyone so far has admitted they do.

6. I was saddened by the passing of actor James Garner this week. I wasn’t so much into his show, The Rockford Files, but I LOVED his movie Support Your Local Sheriff. He was a great comedic actor. Also, just an aside and a sort of Six Degrees of Separation, Garner was actually born, James Scott Bumgarner…so very close to my married name Baumgardner. So we were sort of akin. RIP in James Garner. He was 86.

7. I placed a button on VenturaRocks.com where readers and fans of the website can make a donation to defray costs. The first few weeks I actually had a VERY small number of contributors but I was completely jazzed. Two of them I had never met before! One of them is the Mayor of a neighboring City! But then I got to thinking, 99.999999999999% of the readers had not made a contribution. What if I charged an annual membership, and maybe throw in a t-shirt. Would that be too much to ask for this service? Would I be able to retire? I’m thinking no and no. I’m still hoping for the honor system.

8 My view on life’s set backs: You can overcome them, or defeat the. Those are the choices. When you say you can’t do anything about it, you have succumbed.

9. Have you seen that Facebook quiz you can fill out to see “What is Your Old Person Name?” I’m afraid mine would be “Pamela”.

10. I love the kind of laughter when you can’t talk because your body won’t cooperate with what you want to say and tears are rolling the your cheeks… It’s the best!

11. From my favorite quotes file, “Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.” ― Oscar Wilde

A Couple of Things…

Posted on July 16, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. I freakin’ miss my baby! First she had a car accident last Fall, and then last week she had her car broken into and they took her ID and bank cards (yeah I know, a lesson learned), tools and a basket full of a laundry which meant she had nothing but – and I quote – “Ratty clothes at home.” Luck would be on her side though as the cops arrested a woman later that day trying to use her credit card (she had closed it) and she got most everything back but her clothes. Her grandpa and I pitched in and transferred some money to her account so she wouldn’t be known as the ratty-dressed woman in town.

Sure there have been tough times, but she’s independent, she’s brave, she’s responsible and takes care of business. I couldn’t be more proud!!

2. I received an email notifying me that the domain name, “acoupleofthings.com” is now available for purchase. You see, I own, “acoupleofthings.us”, so these commie-rat bastards thought I might be interested in their $4,000.00 price for it. I got a really good laugh out of that one! Click on image to enlarge and see.

3. I read an article on the Huffington Post called “37 Things in your Home to Get Rid of Now” and 9 of them pretty much apply to me:

The extra packet of buttons that came with a cardigan that you’ve since donated
Holiday cards
The treasure trove of plastic grocery bags under your sink
All the stacks of magazines you haven’t touched in months
All the half-scrawled lists, notes and post-its reminding you of things you have no idea about.
Old textbooks
Paperback novels that didn’t change your life
Any plastic storage container that doesn’t have a lid
Instruction manuals for appliances you know how to use

Not that I’m getting rid of anything. 😉

4. This is really a website: www.WhatTheFuckShouldIMakeForDinner.com

For some reason, this one is blocked at work.

5. One night recently I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep so I turned on the TV and Jane Eyre was on, the Orson Welles version from 1944. What a bummer of a story; so freakin’ depressing!!! I’m taking this off my “must read” list of books.

6. I read an interesting blog called, “10 Life Lessons From A Navy Seal”. My favorite was, “If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.”

It’s not always fun and certainly not popular, but reading this, I feel less guilty about “Just getting the job done” and not worrying whether I’m liked. Trust me, NO ONE EVER has called me a “sugar cookie.”

7. The funniest thing overhead at Surf Rodeo this past weekend: Two male surfers were walking up the street from the beach, one was walking gingerly, apparently injured while surfing, and his friend says to him, “You want me to get an ice pack for your vulva?”

8. I use to get offended that it was okay that guys could go without their shirts, but it’s not okay for women (for two obvious reasons). But I’ve decided to quit bitching about it and just enjoy the view.

9. Facebook posts indicate the degree of how well you know and/or like someone when it comes to acknowledging their birthday:

1. HBD

2. Happy Birthday

3. Happy Birthday!

4. Happy Birthday Ken

5. Happy Birthday Ken!

6. Happy Birthday Ken! I hope you have a fabulous day!!

7. You’re sweet face always makes my day. I’m so happy you grace our lives with your blah blah blah blah blah

(Extra points for adding a photo. Extra extra points for adding a personal photo of you and them together).

10. From my favorite quotes file: “The amount of sleep required by the average person is ‘five more minutes’.” – Wilson Mizener

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

Posted on July 13, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. One of the perks of writing a blog is that it’s a conversation starter. I’ll run into a friend and they’ll say, “Oh! I know what you mean about….” I like that.

2. Some women have gone way overboard on Nazi-feminism. I get it. But I’m still proud to say that I am a feminist. I publicly admit it; but I’m also guilty of keeping stereotypes of women being a lesser sex alive. I’m working on it, but whenever I get a fellow female up on the court with me, I tell her not to shoot like a girl. How demeaning is that? I saw a short clip produced by “Always” (a feminine hygiene company) about how it’s derogatory to say, you run like a girl. or you hit like a girl. They ask the question, “what does it mean to do something like a girl?” Furthermore, they ask, “When did doing something like a girl become an insult?”

I shoot hoops like a girl, because I am a girl. And you know what? That’s pretty cool because I play hard and I love the game and I’ve beaten guys half my age – although not Stephen show in this photo with me. But I have beat guys in their 20’s; you can put that in your pipe and smoke it.
The thing is though, it should never be men against women. Boys against girls. it should be, be the best you can. PERIOD. Oh! And have fun doing it! #LikeAGirl

Here’s the video:
embed video:

3. In a related subject: I’ve never understood bands who glorify the demeaning or violence towards women. Death metal, rap, whatever. Do they think it’s funny? Do their fans? Seriously, not cool.

4. I like living at the beach and the feel of being a member of this community, but I swear to God, a small number of those short-term vacation rentals really discredit that viewpoint. Some of these “vacationers” are guilty of one or all of the following infractions: they park illegally, leave trash on the beach, leave trash in front of the house, stay up late partying loudly on weeknights, have screaming kids, have yapping dogs. Fortunately most are really nice folks looking for a fun time, but don’t really realize they are in the midst of a family neighborhood, not a vacation resort.

5. In a related subject, Sammy is going deaf. She has high blood pressure. Even with her poor hearing, the 4th of July fireworks drove her crazy and her heart was racing. Fireworks at the beach are off the hook!!! But spending the evening at home with the doors and windows closed tight and the T.V. playing loud is worth the sacrifice of giving up a holiday party or two.

6. I don’t follow politics as closely as some, and typically only pay attention to National elections and California and Ventura politics, but I saw Congressman John Lewis from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District post on Twitter that he was released from Parchman Penitentiary 53 years ago after being arrested in Jackson for using “white” restroom. What an inspiration seeing that this man fought for injustice and then become a champion and leader in the same “white” governmental process. Our own mini version of Nelson Mandela.

7. I read the following news story “‘Well-Behaved Kids’ restaurant discount sparks online debate” and I thought about it. I think it’s brilliant, mostly because we would have received the discount all the time! You were a good kid Syd Rose; but then, we have to take some credit because we didn’t take you to a restaurant if you were feeling out of sorts.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/well-behaved-kids-restaurant-discount-sparks-online-debate-1.2644240

8. Going out and taking in live music never gets old for me.

9. A little known fact about me: I have a piece of the Berlin Wall. When the wall came down in 1989, a listener of 96-ZTR had several pieces of it which he acquired while in Europe during that time. How thoughtful of him to give me one. It’s an ugly piece of aggregate material, but I can’t imagine tossing it out.

10. You ever look at your Friends list and think, “Who the hell is that?” Yeah, me neither.

11. Tacit consent is a sticky matter. You can argue all you want, but if you don’t stand up to evil or something YOU believe to be wrong, YOU are a part of the problem. End of story.

12. I would like to refute the following study: “Wide-Hipped Women Have More Sex Partners, Controversial Study Shows”. 😉

From my favorite quotes file, “”Depression is merely anger, without the enthusiasm.” – Steven Wright

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

Posted on July 2, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

This was my name tag badge from my last high school reunion. . I can honestly say though I’ve been through ups and downs, losses, and trying times, I never imagined having such a blessed life. I’m glad I didn’t know then what I know now. It’s been an incredible ride! If you were born with wisdom shining, wouldn’t that be boring? Games consist of overcoming not unknown barriers. Now with that viewpoint, let’s play!

1. It’s been over a month since my last post. I’ll be honest, I’ve been busy. There was no time whatsoever while working on Ventura Music Week, and even after it was over, I was exhausted and not quite in the right frame of mind to express myself. I find that when I’m tired, or irritable, I’ll usually regret what comes of out of my mouth.

I’m feeling more myself now…

2. Ventura Music Week 2014 is over. There was lots of blood sweat and tears. To think there are forces that go against Ventura being a music town. Last year we had 30 venues. This year we had 50. That’s 50 venues who believe that having music is a good thing. 50 venues who support live music. Now that rocks and makes it all worthwhile.

3. After a certain point in life you would think us girls would stop talking about you boys. Yeah, you would think.

4. I always admired Bugs Bunny while I was growing up. I still don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.

5. I saw this headline on the Huffington Post, “Janeane Garofalo Comes Out in Defense of Public Hair”.

I mulled it over wondering if Janeane was trying to help out women who wear burqas, you know, those mysterious veils. Or maybe she was trying to help women who were always worried about their hair and how they feel they are judged. But sadly no, Janeane was referring to PUUUUBic hair. Yeah, the hair down there. I missread, it actually said, “Janeane Garofalo Comes Out in Defense of Pubic Hair”. I believe she said they were like eyebrows, which confused me even more.

6. Alice from The Brady Bunch passed away recently. Her name was actually Ann B. Davis, but who didn’t love Alice? Whenever someone mentions anything about the Brady Bunch it always reminds me of my former roommate Tina Bettiol who could – and I kid you not – name that episode within the first five seconds of any show.

7. I’m coming to terms with the fact that I can’t be trusted with a box of crackers.

8. I can’t even try to explain why the line, “Don’t poke the bear” made Sydney & I literally cry from laughter. Loved Dr. Doolittle 2.

9. My biggest hit day ever for my blog was the day I posted on Facebook that on my blog I talk about leaving my panties lying about. Coincidence? I think not.

10. I SWEAR TO GOD, I saw this posted on Facebook: “Am I aloud to throw in the towel and quit , and start over.”
And I SWEAR TO GOD, NONE of his friends commented on his atrocious misuse of the word “ALOUD”. #Allowed

11. I saw a poster online that read, “You don’t need religion to have morals. If you can’t determine right from wrong, then you lack empathy, not religion.” Anonymous

I would like to add, “Religion without empathy is evil. Those people are called extremists.” I know a few of them. Yeah, you can quote me on that.

12. From my favorite quotes file: “Not one drop of my self worth depends on your acceptance of me.” – Quincy Jones

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

Posted on May 10, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. Some mothers want time with their families on Mother’s Day, yet others want time off from their families on Mother’s day.

Me? Just knowing my baby loves me and is thinking of me is all I really need. It has to be, since she is over 900 miles away.

My “Posthumous Happy Mother’s Day” Post from last year

My previous post on “Being a Mother“.

2. I mentioned in my last post that I would have another baby in a heartbeat. The other night I had a dream that I did. I felt a contraction, and then I felt something (you know, “down there”), and I pushed it out, and there was a baby! The great thing is that while the contraction hurt (in my dream), the baby the size of a watermelon coming out a hole the size of a lemon, did not hurt.

I love my dreams.
————————–
2a. In case you’re wondering where that quote orginally came from, it’s from Look Who’s Talking. Kirstie Alley’s character, Molly actually says, “Why don’t you try squeezing something the size of a watermelon out of an opening the size of a lemon and see how hot YOU look?” Love that movie!

3. Well I did survive Cinco de Mayo. Shots of tequila were involved, and thanks to Jonny at Amigos, some were free. They had a gal going around with samples of new “organic” tequila which according to her, doesn’t add sugar to the distilling process. I asked if a lot of others do, and she conceded that no, in fact they don’t. But it was a nice selling point.

4. By the way, Maggie is the Queen of selfies. This photo of course is not a selfie. I call it, “the making of a selfie” courtesy of my father.

5. Some days I learn more than others.

6. While speaking to a co-worker about my basketball mix tape which has Linkin’ Park, Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine on it, I commented that one of these days I’m going to have to grow up.

His reply? “Why bother? We all die anyways.”

You are very wise Mr. Towers.

7. I learned to scuba dive in a swimming pool. It felt like I was at the bottom of the ocean…that is until, of course, the following week when I was. Too cool, and completely exhilarating!!!

KXBS had me certified so I could talk about my experience on air. I dove off the coast in Malibu, off the Channel Islands and then off the coast in Catalina.

8. My new favorite video I came across. The dog is not allowed on the bed, so the owners put up a camera to see what happens while they’re gone. Such joy!!! The cat? Not so much!:

9. I heard that The Simpsons has been on the air for 24 years? Crazy! I’m kind of proud to say I’ve never seen an episode.

10. The #2 ingredient in that devilishly delicious Sriracha hot chili sauce is sugar. It all makes so much sense now.

11. From my favorite quotes file: ““Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

Posted on April 30, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. The year following my divorce, one of the first things I did was to invest in my teeth. I actually went in to get veneers on my top teeth, but when my dentist learned I wanted my bottom teeth fixed the same way he stopped and refused and said he would not ruin ALL my teeth. So I wore braces for a year, he whiten my teeth, and I couldn’t be happier. Best investment I ever made in myself.

Note: Having crooked teeth never stopped me from smiling, but having a straight smile took my attention off myself and put it on the person I was actually smiling at. Does that make sense?

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2. Clearly a mistake.

I took another one of those Facebook questionnaires to estimate what age I actually am, and it determined I was nine years old. So some are not so flawed.

3. Cinco de Mayo is coming up and like most holidays, it’s just a sneaky way to get out with friends and have a great time. Guac, carnitas, shots of Patron? What could possibly go wrong?

4. A musician friend here in town gave me good advice when I bought by new fender stratocaster, he said just pick it up and play it everyday. Doesn’t matter how long. Well I’ve been playing it often (not every single day), and I find the more often I play, the longer I want to play. I’m remembering songs I learned YEARS ago and I’m having fun, so much so, I actually got a mini blister on my pinkie.

Thank you Beatles for the reality, but, “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!” is now stuck in my head.

5. I have a confession. I would have another baby in a heartbeat, but it would take a serious miracle.

6. I am grateful that someone was clever enough to come up with denim material that stretches…just a little bit.

7. Speaking of clothes. The other day I was multi-tasking and while cooking dinner (yeah, I know! Me cook right?!) I was folding clothes at the kitchen table and taking them to my room while stirring and mixing and stuff. After I finished cooking, I took my meal to my room to eat while working on websites. The next morning I got up early for work and there on one of the kitchen chairs was one of my sexiest pairs of panties. I can’t help but wonder what my roommate’s expression was if he saw them! He’s like 75 years old and we rarely even speak!

8. The problem with Molly is that I always compare her to Kitty Sanchez and I know that isn’t fair. I wouldn’t have ever compared child #2 to Sydney Rose if I had ever had one (wink wink Sydney, you know you’re my fav); but Kitty Sanchez was in fact the best cat in the whole wide world; and Molly, is a kitty snob, she treats you like Pepe le Pew when you pick her up.

9. I may have been too quick to smack down “smack talk from people about the Clippers being owned by Sterling. But you know what? More than anything, THEY need to support this team. There is no room for that sort of bigotry in this world let alone in the fuckin’ NBA. Are you kidding me? This smack talk sounds like they’re accusing Clipper fans of supporting racism. Give me a small break!
Or worse, they get joy out of the misery of others??? Either way, inappropriate in my book. Its probably a good thing that I have never wanted to commit to a specific franchise. I just love a good team, and Chris Paul brings it.

10. (Okay, deep breath…) Speaking of sports (and my attempt to lighten the mood), back in radio they’d send me out to host Monday Night Football where quickly my air name Stephanie Rose morphed into Stephster the Refster, with a referee shirt and a whistle to grab fans attention when it was time to give away crap. Never mind I knew very little about the game and never mind I cared even less about it. But I did enjoy shaking hands, shooting pool and getting to know the guys who hung out for it. Tough job working a room full of mostly men, while partaking in libations and bar food. 🙂

Side story: whilst pregnant with Syd Rose (sans libations), I had only one food craving during my entire pregnancy and that was for Tabasco. I craved ANYTHING and EVERYTHING as long as it had Tabasco on it. Popcorn, burritos, eggs, I couldn’t get enough of it. I discovered this while hosting Monday Night Football and being served hot wings, with yes, Tabasco on them.
What could my body possibly be lacking to cause the craving? Vinegar?

11. I went out dancing with Maggie recently and a well-known gentleman about town asked me to dance. I’ve danced with Jerry before so I knew going in I would be taken care of. He basically does the two-step with a little salsa thrown in for fun. When I caught Maggie taking a photo, you should have seen the stink eye I gave her. Too bad she didn’t capture that one!

12. Here’s the deal, I signed up for that LinkedIn JUST to shut them up. I’ve never dealt with a more persistent entity before! All those requests for me to accept an invitation to… blah blah blah. Well I finally did about a year ago and thought well maybe it might be a good networking tool.
I just got an email where the Subject said: “Congrats, you got 1 profile view last week‏” So I guess my efforts on LinkedIn have been really paying off.

13. From my favorite quotes file: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

Posted on April 23, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. This is what I come home to. I love my puppy dog. We’re thinking she’s about 13 or 14 years old. I’ve had her 12 years and they thought she was a couple years old when I picked her up from the pound. Samantha “Boom Boom” Baumgardner.

This by the way is also what I leave everyday. It’s like she’s saying, “You’re coming back, right?”

2. I understand that the 9-1-1 emergency call system is a public service. I also understand the “rights to public records” but honestly, the media playing 9-1-1 tapes seems like an invasion of privacy. Some of these calls are at the person’s most vulnerable moments and they’ve become entertainment for the masses.

3. Bike to Work Day is coming up! I had to post the news on the City’s official website. It’s a great way to exercise; it’s a fantastic way to start the day; and it helps the environment! (click to enlarge photo)

So ride your freakin’ bike to work on May 15th!!!

4. I wrote a blog a few weeks back called, “Being a Victim Sucks“, and how some people will play the victim. One aspect of being a victim is not wanting to take responsibility, but the other aspect, and I’m warning you this could be harsh, is to just make the other person wrong, Wrong, WRONG.

I’ve seen it. I’ve done it. It’s a completely bullshit thing to do.

5. If you don’t take a stand against bad behavior you are tacitly agreeing it is okay.

Just sayin’.

6. The first song we ever sang together while listening to the radio was “Where it’s At” by Beck. Syd would sing “Where’s it’s At” and I would come in with “I got two turntables and a microphone.” This was around 1997 or 1998 when the song was all over the radio, so Sydney had to be only three or four years old.

True story

Most parents go with “The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round” Not this Mom!

7. Let me just say right off the bat, it must have been horrifying being attacked by a bear. That being said…

I confess that this news story of a woman in Florida being attacked by a bear made me kind of chuckle. She had walked into her garage where she found up to five bears rummaging through her trash. One of them picked her up and removed her and placed her in her driveway.

The bear obviously could have killed and eaten her. But he didn’t. It’s truly unfortunate that he has huge claws and sharp teeth because they did damage to her while removing her from harm’s way so they could continue their business.
(full story)

8. I conceded a few years ago that I do in fact have an hour-glass figure, but for most of my life my own attention just went to the bottom half of my body and I always felt awkward about that. I had “birthin’ hips” and they were what determined every single outfit I’ve ever worn.

9. I like it!

10. I was killing time in Trader Joe’s the other day (a dangerous thing to do), and I found peanut butter that had only peanuts and salt listed on the label. I had read about it before and thought perhaps it was just an urban legend, but it’s true! And though I have to refrigerate the jar after stirring up the PB, I’m digging it!

11. So I was sitting there minding my own business (playing “Shoot Bubble Deluxe” on my phone) during a weekly work meeting one morning, when the subject of Monkey Butt came up. That got my attention because I had never heard the term. One of the guys was complaining he didn’t want to exercise that afternoon (crossfit) because he had developed a rash from the gravel on the ground at the top of his, um….crack. The guys insisted it was a real thing so when I got the chance, I Googled it.

What came up was this: “Relieve the friction of monkey butt and painful butt rash…” http://www.antimonkeybutt.com.   They even have a Facebook page.

How funny is that? I guess if you pay enough attention, you never stop learning.
(I thought it nicer to share a photo of Shoot Bubble Deluxe than an actual case of monkey butt. You’re welcome.)

From my favorite quotes file: “A word to the wise ain’t necessary – it’s the stupid ones that need the advice.” – Bill Cosby

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

Posted on April 15, 2014 by A Couple of Things by Pam Baumgardner

1. I’m not exactly sure when I lost my shyness and decided to just work through the panic and fear of being in front of people, but somewhere along the way I did. See when you work in radio, you just have to overcome nervousness on one level, which is trying not to sound stupid; but live in person, that’s a whole different story and it has it’s own set of fears to overcome.

I remember watching Craig Powers from KEZY in Anaheim do live broadcasts. He was the master and he just ate it up. He was so calm and so “on” when that microphone went live. I learned a lot just watching him.

After I left KEZY and moved on to Ventura and KZTR with my first full-time on air position, and later with KXBS the Bus, I knew I wanted to be like Craig, but I was so introverted and worried about what people thought of me. I really did suck at it; but for some reason the station managers insisted on sending me out to shake hands, kiss babies, bowl in leagues, do remote broadcasts, introduce bands at concerts (I think David Cassidy at the Ventura Theater was one of my first) and host radio events and before long I calmed down and started to have some fun with it. The dumbest yet bravest thing I ever did was to sing Karaoke, I can’t carry a tune to save my life and the audience loved it.

But I do remember the very first time ever I did something live on air was when I was in college taking radio broadcasting classes and doing shifts on KBPK, and one of the assignments was to go out during “A Night in Fullerton” and do some interviews with random people. I don’t think I said a coherent thing (and I even had questions written on index cards) and I certainly didn’t hear a single word the person was saying, which is a critical point when doing an interview, you actually have to listen to them while preparing your next question. I was a frazzled mess by the end of the evening.

My advice: “Practice, practice, practice!!!”

2. The title of an article found on The Onion website, “Poll Finds the Majority of Americans Have Never Met Willem Defoe.”

Classic!

3. Great news! I was telling a co-worker about my one degree of separation from Kevin Bacon and she pointed out that since she knew me, she now only had two degrees. So I thought I’d inform you that since you know me, you too now only have two degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.

You’re welcome!

(click here for original story)

4. One of the funniest blogs I’ve read in a while was called, “Ode to the Medium-Sized Woman,” by Isabel Foxen Duke. Before I started exercising, I could totally relate to a couple of these:

“I can literally wear S, M or L depending on the brand, and sometimes, I’ll size out of a brand altogether.”
“I would never be called “overweight” or “plus-size” or “heavy” or “the F-word” (you know, Fat).”
“I’ve definitely had sex with guys that weigh less than me, but I don’t think they knew that at the time.”

Too funny!

5. There are some movies that I can watch over and over, others that were a complete waste of my time and I soon forget, but there are just a few which really left a lasting impression, but I could never watch again for their disturbing nature:

Requiem for a Dream
Adaptation
The Butterfly Effect
Ted
Cape Fear

Yeah I know, Ted? Really? REALLY.

6. I have a confession. I will not miss David Letterman.

He use to be clever and funny, but since his open-heart surgery, he just became more pessimistic and mean. I am pleased that Steven Colbert will replace him.

7. Recent MSN article on Healthy Living called, “The 14 Best Things You Can Do For Your Body”.

“You don’t need anyone to tell you to have more sex, but it doesn’t hurt that research is piling up about the benefits of getting busy. Regular time spent behind closed doors can make you look and feel younger, reduce stress, boost immunity, enhance sleep, protect against prostate cancer and improve cardiovascular health. What’s more, a 25-year study from Duke University found that the more sex you have, the longer you’ll live. Guys, I think we’ve discovered the fountain of youth.“

What’s funny to me is that they spent 25 years studying this. LOL!!! “Um yeah Dean, we need more grant money to continue this study, because (wink wink) it’s really important work.

I’m guessing, these people who lived longer were actually mentally and physically healthy and as a result, they enjoyed sex more often.

8. I hope when I die, that my wake is a celebration, especially for my family and close friends. I’m pretty sure I won’t be hanging around, I’ll be ready for my next adventure, so feel free to talk about me behind my back. 😉

9. Typically when my father calls me “Little girl”, I know I’m in trouble. Thankfully after the age of 21, I stopped caring.

(Sydney at the Cross April 2013)

10. I had to call my daughter up in Oregon from my tax accountant’s office to ask whether she had claimed that she was a dependent or not when she filed her taxes earlier this year; then she started to upbraid me because she said it was just a few days before taxes were due. I had to stop her right there and point out, “No baby, they are actually due tomorrow.”

That didn’t help my case.

11. People who are intentional cruel, who seek to bring harm are even more scary because they truly believe they are justified in their actions.

People who are intentional nice, who seek to bring happiness to others rock even more because they truly believe in the brothership of mankind.

Thankfully the truly evil are only 2%.

People who are just typically mean and in a bad mood are not included in the two-percenters, because a lot depends on their environment and so they are constantly at effect…instead of at cause over their life. They just need an attitude adjustment…or a vacation or better still, get rid of the assholes in their lives. 🙂

12. From my favorite quotes file: “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
― Albert Einstein

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