Hey there, I'm checking in from Mom and Dad's again. The office was closed again because we got another dump of snow yesterday. My boss just called to say that it would be open tomorrow. Ooops! I won't be there! I booked a day off to run errands (like I haven't had all week to do them) and to go to the Dierks Bentley concert in Everett. Last night I was seriously starting to doubt the sanity of my decision (due to the weather) but I am confident that I'll be fine. It's warming up and the roads are mostly clear here already. I was supposed to go with Tonya but she is without power right now and isn't comfortable leaving her husband and son. My brother Seth has agreed to come with me instead. That means that I won't be driving alone, which, in itself is safer.
Anyhow, I stopped off here to say "hi" and Mom and Aaron borrowed my car to go do papers. They are back now so I'd better sign off.
~Heidi
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Snow Pictures
Pictures as promised. These were taken Sunday afternoon while the snow was still falling. Back when it was soft and beautiful. Now it's all iced over and because the wind has been blowing there's debris scattered everywhere. This is one of the trees in the courtyard behind my apartment.
And a not-so-flattering self portrait. Seth wouldn't come outside with me though so this is all you get.
<--Looking across the road.
And lastly, my sliding door...from the *inside*! This is yesterday (Tuesday) morning. The ice was probably an inch thick, on the INSIDE of the door!!!~Heidi
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Snow Day!
Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been stuck at home without internet access. Work was closed yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday). I do have pictures but my USB cable is at work so you'll have to wait. I'm at my parents house right now. I can't imagine dealing with this much snow on a regular basis. I suppose you get used to it but it is just strange for us. It's *cold* right now too. Well, cold for us anyways. Up to -20o with the wind chill. I'm used to snow that comes and goes within a few days. This is sticking around. Hope y'all are warm and safe :)
~Heidi
~Heidi
Saturday, November 25, 2006
It's snowing!!!
I came here to complain and ask "when does it EVER snow in November" but then I remembered that last year when Veronica was here, it was similar weather. Grey and foggy and it did actually snow. They are predicting 30 centemetres over the next 24 hours. It took awhile to convince my dad that 30 cm = 12 inches. I didn't want to believe it but our back deck is covered already. (I'm at my parents house right now. I told Mom I should have brought my pjs so I can stay the night!) If its still around tomorrow I'll try and remember to take pictures.
~Heidi
~Heidi
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
As much as I want to say "Turkey is *so* last month" I still need to wish my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving. So, Happy Thanksgiving :)
It's a weird phenomenon for us here. Even though we aren't celebrating Thanksgiving, the phones are very quiet because all of our American customers are. Even my email and the boards are quiet. I'm getting a lot accomplished. It's odd though. I feel like I've had the anticipation for a holiday but I don't actually GET one. Oh well. It's only 32 days till Christmas :)
~Heidi
It's a weird phenomenon for us here. Even though we aren't celebrating Thanksgiving, the phones are very quiet because all of our American customers are. Even my email and the boards are quiet. I'm getting a lot accomplished. It's odd though. I feel like I've had the anticipation for a holiday but I don't actually GET one. Oh well. It's only 32 days till Christmas :)
~Heidi
Aaaaaaand they're back.
Told you it wouldn't last long. My credenza is filled with magazines again. Not as many as I had yesterday but still, it's not clean like it was for a total of 18 hours (including night time). Now to tackle these ones!
~Heidi
~Heidi
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
omnipresent magazines
There is an ominpresent stack of magazines on the credenza in my office. It's something that is always there nagging at me. I am proud to say that as of 2:28 today, it is cleared off. When I meet with my boss tomorrow for a filing day I am sure it will stack back up but as of right now, it is clear and it feels great!
~Heidi
~Heidi
Clearing Out Inventory
Did I mention that I found a scrapbook store in the town where I work? I was in a store in my home town and while the clerk was ringing up my purchase, the phone rang. It was a customer asking for hockey stickers. The clerk said that they didn't have any but she should try a few different stores and she named them. I was familiar with the first two but not the last one. I immediately went out to my car and wrote down the name. Last week at lunch I called information (because I didn't have enough brains to check online first) and got the address and headed over. The store is owned by a very nice woman who showed me around and engaged me in conversation without being annoying (a delicate balancing act ;))
The funny thing was there were layouts all around the store (typical decoration). At the back of the store I recognized one of my Directors as the focus of the layout!!! I laughed and told her "Hey, you've got XXX in here!" Apparently his wife is an avid scrapbooker.
During our chat I mentioned that I'm an ex-cmc. She laughed and pointed at a bunch of the layouts on the wall. "Any of the ones on CM pages are mine. Also, you'll notice that I don't have very many albums here. I like CM!" Somehow we started talking about my leftover inventory (which, thankfully, is dwindiling quite well) and I mentioned that I still have a case (3) of corner rounders. She offered to buy them off me! Said she wanted to give one to her grand-daughter for Christmas and she liked to have them on hand if anyone asked.
So, today I brought her my corner rounders. She gave me $30 for them! That's slightly higher then consultant price. Works for me!!! And it was $30 cash I might add. Of course I turned around and spent a bit of it but that's not the point :) I know I'll be frequenting her store again though.
~Heidi
The funny thing was there were layouts all around the store (typical decoration). At the back of the store I recognized one of my Directors as the focus of the layout!!! I laughed and told her "Hey, you've got XXX in here!" Apparently his wife is an avid scrapbooker.
During our chat I mentioned that I'm an ex-cmc. She laughed and pointed at a bunch of the layouts on the wall. "Any of the ones on CM pages are mine. Also, you'll notice that I don't have very many albums here. I like CM!" Somehow we started talking about my leftover inventory (which, thankfully, is dwindiling quite well) and I mentioned that I still have a case (3) of corner rounders. She offered to buy them off me! Said she wanted to give one to her grand-daughter for Christmas and she liked to have them on hand if anyone asked.
So, today I brought her my corner rounders. She gave me $30 for them! That's slightly higher then consultant price. Works for me!!! And it was $30 cash I might add. Of course I turned around and spent a bit of it but that's not the point :) I know I'll be frequenting her store again though.
~Heidi
Monday, November 20, 2006
A-Z of things I like
A is for Albums. I have more then fifteen completed. I’d better like them!!!
B is for Books. I love books.
C is for Country Music
D is for Digital. Managing it can be frustrating but I wouldn’t go back to film.
E is for Ellen, she makes me laugh
F is for Friends
G is for God
H is for Hotels. Especially good quality ones.
I is for Internet. My connection to the world.
J is for Jokes. Really good ones that make you laugh till you have to pee.
K is for Kenny. I love that man :)
L is for LaunchCast Radio. My savoiour during the day.
M is for Money. There’s just never enough.
N is for Nuts.
O is for Outdoors. My favourite place to be.
P is for Parades. Canada Day, Fourth of July, Santa Claus, you name it, I love them.
Q is for Quality time. I’m pretty sure that’s one of my love languages.
R is for Retreats
S is for Starbucks
T is for Travel. Something I’d love to do more of.
U is for “U”. That funky little letter that Canadians like adding into many words.
V is for Vacation. Even if I don’t go anywhere, time off is wonderful.
W is for Water. My liquid of choice.
X is for Xyron.
Y is for Yellow. It’s a happy colour. Unless it’s at Superstore. Then it’s just freaky.
Z is for Zoo’s. I just wish we had a quality one around here.
B is for Books. I love books.
C is for Country Music
D is for Digital. Managing it can be frustrating but I wouldn’t go back to film.
E is for Ellen, she makes me laugh
F is for Friends
G is for God
H is for Hotels. Especially good quality ones.
I is for Internet. My connection to the world.
J is for Jokes. Really good ones that make you laugh till you have to pee.
K is for Kenny. I love that man :)
L is for LaunchCast Radio. My savoiour during the day.
M is for Money. There’s just never enough.
N is for Nuts.
O is for Outdoors. My favourite place to be.
P is for Parades. Canada Day, Fourth of July, Santa Claus, you name it, I love them.
Q is for Quality time. I’m pretty sure that’s one of my love languages.
R is for Retreats
S is for Starbucks
T is for Travel. Something I’d love to do more of.
U is for “U”. That funky little letter that Canadians like adding into many words.
V is for Vacation. Even if I don’t go anywhere, time off is wonderful.
W is for Water. My liquid of choice.
X is for Xyron.
Y is for Yellow. It’s a happy colour. Unless it’s at Superstore. Then it’s just freaky.
Z is for Zoo’s. I just wish we had a quality one around here.
Weekend Update
It seems like I had a *really* long weekend but it was just normal.
Friday I went out to Terri’s to do scrapbooking. It was just her and I which was really nice. Of course she has me coveting the new cart now but that’s okay. I got home around midnight and went directly to bed. I woke up Saturday morning around 11!!! That is a LONG sleep for me. It felt good though. I puttered around for a bit reading and cleaning. I did pull out my Christmas box but so far I've only taken out the cd's. I'm not sure what level of decorating I want to go to.
At three mom and I went to Costco. I've been trying to get down there for a few weeks and I finally did it. I wanted to buy a big box of chicken breast. It is cheaper when you buy them in bulk like that...of course my freezer is not too full to get into but I have chicken to last for awhile :)
I ended up having dinner at Mom and Dad's and then going to bible study with them. Sunday morning was church and afterwards I probably could have gone out for lunch wiht someone but I chose to just go home instead. I made a big plate of nachos and then watched the Grey Cup game while writing Christmas cards.
The game was pretty slow. It was very "Canadian" in that all the announcements were made in half English, half French and everyone (including the cheerleaders) was running around in parkas. Most of the points were scored by kicker Paul McCallum. It was kind of neat for me because "McCallum’s efforts earned him the title of Most Valuable Canadian, and tied Don Sweet, Paul Osbaldiston and Sean Fleming for most field goals in a Grey Cup game." Don Sweet was my Math 8 and Student Leadership teacher in highschool! Hands down my favourite teacher of all. The fifth or sixth guy on that record list is Mike Vanderjagt, one of my fantasy football team members.
Seeing BC and Montreal at the Grey Cup was pretty neat in itself. If you remember, they are the teams we saw for Seth's birthday in September. It was nice to see BC win the cup though.
I got a bunch of Christmas cards written to. As I was using largely handmade cards I set them up on the table and then went down my list and matched cards to people, as you can see on the right. Note my egg nog in the glass. I still have *a LOT* more cards to write but at least I have a grasp on what it will take.
Sunday evening after the game I went back over to Mom & Dad's. Dad was out watching the new 007 movie so Mom, Aaron and I played a few rounds of Scrabble. At one point Aaron, in frustration exclaimed "I can't spell jack!" Mom replied "No you can't, I have the 'J'." Aaron said "I don't have the "A-C-K" either". Mom was confused as to why Aaron would be trying to spell a word he didn't have ANY letters for. Aaron had to explain that "jack" is a slang term. It was really funny.
I got home around ten and red for a bit before trying to fall asleep. I was having a hard time and when I finally did, my phone rang. Seth lost his key fob so he couldn't get into the apartment. I had to buzz him in. Not good. I didn't sleep great for the rest of the night so I'm kind of tired today. My boss is back so it's business as usual.
Have a great week everyone!
~Heidi
Friday I went out to Terri’s to do scrapbooking. It was just her and I which was really nice. Of course she has me coveting the new cart now but that’s okay. I got home around midnight and went directly to bed. I woke up Saturday morning around 11!!! That is a LONG sleep for me. It felt good though. I puttered around for a bit reading and cleaning. I did pull out my Christmas box but so far I've only taken out the cd's. I'm not sure what level of decorating I want to go to.
At three mom and I went to Costco. I've been trying to get down there for a few weeks and I finally did it. I wanted to buy a big box of chicken breast. It is cheaper when you buy them in bulk like that...of course my freezer is not too full to get into but I have chicken to last for awhile :)
I ended up having dinner at Mom and Dad's and then going to bible study with them. Sunday morning was church and afterwards I probably could have gone out for lunch wiht someone but I chose to just go home instead. I made a big plate of nachos and then watched the Grey Cup game while writing Christmas cards.
The game was pretty slow. It was very "Canadian" in that all the announcements were made in half English, half French and everyone (including the cheerleaders) was running around in parkas. Most of the points were scored by kicker Paul McCallum. It was kind of neat for me because "McCallum’s efforts earned him the title of Most Valuable Canadian, and tied Don Sweet, Paul Osbaldiston and Sean Fleming for most field goals in a Grey Cup game." Don Sweet was my Math 8 and Student Leadership teacher in highschool! Hands down my favourite teacher of all. The fifth or sixth guy on that record list is Mike Vanderjagt, one of my fantasy football team members.
Seeing BC and Montreal at the Grey Cup was pretty neat in itself. If you remember, they are the teams we saw for Seth's birthday in September. It was nice to see BC win the cup though.
I got a bunch of Christmas cards written to. As I was using largely handmade cards I set them up on the table and then went down my list and matched cards to people, as you can see on the right. Note my egg nog in the glass. I still have *a LOT* more cards to write but at least I have a grasp on what it will take.Sunday evening after the game I went back over to Mom & Dad's. Dad was out watching the new 007 movie so Mom, Aaron and I played a few rounds of Scrabble. At one point Aaron, in frustration exclaimed "I can't spell jack!" Mom replied "No you can't, I have the 'J'." Aaron said "I don't have the "A-C-K" either". Mom was confused as to why Aaron would be trying to spell a word he didn't have ANY letters for. Aaron had to explain that "jack" is a slang term. It was really funny.
I got home around ten and red for a bit before trying to fall asleep. I was having a hard time and when I finally did, my phone rang. Seth lost his key fob so he couldn't get into the apartment. I had to buzz him in. Not good. I didn't sleep great for the rest of the night so I'm kind of tired today. My boss is back so it's business as usual.
Have a great week everyone!
~Heidi
Friday, November 17, 2006
I'm ready
I think I’m ready to acknowledge Christmas now. I’m still not comfortable with it because I don’t know exactly what’s expected of me but I’m willing to embrace the season. The weather is supposed to continue to be cr@ppy this weekend so I’m hoping to drag out my Christmas box. I’m sure Seth won’t be impressed but it will make me happy :) Maybe I’ll even get some of those cards written.
Only 39 days left after all :)
~Heidi
Only 39 days left after all :)
~Heidi
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Friends are Treasures
Part of that blog post that I lost this weekend was sharing a very wonderful special layout done by my friend Veronica. For anyone who has been living under a rock for the past year, Veronica lives in Australia. She and I met online and when she made plans to come to the US last year to visit friends I convinced her to come up and visit me. But, I'll let her tell the story.
To read the journalling, click here
When I saw this layout and read the journalling I started crying. I don't know if I've ever cried because of a layout before. This one was just so special. I think I scared Janis and the other girls at the retreat though.
Veronica, thank you for this. It's hard to find words to adequately capture our friendship but you have done it beautifully here. I can't wait to see the rest of the layouts from our trip.
~Heidi
PS I showed it to my mom and she said you had nothing to worry about, they enjoyed having you. :)
To read the journalling, click here
When I saw this layout and read the journalling I started crying. I don't know if I've ever cried because of a layout before. This one was just so special. I think I scared Janis and the other girls at the retreat though.
Veronica, thank you for this. It's hard to find words to adequately capture our friendship but you have done it beautifully here. I can't wait to see the rest of the layouts from our trip.
~Heidi
PS I showed it to my mom and she said you had nothing to worry about, they enjoyed having you. :)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Weekend Re-cap
This post was from Tuesday but I forgot to post it.
My phone rang this morning at 8:27. I was still in bed. It was my co-worker "Uh, hi, we were just wondering if you were planning on coming in today"
"<< insert bad word >>"
See, I had set my alarm for 8:30 on Friday so I could sleep in. I turned it on last night but I didn't think to check the time. Oops! So yeah, I got to work about 9:15. Good thing my boss is away this week!!!
I did blog over the weekend but blogger ate my post so I'll have to re-cap it here. As previously posted, I went to the island to visit Janis this weekend. I picked up her friend Leanne on Friday and we caught the 3pm ferry. Thank goodness for reservations. We definitely needed it that day. The crossing was a bit rough, but not too bad. We made it to Janis' around 5 and got a tour of her new house. Very nice Janis! I really like the kitchen :) After that we went out for dinner at Romano's and then while Janis went to pick her sister-in-law up from the ferry, Leanne and I went shopping. We got groceries and then discovered that the *only* place open after 9pm in Nanaimo is Walmart!!!
Anyways, we did make it to the condo but by the time we unloaded everything and had some hot chocolate and dessert, it was bed time. Saturday the weather was kind of yucky. Perfect for scrapbooking. I finished a few calendar pages and then launched into card making. Over the course of the weekend I completed over two dozen Christmas cards. They all used the KI paper that I picked up during the Mount Baker retreat. On the way to pick up Leanne I stopped at an LSS and got some silver sparkly rub-ons which I used as well. Now I need to sit down and actually write and address those cards!
Janis and Martha did have their laptops with them so I was able get online a bit. I used them to look at my pictures as well and I ordered a few that I want to complete my PA 2005 layouts. This is the only picture we took all weekend. Me working on two laptops at once.
Dinner Saturday night was at A&W. It worked really well because nobody had to cook or clean up. Therefore a lot less thought was required and we ended up with very few leftovers.
Sunday I wanted to be back for an evening church service and Martha wanted to get home to her family. That didn’t leave us a lot of time. Basically we just cleaned up and headed out. It turned out to be great timing. Because it was still the middle of the long weekend we got to the ferry terminal and only had to wait for about five minutes between paying and boarding! It was great :) The crossing was pretty rough but it just added to the adventure.
Monday, on my “forced vacation day” I just basically stayed home. I did get up in the morning and tried to make breakfast but discovered that both Seth and I were out of milk, eggs and bread so I went shopping. Other then that I rented a movie, unpacked and hung out. That evening I went to dance and well, that puts us back where I started this blog entry. With me sleeping in Tuesday morning LOL
~Heidi
My phone rang this morning at 8:27. I was still in bed. It was my co-worker "Uh, hi, we were just wondering if you were planning on coming in today"
"<< insert bad word >>"
See, I had set my alarm for 8:30 on Friday so I could sleep in. I turned it on last night but I didn't think to check the time. Oops! So yeah, I got to work about 9:15. Good thing my boss is away this week!!!
I did blog over the weekend but blogger ate my post so I'll have to re-cap it here. As previously posted, I went to the island to visit Janis this weekend. I picked up her friend Leanne on Friday and we caught the 3pm ferry. Thank goodness for reservations. We definitely needed it that day. The crossing was a bit rough, but not too bad. We made it to Janis' around 5 and got a tour of her new house. Very nice Janis! I really like the kitchen :) After that we went out for dinner at Romano's and then while Janis went to pick her sister-in-law up from the ferry, Leanne and I went shopping. We got groceries and then discovered that the *only* place open after 9pm in Nanaimo is Walmart!!!
Anyways, we did make it to the condo but by the time we unloaded everything and had some hot chocolate and dessert, it was bed time. Saturday the weather was kind of yucky. Perfect for scrapbooking. I finished a few calendar pages and then launched into card making. Over the course of the weekend I completed over two dozen Christmas cards. They all used the KI paper that I picked up during the Mount Baker retreat. On the way to pick up Leanne I stopped at an LSS and got some silver sparkly rub-ons which I used as well. Now I need to sit down and actually write and address those cards!
Janis and Martha did have their laptops with them so I was able get online a bit. I used them to look at my pictures as well and I ordered a few that I want to complete my PA 2005 layouts. This is the only picture we took all weekend. Me working on two laptops at once.Dinner Saturday night was at A&W. It worked really well because nobody had to cook or clean up. Therefore a lot less thought was required and we ended up with very few leftovers.
Sunday I wanted to be back for an evening church service and Martha wanted to get home to her family. That didn’t leave us a lot of time. Basically we just cleaned up and headed out. It turned out to be great timing. Because it was still the middle of the long weekend we got to the ferry terminal and only had to wait for about five minutes between paying and boarding! It was great :) The crossing was pretty rough but it just added to the adventure.
Monday, on my “forced vacation day” I just basically stayed home. I did get up in the morning and tried to make breakfast but discovered that both Seth and I were out of milk, eggs and bread so I went shopping. Other then that I rented a movie, unpacked and hung out. That evening I went to dance and well, that puts us back where I started this blog entry. With me sleeping in Tuesday morning LOL
~Heidi
Nasty Weather!
Cut and paste from my posts on SS
12:43pm
The wind is blowing like crazy and it is pouring right now. Apparently they closed the highway to Whistler because so many trees are down. The power keeps flickering too. It went out yesterday...I'd be okay if it went out today
Winter weather in SW BC. It makes me wish for hot chocolate and a nice warm fire.
1:07pm
And, there goes the power. Oh, it's back. Uggh! Note to self, save frequently!
Know what's weird though? Yesterday the lights went out but my computer stayed on. Today my computer turned off but all the lights stayed on. Freaky!
2:28pm
I just got a call from my mom, church was cancelled for this evening. Probably a good thing too. Once I get home I don't want to go out again.
3:15pm
My dad just called. Apparently this weather is a mix of a tropical wind from the South East and an Alaskan cold front. They have collided and provided us with this show. Winds in my area are at about 70miles (105kms) per hour. On the West side of Vancouver Island they are experiencing level one hurricane force winds. About 120 miles per hour. Yikes!!!
12:43pm
The wind is blowing like crazy and it is pouring right now. Apparently they closed the highway to Whistler because so many trees are down. The power keeps flickering too. It went out yesterday...I'd be okay if it went out today
Winter weather in SW BC. It makes me wish for hot chocolate and a nice warm fire.
1:07pm
And, there goes the power. Oh, it's back. Uggh! Note to self, save frequently!
Know what's weird though? Yesterday the lights went out but my computer stayed on. Today my computer turned off but all the lights stayed on. Freaky!
2:28pm
I just got a call from my mom, church was cancelled for this evening. Probably a good thing too. Once I get home I don't want to go out again.
3:15pm
My dad just called. Apparently this weather is a mix of a tropical wind from the South East and an Alaskan cold front. They have collided and provided us with this show. Winds in my area are at about 70miles (105kms) per hour. On the West side of Vancouver Island they are experiencing level one hurricane force winds. About 120 miles per hour. Yikes!!!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
I Need a Vacation
I am ready for a break. I'm sitting her this afternoon trying to do minutes but my mind keeps wandering because I'm TIRED! I got home on Tuesday and after I made dinner, I ended up taking a nap. Of course that meant by the time that bed time actually rolled around I wasn't all that tired any more but I did still sleep. This evening I'm heading out to dance but I'm coming home to sleep!
Tomorrow is a day off because Remembrance Day is on Saturday. I'm heading over to the island to visit Janis. I'm going over with another friend of hers and her sister in-law. We're booked on the 3pm ferry which means I get to sleep in for a bit before leaving to pick them up.
The weekend itself should be quite relaxing.
I'm taking Monday off too. Half the office staff is taking Monday as the stat and the other half is away on another trip (my boss included). That means that I would be the only one in the office and we need a minimum of two people here at all times for security reasons. That means that I have to take the day off. Life is so tough ;)
It also means that I may not have internet access to blog. Don't miss me too much!
~Heidi
Tomorrow is a day off because Remembrance Day is on Saturday. I'm heading over to the island to visit Janis. I'm going over with another friend of hers and her sister in-law. We're booked on the 3pm ferry which means I get to sleep in for a bit before leaving to pick them up.
The weekend itself should be quite relaxing.
I'm taking Monday off too. Half the office staff is taking Monday as the stat and the other half is away on another trip (my boss included). That means that I would be the only one in the office and we need a minimum of two people here at all times for security reasons. That means that I have to take the day off. Life is so tough ;)
It also means that I may not have internet access to blog. Don't miss me too much!
~Heidi
Happy News Time
Leah had a baby boy on November 6th. Kingston Alexander weighs 9 lbs and 5 oz and is 21 inches long. He is also one of the most beautiful newborns I have seen in a very long time. Congratulations Leah, Chris and big sister Sydney.
In other news, my friend Melissa is engaged! Her boyfriend Jevon proposed in Queen Elizabeth Park after a picnic lunch. They've been going out for over three years and we are all very happy for them. The wedding is planned for sometime in 2008.
~Heidi
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
CMA Outcomes
So, how close was I?
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Correct. I thought he’d win and I wanted him to win. Note that he is now both the current reigning Entertainer of the Year according to both the CMA and the ACM!
Male Vocalist of the Year
Keith Urban
Correct. While the letter he had Ronnie Dunn read was touching, I still think any of the other nominees would have been just as good choices for this category.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Wrong. It’s hard to say who was more surprised. Carrie or Faith Hill. I thought Faith deserved it and apparently she did too. Unfortunately she was on camera when Carrie’s name was announced and her “WHAT?” comment is the topic of much speculation this morning.
Horizon Award
Carrie Underwood
Correct. Although it’s weird that she won this and Female Vocalist.
Single of the Year
“Believe”
Wrong. I thought Carrie would get this one. B&D cleaned up on the music side.
Song of the Year
“Believe”
Correct, in that I thought they would win. I still think Brad should have gotten this award.
Music Video of the Year
“Believe”
Correct, unfortunately. Again, I liked Brad’s video better.
Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts
Correct again. Whether I like them or not, the Flatts are putting up amazing numbers and the CMA recognized this.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Correct. As I said, it was a B&D night.
Musical Event of the Year
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
In my opinion, this was the hardest category to award. I thought for sure that B&D had it. Luckily I was wrong. Brad and Dolly definitely deserved it.
Album of the Year
Time Well Wasted
Correct in that I wanted it to win. Can I just say how happy I am? I truly think Brad deserves this award over anyone else.
So, eight out of eleven that I thought would win. Pretty good! Four that I wanted to win too, including a few nice surprises.
~Heidi
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Correct. I thought he’d win and I wanted him to win. Note that he is now both the current reigning Entertainer of the Year according to both the CMA and the ACM!
Male Vocalist of the Year
Keith Urban
Correct. While the letter he had Ronnie Dunn read was touching, I still think any of the other nominees would have been just as good choices for this category.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Wrong. It’s hard to say who was more surprised. Carrie or Faith Hill. I thought Faith deserved it and apparently she did too. Unfortunately she was on camera when Carrie’s name was announced and her “WHAT?” comment is the topic of much speculation this morning.
Horizon Award
Carrie Underwood
Correct. Although it’s weird that she won this and Female Vocalist.
Single of the Year
“Believe”
Wrong. I thought Carrie would get this one. B&D cleaned up on the music side.
Song of the Year
“Believe”
Correct, in that I thought they would win. I still think Brad should have gotten this award.
Music Video of the Year
“Believe”
Correct, unfortunately. Again, I liked Brad’s video better.
Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts
Correct again. Whether I like them or not, the Flatts are putting up amazing numbers and the CMA recognized this.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Correct. As I said, it was a B&D night.
Musical Event of the Year
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
In my opinion, this was the hardest category to award. I thought for sure that B&D had it. Luckily I was wrong. Brad and Dolly definitely deserved it.
Album of the Year
Time Well Wasted
Correct in that I wanted it to win. Can I just say how happy I am? I truly think Brad deserves this award over anyone else.
So, eight out of eleven that I thought would win. Pretty good! Four that I wanted to win too, including a few nice surprises.
~Heidi
Monday, November 06, 2006
CMA Predictions
The CMA Awards are tonight. This is my predition for winners. Let's see how close I am :)
~Heidi
Entertainer of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban
Who I Think Will Win: Kenny Chesney
Who I Want to Win: Kenny Chesney
Comments: Keith has won this for the past two years but he wasn't on a major tour like Kenny so his chances aren't as strong
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood
Gretchen Wilson
Who I Think Will Win: Faith Hill
Who I Want to Win: Faith Hill
Comments: This one is really hard to say. Any of these women could take it. I don't think Carrie's been around long enough though and Faith is the only one who released an album and went on a major tour this year.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Who I Think Will Win: Ketih Urban
Who I Want to Win: Anybody but Keith Urban :D
Comments: I would be happy for any of them.
Horizon Award
Miranda Lambert
Little Big Town
Sugarland
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood
Who I Think Will Win: Carrie Underwood
Who I Want to Win: Carrie Underwood
Comments: I have a problem with "Horizon Awards" being given to people that have already released two albums. I think it should be for newbies (and yes I know that Dierks won last year after the release of MDD. I still stand by my statement though. As for who I want to win, I vote for Carrie, Miranda or Josh.
Vocal Group of the Year
Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
Little Big Town
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Who I Think Will Win: Rascal Flatts
Who I Want to Win: Lonestar
Comment: Alison et al have won the Grammy in this category many times. It's hard to say if the CMA will vote for them. Point of interest, Sugarland is technically a duo but they are listed under Group!
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Van Zant
The Wreckers
Who I Think Will Win: Brooks & Dunn
Who I Want to Win: The Wreckers
Comment: I would love to see a female duo take this category. As much as I like B&D I think it's time for someone else to win. It just gets embarrasing after awhile.
Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
“Believe”
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Tony Brown/Kix Brooks/ Ronnie Dunn
Arista Nashville
“Better Life”
Keith Urban
Produced by Dann Huff/Keith Urban
Capitol Records Nashville
"Jesus Take The Wheel”
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
Arista Nashville
“Summertime”
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Produced by Frank Rogers/Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville
Who I Think Will Win: Jesus Take the Wheel
Who I Want to Win: Jesus Take the Wheel
Comments: Note there is a difference between "Single of the Year" and "Song of the Year" There is strong competition but I think Carrie's a sho-in for this category. "Jesus" stayed at number one for 5 or 6 weeks.
Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers – Drums
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar/Electric Guitar
Randy Scruggs – Guitar
Who I Think Will Win: Jerry Douglas
Who I Want to Win: I don't really care. I don't have any afinity to any of these people. I'd like to know why there are six nominees in this category and only five in the others though.
Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
Hillbilly Deluxe
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Ronnie Dunn/Kix Brooks/Mark Wright/Tom Shapiro/Tony Brown/Bob DiPiero
Arista Nashville
Me And My Gang
Rascal Flatts
Produced by Dann Huff/Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street Records
Precious Memories
Alan Jackson
Produced by Keith Stegall Arista
Nashville
The Road And The Radio
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
Time Well Wasted
Brad Paisley
Produced by Chris DuBois/Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
Who I Think Will Win: Me and My Gang
Who I Want to Win: Time Well Wasted
Comments: Brad was essentially shut out of the ACM's and I think he deserves this
Music Video of the Year
“8th of November”
Big & Rich
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV/Marc Oswald
“Believe”
Brooks & Dunn
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV
“Jesus Take The Wheel”
Carrie Underwood
Directed by Roman White
“Kerosene”
Miranda Lambert
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Directed by Jim Shea
Who I Think Will Win: Believe
Who I Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
Musical Event of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
(Guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill)
“Building Bridges”
Arista Nashville
Faith Hill Featuring Tim McGraw
“Like We Never Loved At All”
Warner Bros. Records
Gretchen Wilson
(Featuring Merle Haggard)
“Politically Uncorrect”
Epic Records
Brad Paisley
(Featuring Dolly Parton)
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Arista Nashville
Bon Jovi
(Duet with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland)
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
Island Records
Who I Think Will Win: Building Bridges
Who I Think Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
Comments: This is a tough category. I'm voting for Brad because he's my favourite but it could go to anyone
Song of the Year
(Award goes to songwriter and primary publisher)
“8th of November”
Big Kenny/John Rich
Big Love Music/WB Music/Rich Texas Music
“Believe”
Craig Wiseman/Ronnie Dunn
Sony/ATV Tree/Showbilly Music/Big Loud Shirt
“Jesus Take The Wheel”
Hillary Lindsey/Brett James/Gordie Sampson
Dimensional Music of 1091/Raylene Music/Songs of Combustion Music
“Tonight I Wanna Cry”
Keith Urban/Monty Powell
Universal Music/Lanark Village Tunes/Guitar Monkey Music/Coburn Music
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Rivers Rutherford/George Teren
Universal Music/Memphersfield Music/House of Full Circle Music
Who I Think Will Win: Believe
Who I Think Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
~Heidi
Entertainer of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban
Who I Think Will Win: Kenny Chesney
Who I Want to Win: Kenny Chesney
Comments: Keith has won this for the past two years but he wasn't on a major tour like Kenny so his chances aren't as strong
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood
Gretchen Wilson
Who I Think Will Win: Faith Hill
Who I Want to Win: Faith Hill
Comments: This one is really hard to say. Any of these women could take it. I don't think Carrie's been around long enough though and Faith is the only one who released an album and went on a major tour this year.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Who I Think Will Win: Ketih Urban
Who I Want to Win: Anybody but Keith Urban :D
Comments: I would be happy for any of them.
Horizon Award
Miranda Lambert
Little Big Town
Sugarland
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood
Who I Think Will Win: Carrie Underwood
Who I Want to Win: Carrie Underwood
Comments: I have a problem with "Horizon Awards" being given to people that have already released two albums. I think it should be for newbies (and yes I know that Dierks won last year after the release of MDD. I still stand by my statement though. As for who I want to win, I vote for Carrie, Miranda or Josh.
Vocal Group of the Year
Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
Little Big Town
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Who I Think Will Win: Rascal Flatts
Who I Want to Win: Lonestar
Comment: Alison et al have won the Grammy in this category many times. It's hard to say if the CMA will vote for them. Point of interest, Sugarland is technically a duo but they are listed under Group!
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Van Zant
The Wreckers
Who I Think Will Win: Brooks & Dunn
Who I Want to Win: The Wreckers
Comment: I would love to see a female duo take this category. As much as I like B&D I think it's time for someone else to win. It just gets embarrasing after awhile.
Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
“Believe”
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Tony Brown/Kix Brooks/ Ronnie Dunn
Arista Nashville
“Better Life”
Keith Urban
Produced by Dann Huff/Keith Urban
Capitol Records Nashville
"Jesus Take The Wheel”
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
Arista Nashville
“Summertime”
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Produced by Frank Rogers/Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville
Who I Think Will Win: Jesus Take the Wheel
Who I Want to Win: Jesus Take the Wheel
Comments: Note there is a difference between "Single of the Year" and "Song of the Year" There is strong competition but I think Carrie's a sho-in for this category. "Jesus" stayed at number one for 5 or 6 weeks.
Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers – Drums
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar/Electric Guitar
Randy Scruggs – Guitar
Who I Think Will Win: Jerry Douglas
Who I Want to Win: I don't really care. I don't have any afinity to any of these people. I'd like to know why there are six nominees in this category and only five in the others though.
Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
Hillbilly Deluxe
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Ronnie Dunn/Kix Brooks/Mark Wright/Tom Shapiro/Tony Brown/Bob DiPiero
Arista Nashville
Me And My Gang
Rascal Flatts
Produced by Dann Huff/Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street Records
Precious Memories
Alan Jackson
Produced by Keith Stegall Arista
Nashville
The Road And The Radio
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
Time Well Wasted
Brad Paisley
Produced by Chris DuBois/Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
Who I Think Will Win: Me and My Gang
Who I Want to Win: Time Well Wasted
Comments: Brad was essentially shut out of the ACM's and I think he deserves this
Music Video of the Year
“8th of November”
Big & Rich
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV/Marc Oswald
“Believe”
Brooks & Dunn
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV
“Jesus Take The Wheel”
Carrie Underwood
Directed by Roman White
“Kerosene”
Miranda Lambert
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Directed by Jim Shea
Who I Think Will Win: Believe
Who I Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
Musical Event of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
(Guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill)
“Building Bridges”
Arista Nashville
Faith Hill Featuring Tim McGraw
“Like We Never Loved At All”
Warner Bros. Records
Gretchen Wilson
(Featuring Merle Haggard)
“Politically Uncorrect”
Epic Records
Brad Paisley
(Featuring Dolly Parton)
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Arista Nashville
Bon Jovi
(Duet with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland)
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
Island Records
Who I Think Will Win: Building Bridges
Who I Think Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
Comments: This is a tough category. I'm voting for Brad because he's my favourite but it could go to anyone
Song of the Year
(Award goes to songwriter and primary publisher)
“8th of November”
Big Kenny/John Rich
Big Love Music/WB Music/Rich Texas Music
“Believe”
Craig Wiseman/Ronnie Dunn
Sony/ATV Tree/Showbilly Music/Big Loud Shirt
“Jesus Take The Wheel”
Hillary Lindsey/Brett James/Gordie Sampson
Dimensional Music of 1091/Raylene Music/Songs of Combustion Music
“Tonight I Wanna Cry”
Keith Urban/Monty Powell
Universal Music/Lanark Village Tunes/Guitar Monkey Music/Coburn Music
“When I Get Where I’m Going”
Rivers Rutherford/George Teren
Universal Music/Memphersfield Music/House of Full Circle Music
Who I Think Will Win: Believe
Who I Think Want to Win: When I Get Where I'm Going
Not Ready for Christmas
Apparently November 1st is the magic date for when Christmas music can begin being broadcast on my online radio. I’m. not. ready. for. it! I have skipped at least five songs today because they were Christmassy. Not. Good.
~Heidi
PS Make that seven. I think I’m fighting a loosing battle!
~Heidi
PS Make that seven. I think I’m fighting a loosing battle!
Weekend Wrap-up
Part of me feels like it's been a long time since I last blogged but I haven't had access to a computer and it's really only been three days so it's not too bad.
The board meeting went well. Thursday was very much "played by ear". There were so many variables. I was on stand by for the evening meeting but I ended up not getting called down. I just enjoyed a quiet evening in the hotel room.
Friday I was home by 3pm! It was great. I went to my parents for dinner and then ran a few errands before turning in early.
Saturday I finished up some odds and ends on layouts and such. I ran a few more errands and went to bible study in the evening.
Sunday I woke up early and then fell back asleep and was almost late to church. Ooops! Afterwards I cleaned the apartment before my friends came over for an official house warming/games night. We had a really nice time. One of the reasons I moved out was so that I COULD do more entertaining. This was a start. I hope to do more.
In general, it's been raining like crazy all weekend. It's good because we need it but it's almost too much. The ground can't absorb it so there is flooding. Not so good.
This is a short week for me because we are taking the Stat day for Remembrance Day on Friday. I've got another retreat lined up this weekend :)
Gotta get to work though. Lots to do post-board meeting.
~Heidi
The board meeting went well. Thursday was very much "played by ear". There were so many variables. I was on stand by for the evening meeting but I ended up not getting called down. I just enjoyed a quiet evening in the hotel room.
Friday I was home by 3pm! It was great. I went to my parents for dinner and then ran a few errands before turning in early.
Saturday I finished up some odds and ends on layouts and such. I ran a few more errands and went to bible study in the evening.
Sunday I woke up early and then fell back asleep and was almost late to church. Ooops! Afterwards I cleaned the apartment before my friends came over for an official house warming/games night. We had a really nice time. One of the reasons I moved out was so that I COULD do more entertaining. This was a start. I hope to do more.
In general, it's been raining like crazy all weekend. It's good because we need it but it's almost too much. The ground can't absorb it so there is flooding. Not so good.
This is a short week for me because we are taking the Stat day for Remembrance Day on Friday. I've got another retreat lined up this weekend :)
Gotta get to work though. Lots to do post-board meeting.
~Heidi
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Autumn Glory
I don't *like* the time change but one benefit is that I get to see beautiful sunsets on the way home from work. The first two pictures were taken on Monday. The last three on Tuesday. I plan on using the trees one for a layout about fall.
BTW Veronica, everytime there is fresh snow on the mountains I think of you. Last year at this time I was watching and waiting for it because you had "ordered" snowy mountains for your trip :)~Heidi
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