What's Happening Wednesday April 24, 2013

Welcome to What’s Happening Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.

This week on Drafting the Circuits we are expecting two guests from the world of NASCAR Sprint Cup. Doug Richert has been a player at NASCAR’s top level since he was a young lad and became the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt in 1980. Together they each earned their first Cup. Richert has been a crew chief for years with many notables in NASCAR. For the 2013 season Richert oversees both BK Racing teams with David Reutimann in the No. 83 car and Travis Kvapil in the No. 93 car. Richert and Reutimann will be my special guests LIVE on Drafting the Circuits tonight!

Burning Rubber Radio will have less of me this week due to personal reasons – my son’s opening game in Little League was on taping night – but my NASCAR Cup report is there. The show is still wonderful and features the winner of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Kansas, ThorSport Racing driver Matt Crafton! More great segments with Corrie Stott who breaks down the recent fines by NASCAR and so much more!

Heels on Wheels will once again feature my NASCAR Cup report. This week I also get to interview prolific and talented writer Tammy Kaehler who has written two novels that she calls racing mysteries. She is a delight and someone whose books I’m interested in reading. The ladies on the show also got to interview Janet Guthrie so definitely tune in for the entire program!

Drafting the Circuits airs LIVE tonight, Wednesday, April 24, 2013 on http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com at 9pm ET. We have a live chat for listener interaction so be sure to check that out. The program is archived as a podcast on the site and is also available on iTunes as a subscription here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/drafting-the-circuits/id616064984
In addition, we are re-broadcast on the Performance Motorsports Network http://PerformanceMotorsportsNetwork.com on Thursdays at 6pm ET, Fridays at 9am ET, and Saturdays at 4pm ET. PMN is a part of Scorpion Radio Group and is available on the Aha Radio Platform.

Burning Rubber Radio airs Thursdays at 5pm ET, Fridays at 12n ET, and Saturdays at 10am on PMN. It also airs on Sundays on Radio Active 107.9FM in Longview Washington (PST).

Heels on Wheels airs on PMN on Thursdays at 7pm ET, Fridays at 1pm ET, and Saturdays at 2pm ET.

All programs on PMN are available on iTunes Radio and on the Aha Radio Platform.

If you are a fan of racing, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and other series please tune in to these shows I appear. Each one is unique, has special guests from the racing world, and is prime entertainment!

Remember, for racing articles look no further than http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com as new works are published weekly!

What's Happening Wednesday - April 17, 2013

Welcome to another What’s Happening Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.

I’m incredibly fortunate to work on several awesome iRadio programs that cover the racing world. Each week I’m using the Wednesday blog post to share with y’all what names are featured as guests and what I’ll be talking about on the different shows I appear.



Tonight LIVE on Drafting the Circuits I am proud to announce that racer Molly Helmuth from Washington State will be with us. She’s a dynamo in the world of racing who earned the NASCAR Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 for Super Late Models in Washington State. Recently Molly was a finalist in the Champion Spark Plug Search for a Champion contest. We’ll have a great time learning about this young driver and finding out where her future is taking her. Of course we will also be talking Formula 1 and IndyCar with Michele Rahal. NASCAR talk will commence with our regular panel as well. You never know what will be said on our LIVE show so tune in early and stick around for the entire program!



Starting Thursday Burning Rubber Radio airs with over 20 amazing interviews from The Rock where show host Andy Delay and returning host Charles Robinson covered the event. From Johnny Sauter to Darrell Wallace Jr. (having choice words for Ron Hornaday Jr.) and race winner and wunderkind Kyle Larson, there are tons of great at-event interviews. In addition, Southeast Super Trucks winner Kenneth Headen stops by as well as race winner Jessica Green fresh from her win down in Florida in a truck series. The show is jam-packed so don’t miss a moment!



After the Thursday broadcast of Burning Rubber Radio and Drafting the Circuits, tune in for Heels on Wheels. This show is staffed entirely by women save the producer, radio veteran, racecar driver, and all-around great guy Bob Steele. He and I do a segment together discussing the Cup race from last week – the NRA 500 from Texas Motor Speedway. Kyle Busch is talked about a lot. The entire show is fascinating with interviews with women all throughout racing.
Here are air/show times for these radio programs:

Drafting the Circuits airs LIVE tonight, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 on http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com at 9pm ET. We have a live chat for listener interaction so be sure to check that out. The program is archived as a podcast on the site and is also available on iTunes as a subscription here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/drafting-the-circuits/id616064984
In addition, we are re-broadcast on the Performance Motorsports Network http://PerformanceMotorsportsNetwork.com on Thursdays at 6pm ET, Fridays at 9am ET, and Saturdays at 4pm ET. PMN is a part of Scorpion Radio Group and is available on the Aha Radio Platform.

Burning Rubber Radio airs Thursdays at 5pm ET, Fridays at 12n ET, and Saturdays at 10am on PMN. It also airs on Sundays on Radio Active 107.9FM in Longview Washington (PST).

Heels on Wheels airs on PMN on Thursdays at 7pm ET, Fridays at 1pm ET, and Saturdays at 2pm ET.

All programs on PMN are available on iTunes Radio and on the Aha Radio Platform.

If you are a fan of racing, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and other series please tune in to these shows I appear. Each one is unique, has special guests from the racing world, and is prime entertainment!

Remember, for racing articles look no further than http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com as new works are published weekly!

What's Happening Wednesday

What’s Happening Wednesday is a new feature I am introducing on Chief 187™Chatter to keep people aware of who my guest on Drafting the Circuits is, what we’re talking about on Burning Rubber Radio, and what time all of these shows air – including my stint on Heels on Wheels.

This week Drafting the Circuits has special guest Andy Hillenburg, owner of Rockingham Speedway, who is coming around to talk about the big weekend has track is hosting. With NASCAR’s two of the three top series running at night in Texas Friday and Saturday, Hillenburg’s track gets the spotlight on Sunday for his North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at The Rock presented by Cheerwine for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. It was announced this week that NSCS driver Joey Logano will be in a truck at The Rock. All of the regular NCWTS drivers will be there, too, like 2-time consecutive winner this season Johnny Sauter.

Sauter is having a tremendous season so far and I was fortunate to get to talk to him on Burning Rubber Radio. He is a fun interview as he’s in such good spirits of late. In addition, the gang at BRR also spoke to Casey Roderick, a young driver who was plucked out of obscurity by Bill Elliott. The driver, a talented shoe, is currently seeking sponsorship and a consistent ride.

My regular gig at Heels on Wheels continues this week when producer Bob Steele and I dissect the NSCS race from Martinsville. We talk about Jimmie Johnson’s domination, Danica Patrick’s solid run, Mark Martin’s substitution for Denny Hamlin, and the hard luck of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Here are air/show times for these radio programs:

Drafting the Circuits airs LIVE tonight, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 on http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com at 9pm ET. We have a live chat for listener interaction so be sure to check that out. The program is archived as a podcast on the site and is also available on iTunes as a subscription here  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/drafting-the-circuits/id616064984
In addition, we are re-broadcast on the Performance Motorsports Network http://PerformanceMotorsportsNetwork.com on Thursdays at 6pm ET, Fridays at 9am ET, and Saturdays at 4pm ET. PMN is a part of Scorpion Radio Group and is available on the Aha Radio Platform.

Burning Rubber Radio airs Thursday at 5pm ET, Fridays at 12n ET, and Saturdays at 10am on PMN. It also airs on Sundays on Radio Active 107.9FM in Longview Washington (PST).

Heels on Wheels airs on PMN on Thursdays at 7pm ET, Fridays at 1pm ET, and Saturdays at 2pm ET.

All programs on PMN are available on iTunes Radio and on the Aha Radio Platform.

If you are a fan of racing, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and other series please tune in to these shows I appear. Each one is unique, has special guests from the racing world, and is prime entertainment!

Remember, for racing articles look no further than http://DraftingtheCircuits.WhooBazoo.com as new works are published weekly!

I hope you can join me for one, two, or all three of these great racing radio programs this week.

Simple Joys

Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.



Simple Joys are the things in this world that give you happiness throughout the day. Although they could be material things, more often than not it is something in passing – a warm smile, a funny Faceboook post, or a suggestive text – that puts a smile on your face and makes the daily doldrums disappear, if just for a moment.

Gathering Simple Joys throughout the hours changes one’s perspective for the better. Even those people saddled with life’s toughest can find – and enjoy – Simple Joys. It’s all about opening one’s heart to the goodness around that provides the soul the opportunity to indulge in the riches of Simple Joys.

Make a conscious decision to find your Simple Joys today. You will find that they really are all around and, with the smallest bit of effort, you, too, can make Simple Joys for yourself and others.

And now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.

Daffodils – Years ago my husband dutifully dug some holes to lovingly place an assortment of daffodil bulbs in the garden patch underneath the windows of our home. The soil is very rocky where I live and not a lot grows easily. By some turn of fortune the bulbs bloom brightly and optimistically every early Spring providing me with comfort, excitement, and a plethora of Simple Joys.

Denim Jacket – I’ve always enjoyed the look and feel of a beloved denim jacket. A fashion staple for both men and women, it is a timeless, universal look. Recently my oldest child, my son, asked for a denim jacket of his own as he outgrew the last model he had which was handed down to his brother. Before I hit the stores I shopped our closets and came across the denim jacket my husband wore in high school. It was lovingly preserved and waiting for the next man to put it on and wear it. My son excitedly tried the jacket on and although it is a bit large on him, he quickly claimed it as his own. The cooler temperatures in the morning and evening make this a staple in his wardrobe. Seeing my son wear the jacket my husband used to wear when we were in high school together brings a rush of memories and a deep appreciation of the Simple Joys having our son wear it brings.

Lego Friends – For Easter the Easter Bunny left my daughter two small sets from the Lego Friends collection. I don’t believe Legos are for boys and Lego Friends are for girls. I think each has its place for both sexes. I digress, I helped my daughter make the two sets and have enjoyed the look, feel, and components of these Legos immensely. One package was an office/desk set complete with laptop computer and mug. This made me feel overwhelmed with happiness and emotion that my daughter could role play with elements that reminded her of her mom! Legos have often been a Simple Joy for me and my family, and now Lego Friends joins the list!

Pocono Raceway – It was touch and go for a while with colder-than-normal temperatures, but the first Vintage Sports Car Club of America event (northeast) is happening this weekend at Pocono Raceway. My husband is the Chair of the event but his long anticipated and awaited state licensing exams for he to earn his Engineering license is the same weekend! While he is taking two eight hour tests over two days, I will help with duties where I can. Racing and congregating at Pocono Raceway always brings about tremendous and numerous Simple Joys.

Despicable Me – My family and I are usually late to the party when it comes to movie releases. One that had slipped by us was Despicable Me starring Steve Carrell. We rented it and watched it over the weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed it, laughed like mad, and even shed a tear at a couple of different parts. Now I am anticipating the sequel due out this summer. A movie that the entire family can sit and watch, and enjoy is a wonderful Simple Joy.

Each week I try to remember the collection of Simple Joys that I have acquired. Some weeks are easier than others, but with a little concentration I always find I have an entire list to revel.

The best part about Simple Joys is that they are available to everyone no matter their circumstances. A gentle reminder to find and enjoy them is sometimes all we need.

So look for YOUR Simple Joys throughout the day and week and make a mental note (or a physical list) to count your blessings.

The perspective switch will enhance your life and make Simple Joys all the easier to identify and enjoy.

Thankful Thursday

In the past week life has gone over 200 MPH and came to a crashing halt. There are times one feels powerless and times when one feels on top of the world; I have experienced both this week.

What it boils down to is an examination of my life. I looked inside and found what I am made of –again – and found that, for the first time in my life, I have a network of friends whose collective support gives me confidence and peace.



My Thankful Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter is chock full and for that I am ever grateful.

$3.20 – It’s not a lot of money and could maybe buy a cup of coffee and a donut, but I stumbled upon a store that this tidy sum (that includes the tax) brought me immense pleasure and no calories. The store is for juniors, a size-range I haven’t been in since I was in middle school to be sure, and had a basket of friendship-style bracelets at the check-out. I did a quick look through and found something the perfect color for my niece. A second look found something perfect for me. I purchased both! I’ve worn my bracelet several times and the sparkly presence – it has tiny rhinestones - makes me smile every time I glance down at it. I’m thankful to have found a reasonable bauble to add sparkle and shine to my days.

Birthday visit - My niece turns 12 this weekend so last weekend my brother drove her to my home and they stayed for a three day visit. We had the most wonderful time! My children get along famously with their cousin and I adore her, too. My brother and I had ample opportunity to talk, hang out, and catch up which is a luxury in this day and age when we live far apart. I am thankful they made the time and effort to visit and we are a close family.

Health - My husband had struggled with a health issue for a couple of weeks which culminated in a test earlier this week. The results could have been everything from cancer to a clean bill of health and myriad things in between. We have learned in our lives to not project, stay calm and positive, and take life as it comes. I am thankful beyond belief to report that he is perfectly healthy and not warranted to go back for this type of test for many years.

Online support – Because of my husband’s situation I was feeling a bit unsettled the morning he was leaving for the test. I immediately took to the computer and sought “prayers, thoughts, and positive energy” from all those who were inclined to do so. If one to three people had responded I would have been happy and content. Imagine my utter surprise, overwhelming knowledge, and incredible delight to find well over 100 people and counting weighing in with “Like”s on the FB status and dozens upon dozens of personal messages of prayers and encouragement, well wishes, and support. I am most thankful for online friendships that transcend face-to-face meetings. Their friendship and commitment is strong and powerful, just like their prayers.

Holding – I am entirely thankful for the opportunity to get to hold my husband. Our lives are hectic, busy, and tiring, but the knowledge and desire to hold him at the end of the day still exists – for both of us.

When life throws curve balls it helps to be flexible and faithful. I had to be both this week. I was rewarded with the best of news. There have been times in my life I have had the worst news come to fruition. Knowing I have an endless support system, an unshakable faith, and a family at home and on FB who care for me and mine gives me so much to be thankful.

This is my list. My hope is that somewhere along the line you make a thankful list in your life this week. Truly examining your life for the positive perspective is powerful. I want that for all of you, too.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to the first Thankful Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter!

It has been far too long since I’ve written here and I can tell you honestly that I’ve missed it. Life is humming along beautifully, but I can tell not writing for Chatter has taken some of the wind out of my sails.

As 2013 dawned I had the idea to do a weekly Thankful Thursday post as I truly have so very much to be thankful for and want to share that with you all. Alas, time has gotten away from me and we are in Mid-March with nary a post to be found of this kind.

Formality has never been my thing so I won’t worry about the layout, the amount of things I’m thankful about each post, etc. Mostly I just want to share what is on my mind on any given week and ask you to do the same. Seriously! My most favorite thing about Chief 187™Chatter was the interaction with you, my readers, my friends.

So, without further ado, here is my Thankful Thursday post.

Leave-in conditioner – I know it’s not deep or spiritual, but it sure does make my hair look and feel better and that does a lot for the way I feel each day. Call me shallow (I’ve been called far worse) but my hair is something I think a lot about and when it feels and looks good, I feel good. So, I’m thankful for leave-in conditioner!

Burst of energy- Winter leaves me feeling lackluster, uninspired, and tired. I know I must suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) but I keep chugging along as best I can. Last week I had a burst of energy that allowed me to finally clean out my closet of things I can no longer wear, were desperately out of style, or – as in most cases – simply didn’t fit. Holding on to these things, having messy closets, and not doing anything about it left me more frustrated and feeling stagnated. I finally made piles – throw out and donate – and cleared everything out. This burst of energy was good for my heart, soul, and home. It also is providing for others who can take my items and breathe new life into them. I am very thankful for that.

Seltzer – I am new to this veteran beverage. I am one of those people who loves the taste of diet sodas and drink too many of them. So, recently I swapped out diet sodas for flavored zero calorie seltzer and I love the taste! I haven’t drunk the beverage by itself, only as a mixer with my orange juice or grape juice, but it’s very satisfying. I am thankful for the opportunity to drink less diet soda!

Kindness of Others – I have been very blessed in my life, most recently my professional life, to be the recipient of the kindness of others. Whether it was Larry McReynolds and Dr. Jerry Punch agreeing to do my radio show without knowing who I was or Beaux Barfield remembering me and putting us on his schedule mere days before his IndyCar series begins, I’ve been overwhelmed with the graciousness of people I come in contact. The feeling I have is a strong one that there really are so many good people in this world. I just try to put back out there what I have been given.

My family – I try not to be overly sappy or goofy, but I must be honest. I am so very thankful – even more than the leave-in conditioner – for my family. My husband, who is my best friend, my lover, and my champion, honors me every day. Our three children do their best to be good little people. They do try my patience, but when I read to them, they are in a social situation and behave themselves, or I make them laugh the best laughs ever (and myriad other times), I feel – I KNOW - I am the luckiest person.

My collection of things, people, and events I am thankful for run the gamut from silly to reverent. I would be most honored to read your list of what you are thankful for this week. And even if you don’t leave it here, I do encourage you to make a list of what you are thankful for as it truly does lift your spirits and bring life back into focus.

Until next time…

Peace.

Fifty Years Married, Fifty Facts to Keep Romance Alive

Fifty years ago today, with nothing but love, faith, and a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, my mom and dad eloped. They were young, in love, and sure of themselves.



It was Valentine’s Day.



Other than the fact they married on this “Lovers’ Day”, I never thought of my parents as a traditionally romantic couple. Of course, my point of reference was always skewed being their daughter and the youngest of their three children.

By the time my older brothers were out of the house due to college or work, I seemed to be the third wheel whenever they wanted to go out to dinner or travel, but they always insisted I wasn’t ruining their time together.

Dad didn’t present Mom with obligatory flowers nor did she surprise him with tickets to the Daytona 500. But I’m finding they were certainly romantic.

As I’ve grown older and just marked my twentieth anniversary with my husband (we’ve been together 27 years), I finally understand better about romance.



Here are the things I’ve learned about Love, Marriage, and Romance as we celebrate my parents’ fifty years of matrimony.

Love is powerful.
Romance is a state of mind.
Taking out the garbage, caring for the cars, mowing the lawn, and painting are ways of showing love.
Making the meals, grocery shopping, keeping the house, and raising the children with love is, too.
Holding hands keeps you connected.
Kissing is soothing.
Fighting is part of marriage. When you stop communicating you stop caring.
Forgiveness is the key.
Share passions.
Have separate passions.
Have a lock for the bedroom door.
Use it.
Enjoy time with your children.
Enjoy time with your friends.
Enjoy time alone.
Enjoy time with your spouse alone.
Appreciate your happy home life.
Treat yourself to a night out.
See one another as the sexy, beautiful mate you fell in love with – always.
Speak kindly to your spouse.
Speak kindly about your spouse to others.
Laugh, often.
Know what your spouse is thinking – “Remember that movie with what’s her name?” “Yes, dear, that was Elizabeth Taylor.” No other details are needed, just filling in the blanks.
Sing together.
Delight in one another’s accomplishments.
Be there for one another when things don’t go well.
Know your strengths and weaknesses and your mate's. Fill in one another’s gaps.
Touch often.
Have pet names for one another.
Smile at one another.
Set long term goals.
Enjoy the here and now.
Have two sinks.
Have two toilets.
Bathe together.
Give one another massages.
Bring each other coffee/tea/wine.
Call in the middle of the day to say, “I love you.”
Run errands together even when you don’t “have” to.
Never criticize the other’s driving.
Listen to one another without judgment.
Keep your sense of humor always.
Be best friends with your spouse.
Be patient.
Be kind.
Compromise.
Lose an argument.
Compliment one another.
Complement one another.
Kiss often and always.


True to form, my parents do not even understand why people are making a big fuss about their 50th anniversary.

I told them, “Not everybody makes it this long. People give up, give in, and let go. Some married much later and are not blessed with longevity. You two have made it to this wonderful milestone. People are happy for you, in awe of your commitment, and want to celebrate such wonderful news!”

My parents completely understand. They are enjoying the fuss people are making even if it embarrasses them a bit, too.

I’m just feeling so fortunate to have them to love, celebrate their marriage, and serve as a product of their love.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad! And many many many happy more years together! XO XO