The Dean's List

It’s been very easy to have pity parties these days. My life has done a complete 180 degree turn over the last few years because of my spinal injury. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve always been transparent with my struggles (maybe too transparent). It’s called “Free Therapy!” I made a promise to myself that it was time to do some things different and it had to happen YESTERDAY!! One day last week, I checked the bank account to see if I had a few dollars to hang out for a bit without getting stranded and started on my adventure. I called for an Uber and was off. They dropped me off at Michael’s so I could pick up some items for an art project I’m working on! Yes! I said art project! The only place I’m usually artistic is in the kitchen. We will see how that goes…. Now back to the story. I was so happy to see that Michael’s had riding carts because my left leg hasn’t been very nice to me lately. I spent at least an hour, riding around the store and talking to a clerk a...

Whether you like his music or not, everyone must give Sir Elton his props! He is one of the most successful artists in the industry and has stood the test of time. I’ve always been a fan and even had the opportunity to see him perform live in Rochester a few years ago. That’s when I became a super fan! This man puts on an incredible show! I heard late last year that a movie would be coming out about his life. I rarely go to the movies, but will go when there is one I really want to see. “Rocket Man” was one of those movies.   Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen Elton and the actor that plays him,  Taron Egerton making their promo rounds on television. Their description of the movie and the fact that Elton wouldn’t be singing in the movie left me a little nervous that I might be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised!!!! It was PHENOMENAL!!!!        I won’t share any spoilers, but Elton has always been open about his life, good ...

In 1999 I wrote this letter to the editor. It was published and I was then invited to join the Democrat and Chronicle Board of Contributors. Today WDKX Radio celebrates their 45th Anniversary I know over the past several weeks, numerous media outlets have featured stories about 104WDKX celebrating their 25th Anniversary. All of the stories have revealed the struggles and triumphs of owner, Andrew Langston. All of the stories have shown how a very small, but close knit family have created and maintained a very successful business. The story that hasn’t been told is the one about the Langston Family, the people behind the business. It was 1979 and I was 16 years old. Without getting into too many details, I was growing up in a very strained home environment. I was basically raising myself. I went to DKX to look for a job because I always dreamed of working at a radio station. I was in need of money to buy basic needs like clothes, shoes, lunch money, etc… Mr. Langston himself greeted ...

I feel like I want to testify –I’m Truly Thankful!!! I woke up this morning like every other morning. I’m a creature of habit (folks that I know who follow the stars say it’s the Libra in me…Balanced). I rolled over and stretched for 10 minutes….Slid off the bed so my feet would hit the floor….Spent another 10 minutes doing my physical therapy exercises…..Once done, I was able to stand straight…..Off to the kitchen I went to make coffee….Took a few sips…..Walked the grand puppies…..Same routine every morning. Whenever I miss any of these steps, my whole day seems off. Once my daily routine is complete, it usually depends on how my back and leg feels before I decide how the rest of my day goes. Today, I’m now sitting on my patio with my laptop in tow, thinking about how thankful I am…… Let’s get the negative stuff out of the way now: A horseback riding accident has left me disabled – four years, three surgeries, two cages, two rods and six screws in my spine. I haven’t been ab...

Back in the day (I sound so old), and being the "Jill of all Trades" that I am, I used to cater for WDKX Radio when they brought concerts to town. My daughter had to be around 5 or 6 and the station brought Public Enemy and several other groups to town for a holiday show. I cooked all the food, set up the dining hall as well as all the dressing rooms at the Blue Cross Arena. Everyone had eaten except for Flava Flav (a whole other story) and gone to their dressing rooms. The only person still in the dining area was Chuck D. With just him and me in the room, he struck up a conversation – One that has stuck with me through all these years: Chuck : Is this your full-time job Me : No. I work full time for Xerox and do catering on the side Chuck : Do you have any kids? Me : Yes. I have one daughter Chuck : Does she believe in Santa Claus (it was right before Christmas)? Me : Yes Chuck : Don’t you dare tell her that a fat white man is coming down ...

A Sunday Testimony Since moving back to Phoenix, I realize this is exactly where I need to be, but the transition hasn't always been easy. One of the hardest things I've had to deal with is the differences in benefits received from two different states.   Benefits in NY were much better than they are in AZ. I'm paying more out of pocket costs, which leaves a lot less money for extras. I have a blog pending about how to prepare for unexpected events in your life...written from personal experiences.  I'm still a long way from being settled in my apartment. One of things I really needed to get was a desk. I was using a TV tray to hold my laptop, not good for my back! I joined several "for sale" groups on Facebook. I found the perfect desk and it also came with two bookcases and matching file cabinet! The seller was asking  $300  for the set. Even though I knew I couldn't afford it, I commented on the post. The seller asked me to make her an offer. I told her ...

In the first part of my blog, I described how we met and how our friendship blossomed. Well I guess I’m ready to say his name and tell you a few things about him, why he is loved and missed His name is Tony Boler The Personality When Tony began co-hosting Memory Lane on WDKX Radio, his deep and velvety voice captured the hearts of the listeners. When people learned about his knowledge of music (if you needed the name of a song or the artist, all you had to do is hum a few bars or say a few words, Tony could answer your question), they became instant fans. But, when they were able to see into his heart every Saturday morning, listeners fell in love, men and women. He had a way of making everyone feel special. He would have lengthy conversations with people when they would call into the radio show. If out and about, and people heard him speak (they knew who is was by his unique voice), they would always tell him how much they loved him. You would have to prepare to b...