3/10/09
'DISSney'
I took a last-minute trip to Disney World last weekend to surprise my nephews. The trip was a Christmas present from my parents to my sister and her family.
I wasn't going to go at first, but when my youngest nephew Bryan got on the phone and said, "Auntie Billie. Will You pleeease come to Disney?" I had no choice!
So I booked a last minute, outrageously priced trip to Disney, packed my bags and was on my way.
On my flight to Orlando, I sat next to a pilot. Our topic of conversation was, of course, plane crashes.
I'm not sure the people sitting next to us were happy about it, but I felt it was appropriate to ask questions: Kind of like when you are introduced to a doctor and all you do is talk about your ailments.
I made it to Orlando in a little over 2 hours. Not bad.
That's a few minutes less than it took to get to the resort!
Upon arrival, I had to wait in a ridicuously long line (first of several) to board the "Disney Express." It was free with my room stay, but honestly, I would've rolled the dice and paid $100 to anyone who had a car and was heading toward the park.
Hell, the Greyhound Bus with the psycho who decapitated another passenger seemed like a better option at this point, but I waited.
What seemed like an eternity later, I got on the bus and made it to the Polynesian Hotel.
If you've ever been to Hawaii, this felt a bit like Maui, if Maui had a zillion kids and Disney characters running around at all times.
Ahhh...Maui.
I digress.
I was starting to get excited since I only was minutes away from the big reveal: Auntie Billie was in Disney! The kids would care right?
My stepfather called me and said come to the dock, we have Josh with us. Josh is my oldest nephew. As I made my way toward the boats, I saw my mom, stepfather and nephew.
"Josh. Look who's here. It's auntie Billie! Surprise."
Hey buddy! I made it!
He's speechless because he is so excited to see me!
He then looks at my parents and says, That's the surprise? I thought it was a REAL surprise...I think he then started to cry.
Mutt.
I can't say that I blame him. If I was 12 and was told I'd be getting a surprise and it turned out to be my tipsy aunt straight off a plane, I'd freak out too.
But the surprise wasn't a total loss. My younger nephew saw me about 20 minutes later and gave me a big smile and hug (before he wrestled me to the ground and started punching me). Or did I wrestle him to the ground?
All kidding aside, we had a great time and I want to thank everyone!
Oh did I mention that my sister and Josh came down with the worst stomach bug imaginable?
I was lucky. I didn't get the bug...
Until I was home. Let's just say Disney was the best thing to happen to my waistline in months!
3/4/09
'Party Time'
Yesterday was "Square Root Day."
The math-buffs' holiday, which takes place only 9 times each century, fell on Tuesday — 3/3/09 (for those of you, like me, who are mathematically challenged, 3 is the square root of 9).
What a shocker, but I had no idea! I'm guessing many of you didn't either.
I'm thinking we should rename the day to something more accurate like, "I've never ever had sex day," or "I Hope My Braces Come Off Soon Day."
Agree?
****
You've probably noticed that I've only been updating my blog once per week. I apologize, but lately I just don't have the time to write something new each day.
I will do my best to post more often!
2/25/09
'Birthday Cheers'
It was my birthday on Sunday. My day started with phone calls from my friends and family wanting to wish me a happy birthday, followed by a bunch of emails, e-cards and "Happy Birthday" greetings posted on Facebook.
A shout out to 1010 WINS anchor Susan Richard--she was the first person to wish me happy birthday via Facebook--thank you Susan!
*Gina you were technically first but you had the wrong day so it doesn't count...
Of all the wonderful birthday greetings that I received, this one is, by far, my favorite:
Happy Birthday from Wine.Com!
You know you like wine maybe too much when that is the subject line of an email!
2/19/09
'Sweet Dreams'
You know how when you have a dream about someone, whether they're famous or not, they are on your mind the next day?
That's the weird thing about dreams--sometimes they feel so real as if they actually happened.
I've had, as I'm sure many of you have had, dreams about celebs in the past. However, the dream I had last night makes me laugh. It makes me laugh because I am turning 39 this Sunday and can't help but feel as if I am getting old(er).
That being said, a sure sign that you are getting older is when your celebrity "romance" dream involves not the hottest new sitcom star, but a TV News anchor!
That made me think: Do your dreams change along with you body, moods, interests, etc? Are my days of dreaming about rock stars over? I certainly hope not!!
And although I will not reveal my dream lover by name, I will say that I cannot wait to catch tonight's CBS Evening News...
Share your comments below
2/11/09
'Blood Test'
I had a doctor's appointment today. A follow-up appointment actually.
My doctor told me that I have a thyroid issue (Take THAT Oprah).
Since hypothyroidism runs in my family, I kept the appointment.
My doctor sked me a bunch of questions :if I was tired, had allergies to certain foods, etc.
He then decided to run a gamut of tests which would confirm or deny if I in fact, had allergies to certain foods -- more specifically, gluten.
I said OK, sure.
He left the room and in walked a technician to draw my blood.
She looked at the paperwork and said, "Wow. He ordered a lot of tests. I'm sorry but I have to take 10 vials of blood."
TEN? Gulp.
Nobody likes having blood drawn, but it's particularly traumatic for me because I have the world's smallest veins, and it is near impossible for techs to find a "good" one.
But the doctor said the tests would be helpful, so I made the most of it. What could I do?
The technician was great--painlessly inserted the needle and I was on my way!
I was actually feeling pretty good at this point since I only had a few vials to go. She was almost done! YAY!
And then she said this:
"It's a good thing you're not skinny or you would've passed out from this."
OUCH. Now THAT hurt...
2/6/09
'Mad Hatter'
OK I did it: I sent one of those "sorry for the spam but this is really important to me emails" to EVERYONE at work yesterday. But it was important...to me.
See, I lost my new favorite winter hat. The hat that Marta silently makes fun of EVERY time I wear it.
Or so I thought. See, I truly believed that I left it on my computer tower and that someone may have accidentally taken the hat. And by accidentally, I mean on purpose.
Here was the email I sent to everyone:
Sorry for the spam, but I left a tan-colored hat on my computer tower last night and it is not here. Did anyone happen to see it? Thanks much, Billie
Within seconds a barrage of emails came back. Most went like this (with the exception of the two NICE women in the traffic dept. who sincerely hoped I found my hat. You know who you are -:)
Ask the tall black guy he likes hats. (Just kidding )
I look good in tan so I’m keeping it! Just kidding. I’ll be on the lookout for it.
I saw some lady in the street this morning using a tan colored hat to warm her head. (this one came with a picture attached)
Mutt
It's in Ali Baba's cave...that came from Zee--for those of you inside this building...need I say more?
Etc. Etc. Well, as luck would have it, I found the hat. It was buried under a couch cushion at home. As one person so kindly pointed out, "Did you really think someone would take a used $4 hat?" That's $24 thank you very much.
And yes. Stranger things have gone missing.
So THANK YOU all for your kindness and concern when it came to the hat. It was truly touching.
2/3/09
'Mutiny On the Bus'
You can pretty much tell how your day is going to turn out by how it begins.
It's not an exact science, but many times it is foolproof!
I was late for work this morning, not because of traffic, but because of orange cones and my bus driver.
See, as we came upon our turn toward Port Authority, there were a bunch of orange cones in the road. My driver stopped the bus, opened the door and asked a police officer if she could "go that way."
He rudely replied no.
And that's when the fun began.
I knew we were in trouble when she then shouted, "Does anybody know how to get to Port Authority?"
Seriously. She did.
"Not really, but I think you can turn left and get there" said a few passengers.
The frazzled driver then stopped the bus again, sat in the middle of the road and opened her door to try to flag someone -- anyone down for directions.
It was beyond ridiculous and I was beyond late at this point.
Someone then shouted "At least turn left onto 8th Ave. Don't just sit here. You can get in front of Port Authority and let us out."
OK, she listened and turned onto 8th Ave.
Phew!
And then stopped! She just stopped the bus on 8th and 36th and said "everybody get out. I need to figure this out."
WHAT??
She was dumping all of us right there. Needless to say, people were NOT happy.
As I was making my way off the bus I looked at her and asked, "Is this your first day?"
She replied, "No but I never drive into New York."
You don't say???
2/2/09
'New Look'
If you haven't noticed, we've changed the look of 1010WINS.com. It took several months of planning, brainstorming, pulling our hair out, moving stuff around, freaking out, etc. -- the usual when it comes to Web site redesigns.
But I am very pleased with the finished product. We've gotten alot of positive feedback, and some negative -- which is to be expected with any change. People get used to where things are on a Web site, and when you change things, some feel like you've pulled the rug out from under them. Which is understandable.
That's why I want to hear from you!
I think the look is more fresh, less cluttered and that the site loads much more quickly. But I am biased.
Do you like the new look or hate it? What did we get right? Wrong? What should we change?
Please let me know!
1/27/09
'Get Well Soon 2'
Well, I am happy to say that Nana is feeling better! I just spoke with her and read her all of the well wishes that have been pouring in! She was almost moved to tears and said to me, "How nice. Honey, I cannot believe all of these people are behind me. Thank them all so, so much."
I'd like to share some of the kind words that I've received via email with all of you and with my family. Thank you all again!
And please know that you've all helped brighten an 89-year-old woman's day!
Hi Nana. I'm sending you well wishes so you start feeling better real soon. When you start feeling better, there are cool sunglasses, babushkas, Bailey's and a videocamera waiting for you. Combine all the above and that would make Nana super fun!!! All the best. Rosa.
Hope Nana feels better very soon. She is adorable! Julia
Dear Nana. Sorry to hear about your trip to the ER, but I’m glad your home now. I hope you are feeling better soon! Sincerely, Laura.
Nana. Sorry to hear you’re not feeling good. I love hearing Billie talk about you and seeing all the pictures she posts of you and your husband. You have a great family and it sure shows. Here’s hoping you feel great again soon and can get back to helping us “confused folks of the metro area” with your Ask Nana column! Chris.
Hi Nana.I read your granddaughter’s column every day – she is a bright spot in my day – and when I saw that you had a column too, I started reading that – I think you are the funniest lady I have come across in some time – and its evident how much your granddaughter loves you – I hope you feel better soon, and get back to your spunky self – and have some Baileys on the rocks!!! Love, Debbie.
Sorry to hear that you were under the weather. Hoping that you are feeling better and better each day. You are so sweet and a great lady, you main worry was your husband. Take care of yourself. You are a breath of fresh air. I love your column.
Every day our mailbox gets filled with news tips, spam and user feedback. Most of the time, the user feedback is from people looking for something they heard on the air and can't find online, etc.
Sometimes people send complimentary notes saying they love our site, etc.
And sometimes they don't.
Here are some of my favorite comments sent in by listeners that I'd like to share with you.
Ok i have a 1904 old indian person on the american penny. I would like to know how much it is worth.Thank you.
Um, $10 million dollars?
Your poll question about the cold weather is just stupid. People know it is cold out. They also know what time it is, so you don't have to repeat the time every 2 minutes. Why don't you ask a more intriguing question?
A fan of our poll question!
I just saw the gripping raw video of a freezing passenger of US AIRWAYS 1549 being interviewed by your reporter. I could tell just by the low quality video stream that the man with only a light shirt and pants on was freezing. My question to the reporter on scene is why she didn't offer her own heavy coat, hat and scarf to this victim instead of shoving a mike under his nose, or at least find him a dirty blanket if she is too good for that. She and many other of the reporters on scene came across like a pack of vultures to me.
Here's what I want to know: Why a dirty blanket??
Last night I heard on the radio a quote that I found to be very poignant. I cannot recall if it was an advertisement as I only caught the last several seconds, but there was a quote about success and how it is measured. It may have been something religious, however, I am not sure. Can you advise me as to the specific quote that was made. Thanks
Oh yeah, THAT quote.
Yesterdays air landing in the hudson. 1)Your reporter kept saying all the passengers are accounted for what does this mean? dead, alive injured?? very annoying. 2)Also another reporter kept referring to laguardia as "lagardia" please take under advisement.
Perhaps it's a new airport?
Good afternoon, I need practice my english, is very import for mi practice english. Regards.
I wonder if this person is available to work on the Web?!
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