Today is September 12th.....AKA 9/11

It was 11 years ago today that I was in my "old" life back east, living on Packard St in Bathurst, NB.
My friend, Carol, and I were sitting in her living room having a coffee & all of a sudden, the TV Screen caught our eye. Did that really just happen? Then, BAM...plane #2 hits the other of the twin towers.
I think we were both in shock. WTF?!
For the days & years to follow....all the loss, and tragedy, and wars, and scars....
10 1/2 years later, I find myself in New York City - Manhatten - and, on a Bus Tour. We stopped by the site. Weird how I felt such a compulsion to be "there!" It was almost like I wanted to feel peace. Take pain away for others. I'm not even sure what I was feeling or why....
An Airplane went by when we were near the site. It was odd how clear the sound came through. Our group stopped and looked up to the skies. It was eerily quiet. And, it was a "hair stands up on the back of your neck" kind of feeling.
Something so innocent turned into a horrid monstrocity!


From the TV screen 10.5 years prior...to under my footsteps this past May...I'm glad I was able to be at the site. Why?
Because it reminds me to be "Street Smart" in this world of crazies...but, mostly, it reminds me of the kindness of people. The willingness to risk their lives. The survivors. The togetherness. Hope.
Plain & simple...hope. When we stand together to protect each other...there is hope!

To all those who lost someone dear that day...you are in my heart! Always!

June 11, 2012

Cancer affects all of us in one way or another, whether it be news about someone we know, a friend, relative or yourself. It also controls you with the "fear of..." *Could it be cancer? *Will it develop into cancer? *When do I get results? *How long have I got? *Can I beat it? Here are some of my "history" points so as not to bore you. All you history-buffs, we can chat later! #1 I am a sensitive/emotional person. That's just who I am! #2 I sometimes feel what others don't. Keen intuition?! #3 Every relative seems to die of some form of cancer. #4 Memere - my Moms Mom, had breast cancer. It killed her by spreading. #5 A tumor was found on my sons ankle while he was at a Boy Scouts camp. The fear that gripped me when I saw the c-ray....horrendous! #6 A shadow on my chest X-Ray prompted investigation of a possible breast lump (not referring to size of my boobs). Two week wait. Scary! The fear of the possibility left me with anxiety! My boys were 12 & 8. #7 Developed a Fibroid Tumor. Pre-menopause. I felt it, it hurt. Impossible was what the Doctors said. I felt the pain! Three years later...growing from the size of a dime to the size of my fist, and after a major hemorrhage ...it was removed. WOMEN: Research Fibroid Tumors! They CAN turn CANCEROUS! Someone I know lost her Mom to a fibroid tumor. Do NOT take hormone therapy if you have one. #8 pain in left breast. Changes...discoloration...tenderness. Start examining. Find a lump. Left side. I left it go...chalking it up to scar tissue (old war wound - kidding - breast reduction.) So, see the Doc & lump is confirmed. Mammography and blood tests next. Sigh! Am I worried? Yes, deep down inside. Almost like waiting on results from a High School Exam. Do I think it's cancer? No. But, I refuse to take a chance, considering my family history. Am I thinking of my Grandma? Of course! I am also thinking of my buddy Eileen, who just lost a Breast to cancer. She is stronger each day & cancer FREE! YAY!!! But, I now know how it feels to be a woman and pondering the idea of losing a breast. It belongs to me Cancer! Ugh! Another fear brought on by cancer. Not impressed! So, June 12...tomorrow...Boob squishing day. Anxiety over possible pain. We each feel differently! Whatever the results...I am OK! Honestly! If it's positive, I'll cry. I may even do so if it's negative. I will also deal. I'll still be OK. Another chapter in the DH Files & in my life!

Today I lost a Mentor....an ex Co-Worker....a friend.

He helped place the stepping stones to get me where I am today.
He taught me how to laugh at myself and how to get a crowd going.
Humiliation could be your friend....to just keep going on, with a smile....
He was 45, a singer/songwriter/producer/dive instructor/photographer and Announcer.
He had throat cancer....the worst fear of a Radio Announcer or performer.
He was scared & he struggled with it...but, he fought. And, he fought hard!
I was introduced to many Country Artists because of him, and am living my life as an Emerging Artist Coordinator because of him.
I could not have come this far without him.
He was opinionated, and cranky and a pain in the ASS....(You know you were)...but, I always knew he cared....a LOT!
He cared for the musicians & songwriters & the industry.
He was passionate in all he did!
He was my friend through it all, and I miss him already!

RIP Steve Barlow! Rest in Peace!

They say you only truly die when forgotten...I won't let that happen!

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!! ~ Donna Henry

STALKERS beware!

So....today I started chatting with a Gary Ploughman (From Toronto, currently in Scarborough - a facebook connection) about music. It quickly went into this:

*are u donna single married....pick one

*but im glad ur single i have a big crush on u donna

why ur beautiful single celebrity work for a ratio station

im in love with u though u know

i dont want u to be caught off gard

*are u in shock bit im in love with u dont care about know one else but u

As I was not answering - due to working...it turned into THIS:
*CAN U CALL ME

*I WONT BE ABLE TO SLEEP TONIGHT IF U DONT SPEAK TO ME ON THE PHONE

I MIGHT START CRYING TEARS FOR U

DONT HAVE KLEENIX

*WHY ARENT U RESONDING IM CRYING WORSE U DONT LIKE ME

*MAKE TIME DONNA

ILL BE THERE WAITING I DONT PLAY GAMES IF I LIKE SOMEONE I GO AFTER THEM

U KNOW WHAT I MEAN GO AFTER THEM PURSUE THEM

*IF U GIVE ME A CHANCE ILL LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND YESTERDAYS NEWS BUT U HAVE TO BE INTERESTED I GETTING TO KNOW ME AS IM INTERESTED IN GETTING TO KNOW U BUT I UNDERSTAND UR AT WORK IM GOING DONNA TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR U TO LIKE ME AND TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP THIS IS NO JOKE

~Joke?! My reply obviously is not to his liking:

*U JUST HURT MY FEELINGS DONNA BROKE MY HEART U THINK IM JOKING FOOLING AROUND I THOUGHT U MIGHT SAY THIS

MAKE TIME JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE START OUT AS FRIENDS

*I HAVE DIABETTES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE I DONT NEED THIS FROM A WOMEN IM IN LOVE WITH

Seriously...WTH?! Red flags....like maybe: ILL BE THERE WAITING I DONT PLAY GAMES IF I LIKE SOMEONE I GO AFTER THEM.....

U KNOW WHAT I MEAN GO AFTER THEM PURSUE THEM

IM GOING DONNA TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR U TO LIKE ME AND TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP THIS IS NO JOKE

So Dude...(yes, Gary...I'll call you Dude if I damn well please)...if you think you can bully me with your psycho messages, guess again!!!!...You aren't the first and I doubt you'll be the last and all you Stalker-freaks can go get the help you need cause I have my own life to lead and it doesn't include you! And, YES....I know what I want in my life and nothing you can do or say will change that!!!! Don't mess with this Dude-Girl is all I'm going to say!

And, Thank you to Bradley who is such a fabulous friend and let Gary know just how things will go down if he continues to PURSUE!!!! Thank you for copying all the info and DUDE,...Yes, you Gary....I have your IP address! :D Now maybe you'll find out what it's like to be stalked....by The Police! Freak!

From The DH Files....another Bucket List item checked!

"If I die young, bury me in Satin." And, if I die now,...I can say that I have crossed off a lot of Bucket List items....including The Band Perry. They have always intrigued me. I love their sound & look. To me...they are unique! So young & talented. Before they hit the charts, we played their music on WHATS NEW. (Occasionally, we'll play an international tune.) They immediately became one of my Bucket List items to see perform. Little did I know just how close to them I would get!!!!

Last summer, as the station celebrated 10 years, we gave away Route 93 Concert Trips to our listeners....one was a concert to see Tim McGraw, with openers Luke Bryan & The Band Perry. Ahhhhh, 3 Bucket List items in one shot. I was asked to go down by Limo with the winners, along with our Cruiser Guy, Allan Gibbons. Huge surprise of the night; Allan yelled out to Tim McGraw as he was walking by us (heading to the stage) and Tim actually turned around and shook our hands. Silent scream! OK - SLAP - back on track, Donna.... I left the concert content. It was such a fabulous night! And, I saw The Band Perry!!!

Not long after, word came that I would be going to the CCMAs in Hamilton. Another Bucket List item crossed off! I have to tell you...The Canadian Country Music Awards are something to take in...such a fabulous experience for industry members, artists and fans. I met so many of our great Canadian talent & the artists (whom a lot I consider friends) that have been on WHATS NEW. Seeing them shine as part of the Songwriters Cafe or at Fan Fest or actually winning an Award (like Hey Romeo) was such a thrill. After all, these artists are like my babies!

So, just before the New Artist Showcase: I'm out in the lobby chatting with indie artist Traci Kennedy & her husband (fabulous people, by the way)...when I get a tap on my shoulder. Traci has this expression of "OMG" on her face, and as I turn around it is none other than The Band Perry. Kimberley, Reid & Neil smiling at me. I break out into a Hot Flash sweat - GREAT....only me! Kimberley says, "Thank you for giving us so much support. We wanted to meet you." Are you [ Insert not so nice word starting with S.. ] me? Wanted to meet ME?! Incredible. You have no idea how I felt! All my hard work feels like it is finally being validated. I was shocked, stunned, in awe & immediately jumped right in between them for a photo shoot! NO WAY was I missing this opportunity. [ Insert smiley face x 1 million ]

This is why I help Indie Artist....to see you succeed and the gratification of helping others. After all, YOU could BE the next Band Perry, or Johnny Reid, or Terri Clark. This is also why I love my job! SMILE!!!!

Donna Henry, former Bathurst resident & CKBC Announcer, currently On Air for Country 93 - Mornings/Middays/Emerging Artist Coordinator in Owen Sound, ON.

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!!

Meeting Josh - He's a Tr"ucker" or Not?!

So,...here are my numbers. No...this ain't no 649-thing....

Quit! Quit - is the word that comes to mind...WTH am I thinking, I can't do this!!! WTF did I get myself into?!
I met with Josh yesterday to figure out my workout. He is my Orientation trainer/coach/slave driver/killer. Oh.....I'm not going to hold anything against him (can I secretly call him Tr"ucker"...?????) Sigh...well, he IS doing exactly what I need - someone to keep me on track...but, tr"uck!"
[SIGH!!!!!!!!!]
First slap in my face: I am Obese. Even the word sounds like a Monster! Oh...ooooh, only by .5%, The J says. I've never been the Big "O"....EVER! Wait...that's a lie. Yes, I have, but that's another story!
My measurements are above - see photo -weight is 152. What are my goals?! Tops is to be healthy, but a nice Sz-8 would be bonus! I miss my small body...my knees do, too!
I told The J that I want health and to slim down. I didn't tell him the Kimmer wants us to have Hard-Rock Bodies...I was afraid he would die laughing. Don't want to be up for murder, ya know?!
So, I trust The J - otherwise, I would have been hauled out of Stone Tree for trying to beat up their trainer while cursing him - and I have gained MUCH knowledge! I have to say...I walked away in complete embarrassment. You have to understand the Era I come from...like, 10" Waist and 20 Minute Workouts. Hmmm.... The J realized I was being honest (and serious) that my back is weak and I no longer have Abs. Matter of fact, Abs are so far hidden within me....I thought it was butter!
I felt sweat threatening to run through every pour. The J-ster said that I wasn't even working out, yet. HELLO...Shut Up!
He tells me, maybe because he has tremendous faith in me (someone has to)...to try working out 5 days/wk. OMG! If I could, I wouldn't have ended up this way. His reply, "Life happens." I see he will not give in to ANY of my excuses. Tr"ucker!"

Onto my next issue: I'm VERY dehydrated....like, a LOT...even though I drink millions of glasses a day and have actually posted a "Times of Use" sheet on the Ladies Washroom Door.
Next issue: Fiber + My Body = filled-up Intestines. Yup...fiber makes me swell. I am one of those rare body-is-somewhat-allergic-to-fiber people. Shakes I take = lots o fiber. I'm a DNA truck up! I say: screw allergies, screw pain...I am determined! [Remind me in a week that I said this...ok?!]

As I said, The J is not my personal trainer, but he seems to be trusting that - for 1 month - I will continue this massacre on my muscles to reach some fabricated goal.
There is a reason why I'm doin' this, right?! RIGHT?!
God Help Me!

Day 3

Hey!
It is Day 3 of my Body By Vi - 90 Day Challenge and I am doing well. I don't have all the foods I need, yet...and I want to purchase a scale for both the food & me! :)  But, things are coming along!!!

So...the Shakes...that I drink...Yummy! They are great, and although I don't have a "Why'd I eat that much, I'm so full" kind of feeling....I do have a feeling of content. The snacks inbetween are just right and I am finally back to drinking my water. I have discovered that I was dehydrated. Eek! And, I find that with the help of the Challenge...I am eating better meals at supper....(dinner for some of you!)

Because of a hefty workload...I have not been to Stone Tree this week. My orientation is on Monday and I am very excited about some of the classes they offer. Can't wait! Oh, but I do have more energy, it seems. Yesterday...I walked up those stairs in record time (Ha ha...) 119, I think. I'll have to re-count. But, I am doing much better and I am happy with the progress. :) Oh..and I seem to be sleeping better...coincidence...maybe. We'll see! :)

Can't wait for my next shake! This one seems to be empty! :D