98.7 Simon- We Play Everything (and say anything!)

Mommy Diaries – Sleep is Overrated! – Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:55:00 +0000

This week has been a tough one. My mother’s eye has had an infection and we had been trying to figure out what was wrong with it since last Thursday. We went to her family doctor Friday, the hospital Saturday, a specialist Sunday, and a plastic surgeon. Yesterday the doctor lanced it and let it drain. So now, she is feeling a bit better, her eye is still swelled up. Hopefully she will be back to her better self by the end of this week. Anyway, between all the family stuff going on, I have not slept a lot. Little man is doing well, he is getting his shots today. Ahhhhh! I hope it doesn’t hurt that bad. Wish us luck! Today calls for a good nap and maybe a big steak!!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Ready to Wrap this One Up!

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Last week I was on vacation, so you know it’s always hard to get back into the groove after a week out. I have to say after a week being away from my boys, I kind of missed them. They grow on you like the plague (ha-ha).

Anyway, the beach was fabulous. It was perfect weather, we had one big storm… it was time to come in anyway, so it all worked out. It was so funny, Tyson was scared of the ocean and the waves crashing. I was traumatized. I had visions of us running around in the sand and playing in the water. So, we found this area called the point where the sound meets the ocean and the water was almost like a big wading pool. He loved it there. My friend got a really cute picture of his foot prints in the sand. Maybe next year he will like the waves!

Have a great weekend and as always, make it a good one! Carmen

Sean's "Hangover" Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Everybody has told me that the Hangover was going to be the funniest movie I ever saw in my whole life. I was prepared to need stitches in my sides from all the laughter.

Ok. It was funny. The characters are great. We can see some of ourselves in all of them.

Our mischievous side is Phil. Phil does what he wants and laughs all the way.
Our weirdo side is Alan. He knows that tigers hate cinnamon.
Our low self esteem side is Stu.
Our boring side is Doug.
Our tiny side is Mr. Chow. (I couldn’t see it at ALL!)

I do recommend this movie, but be warned. There is a lot of male nudity in it. I’m no prude, but just can’t endorse all the MALE nudity. There’s one shocking moment at the end that I’m not sure they can actually get away with. It might be edited out for video release.

Hangover was not the funniest movie I ever saw, but it’s top 7. I give it three thumbs way up. As Alan would say, “It’s not your fault.”

Mommy Diaries (Fun Fourth of July!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Just want to say BIG THANKS to everybody who came out to the Fourth of July Festival in downtown Greensboro. It was so much fun. The parade was a trip, we actually designed a float this year. If you missed it, the float was designed like a beach. It was so funny, the people that lined up behind us had 2 dogs. One was an older female small dog and another younger dog that had lots of energy. The people asked me if we could put the older dog on our float because she would get tired walking. I took the little dog and she rode in my lap throughout the parade. Between Matty in a hotdog suit and a dog on my lap, it was a huge success. People were laughing hysterically at the hotdog suit. Everybody wanted a picture with the life size hotdog. Check out the pictures at 987simon.com. They are great!!! Thanks again for those who came out and Happy Fourth of July!!!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Birthday Day!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:11:00 +0000

So here we are, July 1st, 2009, and one year has already passed. It is so hard to even wrap my head around it. Today is little man’s official birthday. We had our BIG celebration this past Sunday… a huge cookout with family and friends. We could have not been more blessed. The weather was wonderful, the crowd was warm and fun… just an all around a great time. So, thank you to everybody who came out! Tyson racked up. My house is now full of toys that light up and make sounds, it’s like a 3 ring circus!

Today I am getting out of here early to go do something fun with little man. It’s really hot, so I was thinking we could go play indoors for a while, then maybe go to the park later… then out to dinner!!! He loves to go out to eat just like his mama. I am so full of energy and life to know that I brought such an incredible little person into this world. What a gift from God. God is GOOD!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen

More of Skip's Ramblings...

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

What's up with paying to park at theme parks etc.. What service are they providing for the 8 to 12 dollars. It they were going to wash the car I would feel better. They need to offer some type of service like an oil change. Get with it.

MOMMY DIARIES (BEACH TRIP!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Hope everybody is having a great week…not too much drama, right! So, this past weekend, I went to the beach with Skip’s family and we had a great time. It was a much needed break… there was just one little roadblock that we had to overcome… and well, let’s say we handled it well!

We got down to Skip’s condo at like 10:30 Friday night and it was scorching hot inside, so we checked the air-conditioning… well…you guessed it… it was BROKEN!!! The temperature just kept going up, then it hit like 85 degrees and Skip’s wife started flipping out because management never called them to report the problem. They have people that help them take care of the property and rent it out. The people could not do anything that late, so we had to wait until Saturday to get it fixed.

So all in all it was a great vacation, just a little roadblock! We went to the pool early Saturday morning until the people came out to fix it, and all was well! We ended up having a fabulous time. Nothing like a cold pool on a hot day!!! I am ready to go back tomorrow! As always, make it a good one! Carmen Brown

MOMMY DIARIES (Boating We Go!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Hello to all!!! This past weekend was a blast… Tyson and I had such a great time. We kicked off Saturday with a boat ride around High Rock Lake. The weather was gorgeous. It was little man’s first boat ride, and he looked so funny in his life jacket. He just seemed to take it all in and enjoy the peaceful water. I also took one of my friend’s little boys. He enjoyed ‘helping drive the boat’. He felt like such a big man. I thought at first Tyson may be scared, but it did not faze him. He’s not really scared of much… he is my child for sure.

Then on Sunday, we went to ‘Art on Sundays Series’ Festival downtown in Winston Salem. It was tooooo cool! There were African drummers and Latino bands playing… a little flamenco guitar…dancers. Ahhhh… it was incredible! Tyson really go into it…dancing around and stomping. Ha-Ha… I wish I had a video camera. They also had this piñata where the kids lined up with a blindfold on. They were going crazy. Then when one of the kids busted it, they all came running on top of each other grabbing the toys and candy. I thought for one minute a kiddie fight was going to break out!!! Ha-Ha… so serious about their candy! Anyway, what a great weekend and today I think we may take a trip to the pool. Whoahhhhhh… It’s HOT!!!

As always, make it good one! Carmen

Another Random Thought... from Skip

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Well its hot outside and that means pool time. I don't know what it is about a pool, but it feels great. It relaxes you. Make you feel great. But I hate sitting on the sides of pools like I am now, writing this blog from my Blackberry and getting splashed. Don't they see me working a delicate device? Do they know how important this is. It can ruin my Blac

Mommy Diaries (Come on Out to Downtown Winston! by Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Just a heads up, this Sunday, June 7th, bring the whole family out to downtown Winston-Salem for ‘June Fest’. It’s on the corner of 6th and Trade Street. It is part of the ‘Arts on Sunday Festival’ that my non-profit group has been putting on all through out the month of May. (Since one got rained out in May we are re-celebrating this Sunday) Sunday’s theme is Multicultural Music, Arts, and Entertainment. Lots of FUN!!!! The best part… it’s free. If you can’t make it out this Sunday, check out the afasgroup.com That is the website for the non-profit board I am on. We love to promote and help artists of all types. See you on Sunday!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen Brown

Mommy Diaries (Gone too soon) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:14:00 +0000

After getting off the air this morning I got a phone call… the phone call you never want to get. A very dear friend of mine was killed in a car crash this morning in Winston Salem. I can’t even began to describe how much of a loving soul he was… he is…and I am still in disbelief this has happened. He was engaged to be married in October to a beautiful woman with a heart as big as his. He has now gone to God, and heaven will have a new ray of light watching over us.

To his family and many friends who may be reading this, know that everybody is praying for you… As you are reading this… to anybody reading this… let your loved ones know how much you love them and how much you appreciate them. I wish I had one last conversation with him…..letting him know this, but I think he always knew. He has had a major impact on many people’s lives. So I ask we pass that on… be kind, be gentle, and open your heart…God Bless.

Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Guilford County Animal Shelter Needs Your Help!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Hello! I just visited the Guilford County Animal Shelter this week and there are so many sweet, loving animals ready to be adopted. We are in the process of updating the website with all the dogs and cats up for adoption (even a bunny too!). There is also a bio of each animal so you can find out more to get the right fit for your family. Go to my page ‘Carmen’, scroll down and you will see a pic of me and a dog that takes you to all the pets up for adoption. May 23rd-31st they have a really cool promotion where any dog or cat 1 year or older can be adopted for HALF price. Check out the information below and help out while getting awesome stuff for you!!!

Plan ahead to attend a HUGE yard sale to benefit ALL the animals of the Guilford County Animal Shelter.

DATE: June 6th
TIME: 8am – 1pm
(NO early birds please)

LOCATION: 5300 Wayne Rd. Greensboro
Sedgefield Area off High Point Rd.
If you are an animal lover, support the yard sale. If you love to go to yard sales, be sure to drop in. Like to just get out for a ride, the yard sale makes a great stop. You will find a treasure, and the animals will be the beneficiary.

Mommy Diaries - Alive After Five by Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:09:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again to get outside, dance, and hang with other peeps in the Triad.

Tomorrow night (Thursday May 21st) the first ‘Alive After Five’ kicks off in Winston Salem. So everybody come on out to Corpening Plaza in Winston Salem. (where the waterfalls are) The party starts at 5 and the first band starts at 5:30 and goes till 8:30.

Every year has been a blast, and as far as I’m concerned the weekend starts on Thursday, right? Ha-Ha!!! Look for the Simon Van and stop by and see us. Don’t worry about pulling out your wallet…IT’S FREE!!!!! See you there!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

You Tube's Hottest Talents from Skip

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Here are some of You Tubes hottest talents that we talked about today on the show:

(click on the name to check out the video)

01. Numma Numma song

02. Fat Guy

03. Chocolate Rain

04. Turtle Boy

Mommy Diaries - Why Babies Do What They Do by Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:39:00 +0000

So, I get home today, and Tyson is crying in his highchair. I’m looking at him like ‘did something just happen or are you on a hunger strike today’?

Trust me, we are going through a phase of I don’t want to eat, all I want is my ‘crunchies’, as I call them. He was such a great eater before, and now…bang…boom…nothing. Oh, he will take a couple of bites and then he is over it. Once in a while in the past 2 weeks I have been able to get him to eat without a problem.

The more the teeth are budding through, the more we are having food dilemmas. Now that I think about it, if my mouth was hurting like that, I may not want to ‘gum’ a lot of food either. The good news is that he is in the 90 percentile for other babies his age, which means I have no fear of him starving anytime soon.

He is really tall, which I can probably credit my dad for considering he is like 6’4. Little man has the genes to be a pro basketball player. The jury is still out on that one. I will never be one of those lunatic mothers who force their kids into certain sports…I am going to let him play around in different sports and see what HE likes. As far as I’m concerned, he could anything from a soccer player to a famous actor on Broadway. Whatever makes him happy. That was how I was raised and it allowed me to experiment with different hobbies/interest…etc.

Anyway, I figured out I liked to talk a out, and well here I am. ha-ha….Back to the eating thing, little man just woke up and it is time for our ba-ba, as he likes to call it.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

A Message From Skip...

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Here is Carmens weekend job at the winston salem childrens museum. Eat more chicken.

Mommy Diaries - Finally... VACATON WEEKEND by Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:39:00 +0000

This past weekend I took a trip down to Skip’s beach condo…much needed getaway!!!

I think it was the first time I have taken a vacation since I was like 3 months pregnant. WOW – that’s been a hot minute. Although it was a quick weekend getaway, it was very relaxing. I thought I was going to be paranoid the entire time (first time away from my son out of town), but I was able to kick back and enjoy myself. I did call 50 times to check on him though (ha-ha). I’m like that annoying parent with my phone on speed dial.

It was bike weekend at Myrtle Beach, so that was interesting. I saw a lot of cool bikes with cute boys and some not so attractive (well at least the drivers – ha-ha –that’s so bad to say). For the most part, we just chilled on the beach, which now I have a sunburn on my back because I insisted on only using a 15/30 sun block. I’m not sure what I was thinking at the time.

Anyway, if you ever get down to North Myrtle Beach and really want to treat yourself to a nice dinner, check out Greg Normans. It’s at Barefoot Landing….triple yummy…a bit pricy, but worth it. Alright, I must return to reality now!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (NEW FACEBOOKS!!!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Good Morning to all! Check out our new Facebook Pages - - Just go to facebook.com and look us up. Soon we will also have a new, more exciting website also!!! Lots of cool stuff coming your way. For now, become our friends and we can chat on facebook!!!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen

Raising money for Make a Wish Foundation- Skip

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:00 +0000

I will be at the hungry Howies in adams farm shopping center tonight raising money for make a wish from 5-6. Please call 333 3340!

Mommy Diaries (More and More Babies!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:21:00 +0000

This must be the year of extreme mating (ha-ha) because half of my girlfriends have been popping out babies. My best friend is in the hospital right now being enduced…ouchhhh. I remember it all too well!

I just called her to see how things were going, and she said the contractions were coming on and the cramping was starting in her back. Ok, my first thought was, girl you better get that epidural... QUICK! If I learned anything from the beauty of labor… ask for the epidural BEFORE the real pain hits. It takes the edge off. Ok, not completely, but it sure makes it a lot easier. I am heading to the hospital to see her in a minute, and maybe, just maybe, I can witness a birth at some point. I’m sure I will be kicked out of the room by that point, but it’s worth a try.

Oddly enough, I really loved giving birth. I know that sounds insane, but it was such a wonderful experience. Yes it was painful, was it unbearable? No. Once I got focused and realized I had a job to do, I was ok with it. It did not freak me out anymore. I think it’s the anticipation that gets us the most. We imagine this horrible, unbearable experience. I’m not saying it does not happen to certain women, God bless the women who have been traumatized! The hardest part of birth I think, for me, was wanting to know that I had a healthy child and that everything was going to be alright. It took a while, but we got there.

So, wish my best friend luck, and to all the mommies out there… go ahead with your bad self! Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day!!! I hope you got some time to relax and get some quality time with your children.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (AHHHH…I’m Scared!) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Ok, there are only a few things in this life that scare the "you know what" out of me. One of those things would be tornados. Terrified!!! There is a tornado watch posted on the TV right now, and it makes my stomach turn. I don’t know what it is, but my hair stands up on my arms. You think I would be over storm phobia at 30-something, but oh no…no…no! How do I overcome these fears? It’s not like I have control of Mother Nature, or that I ever would like to have control of Mother Nature. That would be one hell of a job! Ok, so I really need to get over this.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

A message from Skip...

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Its so nice to see that we seam to be getting better with our economy. Gas prices below 3.00 a gal. Families buying homes. Stocks looking better. Now I hope that many business hire back people that were laid off.

MOMMY DIARIES (Cleaning Up Our Act – Literally) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:13:00 +0000

First of all I would like to say HAPPY EARTH MONTH!!! Thank you to everyone who is making a difference one step at a time!

Yesterday I caught part of the Oprah show. She did a special on Earth Day. WOW…it really opened up my eyes big time. She spoke with an activist about how much trash is dumped into the ocean. If you can take just a few moments out of your day, PLEASE go to oprah.com and read the story ‘Do you really know where your trash is going?’ It’s under the heading ‘IT’S EASY BEING GREEN’. There are multiple stories that all have great informative information, but this is SHOCKING. Currently scientists believe the world’s largest garbage dump is not on land… it’s in the Pacific Ocean. It is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which stretches from the coast of California to Japan… estimated to be twice the size of Texas. It is absolutely disgusting. A catch 22, because we are the ones who produce and consume so much… so MUCH!

It makes me sad, mad and guilty all at the same time. I really am on the path to changing my ways EVEN MORE today. There were many pictures and video on the show and I think there are some pictures on the website. The saddest part of the waste land is the poor animals that are living without choice in this environment. One pelican (I think it was a pelican) had died and when it was cut open, it had a cigarette lighter in his stomach along with other trash. It also showed other fish and animals caught in nets and trying to eat what they believe is food, but is really toxic material and they do not know the difference. Ultimately the toxic waste/plastic that ends up in the ocean… then is absorbed into the water, fish and animals… THEN ends up back on our plates. Think about it.

After reading the article I guarantee you it WILL change the way you view your habits. It WILL make you more conscious about what to do with waste and certain things you should avoid. This is not hard, it’s very EASY… do not be overwhelmed… one step at a time. It was so disturbing to look at all the waste PILED up and the long stretches it covered. We are talking about the size of Texas doubled. You HAVE to visit her website… oprah.com.

On that note, please read…please educate yourself…and MAKE IT A GOOD ONE! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Ways to Keep the ‘C’ Word Away) Carmen Brown

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

I’m always interested in reading articles and researching different foods/vitamins that can help your body stay strong and healthy. The News & Record had a great article on cancer and ways to prevent and treat cancer.

Green Tea never fails. It has always been linked to good health and a great way to detoxify your body. Also interesting enough, mushrooms have a super power. They contain lentinan - a compound that stimulates the immune system, which in turn can slow tumor growth. Pretty cool huh! There’s nothing like making a huge stir fry with a bunch of mushrooms. Yummmm….As far as green tea goes, it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 glasses of green tea a day. Drink up!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen Brown

All about Carmen

noreply@blogger.com (98.7 Simon Blog) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Here are some interesting facts about myself that my best friend told me I should share with you guys. I thought these things were completely normal, but it apparently she thought were kind of odd!

First off, I would rather go out for wings and a cold beer than eating in an expensive fru-fru fine dining. (she says I’m like a dude?...I beg to differ) Also, I have an unhealthy obsession with Chef Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen (ahhhh…he is sooooo hot!) I don’t like my drinks filled all the way to the rim. As far as shopping goes, I can only go for 2 hours or less (everything starts looking the same and I get a headache). I wash my hands over 15 times a day… not OCD… just feel like that makes my world a little cleaner. Ok, Just a couple of things that I find normal.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen