Welcome to Ashley's Angle!

Send questions & comments to Ashley.Hinson@KCRG.com.

Whew! Things have been very busy around here the past couple of weeks. We’ve had some changes, and soon you’ll likely meet the newest member of our morning show team. Look out for him next week!

In the meantime, I’d like to take a moment to write about Earth Day.

I can remember in Elementary school, how great a job educators did at promoting being good to the earth. We took nature walks, planted class trees (I wonder how big the one I planted back then at school is now!) and did activities to promote awareness of keeping the Earth beautiful.

And I think there’s been a lot of campaigning for the “green” movement.  I know I’ve become more aware.

I have one of those big giant blue bins for recycling in Cedar Rapids…and it’s almost become a personal mission to fill it up every week, instead of sending things to the landfill. Any box from my numerous frozen dinners…in the bin. The frozen dinner containers…in the bin.  It seems everything comes in a plastic container. So, if they can, into the bin they go. That’s my recycling iniative.

As far as re-using….I have started buying my lunchmeat in the Tupperware containers…and then reusing those to store other leftovers after I’m done with the meat.  My mom washes out her plastic bags, and so I’ve started doing that when it’s applicable…

And then for reducing?  I bought all of those lightbulbs that are supposed to use less energy and last longer.  Also one thing I’m aiming to start doing more of? Unplugging things that aren’t being used. I’ve been hearing a lot lately about “phantom” power, where power’s being zapped even though things may be “powered off”. So I’m on the lookout now for Smart power strips that allegedly cut off power to anything that’s been turned off.

So anyway, these are just a few ways I’m trying to help. I could probably do more…but I know every little bit helps to reduce my “carbon footprint”

Do you have any ways you Reduce, Reuse and Recycle? I’d be interested to hear or see what others are doing!! Email me at Ashley.hinson@kcrg.com or post a comment!

This blog will be a bit personal…because it’s what I’ve been dealing with the past few weeks. I apologize for my lack in blogging, but I had a hard time feeling chipper about things when we were in the midst of covering the Sueppel family’s tragic story. It's hardly appropriate to blog about Brangelina or Britney when something so sad is happening here.

That said, I feel it’s time to blog again. We need a bit of light fodder to help us through tough times.

So..today, I write about a dilemma. I’m having to learn to share all over again.

I know it’s a lesson most learn at about age 2, when they’re taught to share toys and such with other younguns. But now I’m facing the prospect of having to share my personal space!

I’ve lived alone, with my cats, for years. And now, my fiancé managed to sell his house (A feat in this market!) so he’s moving in to my house in Cedar Rapids. We’re very excited about all the prospects: getting to see each other more than 2 times a week, saving money by consolidating to one mortgage, cooking for two.

But we both know it’s coming. My stuff has to merge with his. And that means we pretty much have two of everything. I have an amazingly large infatuation with shoes. I have a LOT of suits. I also have tons of clothing in general. And not to mention “my stuff”. I admit to being a packrat.

So over the past few weeks, he’s been bringing carfuls of books, kitchen appliances, ballcaps, and other odds and ends. And let me tell you, it’s amazing to see how one house can immediately be filled up to the brim.

I also think, however, this will be a great test for us. We’ve had a wonderful long distance relationship for our entire relationship. It’s going to be interesting being in eachother’s space all the time. But when our “stuff” is now in the same closet, the same basement, the same kitchen. It’s taught me to be respectful of the fact that he’s coming into my home, a sacrifice for him (He was just getting attached to his home, because he’d fixed it up!) I’m also learning that it’s sometimes good to get rid of the clutter in life. I had so many things, and they were just taking up space. There’s a clutter and lifestyle change expert who’s been on Oprah several times. Maybe I need someone like this to come to my house J

Anyway, I think the whole process is teaching me to be a more respectful and streamlined human being. There’s a stigma that your “stuff” makes you feel good. I agree, there’s something about a comfort zone. But once I started the process of getting rid of excess (which I did NOT want to do!) I started to feel liberated. Another expert on Oprah says excess stuff can actually make you unhealthy.

Who knew? So it’s a new era in my life, and a very exciting one. And now I have a roommate to share my newfound knowledge with. But that doesn’t mean I can’t miss the shoes I gave to goodwill, right?

Hey all. I’m back from a long weekend of planning for the nuptials!

Very exciting stuff…and actually, the longest I’ve stayed “at home” with mom and dad since I was in college.  4 consecutive nights!  The past few years I’ve worked so much I forgot how comforting it is to just be home with your family.  
The wedding planning is definitely coming along… and I’m excited to report that the cake has been decided upon! There’s a fun back story too. 
When I graduated from Valley High School, my mom and dad hired a woman named Gloria Olson to do a sheet cake for a party they threw for me. Gloria was one of the choir directors at Valley, and baked cakes on the side. So naturally, when it came time to find someone to do the cake for my wedding, I thought, “Hmm, I wonder if she’s still in biz?” 
Not only is she in business, it’s HER business. She has turned what had been an in-kitchen part time job into a full blown and flourishing cake company. It’s called “Glorious Desserts”. And I can’t even begin to tell you already how impressed I am with the service. 
Gloria had been baking in her own kitchen…up until her business expanded. Luckily, her husband is a contractor who specializes in kitchens. So he built her one. A big one. And now Gloria does multiple wedding cakes per week.  And graduation cakes. And birthday cakes. And shower/party cakes.  And they’re all works of art. She talked about creating cakes for a wedding that looked like vintage luggage, complete with aged leather looking icing and brass handles. It’s crazy! 
It was my first and only wedding cake tasting experience. I didn’t think I needed to do any more! I had the one stop shop!

Needless to say though, the wedding planning goes well. I'm now less than 6 months out from the actual wedding...and I can't wait! And I can't wait for the cake, either :-)

Oh lord, thank you for Rolaids.

I definitely needed them yesterday! On Sunday, I took part in the 8th Annual Chili Challenge at the Longbranch Hotel, put on by the Isle of Iowa Parrothead Club, and the Linn County Blues Society. While I'm nowhere near being a professional eater, I know that after Sunday I'd like to be. If my stomach could only handle it!

I tasted 26 of the best, most interesting and flavorful chili recipes I've ever had (and I love chili, so it was a great experience to taste so many!) Pork in chili verde, turkey with cherries, hot and spicy texas chili, chili with hot homemade sausage. You name it, there was a spin on any chili you know--and I HAD THEM ALL! YUM! One was even served with a little slice of PB&J, another came with a piece of the tastiest cornbread I think I've ever had. Either way, this girl went away full to the brim and happy as a clam!

I was on a panel with radio, tv, weather, and other personalities from the area. It was a total blast. I also met a lot of really cool people. This was the 3rd year I was actually supposed to be a judge; The first year I got called out of town for family reasons and ended up not being able to make it. Last year, the event was cancelled due to the infamous ice storms of 2007 (which ended up pretty much cancelling everything happening that weekend!) So I was in attendance for the first time. I also dragged my fiance along with (he's a great sport--attends many "working" events with me. I think he just goes for the food!)

Anyway, I mentioned I met a lot of really great people. These people were great not only because they want to have fun and live life to the fullest, but because they want to do it while helping others. This event was to raise money for the HD Youth Center and the Boys and Girls Club, both in Cedar Rapids. It was awesome to see these groups come together in a friendly competition, all while having tons of fun, and raising TONS of money for kids. I'd say from the hundreds of people who came to the event, they raised about $5700!! All that money was split between the two groups I mentioned earlier. How great to see people doing something they love, and having it benefit others.

Anyway, to Keith Wright, Jamie and Sue Gorecki, and everyone who helped make my first year as a judge at the chili challenge a blast, THANK YOU for an awesome time doing something awesome for kids.

Can I take just a few minutes to brag?

Not about me. I am lucky enough to be the proud older sister of one of the best up-and-coming talents in the country. My brother, Blake, is an amazingly talented classical bassist.

I love to go to classical music performances. I frequently attend the Cedar Rapids and Des Moines Symphonies, as well as various other local music performances. But this was a real treat.

My brother is currently a student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and has performed recently at Carnegie Hall, made his solo debut at Boston’s Symphony Hall…all this by the age of 19!

This past weekend, my fiancé and I trekked up to Minneapolis to see him play with the Minnesota Sinfonia. He was being featured as well on Minnesota Public Radio, taught master classes. In general ROCKED. I was able to see the Friday night performance.  I have rarely experienced such pride as I did in seeing my little brother play. He makes the bass, which is a large and technically very difficult instrument to play, sing.

It’s also amusing to watch him play, because the kid’s a giant! He’s 6’7”. The person playing with him on one of the pieces, Nate Farrington, is 6’5”. And Blake’s hands, referred to by the person interviewing him on MPR as “paws” gracefully scoot about the instrument.

Anyway, I just had to say how proud I am to be related to this young man.  I hope one day soon he'll be touring the country, and you'll get to hear him play as well!!!

Well hello from a stranger!

I feel it’s been forever since I last blogged, and it really has! I had one of those periods in my life where every waking moment was consumed by something. I’ve also been working out/dieting like a crazy person (thank you New Year’s Resolutions! I’m managing to keep mine going for quite some time!!) been consumed by preparing for Broadway Maybies, hosting events for the Go Red for Women day and MC’ing Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Orchestra Festival. So needless to say, I neglected all my readers, and I’m at my feet groveling for your forgiveness!

I wanted to write today about how much I “love” the snow…or perhaps all the cold temperatures, the winter doldrums, yadda yadda. Let’s face it…it’s getting to everybody!!

So instead, I think I should write about the day that inspires many people to let their fun and romantic side out…That’s right, Valentine’s Day.

For a long time, I hated Valentines Day. All the chocolate (okay, well that part’s okay), the heart necklaces, dopey lovey dovey cards, the overpriced dinners at restaurants and raised-price flower bouquets…All the stuff that has *commercialized* the “day of love.”  Now,  I think that if you look beyond all that, there’s a great message associated with Valentine’s Day. Love should happen all year, not just on Valentine’s.

And let me preface this—I’m not single, so I do have someone to spend the day with. But even when I was single, I’d get the girls together to go out and celebrate singledom!!

Anyhow, so much of the emphasis for V-day is put on buying gifts for your honey, or being romantic the “one day” out of the year. But I think real romance happens all year round. Flowers just because. A kind gesture, a favor for someone in your life.  Spend some time showing you care all the time, not just because a date on the calendar or the ads on tv tell you that you should.  I am lucky enough to be engaged to a man who does this, and I try and do it as well.  We like to just randomly get dressed up and go out for a nice dinner and dessert. Or one of us really goes out of the way to make an ordinary event extraordinary. It makes every time of year special.

Take this for what it is—just an idea of how to look at not only February 14^th, but every day of the year.

With Love,

Ashley

And for those of you that are "flyin' solo" this February 14...here are some tips for you!!

Today I wanted to take the time to blog on the life of a great actor, and his sad and untimely death.  
Heath Ledger, in my opinion one of Hollywood’s “It” guys, died yesterday at 28.
I remember first seeing the movie “10 Things I hate About You”, and thinking to myself “Gosh, this guy is comfortable in his own skin. How awesome?” I of course don’t think it hurt any that he was a good looking guy, but Ledger’s acting skills charmed me. Some of my favorites were “The Patriot” and more recently, “Casanova”. I never had the chance to see “Brokeback Mountain”. But now I’m curious, ya know?
I always thought he was one of those actors too who hadn’t fallen victim to the Hollywood Disease. That being extreme ego, bad behavior, and excessive lifestyle. I never thought he embodied that. Which may also be why it’s so sad to see him pass away so young, and likely from an accident.
I also think about some of the other people with great promise who we lost in their 20’s. Kurt Kobain, River Phoenix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Aaliyah, and just recently Brad Renfro.  It seems a tough era to make through for many when it comes to drugs, family, work, and balancing some kind of a life with showbiz and fame. 
I can recall having conversations with my mom and dad at times about how if I ever felt down, I could always turn to them instead of to drugs, alcohol, or suicide. It’s nice to know I have family rooting for me. Maybe not everyone is so lucky? But I know when we look back at Heath Ledger, even just as fans here in Iowa, he will be missed. And I hope wherever he is—he knows it. 

I first off want to thank everyone who either posted a comment or emailed one to me on my last blog. It’s really interesting what you’ve all had to say. One woman wrote that I was judgmental to say that some people shouldn’t have children, not having any myself.  Another said I was smart to consider that fact before I had children of my own, or decided to talk about it. Others just completely laid it out that they too feel bad about the whole Britney situation. I do too. Yes, she has provided a lot of material for me to blog about, but at the same time, we have to reflect that the girl is going through some SERIOUS troubles, and if we had a friend in that situation, we’d probably try to help.  I don’t know if blogging about it helps, but it might be good for the dialogue.

Enough about that. My real blog this time around is about a charity event I take part in every year. I am so excited about this year’s Broadway Maybies!  Josh Hinkle took care of writing up a script…and I’m again playing the piano for our three wonderful tunes. This year’s group is great, and really putting on a show! It’s a constant challenge to make our act better than the year before, and this year I think we’ll definitely succeed. If not better, different anyway!

To give you an idea of what you’ll hear, without giving it entirely away…Some Elton John, a tune from Mamma Mia, the broadway musical, and a bit of flair from the Mammas and the Papas. Pair that with the awesome talent from KCRG employees, and you’ve got a fun and exciting (hopefully!) audience pleaser!  We’ve been working hard, so far an average of 3 practices a week! But it’s something that allows me to continue to play the piano, while volunteering time, a double whammy!

The performance is February 1^st (that’s a Friday!) at 7 p.m. at the Paramount in Cedar Rapids. This event benefits the Young Parents Network, which works to the prevent adolescent pregnancy. They also work to help build successful families. What a great event for a great cause! Come see us!

It’s that time again…time to blog about Britney!

Britney is seemingly in the news every day for some scandalous happening relating to either her past marriage to Kevin Federline, or her questionable abilities at a mom.

It’s tough to write about Britney without the appearance of passing judgement, but I think she is in a class of her own. Yesterday, she was supposed to appear at a hearing to decide if she could have access to visits with her children, albeit supervised (a good idea!). She showed up, walked around in front of the paparazzi, and then left. Meanwhile, testimony continued inside from her ex-husband, police, parenting coaches, and others, all attesting to her “abilities” as a mother. Needless to say really, the judge ruled that the earlier decision to award custody to K-Fed would stand.

I can hypothesize about what happened to Britney, seeing as I’m close in age to the “pop princess”. I think she ended up having two kids when she’s more interested in partying hardy and living more like a binge drinking college student than someone having to change diapers.  Britney would rather take shots than take her kids in for them.  Having kids and then deciding you’d rather be a party girl….I’m not sure I’m down with that. You might think these words are harsh, and they are. But this is no laughing matter, as there are human lives involved.

I think this is a good time to reflect on motherhood. I think there are truly those who should have children, and others who shouldn’t. I’m not even sure which category I fit into yet, seeing as I haven’t started the process of talking about kids really. But I think this could inspire some good discussion.

For those of you out there who have children…what are the things you “absolutely” must consider before having children? Hindsight is accepted! I understand that sometimes children are an "element of surprise", but are there discussions that must be had before you make the decision to add to your family? I'd appreciate hearing from you!