6:30am is the new 7:30am. 8:30am is SO last year

With my son Roy past the 19-month mark now, we’re seeing new changes every day.

New words added to his vocabulary.  New signs to go with those words, from his Baby Signing Time! videos.

The one thing I wasn’t prepared for – an earlier wake-up alarm.  Most days, he’s having full conversations with himself by 6:15am.  Admittedly, after 19 months of sleeping until 7:30am, sometimes 8am … I’m having trouble adjusting.

I probably should’ve seen it coming.

I’m curious about your major life changes recently … you either go with the flow, or try to change the pace.

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Rodney Atkins’ bus belonged to whom?

Rodney Atkins was our last featured artist in the “8 Shows @ Joe’s” concert series … I had a chance to chat with him before the show, and the All Access video is now posted HERE.

* Who does he like to introduce himself as?

* Whose bus did he used to envy, only to have it become his own?

* What type of crazy window border would you only find on a superstar’s bus, and ONLY from Rodney Atkins?

The answers to these questions, plus highlights from the concert, when you check out All Access Week 97 now, online @ US99.com!

Smiles, Sun, Emerson Drive, and Cubs Baseball

What a difference the sun makes … even Roy was ready to face the world again, albeit an hour earlier than usual.  I don’t think I’ll ever be fond of the 6:30am screaming wake-up call.

If you’re a Cubs fan and LOVE Emerson Drive, tomorrow is your special day.  They’re doing a FREE show at The Cubby Bear Chicago, starting at 8pm.  They’re also singing the national anthem before the Cubs – Reds game too, don’t miss it!

If I haven’t seen you at the Friday Night Party Patrol recently, why not?  Join me in Shorewood this Friday @ 9pm – we’re headed to Bedrocks, on Jefferson St. just west of 59.  Lots of Miller Lite prizes & specials, plus you can win a copy of Jason Michael Carroll’s new CD before it’s even on sale!   More details & directions HERE.

Make it a great day, and we’ll chat after 3pm.

What a way to start the weekend

*** If you missed it yesterday, Martina McBride was my surprise phone call … she’s coming to Joe’s Bar for our next invitation-only, intimate ”8 Shows @ Joe’s” concert on Wednesday, May 6th.  Your first chance to win passes happens Monday, after 3pm!

*** Mid-70s today, so why not join me tonight for the FNPP? 

We’ll be at McDuffy’s on the south side of Chicago, 111th St two blocks west of Kedzie, starting at 9pm.  Stop by for an ice-cold Miller Lite and grab the brand-new Jake Owen CD, “Easy Does It.”

*** After Roy & I spent the morning at the park (first of the season), egg salad sandwiches are in order!  Do you have a special meal to kickstart Spring?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

My child is the smartest child alive

Roy is very fond of crackers.  All types.

Yesterday, while eating them and saying the word “cracker” over and over, he was also signing the word for cracker!

Now your turn: your child is the smartest child alive because … ?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Martina McBride & Chicago Football

** If you missed Martina McBride on the show yesterday, hear the entire conversation HERE.  Still can’t believe one of the songs on her new CD has the wrong title, simply because … well, she’ll tell you why on the podcast!

** Two chances to win prizes today … make plans to join me @ T-Mobile Wireless in Chicago at lunchtime, or the Chicago Slaughter indoor football game tonight @ the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.  All the details & directions here.

If I don’t see you today, have a fantastic holiday weekend, and we’ll chat Monday after 3pm!

Quick hits

** The new show Parks & Recreation debuts tonight on NBC, right after The Office.  Having Amy Poehler is awesome in itself, but the fact that my father-in-law has been in P&R his entire career … our family can’t WAIT to watch.

** The new LOST BLOG is online now @ US99.com here:  http://tinyurl.com/dlt8cf 

** If you follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/radiodrew), you’ll get the latest news FIRST.

** My favorite website of the week is The UnClutterer.  Daily tips to unclutter your life, whether in your home, your office, your work, you name it.  Last week, my email experience went through the roof with just a few simple steps.  Give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s chat on the radio, today after 3pm!

The Rascal Flatts Kidnapping, plus Chicago Slaughter football

I knew that Rascal Flatts were stopping by yesterday for two hours, I just didn’t know they weren’t planning to include ME!

If you missed any of the fun, hear all the conversations HERE!

This Saturday night, I’m heading to the Chicago Slaughter arena-football game as part of their Celebrity Half-Time HiJinks series - care to join me?

Hope to see ya there!

It’s good to be back

It’s always GREAT to be home after a long vacation, and this week is a big one!

Opening day for the White Sox tomorrow at home, are you wearing your jersey to work too?

Tuesday is ALL about Rascal Flatts – their new CD “Unstoppable” is released, and they’ll join me for TWO HOURS starting at 5pm.  Don’t miss it!

Your favorite songs, BIG prizes, and great conversation every afternoon.  This week:  Josh Turner tickets with the Short Term Memory Quiz, and Rodney Atkins passes with the Drew Walker Drive @ 5.

Also, don’t forget the ACM Awards tonight on CBS-2 at 7pm!  Extra points if you spot Trish Biondo in the audience.

Let’s catch up tomorrow after 3pm, at US 99.5!