10-Year Class Reunion

The Gordo High School Class of 1997. What can I say about our class. Most everyone hasn't changed much. Many, including myself, have put on some extra pounds. Some have taken some off. Some are looking much older than they are. Some haven't aged much at all. Most are married. Many have children. But not me. I'm still single and have no children. Some went to college and are now working in their chosen field. Some didn't go to college, but are working. Others are staying at home with their children. It's strange seeing
everyone in their different stages of life. We all graduated high school in the same stage of life...just starting life, actually. But what a difference 10 years can make.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I just had my 10 year class reunion. Yesterday was Homecoming at Gordo High School. We all met at the school at 10am. We had lunch together and toured both the high school and the elementary school. Then we went to the pep rally, where we had the roll call of the class of 1997. The pep rally was cut short because one of the cheerleaders fell during a flip and
hurt herself pretty bad. She's going to be okay, thank God. But
because of that, the pep rally didn't proceed as planned. We got on the flat bed trailer we called our parade float and rode through the parade. It felt like we were in a fish bowl and everyone wa gawking at the fish. The parade route went through downtown Gordo and several people were taking pictures of us. But it was funny, because there were some in our class who were taking pictures of the people watching us! I got quite a kick out of that! I guess they wanted to document the whole experience.

After all was said and done, a few of us went to "The Front Porch" to eat an early dinner. Then we went home to rest before the football game.

The Gordo Greenwave played West Blocton for Homecoming. And it was a slaughter. Gordo scored a touchdown before everyone got settled into the stadium good. West Blocton didn't score at all during the first half. They scored twice in the second half, but that was after Gordo put second and third string in. Final score? Gordo 41, West Blocton 14. After halftime, about half of the people watching the game decided the game wasn't worth their time, so they went home. It was such a boring game. I'm glad Gordo won, but I wish West Blocton would have put up a better fight and made it at least entertaining.

So, now, homecoming is over. Several of us are getting together at "Steamers" to eat dinner tonight, and then I will head back to the great state of South Carolina tomorrow morning. And then I have to go back to the great world of a working woman. I am so glad I had a week off, though. It gave me time to recouperate. I feel better right now than I have in several months. This night shift is killing me. But now, I feel good and I can go for another few months before my next vacation. I get Thanksgiving off, so I'll have four days off in a row for that. That will be nice. And I have a week off in March for Lisa's wedding. that's only five months away.

Thank you Gordo High School and Gordo Elementary School for a great Homecoming. And to the class of 1997, it was so good to see all of you. Keep in touch!

One More Work Week

I had a pretty good weekend. I spent the majority of my day Saturday at the Biltmore Estate, where I walked the trails and spent time in the gardens. I had already been in the house, but the last time I went it was pouring down rain. So, I didn't get to spend much time outdoors.


Just four more days and it's Sweet Home Alabama! I really can't wait to get home. I think I'm looking forward to sleeping at night more than anything! But I can't wait to see my family and friends, either. I haven't been home in over a year, and I haven't seen my sister is nearly two years, so it's really going to be a great homecoming. My whole first weekend is booked once I get there. On friday, we're having a big family dinner with everyone to celebrate my brother and sister's birthdays. Hers is Friday and his is Sunday. Then on Saturday, I'm going with my sister to get fitted for my dress for her wedding. And that night, she and I are going for a night out on the town. Who knows what we'll get into that night. Just as long as we get to spend some good quality time together, that's all I care about.

On Sunday, I will be visiting my childhood church, Daystar Family Church (it used to be Daystar Assembly of God) . Then on Sunday night, I get to see my best friend from high school, Jen, and her new baby girl. I am so excited! So, I will be busy for the weekend.

Monday is the start of getting ready for my high school 10-year reunion. Now, I still can't believe I've been out of high school for 10 years! But I'm getting used to the idea that I'm just getting old. Okay, so 27 isn't old, but it feels like it when you think of being out of high school for that long. And I am almost 28, which is a story all in itself. I am dreading my birthday this year. I really don't want to spend it alone, even though it looks inevitable that I will be.

Anyway, back to the reunion, where my classmates are really disapointing me and the other girls planning the reunion. As of Friday, we only had about 10 people saying they're coming to the party. Now, nearly everyone says they will take part in Homecoming, so I don't understand why they wouldn't want to come dance and be merry. But at the rate we're going, we don't have the money to have a party. So, we may have to cancel if we don't get a few more people to send in their money for the party. And that is a little depressing, since we spent so much time putting this together. Plus, we are afraid we won't have enough money to cover the costs of what we've already put into the reunion...and we still have to pay for the flowers in honor of our classmates who've died since graduation. I just really home some folks will make donations to that.

Back to the schedule as it stands...I have to get my hair cut on Tuesday, and do a few errands in Tuscaloosa while I'm there...and on Wednesday, I plan to drive up to Birmingham to see a couple of my friends there.

Friday is Homecoming...that should be fun! And then, if we have it, Saturday is the party.

It's going to be a busy week, but I just know it will be fun. On Sunday I will leave Alabama on my way back to South Carolina.

RENT

Today is Sunday, and I regret to say, I didn't make it to church today. My alarm went off, and I turned it off and went back to sleep. It was the best sleep I've gotten in a couple of weeks! I slept until almost 11:00am! And it felt good. I guess I probably needed it!

I saw the musical RENT yesterday. It was so good. The music was great and the story line is real...not some fairytale ending that never happens in real life. It was about people dealing with real issues. And the underlying theme...live for today! With songs like "No Day But Today" and "Seasons of Love", you can't miss the theme.

Here are some of the words to "No Day But Today":
There is no future
There is no past
I live this moment as my last
There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret
Or life is yours to miss
No other road
No other way
No day but today

Shop 'Til you Drop and A little Tipsy

I'm home from California, and I have to say, I had a great time. Anyway, I arrived Friday and my friend, Efrain, picked me up. We spent the day in San Francisco. HE took me to the Golden Gate Bridge, and then we drove around some areas of the city I'd never seen before. We even drove through the Castro district, which is where most of the gay population of San Francisco congregates. That was interesting, to say the least.

On Saturday, I went back to San Francisco, this time with my friend, Noelle. We did a lot of shopping and spent way too much money, but hey, it was fun! Get this! We were waiting for the cable car to ride to Fisherman's Wharf. Well, three of the cars had already passed us because they were full of tourists (which I don't consider myself anymore since I've been out there so many times). So, we're waiting and this limo pulls up and says he'll give us a ride for the same price! So, we hopped in the limo and rode in style to the wharf!

After shopping along Pier 39, we got a taxi to China town, where I shopped some more. I bought the cutest tea pot set for 10 bucks! After we left China Town, we went to the San Francisco center and got some Hagin Daz ice cream (my favorite) and shopped a little more before heading home...We spent about 7 hours in the city total.

After the day in the city, we came back to Noelle's house and we, along with her friend, Flor, got in the hot tub and relaxed!

Now, Sunday was the highlight of my trip. And all of you conservative Christians out there may be a bit surprised, but I don't feel the least bit guilty about this trip. I have prayed about drinking alcohol, and I think it's okay as long as you don't go too far. That's my opinion. If you have a different one, then keep it to yourself.

I spent the day in Napa Valley, which is wine country. We started the day at a restaurant called Brix, where we ate brunch. They served me a Mimosa to drink, which is a mixture of orange juice and champagne. I really enjoyed it, to my surprise! And the food was absolutely fantastic!!!

We left Brix, and went to the Chandon winery, where I had a glass of wine...it was so good, but it was more than a normal glass...it was more like two glasses! We walked around there for a while. IT was so beautiful! I didn't do a wine tasting at this winery because they didn't have anything sweet, and I only like sweet wines. We left there and went to a winery called Milat. This was my favority one, because it was small and personable. The owner is actually who served us the wine. I did a wine tasting here, and Noelle and her husband bought some wine. Then we left and went to the Berringer winery. Berringer is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, so we did a tour of this one. That was so interesting. And the tour ended with, you guessed it, another wine tasting. So, as you can imagine, by the end of the day I was feeling a little funny. I wasn't drunk, by no means, but I was a little buzzed. Give me a break, okay! I was in Napa Valley! I don't usually drink more than one drink in any given day, so this was a little out of the ordinary, but it was fun!

So, that was my trip. I came back to South Carolina Monday. Now, I am looking forward to my trip home to Alabama next month...but sooner than that, I will be going to see "Rent" this weekend. Fun!!!

The San Francisco Treat

Happy autumn to me! I get to travel to San Francisco tomorrow! I am so excited. I haven't been out there in several years. My dad lived there for 10 years, and I used to spend summers and Christmases there. So, I'm having San Francisco withdrawals! My friend Efrain will be picking me up from the airport, and then I will be staying with my friend, Noelle...both of which I haven't seen in years! I will be smelling the foggy air (the fog rolls in every night) and munching on rice a roni (not really...but i do plan to take a ride on the rice a roni mobile...aka the cable car).

I had a really bad migraine Tuesday that knocked me on my butt for more than 12 hours! I have never had one that bad! And what made matters worse was the prescription migraine medicine I was taking wasn't working. So, I had to call into work. I was able to come in, but not until 1:00, so I was not a producer that day. I just wrote for the show, while the usual writer produced. I called my doctor and she gave me a new medicine, so we'll see if it works. Gosh, I hate migraines! I feel like I'm getting another one right now, but I've taken the new medicine. I'm just waiting on it to work.

I have failed to tell all you bloggers, and i'm sorry! My friend, Jennifer, had her baby...a girl they named Kathryn. SHe is so beautiful. Her husband sent me pictures of the baby and I can't wait to meet her!

Well, I need to go pack for my trip. Please pray that all will go well with the planes and I will depart and arrive on time! I'll tell you all about the trip when I return.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

You won't believe it, but I've had to wear sweaters to work the last two days. The weather has really cooled off just in the last few days! I love the weather right now, I just hope this doesn't mean it's going to be freezing all winter long. I know it gets much colder in South Carolina than it does in Alabama, but they say it doesn't snow here very often. Who knows? A little snow might be fun!

Today is Friday, and that means no work for two whole days! I live for the weekends. Tonight, a group of girls from work and I are going to a ladies' poker night. I've never played poker, so I'm looking forward to learning. Don't worry...there's no money involved (thank goodness!)

Saturday, I am going shopping for some jeans (pray that I find some!)...and then I'm going to head to downtown Greenville for Art in the Park.

My church is starting a 20 somethings drama team, so I think I'm going to go to their first practice on Sunday afternoon...I will be tired going into work Sunday night, but I really want to get involved at church and since I love drama, it sounds like a good fit. So, I will forego a little sleep to do that.

Next weekend, I am heading to San Francisco! I am so excited! I just know it's going to be a good trip.

I am helping plan my class reunion, and our invitations went out this week! That really takes a load off. The hard part was getting all the details together and getting everyone's address. Now, all we have to do is put together all the plans. GHS class of 1997, check out our blog at www.1997reunion.blogspot.com . That will give you all the information and a list of folks we still don't have addresses for.

Well, until next time!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been so busy...and I'm loving it! My 10-Year Class reunion is about a month and a half from now...and I am helping with that...we are getting the invitations out at the beginning of next week. I made the invitations in newsletter format, and they look so good. I was quite impressed with myself. There's three of us planning this thing...one of the girls is in Huntsville, and the other is in Gordo, so we are quite spread out, but it's coming together nicely!

In two weeks I will be in San Francisco! I am so excited! I am going to visit some friends. My friend, Efrain, is going to pick me up from the airport, and then we are going to spend the day together in the city..then he is going to drive me out to the suburbs where my friend, Noelle, lives. That's where I will stay for the weekend. I am so excited!

Work is going well. Still having some problems with one person...but it seems everyone is having problems with the same person, and management is starting to notice. I'm just glad to know it's not just me!

Well, I have to go be domestic! I need to clean my apartment and do laundry. I hate doing laundry. I wish I had a maid!

This Week

This week has been very boring for me. I have been so lazy...I didn't go to the gym once!!! And that's terrible, since I am trying so hard to lose some more weight before my 10-year class reunion and Lisa's (my sis) wedding. Not to mention I want to look nice when I go to San Francisco next month. It's just so frustrating, you know? Trying to lose the weight you gained in college. Why does every college student gain weight? The good news is I didn't gain much weight after college...but getting it off is not an easy task! I have lost 15 inches in the last four months...and hopefully that number will go up at my next weigh and measure day. But not likely. I've worked out a total of 2 times in the last 2 weeks. Last week, I had no excuse, but this week I do. For the last several days, I haven't felt very well. But I am feeling much better today and will be meeting with my trainer at 10:30 this morning.

Looks like we're going to have a band for our reunion. An old friend from high school says they're really good...I hope she's right! But it worked out great because now the cost of our reunion is going to be very affordable for everyone!

I've been reading a new book...I'm actually almost done now. I went to Barnes n Noble friday night and bought three books! I love books and the library was closed! There's this author that I absolutely love named Lori Wick...and I've read so many of her books, but I was actually able to find one that I hadn't read and that's what I'm reading now. If you're ever looking for some good, christian fiction, then you should read Lori Wick's books.

Can you believe it's football season! This friday, high school football starts here in the upstate (that's what we call this area of South Carolina). I absolutely love football, so I might have to find a team to root for up here. I can't wait until October when I get to go to Gordo's homecoming game. It's so much fun!

Okay, I need to vent a minute...I cannot stand smart elleck people! This is what happened. Like I said earlier, I am going to San Francisco next month. Now, I have been there several times, since my dad used to live there, so I don't need a guide, per se, of the city. But what I do need is a guide so I can know what events are going on and such...plus the guides always have coupons for attractions, which I'm sure I could use. Well, I went online to get a guide and the guides cost $1. I guess that's to cover the cost of shipping. So, I emailed the place and asked to get a guide and told them to tell me how to pay then the dollar, and all she did was paste what was on the website and sent it back to me! The nerve! Anyway, now that I got that out...

Have a good day everybody.

Lots O' Tidbits

It's hard to believe it's been nine months since I left Huntsville. Wow! But at the same time, it seems like such a lifetime ago! You know what's cool? We work through CNN for a lot of stuff, and it's always cool when I'm looking through video and I recognize a reporter's voice...I used a story in my newscast today from Huntsville...a reporter there did the story. It's just neat to me how even though you leave, you're still somewhat connected. Speaking of my job, it is going great! I absolutely love it here. I really hope I can stay here for quite some time. There were some rocky points, but most of those seem to be working themselves out...we'll see what happens in the future, but right now, I couldn't ask for anything better.

Guess what! I am on the committee planning my 10-year class reunion. I never thought I would be on that committee, but now that I am, it's kind of fun! We're having a planning meeting tomorrow. I will have to be on the phone, since I live so far away. I just hope it goes well. When you're from a small town, like I am, people really look forward to reunions. We were all like family in high school, and it's always great to be able to see each other again. And our reunion is going on during homecoming weekend, so we will be able to enjoy homecoming festivities, too. We have set up a blog where folks can go to get information about the reunion. Stop by at www.1997reunion.blogspot.com .

I am either an idiot or really brave. I bought plane tickets yesterday...the same day the new terror plot was thwarted. I kept asking myself, "Do I really want to do this," but I have been planning this trip for quite some time and had to make the reservations before ticket prices went up. I am going to San Francisco next month. I am so excited! My dad used to live out there. He moved about three years ago, and I haven't been back out there since. I have two friends who live out there, so I am staying with one of them. I am so excited. I do realize how nervous I will be getting on the planes, but I refuse to allow fear to keep me from doing something I really want to do. San Francisco is the most beautiful city! I love it there!

My best friend is about to have a baby. She emailed me yesterday and told me the baby probably would come within the next two weeks...which is earlier than expected. I'm so excited for her! She has a little boy, and now her first little girl will enter the world!

My sister is planning to come see me Labor Day weekend! This will be the first time we've seen each other in a VERY long time...so it's really great. I can't wait to see her! I miss her terribly!

My weekend

Okay, so this weekend, I went to a singles conference at my church, and it was so great! God really did a lot in me this weekend...and I really had a good time!

Last weekend, I went to Myrtle Beach with a friend and her kids. We had such a good time! I would love to tell you all about it, but I'm in a bit of a hurry.

So, I've been really busy the last couple of weeks...so, I am looking forward to not being so busy next weekend. Let me tell you...I was at Wal-Mart today (my favorite store)...and I spotted the senior pastor of REdemption World Outreach Center (my church). Now, I haven't been able to meet him because our church is huge! So, I saw him and I was like "this is the perfect chance to meet him!" But he was on the phone and didn't get off so I didnt get to say hi! I was so upset! I mean, I really want the chance to meet him. I will have to try and find a way to do just that! I just don't like going to a church where I don't know the pastor and the pastor doesn't know me.

Gotta go...I am having dinner tonight with some friends.

Andrea Yates...Not Guilty

Okay, so this week, a jury found Andrea Yates not guilty by reason of insanity for the deaths of her five children.
She's the lady who drowned her five children in the bathtub in 2001. Now, I have lost all trust in our judicial system. Come on! The devil made me do it is not a good complaint. Do you know why? BEcause I believe that everyone that murders...the devil made them do it. Because the devil is sin and murder is sin...so, if that's the argument, then everyone that commits murder should me put in a mental institution! Just looking at those children's pictures makes me want to cry all over again! I cannot believe that a jury would believe that she didn't really know what she was doing when she one by one took those kids and held them under water in the bathtub...

Sick and Tired

I have been sick since Wednesday Afternoon...I woke up with a horrible headache and vomiting. Well, I went to the doctor and I have a stomach virus. She did a blood test, and that was the result. Now, I have had a hard time convincing my work that I am actually sick. I had a really bad day Wednesday and the thought is that I have been playing hookie just so I wouldn't have to put up with the crap. But I really have been sick...it's not fun when you have to keep running back and forth to the bathroom.

Today, I am feeling much better, but I am so exhausted! I don't have any energy, so my plan is to just lay around the house today and rest up since I will have to go back to work tomorrow night.

Next weekend, I am heading to Myrtle Beach. I've never been there, so it should be fun! Then the following weekend is the singles conference at my church...redemption world outreach center. If you want information, just go to the church's website: rwoc.com . It's not too late to sign up!

The Meaning of Life

I believe that every person on earth was born for a reason...a purpose. The Bible says God knew you before you were born. So, He knew what your purpose would be even before you breathed your first breath. And I believe one can only find true happiness once that purpose is put into action. Which brings me to today's blog...What is my purpose? I really wish I had a full grasp on it. I know that God blessed me with a love for the written word, which is why I am a journalist, but I don't believe that's my purpose. I also know that God gave me a heart for people, and a love for children. I think we're getting closer. I always believed that working in television, in journalism, was good because I was helping people by keeping them informed. But, I'm not so sure anymore.

For example, when Hurricane Katrina happened, I was working diligently at my job, letting everyone know the situation along the gulf coast. But, all I kept thinking was "I need to be down there helping." Some of the greatest memories I have...some of my happiest moments in life, was volunteering at Camp Smile a Mile, Alabama's camp for children with cancer. So, I know what I need to do...I need to be involved with something that helps people...something that could possibly put a smile on their faces, even if for just a moment. But I don't know exactly where.

I know that I can still do my job and love it just as much as I always have, as long as I get involved somewhere else. Life is too short to live it for just me. I want to make it my mission to love others...love those that no one loves...and befriend those that need friends. That's my mission in life...

What is your mission? I pray that you will let God show you...and live for that mission everyday. BEcause what is life, without purpose?

How Lucky Can One Get?

I usually don't like to write about news stories...because I like to escape that part of my life, so it doesn't feel so much like my job is my life...but I had some thoughts I just had to write.

I turned on my computer and got online...and saw that Kenneth Lay, the founder of Enron, has died at age 64. Now, if you've been keeping up with the news, you know that Lay was facing years in prison for the fall of Enron...and he had not been sentenced yet. So, the first thought in my mind wasn't about his family and the grief they must be feeling, like I probably should have been thinking. My first thought, and it still is, is how lucky can a person get? He avoids getting sent to prison. HE doesn't have to pay for the crime he committed that cost many people thousands of dollars. No...he gets to die...and who know, he may have even went to Heaven...paradise. Yeah, he claimed he was a Christian, which may be true. Even the worst sinner can be a christian...it all depends on their heart...I know I'm a sinner saved by the grace of GOd...so he may be sitting in HEaven right now and never have to pay for his crime.

So, again, I say...he got lucky!

Vacation from my Vacation Needed

I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation! I am so tired! My family from Saturday through Tuesday and we went non-stop the whole time...

Saturday morning, I went to my company picnic. We had lots of fun playing our own version of the olympics...and I even one two silver medals (well, they're plastic, but you get the idea). I had my parents call me when they got close so I could get home from the picnic in time for them to arrive.

Saturday evening, we went downtown Greenville. I showed them around a bit down there, and we ate dinner there.

Once we got back, it was time to get in bed because we had an early morning on Sunday. My step-dad and I went white-water rafting. It was so much fun! But it really wore me out!

When we got back, we went to the museum of art for a little while...
Sunday night, I took them to P.F.Changs to eat (my treat). It was really good. I've never really liked chinese food before, but it's different there.

Then on Monday, we got up early and headed to the Biltmore Estate. If you've never been, then you're missing it! It is the most beautiful house I've ever seen...I got a season pass since I liked it so much!

We slept in on Tuesday...but I still feel like I didn't sleep. And I slept all day yesterday. I am hoping after this weekend I can feel rested.

I hated to have to go back to work. It was nice not to have to sleep during the day and stay up all night for the few days I was off. I do like my job, I just wish I had normal hours.

I think I may go see "The Devil Wears Prada" tomorrow at the movie theater. I'll let you know what I think! Several of my co-workers went and saw "Superman Returns" yesterday. They said it was really good. I couldn't go because I was sleeping.

Exhausted...but Good

I am so tired this week. It's hard for me to keep going. But I have to. I keep going knowing after friday, I will have four days before I have to be back at work. I am so glad for the vacation. I want so badly to go climb in bed right now...but I'm going to wait a little while longer. I have to take a friend of mine's dog out to potty before I go to bed, so I am trying to wait a while before I do that...so the dog won't get a need to go before I go to work tonight.

I went to the pet store today and bought Casey a toy that you put treats inside and it's like a puzzle...he has to figure out how to get them out. He's been playing with that thing non stop for the last hour. I think he likes it...what do you think?

I got a surprise email last night. It was from a friend of mine from high school that I haven't seen since then. So, Erin, if you're reading this, I am so glad you contacted me! It is so much fun to talk to old friends...my high school friends still remain the dearest to my heart...even though I've met so many people since then.

My parents will be here Saturday...and while I am so excited they are coming, I know I'm going to have to get some energy before they get here, because I imagine we'll be going non-stop through Tuesday.

Work has been good this week. We got some high ratings Tuesday...the highest we've had yet...so it's good to know the numbers are going up!

Salsa lessons are going great. I got to dance with the instructor a bit last Monday, and he said I am doing really well. I have learned I have a natural talent for it. I am picking it up really easy.

Can ou believe I've almost been in South Carolina for four months? I feel like I just got here! Wow! How time flies when you're having fun!

Every Week has a Weekend...Thank God!

It's that time of the week again. Time for me to actually sleep when it's dark outside. To spend my days without any worries...to go shopping, go swimming, do whatever I want to do without having a schedule. I love the weekend. I live for the weekend. This weekend, I started it by going to Goody's to go shopping. Man, I love the fact that I am losing inches off my body! I went and bought a skirt, a pair of shorts, and two shirts...and then because I spent more that $50, I got a hammock for 10 bucks! So, I am going to hang it on my balcony for a wonderful place to relax. My apartment is completely shaded, so it will be great for a hammock.

After shopping, I went to the movies and saw "The Lake House". That's the new movie with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reaves. It was a great movie. Ladies, if you like the sappy romance stories, you will like this movie. And there is a cool ending. I loved it!

Last night, I went to the singles bible study at my church. There were probably 50 singles there, and the singles pastor says there's usually a whole lot more than that! So, it was nice getting out and meeting some folks.

Now, I do want to address the definition of a blog. I think some people are having a hard time grasping what a blog actually is. A blog is a place where a person can say whatever they want. A place that can be an outlet for them. Now, the great thing about a blog is that it is like a tv. You can change the channel if you don't like what is said. With that said, I will continue to say whatever is on my mind. And if you don't like it, you don't have to stay. Please don't stay. Because this is MY blog. and no one is going to tell me what is right and what is wrong.

Moving on...
I am so happy I have a four day weekend coming up next weekend. I need it terribly. I had a rough day at work yesterday...I won't bore you with the details...but it's still just one person. I don't have a problem with anyone else in the entire building. Everyone treats me with respect, which is nice, and I even have several friends in the newsroom. One of our anchors and I are going to eat at PF Chang's on Tuesday. I love that restaurant and it just opened here. So, things are great. I can't really complain. If I could get this one guy onboard, then I wouldn't have any complaints at all. But then I would live in a utopian society, and I don't think God has that in mind for anyone. He wants us to be challenged...and our lives will never be perfect. But I still say one out of an entire workplace isn't bad.

I went to Salsa Dance lessons last monday night. They were so much fun! I did, however, find out how much I was out of my comfort zone. With Salsa, you have to dance closely with your partner. I am not used to being that "close" to a guy, expecially one I just met, so it was pretty uncomfortable. But by the end of the evening, I was having a blast! I am going to go back this Monday night.

Now, after Salsa, I was getting ready to go to work. I ate...sat down and watched a little bit of tv, and then it hit me! I got a migraine, would you believe! I hate migraines. They put me out of commission for several hours. I can't sit up...I can't concentrate...and all the lights in the house have to be off because light hurts too much. So, unfortunately, I had to call into work only one hour and 15 minutes before I was supposed to be there. That sucked...and I knew it, but what was I supposed to do? There was no way I could stare at a computer screen with a migraine, much less get a show on the air. So, my boss had to come in and work for me on very little sleep. I have decided I am going to get a doctors appointment and see if he can give me a prescription for some migraine medicine. I am tired of getting so sick with those!

Well, it's Saturday, and I have a lot of nothing to do today (don't you love it?). I may not post next week because my parents are coming into town and on Saturday morning, next week, I am going to our company picnic...before my parents get here. So, it's going to be busy, but lots of fun!
So, I am going to end now. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

It's Monday

It's MOnday, but it wasn't a bad day...just hectic...We have this computer system at work that runs the entire show...and it decided to act up today. But we handled it and came off fine...

It's so hot here...The last few days it's been in the 90s...which is really hot for SC. I spent two hours at the pool Saturday...and it was almost too hot to stay out there. I really hope it cools down soon.

I just got in touch with an old friend from High School. It's so much fun when you re-connect with friends! I hadn't seen her since junior year...

I don't really have a lot to say today. I'm about to go to bed because there are Salsa Dance lessons at church tonight and I want to go to that...Sounds like fun!

I am about to make reservations for white water rafting. My step-dad and I are going to go when he and my mom and grandmother come to see me in two weeks. I can't wait until they get here. They are staying for four days...and I am taking that MOnday and Tuesday off. It will be a nice long weekend and I am excited my family is coming. We are also going to go to the Biltmore mansion. I can't wait to see that!!!

It's Paying Off!

Working out and splurging on a trainer is all starting to pay off! I went to the mall this week and decided to try on some clothes and guess what! I fit into a smaller size...in two different styles of pants! So, I bought one of them! I haven't been able to fit into this size since I was a freshman in college, so I am very happy today! My goal is to be back down to the weight I was when I graduated from high school by October. In October, I will be going back home for my high school class reunion. I got weighed and measured at the gym Friday. It was another month...I did lose some, but not near as much as came off last month. The first month of working out, I lost 12 inches (see prior post), but this time I only lost 2 inches and two pounds. At least I did losee some. I just have to keep at it. The problem is eating...I don't eat like I should. I like food too much!

Now, Tuesday, many called an evil day. It was 6/6/06. I was aware of the date, but it's only a number. I didn't believe it was the apocalypse or anything...just another day. And if the Lord did choose that day to be the end of the world, it wouldn't have bothered me any. See, I am ready to go Home. Home being Heaven. God has done so much for me, I do long for the day when I will get to see Him face to face. So, on that day, I went to work as I always do. When I got to work that night (at 11:00), we had the biggest breaking news in a very long time. It happened just a few minutes after my shift started...Authorities caught the guy they suspect killed a local college student here. I love breaking news...it's so much fun. I immediately started thinking ahead for the morning...We sent a reporter to Tennessee where the guy was caught...I started ordering graphics...and discussing with my bosses what I would like to see happen for the morning. And we did it! We slaughtered the competition! It was so much fun! This is why I got into news. You get a high better than any drug when breaking news happens in the newsroom. So, our show was a huge success...and our ratings proved it. We surpassed all ratings we have gotten up until this point. The next day, my news director sent me an email and copied it to our HR lady. She said I really impressed her. She said I really did a good job. And then the HR lady sent me a note back saying the email was going into my personal file. That is awesome! In the mornings, there is rarely an opportunity to impress the bosses, or to let your true colors shine...but these rare opportunities are what's going to eventually get me off of this god-aweful shift.


I"m still having problems with that anchor. It's like no matter how much I prove myself, nothing is ever good enough. Thursday was a horrible day. The whole morning I felt tears coming on, but I didn't shed any of them. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction. So, I just came home and went to bed. I was so exhaused from the day before that having to deal with all of that didn't help...and this time it was more than just him. I'm not going to go into what happened. But I still feel, after thinking about it, that I was right.

My family is coming to see me in two weeks. I am so excited.

WEll, gotta go!

Ode to PMS

I had a horrible week last week, and I blame it all on hormones. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. When your hormones are all messed up, little things seem giant.

It all started last week when I went into work only to find some of my responsibility had been taken away. Now, let me explain a little about myself. I graduated high school 5th in my class. In college, I was the president of my honor society. In school, teachers used my work as an example. But now that I am in the business, my work is always being challenged. And it's really starting to wear on me. I'm not used to someone questioning my work...I guess I should be, since that's all anyone has done for the last 3 1/2 years. So, I tried to brush it off when I learned my boss was giving some of my responsibility to my writer.

The next day, things had been changed up even more...more of my responsibility taken away...and this time I really hated it. So, my hormones got the best of me...and I spent the day feeling sorry for myself. I even asked my boss what I had done to offend him so. HE just replied by saying we needed to have a chat. That made me worry terribly.

So, Friday, I met with my boss. HE did my 60-day review...and the review on my work was great. I ranked better than average on everything that pertained to the job I do. But lucky for me there's also a question on there about how well I work with others. Well, I've already told you how I hate for my work to be questioned...and I've already told you about the person I have trouble getting along with. Undoubtedly, my boss took his side. He gave me a lower than average score on that question...said I needed to learn how to "play well with others". So, it seems I am not liked very much at my job. I am starting to get used to this. I hate to admit it, but I like things done a certain way...and it's my show...I am the one who, in the end, has to answer to my bosses about my show...so I run a very tight ship...and every good producer I know does the same. So, I don't know what's so bad about me...so, I have made a decision...I am not going to let it bother me...unless it is going to make me look bad in the company. I refuse to lower my standards just to please everyone. It's not going to happen.

Now, by the time Saturday got here...I just needed to relax. So, I took myself to the nail salon and got a pedicure and a manicure...and man it was so relaxing. I needed that. Then I went to church Sunday at Redemption...had a great time there and God spoke to me in a lot of ways. So, things are getting back to normal...I am feeling much better...and that could have something to do with the fact that my hormones are back to normal...if you know what I mean.

Yea! Three-Day Weekend

After tonight, I will have three whole days off! And I am going to spend it with my daddy. He has been working on the Gulf Coast. He's an electician and he's been working to get the Biloxi/Gulfport area back up and running after Hurricane Katrina. Well, he and my step-mom are going home for the weekend, and since I haven't seen them in a while, I decided to go and see them. They live in northern Alabama, right on the Georgia line, so it's not too terribly far from South Carolina.

Last weekend, I had lots of plans, but I ended up sleeping the weekend away. I was sick the whole time, and couldn't bear to do anything but lay around. I have never had allergies before, but I think living in South Carolina is different...and there are things in the air that aren't in the air in Alabama. So, I may have to go see an allergy doctor and get some prescription meds...the over-the-counter stuff just ain't cuttin' it.

Did you see American Idol last night? Wow! I can't believe Taylor Hicks won, but I have to say, American Idol does make me proud to have been born and raised in Alabama. Watching Ruben, Bo, and now Taylor make it so far just goes to show that great things do come out of what some may refer to as "hickville".

I had to tighten my belt a notch today...that makes me feel good... but I have to tell you, I have been working hard at losing the weight. And I am getting in better shape, which will in turn make me healthier. It's a great feeling. My trainer got promoted to management, so it looks like I am going to have to work-out with a new trainer...and I'm not too happy about that.

I'm sitting here listening to the Carrie Underwood CD. If you don't have it, you should get it. It's great!

Well, I need to go feed the dog...and then start getting ready for bed. I will be so glad when one day I don't have to work nights anymore...I know the day is coming...it's got to come eventually.

Busy Weekend

There is so much to do this weekend...I don't know where to begin! There's a Greekfest going on all weekend, so I may go to that tonight...

I don't know if anyone knows this or not, but South Carolina's official dance is "shag". If you've ever seen "Shag, the Movie," then you probably know that. Well, Saturday night, there's a full night of Shaggin' downtown. I am thinking I might go. Maybe I can learn a few steps...

Of course, Sunday, I will be heading to church...

Things are going well. I am getting over being sick...again. I guess my body's having to get used to the weather and the new environment here in South Carolina. Man, I am so tired of feeling bad. This time it was a bad cold or something. My nose was stopped up and running...I was sneezing like crazy...and my whole face had pressure in it. Thankfully, that's starting to go away. I was worried that it would put a damper on the weekend.

I have a three-day weekend next week. Don't know what I'm going to do with the extra time yet...but one thing's for sure...I am going to enjoy it!

Things at work are pretty good. Can't complain there. I talked to a couple of the people I worked with in Pensacola the other day. Sounds like they are missing me a bit...there were a few people there that I am glad I got the opportunity to meet. Not everyone was like Sue.

South Carolina is way crazy. To get your Driver's license and car tag, you have to go to the tax office first, and pay property taxes on your car...then you take the receipt showing you paid your taxes to the dmv where you get your license and car tag. Well, I did all that and got down to the dmv...someone please explain to me why you would need to prove your a citizen when you already have a drivers license! They wouldn't let me get it because I didn't have my birth certificate! So, I guess I will have to go do that today!

While I was downtown paying my car tax, I decided to take a look around the city. Downtown Greenville is beautiful! If you've never been there, you should go. There's a park downtown that has two waterfalls and picnic tables and a huge pedestrian bridge over the river... It's so nice! There were several people painting the scene in the park.

Have a good weekend!

12 Inches!!!!

In the last five weeks, I have lost 12 inches off my body! Can you believe it? It's not showing much in my clothes yet, but it's definately a start! I only lost 3 1/2 pounds, but a lot of the weight is turning into muscle. I am so happy. Words just can't describe it!

My mom, step-dad, and grandmother are coming to visit at the end of June. I am very excited about that.

Other than that, nothing really new to report.

Prayer Request

This is my 50th post. Can you believe it? That's a lot of thoughts...

Things are going pretty well for me. I visited another church Sunday. I really enjoyed it. It's called Redemption World Outreach Center. It's a huge church. I went to the early service and there was more than 3,000 people there. But the service was like a breath of fresh air. Real pentecostal...not watered down like a lot of churches. It was like the church I grew up in, Daystar Assembly in Tuscaloosa...at least the way it was then. Can't really speak for it now. I am going to go back SUnday. Evangelist Jesse Duplantis is going to be there and I LOVE Jesse. So, I'm really excited about it.

I work with a lot of Christians. It is so great. The other producer of the morning show and one of the writers are both christians. And one of my anchors is in church. So, it's nice to be around people who you can talk to about spiritual matters.

I did get some bad news this week. My grandmother's cancer is back. She was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer last year...and went into remission. Well, last week, her doctor told her it had returned. So, she will be starting chemo again at the beginning of June. Please pray for her that God will heal her. Her name is Ruth. Also, please pray that God will protect the other women in my family from this aweful disease. Ovarian cancer is extremely hereditary.

Planning a Trip

I am off on Memorial Day, so I think I will take a trip for the long weekend. I don't really know where I am going as of yet, but I have lots of options. I am thinking either Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head for some fun in the sun...or Atlanta or Charlotte for a weekend of shopping. I really don't know what I am in the mood for. But I kind of want to head to Myrtle Beach. I don't know when I will get another chance to go this year...and this is the last season for "The Pavilion", so I really want to go and enjoy it. I love the Movie "Shag, the Movie", so I would love to go see first hand the things in the movie...and maybe even learn to "shag" . Shag is the official dance of South Carolina. I can learn it here in Greenville, just have to find the time to do so. I have asked my sister to go with me, but I don't know if she will, since she is so busy nowadays. So, we will see. I really would hate to go alone.

Things at work are great. I finally had a talk with the guy I was having problems with and I think we've worked them out. Thursday and Friday were great. We had no problems to speak of...and my show on Friday was amazing. I was so proud of it.

This week, I am supposed to get measured at the gym. It's been a month since I hired a trainer. I really hope I see some improvements.

I visited another church last Sunday. Still not really what I am looking for. I didn't go today. I was so tired, all I wanted to do was sleep.

I am having problems with Rooms to Go. I bought my furniture from them...and my sofa has a flaw. So, I asked them to replace it and they told me no. They say they don't care what it looks like. They won't replace it unless it's got a structural problem. So, I would advise that you don't deal with this company when buying furniture. It's not that noticable, but I know it's there...and now I have to live with it.

I know I haven't been updating as much as I used to. I will try to update at least once a week. PLease check in on me from time to time...

Have a good week!

Four Weeks and Counting

Well, we just finished up our fourth week on our new show, and things seem to be going great. Our ratings have doubled since our first week, which I consider a great thing. And it's getting easier to get the show finished. That's a big deal because I am responsible for two hours and once I get comfortable with getting it done, I can start getting more creative. That's when it gets fun!

I am still working out. I just purchased a year's worth of personal training sessions. I feel great and doing this really motivates me to get to the gym the rest of the week. I am only eating out once or twice a week now. That's a big change from every other day or so...I have so much more energy...I'm sleeping better at night...and the stress in my life is very small.

I am still having difficulties with that one guy at work, but as long as it's only one person, I can handle it. He's just so harsh in everything he says. Thinks he knows better than everyone and lets you know it. But it's okay. I am learning to ignore him.

So far, I have tried out two churches, but still haven't found the one I feel like I am supposed to be at. One of my co-workers has invited me to church at her church, so I think I am going to go there Sunday.

And you won't believe this! I may be going on a blind date in a couple of weeks! That same co-worker who's invited me to church says she wants me to meet this guy she knows. She is going to set it all up...we will double with her and her husband. Now, I have only been on one blind date ever. It was a lot of fun, and I actually dated that guy for a few months afterwards. But he turned into a major jerk, so I said good-bye.
So, I think this blind date could be fun...and I could make a friend in the process (or maybe more). I'm all for it.

I went downtown Greenville last Friday night. They have a Jazz concert downtown every Friday during the summer. It was a lot of fun. I went alone, but ran into someone I knew while I was there. Downtown is so beautiful. I wanted to go back tonight, but it's supposed to rain, so I probably won't. But I will definately get back down there.

Well, I hope all of you are well in the blog world. One more thing. I went back to pilates yesterday. It was the first time I had attended the class since I started working out with a trainer. And pilates was so much easier this time. I was able to do almost everything and I am not that sore today. So, I am definately strengthening some muscles.

Looking Good, Feeling Great

Okay, maybe not the looking good part, just yet...but I've been working out for a couple of weeks now and I am feeling great. It's amazing how much energy 30 minutes to an hour in the gym will give you. I had my first personal training session Friday, and it was so great! I learned a lot and really challenged myself. I meet with her again on Thursday. Meanwhile, I am working in the gym with what she showed me.

I went to church Sunday. I don't know if I like the church or not. It's kind of weird. They don't really have a pastor...it's an elder-led church, so there are four or five guys that actually lead the church instead of one pastor. And I know that God makes apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists...so where are they in this church? I am going to visit some others...starting this Sunday.

I am currently reading the new Frank Peretti book called "monster". Yes, it sounds scary, but it really isn't. However, it is hard to put down.

It's supposed to be near 80 degrees this weekend. I'm thinking it's time to lay out by the pool!

My First Problem

Sorry I haven't been updating much lately. I have found that it's hard to always have something to say when everything's peachy. With that said...

I have encountered my first problem since I've been here. And I'm beginning to believe most anchors are hard to get along with. I have an anchor that thinks if things aren't done like he's always done them, then it's wrong. He doesn't like my writing style...he doesn't like the way I stack my show...he just doesn't like anything...or so it seems.

I have tried not to take it personally for the last week or so when it started, but it's eating on my last nerve! So, I guess it's not really a problem yet...Once I talk to him about it...and it continues...then it will be a problem. Now, he is very smart...and I recognize that...but I also know that I am too. So, I am going to have to find time to talk with him and see what happens.

I know I take things at work too personal...but that's all I have right now. I don't have a family of my own...I don't have a social life...so I have work...

Other than that, things are fine...Today, I am taking my dog to the vet for his first appointment since we arrived. I hope she's nice to him...my furniture arrives tomorrow...and I am enjoying everything around me...and I plan to visit a church this Sunday. I had planned to go last week, but daylight savings time messed me up.

SO, things are good. As soon as I get this minor problem cleared up, things will be great.

Gordo High School, Class of 1997

Attention all of you that graduated at Gordo High School in 1997...I know that our 10 year reunion is coming up in October of this year...but what I do not know is exactly when...I need to start planning, since I no longer live in Alabama. So, if any of you have any ideas of the details...please let me know! I can't wait to see all of you and catch up!

God is Good

Well, I've been at my new job for almost three weeks now, and all I have to say is God is good! I absolutely love my new job. I know I keep saying that, but it is so true. I've never had a job that I could actually say that about. This is how life is supposed to be. Not to say there aren't problems. We started our new show this week, and we are still having problems with the production system that gets us on the air. But the bugs are slowly being worked out and I am happy to say that come tomorrow we will have made it through an entire week on the air.

I've never been a part of starting a new show...and chances are, I won't ever be a part of doing it again, so I am trying to soak everything in and hopefully things will get great soon. Our ratings haven't been the best this week, but that is expected. (in metered markets, you get ratings every night)

I have a great team that's willing to help any way they can. And my new company is great! So many benefits! Plus, I got my first check last friday...NICE!

I am so proud of myself because I made my first "big-girl purchase" this week. I bought furniture! I bought an entire living room suit and a new queen size bed! So, come next week when it is delivered, I will officially be off the floor! (I have been sleeping on a mattress in the floor for several months because I didn't have the money to buy a bed). And then I will be inviting everyone to come visit me! I hope my friends and family will come. I actually have room to have company now. My furniture is so pretty! I am so happy that I was able to buy what I wanted and not something that was "the only thing I could afford". So, now I am going to work at getting my bills paid off...then I may make another "big-girl" purchase...a car!

In case you were wondering, my little sister and I are back to being friends. She and I are talking on the phone about once a week, which is about all our schedules can handle right now. I am so happy that we are back together. She and her fiance are talking about coming to visit sometime soon. I hope they do. I really want to get to know him. After all, he is going to be my brother-in-law.

I went to another Pilates class today. And I am exhausted! I am sure I will be sore again tomorrow. Yesterday, I got on the elliptical for the first time in a couple of years...I lasted seven minutes :) I am so out of shape! I am hoping to change that now that I have a gym membership...something else I never could afford until now.

I know I'm not updating as much as I was before, but you know, I have found that when everything is going well in your life, there's not much to say. I really learned how much of my conversations were made up of complaints and negatives...no wonder I haven't had that many people wanting to hang out with me in the last couple of years. But I am hoping I won't have any negatives for quite a while. Things are great. I am still a little frustrated with the production problems we are having with the show, but it will be fixed...

Our team is getting together for happy hour tomorrow afternoon at the mexican restaurant in town. Now, I don't drink, but I am planning on going to hang out. It was lots of fun the last time we went...I can get a virgin daquiri and have just as much fun.

Well, I hope everyone is well!

Stress and Burn

Well, we have one more practice before our new show goes on air...and let me tell you, Nicole is stressed out! I am so worried about Monday when we go on air! I was so stressed when I left today, that I thought I would cry...so what's the best thing for stress? Exercise! I got a free membership to a local gym from my apartment complex...and decided to go to their pilates class this morning. I have never done pilates before, so it was a new experience for me. Well, I have seen it on tv, and have always thought how easy it looked. Let me tell you! IT is NOT easy! I am feeling the burn and it's only been an hour since the class ended. I will probably be very sore tomorrow. But the good news is I'm not feeling the stress anymore. So, that's the good new.

I am still loving my job. I like most everyone I work with and the show is going to be great, once we iron out the kinks.

I still don't have my computer hooked up in my apartment...hopefully that will happen this weekend. I hope all of you in the blog world are doing well...

I get my first check tomorrow. I am so excited! This is my first check since I got such a big raise, so I can't wait to see how much it will be. I plan to go shopping for some furniture this weekend. Hopefully I will find some. My house is so bare!

Well, gotta go! Have a great day!

So far, so good!

Just a quick note to everyone...

So far everything seems to be going well...I hope ! :) I had to put together a pretend show today and I thought I would cry...it's so different than what I am used to and much harder. But I am sure I will be fine. I have to do the same thing again tomorrow. IT can only get easier!

I went to lunch with one of my anchors today. She and I have really hit it off. It is so nice to have friends at work!

There is so much I have to learn and I feel so overwhelmed, but my new boss is great and making sure I know everything.

The cool thing is I get benefits from day one here! So, I don't have to wait three months! ISn't that awesome!

I should have internet at home shortly, so I will be able to write more, but right now, I have to say good-bye. I'll write more soon!

Flu Bug

Well, I am back online...just in time for my first day of work. Let me give you a rundown of my trip...

Well, I had five people come and help me pack the truck...thanks everyone! So, things got off to a great start. I got to Greenville on Saturday night of last week, and checked into my hotel. Well, everything still was going great! Monday, I started looking for an apartment, and the second one I looked at I just fell in love with! It's two bedrooms...has plenty of amenities...and is right across the street from work...can't beat that! I was glad I found somewhere so quickly, because Monday afternoon, I started feeling sick...So I went back to the hotel, thinking maybe I was just tired, so I decided I would sleep it off. No such luck. I ended up at the dr on Wednesday and staying in the bed until Saturday. I had the flu. Now, you may remember back in November, I had a flu shot. NEver again will I put myself through such torture if I'm going to get sick anyway! So, my place is still packed up in boxes...but i feel much better and will start unpacking this week.

I start my job today at 2:30. I am so excited! Anyway, the weather is beautiful up here and everyone is so nice, so despite the flu, I think this is going to be a gret move for me. Til next time!

Signing Off...

Well, this is my last post for a while... Things are really busy, and I just won't have time to post the rest of the week...But I really hope you all will stop back by in a couple of weeks. I will be back on as soon as I can. Until next time!

I'm Truly Blessed

My life really couldn't be any better right now...well, yes it could. But only if I were married and had a couple of wonderful children...but that's besides the point! :) NO, really... I have a few more days to go and I will be on my way to South Carolina. I am trying so hard to get everything packed up, but I am so exhausted. What was I thinking trying to work all this week and pack! But it's all good. My new company is putting me in a hotel while I look for an apartment. So, I will get there on Saturday afternoon...and I will have a week before I have to start my new job.

Good news! My sister did see my post about how I felt about our fight (see post My sister,my friend)...and she called me last weekend. So, she and I are talking again, which is definately a good start. That's the way it's supposed to be. She and I have always been so close and my life doesn't make sense without her...so things can only get better with her back in my life. I thought the conversation would be awkward, but it wasn't. We probably talked for a couple of hours and just caught up. It was so great! I have missed her so terribly! I am hoping that she and her fiance will come visit me once I get settled in South Carolina. I really want to see her and I would love to get to know him.


I spent last weekend at my grandmother's house in Mobile. I was busy all weekend! Friday night, she cooked one of my favorite meals...crab casserole. Then we sat around and talked (and my sister called me Friday), so I was pretty busy. Then on Saturday, I met Sarah, Jeff, and Jeremy for lunch at Roadhouse. Then I went shopping at Sears Essentials (I love that store) and I went to the pet store, then I went back to my grandmother's house. She and I got ready that evening and went to eat Thai food. (I love Thai food). Then we stopped by my aunt's house and visited with her for a bit. Everyone wanted to see me before I left, so I was running all weekend.


Now, I am busy trying to get packed up. I don't know how much I will be able to post for the next couple weeks. Bear with me until I can get set up in my new place. I am so excited, I can barely contain myself! This is the job I've always dreamed of, but didn't know if I would ever get the chance! I will be packing up my computer in the next day or so, so if you don't hear from me, know that I will update as soon as I can.

Again, thanks to all of you who have so dilligently prayed for me. I don't even know many of you, but I hope one day I can meet some of you who have been my friend through the last couple of months.

Beads and Moon Pies

Well, Mardi Gras is in full swing here in Pensacola...all the way over to New Orleans, and it was no secret if you watched my show this morning. We had one of the Krewe's on the show...and they came complete with lots of beads that each of us were able to come home with. It was a fun interview...then I had a story about a krewe that raises money for breast cancer research, which was pretty cool.

I won't be taking part in Mardi Gras, although it can be a good time. I went one time when I lived in Mobile because I had to work at the parade. We carried it live when I worked at the Fox station there. I came home with lots of beads and moon pies...I love the chocolate ones! It was a lot of fun, but not something I just HAVE to do.

I am heading to Mobile for the weekend. I want to spend a little time with my grandmother before I head north. It will be the last time I get to see her for quite a while.

Well, I hope everyone has a good weekend...

Cardboard Boxes and Packing Tape

The most beautiful sight to me right now is cardboard boxes and packing tape. My house is starting to look like I'm moving, and that's a good thing, since I don't have that long to get things done.

I found out today that my gang from WAFF that I used to work with reads my blog...so this is a shout-out to all of you. I miss you all more than you know!

I am going to get moving service from a u-pack it company. That's a company where they let you pack the truck and then they drive it. It's cheaper than full-service moving companies, but much less hastle than renting a truck and driving it yourself. Besides, I don't know if I could drive a truck and tow my car. I've never done that before! So, this will work out great!

It's so great to know that no one's looking over my shoulder right now. They know I'm leaving so they don't really care if I don't do exactly how they want me to...they only have to see me for another week and two days.

A friend from work (yes, I do actually have a couple of friends there) is coming to help me get some things out of the attic tomorrow. Thank God for friends.

In the meantime, I still can't believe I got a job in a number 35 market. This is huge. I have only been in this business a little over three years...so, for everyone that told me it couldn't be done...take notice! It can be done...and it just goes to show you if you want something bad enough, anything can happen! "God doesn't give us a dream without giving us the power to make it come true". I love that quote. I'm not sure who said it, but it's a quote I live my life by. I have a dream to adopt a child...now with the salary I will be making in SC, that dream should become a reality in the next few years. I am so excited!

Well, guess what. I have to go to bed. I'll write more later. Good night, Bloggers...

My Hectic Life

So, I put in my notice at work today. My last day is March 3rd. Thank God! Then I packed some boxes. I figured I needed to get started. After that, I went and talked to my apartment landlord about getting out of the lease...and it's going to cost a lot less than previously thought! And I get my deposits back. Can you believe it? I have to find someone to help me load a moving truck in a couple of weeks. Still searching for some help. When I get to SC, I will be on my own, but I really don't want to load and unload by myself. I have so much to do before I leave, and such a short time to do it. But I am very happy I'm moving.

I am so excited!

South Carolina Bound

YEA!!! I got the job!!! And with a salary that I could only have dreamed of! I can't believe it! I told my mom I needed to repent for not trusting God to take care of me. He has absolutely took care of me in this. So, thank you for all who prayed and please continue to pray as I begin this new adventure. I am putting in my notice in the morning at work here and within the next two weeks, I will be leaving.

Thank you, God!

End of the Week

I just realized that I haven't updated in several days. But there's really not a lot to update. I am still working, although I'm not sure how long that will last. And every night when I go to work, it's like fear grips me...I am so afraid I am going to walk in and find a pink slip in my mailbox.

I still don't know about the SC gig. I talked to the Executive Producer, who's hiring for the position, and he told me my paperwork hasn't come in yet. He says it's just a technicality...they have to do a background check before they are allowed to move any more forward with the process. He hopes it will come back today...he says he will call me as soon as he gets it. Gosh, I hope I get this job...and I hope I don't have to wait until next week to find out!

My stomach has been in knots for two days. I can't seem to get it to calm down. I know it's just the stress I am under. My shoulders are tense, I can't sleep, my stomach hurts, and my face is breaking out really bad...all signs of stress. I'm not sure how much more I can take.

I talked to my friend, Alex, over IM yesterday, and he told me "you know everything's going to be okay." But I don't know that. Christians would tell me to just "Trust God"...heck, I would say the same thing to someone else. But, it's not that simple. Maybe it should be, but to me it's not. I know in my heart that God is watching out for me, but my head and my heart aren't communicating right now.

All I know are the facts...IF I don't have a job, I can't pay all my bills, which means I can't stay in an apartment, I have to find someone (who likes dogs) to move in with for a while. I can't move in with my dad because my grandmother has taken up residence in their guest bedroom. I can't move in with my mom because she hates the idea of my dog in the house, the only other option is my other grandmother, who would let me come I'm sure, but I hate to ask since I lived with her for four years when I was in school.

and then I have to worry about even being able to get another job. Our industry is so small, that everyone finds out everything about you. So, you mess up in one place, everyone else finds out about it.

This whole situation royally sucks. I guess the main problem is I have always been able to take control over my life. There's only been a couple of other times when something aweful happened and I couldn't be in control...one of those being when my parents got divorced...and the other being when my brother died. But neither directly had an impact on my well-being. I am not in control here. So, I don't know how to handle it.

Wait a minute. Maybe that's the lesson...I have been trying to figure out what I was supposed to learn by coming here, because Lord knows I don't feel like I've learned a darn thing! But maybe, God is trying to teach me that I can't always be in control. Maybe it had nothing to do with learning at my job...but learning in my life. I will definately have to ponder this a while.

I think I may have scared a friend off the other day. Tuesday, when everything happened (see last post), I was so upset. I spent the majority of the day crying because I just didn't know what to do. Well, my friend Jeff called. And I just unloaded on him. Well, he very quickly told me he had another call coming in and got off the phone. Sorry, Jeff. Didn't mean to scare you away. It was just a really bad day, and I needed someone to talk to. I live alone and there's only so much I can say to the dog. But, I shouldn't have unloaded on you like that.

So, I wait... Hoepfully, before the day is over, I will be SC bound. I really do love that staion, and I believe I could be very happy there. PLease continue to pray, because it would be a wonderful opportunity, and it would be a load off my shoulders.

What a Day...

Okay, so never in my life have I had someone talk as degrading and ugly to me as my interim boss did today. Let me back up and explain...

Yesterday, during our after the show meeting, myself and the anchors had a disagreement. So, we told each other our side of things. Well, because we had a disagreement, we ended up in the boss's office today. NOw, I am sorry, but are we not adults? Should I not be able to stand up for myself without ending up in the boss's office every time?

So, we ended up in there and we all met together first. After that was over, she told me to stay...and she proceeded to tell me how stupid I am and that they are right and I am wrong and if I was smart I would listen to what they had to say. I told her that one person cannot be wrong 100% of the time. But when she told me that I wasn't smart, there were so many things I wanted to say to her. But I bit my tongue. She told me she wants me to quit. I don't know if she can "let me go" just yet because I haven't been there 90 days...

Never in my life have I had a group of people that just wanted to get rid of me! Yes, I have had problems with people in the past, but almost always worked those problems out! Everyone is not always going to agree on things...and for them to say either you agree or you leave, that's just unfair...and unprofessional. I mean, what makes companies great is the diversity in them. Different ideas bring great things together.

So, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I won't be around at my job in about two weeks. Please PRAY HARD that I get the South Carolina job. If I don't, I am in deep trouble.

No Michelle Kwan

Today, the world mourns as Michelle Kwan, the face of American figure skating, withdraws from the Winter Olympics. I love Michelle Kwan. I have been watching her since she first entered the national figure skating circuit. As a child, I fell in love with figure skating. It looked so graceful and glamorous, that I wanted to do it myself. But we lived in the south where it's too warn for ice skating rinks...and my parents would have never had the money to put me in something like that. So, I watched. I remember when Nancy Kerrigan went to the Olympic games...and had to overcome an injury to her knee to win the silver. And then I remember when Michelle Kwan entered center stage. I have watched her ever since. Kwan is reaching retirement age for skating. She's 25-years-old, and this was to be her final Olympics. She has never won gold...she won silver and bronze. But because of an injury, she decided to pull out of the games. She says she respects the olympics too much to try and skate when she knows she cannot do her best. I was looking forward to watching her come home with a gold, but now that will not happen. One journalist wrote that today is Black Sunday in the Olympics. I have to agree.

Hit by a Mack Truck

I made it back from South Carolina yesterday, but I tell you, I feel like a Mack truck ran over me! LEt me start from the beginning.

I worked all night Thursday night, because I wasn't able to take any time off at work. For one, I don't have any vacation time saved up yet...and even if I did, couldn't have taken it because we are in sweeps and no one is allowed to take off during sweeps. So, Iworked all night and then got ready and went to the airport Friday morning.

Well, something happened with the plane. They said there was a crack in the nose wheel and they had to get it checked out before we could take off. That put us getting out of Pensacola an hour late! So, when I arrived in Charlotte, my connecting flight to Greenville had already left! Can you believe it! So, I went to the special services desk and explained to her how I NEEDED desperately to get to Greenville as quickly as humanly possible. She put me on stand-by on the next flight (which was 2 hours away) and booked me on the final flight (which was about 4 hours away). Remember, I worked all night, and by this time I am exhausted. But I made the next flight...barely! They called my name, and I boarded and they immediately closed the door!

I arrived in greenville at 5:30. I was supposed to be there at 3. When I arrived, they were in the middle of the desk test with the anchor candidates and meteorologist. So, I got to watch most of that. Then we all went to dinner. They took us to this restaurant where everything on the menu was over $16. I have only been to expensive restaurants a couple times in my entire life! They ordered two bottles of wine and appetizers...then we ordered our meals. I couldn't believe how the other half lives. It was amazing.

While we were eating, I sat next to the news director and chatted a bit about the job. She was basically interviewing me while we ate. But it was very comfortable because everyone else was there and I didn't feel like I was singled out. I hardly touched my food. You have to remember, by this time it was like 8 or 8:30 and I had been awake since 9pm the night before. So to eat when I am that tired is a major feat.

So, after we finished eating, I said good-bye to everyone at the table, except for the executive producer. He and I went back to the station and conducted the interview. But it was unlike any interview I had ever been to. We just talked a little while...and watched the 10:00 news. Then it was the moment of truth. I asked him if there was any reason he felt I would not be able to do the job. And he said he could not think of one reason why I couldn't.

That made me feel good. I really feel like I have the job, but it hasn't been offered yet.

So, he finally took me to the hotel at about 11:00. I had been awake for more than 24 hours! I walked into the hotel and WOW! They put me in the business suite. I had a mega king-size bed...a desk and chair, a lounge chair with ottoman, fridge, microwave, coffee pot, iron and board, and a speaker in the bathroom that ran from the t-v. Oh, and the shower head was one of those adjustable heads with the massage on it! It was the best hotel room I had ever stayed in! Too bad I was too tired to enjoy it. I took off my shoes...I had been in those heels since 8:30 that morning...and got into my p-j's. I called my mom to tell her how everything went. Then I watched the final part of the olympic opening ceremonies. At about midnight, I was in the bed heading off to dreamland.

Now, I thought the day went really well, but when I got up the next mornign, I felt like I had been run over by a mack truck. I hurt all over and talk about exhausted! I got up and went to get breakfast (provided by the hotel), then I got ready....put the heels back on and met the executive producer outside at 11am. I gave him the application he asked me to fill out. He told me it usually takes about 3 days for everything to get processed. Then I asked him when I would know about the job, and he said by the middle of the week. Gosh I hope I get it!

After I got the the airport and checked in, I went directly to the bathroom and put on some jeans and some flats! My feet hurt so bad!

I arrived back here on time...I have to admit I was a little worried with that snowstorm coming in to the carolinas that I would get stuck there, but I am home and all I have done is slept since I got here. But if I get this job, it will be worth it. I have to say I love their product and I think everyone I met was so nice. IT was amazing. I really hope I get this opportunity.

Anxious, but Excited!

Okay, so tomorrow I head to South Carolina. I am so excited...and so nervous at the same time. I just got an email from SC and he told me the two main anchor candidates will be there as well, so I will get to be there while they do a desk test. This is to see if the two are combatible and could work well on air together. Remember , this is a brand new show...it's never been on air before. So, the fact that I will be there at the same time means he really likes me and planned it this way. He wants to see how combatible I am with them, too. Gosh, I hope this goes well.

I am flying out tomorrow at 11:03. Please pray everything with the plane goes well. FLying has always made me nervous, and it is a small plane, so that makes me even more nervous...not to mention the fact that I get air sick. So, I have my dramamine and I'm ready to go.

Please pray! I pray they will offer it to me on the spot, so I don't have to wonder.

I will be back online toward the middle of the weekend to let you all know how it goes. I just need to get out of here. I was talking with one of my coworkers today. She is new to our morning crew, but she worked on the evenings before. Well, she told me she is having a hard time adjusting to our crew. She says she feels she can't ever do anything right and they let you know it. and I agree. They still treat me that way, so I completely understand. My crew just doesn't like new people. I'm just glad to know it's not me.

Church Fires

Nine churches have been burned over the last week in West-Central Alabama. One of them was in the county where I grew up. I grew up in a town called Gordo, which is in Pickens County. One of the fires was near Aliceville, which is also in Pickens County. What would possess someone to go around and burn churches? I just can't imagine the mindset. Why is this person mad at the church? Or maybe he or she isn't mad, just hurting inside. I hope the police find the person or persons who are doing this. I would hate for more churches to burn. But maybe this could be a reminder that the church is not a building. The church is people. We don't need a fancy building to worship.

When I was interning with evengelist Pat Schatzline a few years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to several youth camps around the nation. And my favorite was in Oregon. The place was burning with the fire of God...but the cool thing was...they held the services in a tent. No building...no air conditioning...none of the comforts as we know them...and not only did the camp worship there, but church was held in that tent every Sunday. And at that camp, more stuff happened than anywhere else. The evidence of God was all around.

Allow me to talk about that summer a bit...
I have such good memories of that entire summer...God did so many awesome things in me that summer... I have to say it was one of the hardest summers I ever experienced, though. There were three interns that summer...I was the only girl. And it was non-stop...no sleep...and it was a constant spiritual struggle. When I say that, I mean, God was doing awesome things in me...but because of that I was experiencing spiritual warfare like you would never imagine...well, those of you who did master's commission could probably imagine. And when we went to these camps, God would always pair me with teenagers that needed Him more than ever. Teen girls just seemed to be drawn to me during that time, and the ones that were for the most part needed God to turn their lives around. I have to say God did use me mightily that summer. I would love to get back into ministry. That is when I am the most happy and I feel the most right. I know God has called me into ministry...I'm just waiting on Him.

Another day

Well, it was another day at work...and I am so proud of myself. I carefully think about what goes into every show I produce. I love what I do...just not where I'm at. So, today, everyone thought I should have had a different story in the show. And they overtook me on it during the show...which pissed me off bigtime (excuse my choice of words). So, after the show we always have a meeting to discuss the show...and I stood up for myself to the entire group. That was so hard to do. I let my assistant boss, Randy, know what was going on so he could listen in...and then I told them they all have access to the scripts before the show. If they want a story in there, they need to tell me BEFORE the show...because the way they did it this morning is not going to cut it. Randy told me I handled it well, which meant a lot becase I lack tact in a lot of areas. Hopefully, they will know that they can't just run over me in the future.

It is supposed to be snowing today in North Alabama. I am glad I'm not there...well, let me rephrase that. I wish I could be in the snow, but I wouldn't want to have to try and get to work in it. Because all of the roads will eventually close...and the news must go on. I hope if I ever move north that it is somewhere where they maintain icy roads instead of closing them down.

Well, now I have to go make reservations for my dog at the kennel for this weekend.

My Sister, My Friend

I watched a wonderful movie this weekend. It's called "In Her Shoes", and it's about sisters who are totally different, but best friends. In the movie, the two have a huge fight and go their separate ways...but life doesn't stop for them, even though they are not a part of each others' lives anymore...and even though their lives go on, they constantly wonder about the other sister and miss her terribly.

This is a subject that I have a hard time talking about, so bear with me. My sister and I had a huge fight over a year ago. Before then, she and I were best friends...at least she was my best friend. We used to get together for a weekend like once a month or so. Since our fight, I've seen her once for a couple of hours. That's when we tried to resolve our problems. But it didn't work...and I haven't spoken to her in months. I miss her terribly... I have missed her since the day I lost her. And the bad part is, I don't even understand why we are fighting. I know what the fight is about, but I don't know why there is even a fight.

My sister is engaged now. I had to find out about it second hand...months after it happened...because my parents never told me about it...They told my grandmother, who accidentally told me one day. She thought I knew...but I didn't. She's planning a wedding without me and that hurts more than you know. I don't even know this guy...and my sister, my best friend, is marrying him. We've talked about our weddings since we were little girls...I am supposed to be a part of this. But I'm not. The bad part is, she doesn't want me to know him. I don't know why...I'll never understand why. If I were madly in love with someone, I would want her to share every part of that. But it's like he replaced me and that makes me sad. I just want to love him...if he's going to be a part of her life, then he and I should be close, too. But it's not that way and I fear it never will be.

"In her shoes" parallels a lot of my relationship with my sister. Don't get me wrong...neither of us is like Cameron Diaz's character in the movie...We are both very responsible with our lives and are going somewhere...I started not to rent that movie because I knew it was about the relationship between sisters...and everytime I think about what has happened between me and my sister, it hurts so bad. But I wanted to see the movie...and it was a good movie...but now I hurt more than ever...and I don't know how she and I will ever make things right again.

I just want things back like they were...talking on the phone for hours and enjoying each others company...spending a night just driving around town with nowhere to go...just driving with the radio up as loud as it will go and singing at the top of our lungs. SHe and I used to do things like that. One time we rode around town and stopped and played on playgrounds and stopped and rode a ride at a carnival and almost fell out! It was so much fun. I want that sister back.

I don't know if she has my blog address...I don't know if she reads this blog...but if you are reading this, know that I love you. I never stopped. I want to know him. I want to love him. I never wanted to push you away or him away...I just want to be a part of your life...every part of you life. I know both of us blame the other for this fight...but let's quit blaming each other and just love each other. I don't expect an apology at all...I just want you.
No terms...just love. And rent "In Her SHoes".

I'm sorry all of you bloggers had to read this...but this blog is my outlet...I feel I can say anything and maybe, just maybe, the right person will see it and call me. I know all of you bloggers are saying, "Just pick up the phone and call her." I can't call her. I'm not strong enough.

Happy Friday

Well, today some really great things happened and something really bad happened. I guess you have to take the good with the bad, huh? Well, the good news is I just found out my best friend from high school, Jen, is pregnant with her second child. She sent me a picture of Connor (her son) holding up a sign that reads "i'm the big brother". So, I called her and said, "Jen, is ther something you want to tell me?" and she just started laughing. She is due in September. I think it's great news...but she will have her hands full once the new baby gets here. Her son will be two years old at that time!

The other good thing that has happened is it was Byron's (our director) last day! Yay!!!Most people were saying how bad it was for him to leave...but those same people have talked bad about him behind his back...but I didn't say a word. I'm glad he's gone. He's always been so mean to me.

Now to the bad news..
I got to work last night, only to find out that Mike, our nightside assignment editor, had been "let go". The word around the station is they eliminated his position. But I'm not buying it. I think there's more to it, and if I'm right, then it just confirms my worst fears about my own job. I'm going to call Mike today and find out what happened.

Well, I have a lot to do today in order to get ready for my trip. I head to SC one week from today. I'm so excited. I've never been there!

Groundhog Day

Well, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning...a sign that there will be six more weeks of winter. He wouldn't have seen his shadow here today. It's been pouring rain all morning. But it's quite allright. I don't need to go out for anything today, anyway. I'm sitting here listening to the latest 4Him cd. I love 4Him. I am sad to hear that they are ending the group. They have always been my favorite. But this latest CD is awesome...as are their other ones.

I had a really good night last night. There is this girl at work, named Heather, that has really become a good friend. And it's funny, because when I first met her, I would've never thought she and I could be friends. But she has a lucky Horse shoe...(a real horseshoe) that she keeps with her at work...and last night she loaned it to me. Now I don't believe in luck, but that small act was monumentous for her. And it really showed me that I have someone standing with me there. She knows the troubles I am having and just wants me to know she cares. And I really appreciate her for that. She worked in the evenings and goes home as I am coming in at night...but here lately she's been staying and chatting a bit.

And tomorrow is Byron's (our director) last day, which also thrills me. He is so hard to get along with, so I am hoping his departure will make my time here a bit easier.

I have one week before I head to South Carolina. I have been busy making sure my dog has a place to stay and making sure I know how to get to the airport...hey it may be simple, but i've never been there!
Friday, I will go get my eyebrows waxed (ouch!) and next week I will get my nails done. I want to look like a million bucks when I walk in next week because I want to be able to sell myself. I will be in SC from Friday until Saturday afternoon and then I will head back here. I am so excited...yet very nervous.

A friend of mine who has my work email address sent me a note the other day and accidentally mentioned this whole thing...which by the way...my work reads my email...so I may not have a job much longer. But for now, things are fine...and I haven't had to talk to the boss-lady all week. Things are swell. Just pray they never see that email...seriously...PRAY!

I was so mad this morning...well, not bad, but frustrated! I tried so hard to get the groundhog on my show after he saw his shadow, but when the time came, all we saw was the handler's butt. We didn't have time to stay on the shot...so we didn't see the groundhog! I tried so hard to get it, too. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

Well, I have a lot to do today. I need to clean my kitchen and I want to clean some of the rest of the house so I can relax more this weekend. It's not that messy, but the longer I neglect it, the worst it gets.

I hope everyone is doing well, and thanks so much for your prayers. They seem to be working. I'm just trying to trust God in all of this. Yes, that is very hard for me. But I've been "reminded" by two people this week how much I need to let God handle all of this. After all, He is God. So, I'm going to try and let Him do His job. Thanks, Eric and Rachel.

It's so funny...three people called me this week to check on me and make sure I still had a job. I told my grandmother when she called not to worry. If something like that were to happen, then everyone will know, because I will be looking for a place to live. It was said in a joking manner, but it's not really a joke. I was serious! :)

Have a good day...more to come.