Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Brrr! It is so cold!

take a look at this link. it's updated every minute--you can see the snow in western north carolina. http://www.cataloochee.com/webcam.html

they are getting 4-12 inches today. Here in Greenville area, it's flurried a bit, but nothing like that! I wish I had a fireplace to cozy up next to!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year, everyone. I spent the last few moments of 2007 watching the ball drop in times square! Yeah, it was really awesome! And no, I wasn't there in person :) GOtcha, didn't I.
I had to work, so I watched it on tv, then headed in to prepare for my newscast.

Christmas was really good. It was really great to be with the family during Christmas. That doesn't happen often with my job. We only had one major mishap--and it will leave you saying "only in Alabama!" My step-dad was wrapping a Christmas present with his pocket knife--yeah, he didn't want to get up to go and get the scissors--and he stabbed himself in the leg. So, he and I spent the afternoon of Christmas eve in the emergency room. He's going to be okay, thank goodness. But it was a really deep stab wound.

Well, it's time to head home for the first day of 2008. Wow. Another year is past. What are your New Year's resolutions? PLease share! Mine is pretty boring--I want to lose weight and get in shape. Isn't that what everyone says? WEll, this time I am really committed to it. I will be 30 at the end of this year, and I want more than anything to feel good about myself physically when I reach that milestone.

I have decided to put together a scrapbook of sorts about the town I grew up in. Gordo was my home for so many years, and things are changing. So, I went around town while I was home and took pictures of the Gordo I want to remember. And I am going to make a picture book all about it.

oh--good news! My friend, Alex, is visiting the South from Vancouver, CAnada. WE plan to spend the day together Saturday. I am so excited!

Have a wonderful New Year!

CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE

In just about 15 minutes, I am headed to Alabama for Christmas at my mom's. I am so excited! It's the first Christmas I got off from work since I started working in news. The whole family will be there, including my grandmother! Yea!

I had a wonderful birthday...a full week of celebration! On my birthday, I went to lunch with the girls at work--we ate at P.F. Changs. I got several cards, one even had lottery tickets in them. It was my first time playing the lottery, and I didn't win a thing! My mom's gift will keep me from having to pay any speeding fines! She gave me a fuzz buster ( a radar detector for all of you yankees that don't know what that is!). One of the girls at work made me muffins. I thought that was nice.

On Friday, Brett took me to "The Melting Pot." That was so much fun. I really enjoyed it! Then on Saturday, my friend, Lori, and I went out to eat and to the movies. It was a great birthday!

Parents Visit

I got a wonderful early birthday present this past weekend. My dad and step-mom came for a visit. This was the first time they've visited since I moved to South Carolina nearly two years ago. So, it was a special treat. They came Saturday afternoon--I took them to downtown Greenville and showed them the park. Then we went and ate at Sticky Fingers. They really enjoyed it. My dad loves barbeque--and this place has really good food! Then when we got back, my apartment complex was having a Christmas party--complete with free carriage rides. SO, my step-mom and I took a ride. It was fun! They left as I was leaving for church Sunday morning, but it was still a good visit. I was glad they came.

My birthday is tomorrow. I will be the dreaded 29--that's just one year before the aweful age of 30! But I've decided to celebrate anyway--and thank God for another year of life. Some girls from work and I are going out for lunch tomorrow to my favorite--P.F. Changs. Then Friday, Brett wants to take me out for my birthday. We are friends--that is all. And I am happy keeping it that way. Saturday, I plan on celebrating with some girlfriends from church. So, lots of birthday celebrations this week!

My mom sent me a gift a couple weeks ago--and it's driving me crazy, because she won't let me open it until tomorrow--we're almost there!

WEll, gotta go to the gym. I was sick in the bed all week last week, so I haven't worked out in quite a while.

Merry Christmas!!!

SHOUT "MERRY CHRISTMAS"

Twas the month before Christmas,
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Ikea were hanging their trees upside down
At the Bay the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At Staples, Wal-Mart, Future Shop and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas;
it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of City Hall, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS - NOT Happy Holiday

Blue Ridge Saga

When I was in the concert band in high school, we used to play a beautiful song called "Blue Ridge Saga". I never completely understood that song until now. The song is about the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Well, I drove up to the mountains a couple weeks ago and spent time driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was the first time I had been there, and let me tell you, it is absolutely beautiful. James Swearingin must have written that song about the mountains in Autumn, because with all the leaves changing, it was a spectacular site! I took lots of pictures, but they really don't do it justice. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Western North Carolina up into Virginia. I just drove about 30 miles of it--but it was absolutely gorgeous. Really breathtaking.

Seriously!

What's the deal! I love Christmas more than the average person. I mean, for the whole month of December, I usually listen to nothing but Christmas music, and my house is decorated extravagantly, and I wear Christmas sweatshirts, christmas socks, and jewelry during that time. But seriously, why can't we wait to celebrate Christmas after Thanksgiving? The day after Halloween, I turned on the radio, and guess what! Delilah is only playing Christmas music now--can you believe it? And last weekend, I went shopping. I walked into one store and heard Christmas music. I walked into Wal-mart, and a huge Christmas tree greeted me at the door.
Christmas has gotten too commercial. I remember when it was more about Jesus and family, and not so much about the bottom line. I am looking forward to Christmas--I just want to celebrate Thanksgiving first!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I have to work. But my mom, step-dad, and grandmother are coming to see me next weekend. They will be here Saturday through Tuesday--we are planning to have thanksgiving dinner while they are here. I am so excited to see them. I haven't seen them since March.
Then on Thanksgiving day, my friends, Heather and Mike, have invited me over for dinner. So, this year I am blessed to not have to spend the holidays alone--as I have done in years past. Christmas--I finally get to go home! Yay!

This week is going to be a busy one, so I don't know how much I will update. Tonight, I am having dinner with Brett. It's not a date--we are just going to talk. I am a bit nervous. I haven't really talked to him since the beginning of summer, so I really don't know what to expect. Then tomorrow, the kids at church have their first junior Bible quiz match. I help with this, so I will be heading to Columbia with them.

Next week, I have the dreaded yearly doctors appointment (lots of fun). And on Wednesday, I have to go to court. Some crazy guy called work and started threatening some of our reporters. I just happened to be the one to answer the phone. So, I have to go testify in court. Fun, Fun. I really didn't want to go--I've never been to court before. But the officer said I didn't have a choice. I got a summons. I guess bad guys need to be punished, and the only way for that to happen is for me to testify.

I am still taking dance lessons. We are learning the Cha Cha and the Tango right now. I really love it. Just wish I had a partner to dance with. Right now, I am dancing with the instructor--a woman. That's every Friday night--so I will be going to that tonight before dinner.

Well, time to go take a nap.

This is another cool picture I took while downtown Greenville for Fall for Greenville. I absolutely love this park. It's in the middle of downtown, but has two waterfalls! Isn't that cool. I think it's beautiful. Folks hang out down here all the time, and on many days, you can see artists sitting and painting the scenery. Just another reason I love Greenville, South Carolina.

Happy Halloween!

Okay, so I don't usually celebrate Halloween. But a friend of mine has this huge Halloween party every year and she begged me to go this year. I decided to dress in the 50s and go as Sandy from Grease. I made my poodle skirt that I wore that night, but none of the pics show it very well. And I don't think I make a good blond, either. What do you think? I am pictured here with my friends, Jasilika, who dressed like the 70s, and Heather, who dressed as someone
addicted to plastic surgery. Anyway, it was something to do--it got
me out of the house. It really wasn't me, and I probably won't go back next year, but it was fun to dress up and pretend to be someone different for a day!

My Friend, Olivia

I just wanted to introduce you all to my new friend, Olivia. She is 11-years-old. I met her last year at a junior bible quiz match and we became quick friends. She is so special. I don't know why, but God has just really given me a burden for 10-12 year old girls--preteen's that are searching for their identity in this world. I believe God sent Olivia into my life for a reason, so I am just trying to be a good role model and friend to her. These are pictures from our recent trip to downtown Greenville for a big festival they had there.

Curvaceous!

About three weeks ago, I got something in the mail, asking for volunteers for a fitness study at Curves for Women. Well, it was free, so I decided to sign up! I am happy to say, I finished the study on Wednesday. At the end of the study, they assess your weight and measurements, among other things. I am happy to say I am 5 pounds lighter and 4 1/2 inches smaller than I was three weeks ago! So, I decided to join Curves. It's a lot of fun! YOu are constantly changing machines throughout your 30 minute workout, so it isn't boring at all! And it doesn't make you sore! So much for the "no pain, no gain" slogan.

Well, this weekend is going to be a busy one for me. I have a candle party at a friend's house tonight, and then tomorrow night, I will be dressed for the 50s for a halloween party. A friend of mine throws this huge halloween bash every year. This year, I am going as Sandy from Grease. I will post pics later!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Baby Girl!

I just learned my friend, Noelle, had her baby girl Sunday.
She's so beautiful, I just had to share her picture. She weighes 8 lbs, 9 oz.
They haven't named her yet. Here she is:

Love's all that Matters

I absolutely love the new Carrie underwood Song "So Small".
Here's the chorus:

Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbingIs just a grain of sandAnd what you've been out there searching for foreverIs in your handsAnd when you figure out love is all that matters after allIt sure makes everything else seem So small

Click on the link to see the music video--it's really good!

http://www.cmt.com/videos/carrie-underwood/175952/so-small.jhtml

Turning 40 Can be Harsh!

Okay, so I went to a friend's birthday party over the weekend--and all I can say is--wow! Steve turned 40--and so we had some fun with that. The sign as you walked in the room said "happy retirement--that word was crossed out and said oops--birthday.
All of his gifts were gag gifts--for example, I got him a walking cane. He also got Rogaine, Just for men hair color, and those were just the nice gifts. He also got serenity pads, and preparation H--among other things! The good news is about 65 people showed up at the party--it was held at Olive Garden, so needless to say it was a bit hectic--but I think it turned out well.
Steve told me the next morning that he was so happy to see all his friends gathered. He said usually you find out how many friends you have at your funeral--but he got find out at his birthday. He was very happy.

Mustang Sally

So, I just have the overwhelming desire to just get in my new car and head to the country so I can drive! I absolutely love my car--I still can't believe I own a Mustang! One of the guys at work walked in yesterday. I was at work a bit later than usualy, which is why, until now, he hadn't seen the new ride. He said who's Mustang is that out there? And everyone said "nicole's"--and I just smiled--he said some things about it being a really nice car, then sat down to start his job. It still made me feel so great! I love that I have a car that everyone loves! Maybe I'll go for a ride later today--after my nap.

I think I've about gotten rid of the fleas. Casey and I aren't itching as much as we have been--and I haven't noticed any new bites on me in a couple of days. So, I'm pretty happy about that!

So, it's beginning to look like November is going to be a pretty busy month for me--but I am so excited about it. My mom, step-dad, and grandmother may come for a visit before thanksgiving...then after thanksgiving, my sister and brother-in-law may come. I am so happy. I miss all of them so much. That's the only drawback about living in South Carolina. I hardly ever get to see my family.

On my sister, Lisa's blog, she wrote about a song--and it made me think about being back home. I do miss the quiet surroundings of a small town. Gordo's not much, but it was my home for my school years. I don't think of it as home anymore, but I do enjoy a good visit from time to time. Looking forward to the holidays when I am hoping to be able to go home and spend a few days in the "boondocks." that's another song I just love.

Well, gotta go start my weekend--Have a good one!

Excuse me, I've got an Itch!

Okay, so I love my dad, but I am not happy with what I brought home from his house. He lives out in the country and everything has been so dry that they have a flea problem. Well, guess what! I now have a flea problem! I am trying to get rid of them, I really am. But myself, and my poor dog, Casey, both have bites all over. I have bought carpet powder, stuff to spray on the furniture, and even stuff to bathe him in, but we are both still getting bit! And I've washed everything--all the towels, sheets, and clothes in my house. I feel like I have coodies or something. Anyway, if I can't get rid of them--I guess I'm going to have to get a flea bomb and bomb the apartment.

This weekend I am going to be quite busy. I have two birthday parties to go to. One is for my friend's little boy--who is turning 4. the other is for a friend of mine. I'll have post pics of that one. it's going to be great!

Well, got to head out. It's time to go to Flea War!

Sweet Home Alabama

I spent the weekend in Alabama at my dad's. He lives in a town called Cedar Bluff, which is near Gadsden. I got there on Friday, and just kind of hung out. I was sad to learn that my dad had closed his restaurant. They just weren't getting the business they needed to stay open, since there are no vacationers in town this year. The lake is about dried up because of the drought, so boats can't even get into the water on Weiss Lake. It's really sad!

My sister, Lisa, and her husband came up for a visit while I was there. We spent the day in the pool, which was nice and relaxing, and daddy grilled out for lunch. It was just a really relaxing weekend. Daddy doesn't really care for my new car. Of course, he's a Chevy man, and can't understand why anyone would by a Ford.

I won't be back in bama again until the holidays--but I am really looking forward to it. And my mom and step-dad may come up for a visit in November--really looking forward to that.

An Opera Great Dies

"I think a life in music is a life beautifully spent, and this is what i have devoted my life to." -Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007)

Early this morning, world-reknowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti died from a battle with Pancreatic cancer. He was 71. He was known for hitting notes that many only think about hitting. If you watched the 2006 Torino Olympics, you saw Pavarotti sing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaufjDVYivc

He was amazing, and his voice will be missed.

Buttprints in the Sand

One night I had a wondrous dream,One set of footprints there was seen,The footprints of my precious Lord,But mine were not along the shore.










But then some stranger prints appeared,And I asked the Lord," What have we here?"Those prints are large and round and neat."But Lord, they are too big for feet.""My child," He said in somber tones,"For miles I carried you alone.I challenged you to walk in faith,But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,The walk of faith, you would not know,So I got tired, I got fed up.And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,When one must fight, and one must climb,When one must rise and take a stand,Or leave their butt prints in the sand." -author unknown

VACATION OVER--BACK TO WORK

Well, my vacation is over and now I am back at work. But it was such a good vacation--so relaxing! So much so that I hated coming back to work. But I do feel much better since I'm back. I don't feel all burnt out anymore and I am able to do my job with some ease. I even got a compliment from one of my anchors--he told me I was missed.

Savannah and Tybee Island were awesome. We had so much fun! We spent the first night on Tybee.

It was a small, very quiet beach, which made it very relaxing. We were beach bumbs Wednesday and Thursday. We also visited the Tybee lighthouse--and climbed all 178 stairs!
Man, that was tiring! And my calves hurt for the rest of the week! But what a view from the top! You can't get this view from the ground!



After the lighthouse and the beach, Jill and I got all dressed up and went to dinner at a restaurant just across the street from our hotel. It was all you can eat seafood--and it was really tasty!

We headed to Savannah on Thursday, where we visited the River Walk,
went on a Ghost tour, and just leisurely walked around town.

We also ate at several tasty restaurants, including Lady and Sons --that's Paula Dean's restaurant. And you won't believe it! We got there at 11am and walked right in--no wait!

We went on a riverboat cruise, which was really relaxing.

We had planned to spend most of Saturday in Savannah before

coming home, but we ended up coming home early since

it was pouring rain. I'm glad we did. I found out later it flooded in parts of Savannah.
So, it was a great trip. I didn't realize how much I missed Jill. Now, after spending a week with her, I hate to let her leave. We roomed together for a year and a half.

I just wish we could convince her to move here! But I am sure it won't be another eight years before I see her again. I want to go see her in D.C.