Saying Good-bye

Saying good-bye is never easy when you care about the people you're leaving.
Today is my last day at Fox Carolina.

Last night, as the 10 o'clock crew was leaving, everyone was saying good-bye.

And it made me really sad. But this morning, I find myself glad to go.

me and the Fox girls

So, it is bittersweet. I'm just glad my days of working third shift are over.

I am leaving Sunday to look for an apartment, then I will be back to get my things.

This Sunday is my last Sunday at my church.

That's going to be really hard. But I pray God will give me a good church family when I move.

my friends Lori and Christy

Matthew 18:20

Someone sent me an email that had this picture. Isn't it great!
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Does this count?

Just a Few More Days

Jill and me at Paris Mtn.

I'm wrapping up another day at work--and that means I only have three more days at Fox Carolina. I am going to miss several of the people I work with. I am also going to miss my friends that I've made over the last two years in Greenville.

I got the greatest surprise this past weekend. My roommate from Southeastern, Jill, called me Friday and told me she was coming to visit! She flew in Friday night and stayed all weekend. It was so good to see her!

It was a weekend of surprises. I was at church Sunday, sitting with Jill, of course, when Olivia and her family showed up! They said they wanted to surprise me since I am leaving next week. I felt so popular this weekend, with everyone showing up to surprise me like that!

My first day at work in Chattanooga isn't until June 16th. That gives me time to find an apartment and move my things. I may even try to go home to Gordo for a couple of days before I start. We'll see.

I am excited about the move in many ways. The thing I'm most excited about is sleeping at night and working during the day. I won't know how to feel. I haven't done that in more than four years. I really hope that I'm able to get back to loving what I do. I've just been so burnt out lately. I will be the producer of the 5p news, which means I will work 9am - 5:30pm nearly everyday. Isn't that awesome? And Chattanooga is a lot like Greenville. So, I'm really hoping I love it as much as I do here.

Short Hair

Well, I did it. I went short again. I got my hair cut yesterday, and I absolutely love it. It had just gotten so long and bushy--I have thick hair, so it was in real need of a thinning. But, as I told my sister, I am really sad that I found a stylist just as I'm leaving. I've been looking for someone to cut my hair for two years, and I've had several bad haircuts in the process. At least I'm going to Chattanooga with nice hair!

Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure

Nobody puts baby in the corner. If you've watched dirty dancing, you know that famous line. Well, last weekend I got to see where the "practice lift scene" in that movie took place(see left). I went to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina last weekend. We rode a boat on Lake Lure--and went hiking at Chimney Rock.

I was so proud of myself. I hiked a moderate to strenuous trail to a waterfall. And I've paid for it with sore muscles ever since--but it was lots of fun. And the waterfall was beautiful. Thanks Olivia, for cheering me on the whole way! I would highly recommend this trip to everyone. It's so beautiful! Here's some pics:

The Best Place to Live

Relocate-America.com chose Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the third best city to live in. That's notable for me, since it appears I am moving to Chattanooga the beginning of next month. I've been offered a job there as a dayside producer, and I decided to take it! That means no more night shifts for me, thank the Lord! It's bittersweet, though. I absolutely love Greenville. I hate to leave it (greenville was voted number 4 in the best places to live). I have so many friends here.

If you're looking to move, you may want to know what the best cities are! So, here's the list:

1. Charlotte, N.C.
2. San Antonio, Texas
3. Chattanooga, Tenn.
4. Greenville, S.C.
5. Tulsa, Okla.
6. Stevens Point, Wis.
7. Asheville, N.C.
8. Albuquerque, N.M.
9. Huntsville, Ala.
10. Seattle, Wash.

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105075/Charlotte-Named-Best-Place-to-Live

I think it's interesting--I live in Greenville, I used to live in Huntsville, and I'm moving to Chattanooga. Charlotte is currently 1 1/2 hours from me, as is Asheville. So, for those of you who don't live in the south, you may want to move! Most of the top 10 are good ol' southern cities!

A Sad Anniversary

Today marks one year since my co-worker, Joe Loy, was killed while covering a story. He was shooting an accident on the interstate, when a truck caused a van to go out of control. The van hit Joe. They still haven't caught that driver of the truck. Joe caught the accident on his camera moments before he was killed. The sad part--if South Carolina required drivers to have license plates on the front of our cars, then they could catch this person. I really wish all states would make this requirement.

Covering the news isn't a safe job. It can be really dangerous. I mean, we are sent to the highways, we are sent to murder scenes, and standoffs. But Joe loved his job. And he knew the risks.

As I get ready to move again, I feel an overwhelming sense of grief. For the first time in my life, I am happy where I live, and I really don't want to move. But I am so tired of working third shift, and I am so tired of putting up with egoes from other co-workers who think they've arrived. I am just thankful I got the opportunity to work in a top 50 market. That was my goal, and I made it. And truthfully, I wish I could stay in Greenville. But i'm so burnt out, it makes me hate what I do. And I don't want to feel that way. I want to go back to a time when I thoroughly enjoyed it--when I got excited about going to work.

I went on an interview Friday. I really liked the people I met, and the station as a whole. And the good thing is it would be a daytime shift. It's a 5p newscast. Waiting to hear back from another company. It's good to have options.

So, as for now, I thank God that he's taking care of me. I was so afraid I wouldn't have a job to go to, but things are looking up. Thank you, Jesus. Maybe it's the Lord's will that I move somewhere else. I am just so tired of moving. I've been in this business for 5 1/2 years and I've worked at four different companies in four different cities. I just want to find a place to settle down, and buy a house, and meet someone, get married, and have children. That is my next goal.

JBQ Regionals

Last night, we got back from JBQ regionals. For those of you who don't know what JBQ is--it stands for Junior Bible Quiz. It's for kids ages six to 12.Well, our kids from our church were number one in the state of South Carolina, so they went to regionals to compete against teams from North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. There were also a couple of other teams from South Carolina. The competition starts Friday and ends Saturday afternoon. Our kids came in second place in the flight(division), out of six teams total. I was so proud of them. And one of our kids was first place individual quizzer in the flight. I am the assistant coach for the team, and I have had so much fun with these kids!

Now, I am exhausted, so I am heading to bed.

Pictures

I wanted to post some pics from my trip to Mobile and Gulf Shores. Sorry it's been a while! There's a whole lot going on--I'll post in more in the next post.

This is me at the beach.

This is me and my friend, Sarah...at Gulf Shores.

And this is Sarah, Jeff, Juan, his baby, Jeremy, and me!

My trip to South Alabama

I've been home from LA(lower Alabama) for a week--and I had lots of fun. I will have to post some pictures as soon as I get the computer connecter for my camera! It was so great to see some old friends from college(Juan, Jeff, Sarah, and Jeremy), and visit with my Grandmother. And it was great to get to go to a Gulf beach...the beaches there are so much better than Carolina beaches--with white sand and blue water you can see through! I went to the beach with Sarah on Thursday. We both got so sun-burned! Then on Friday, I went to the University of South Alabama to see the changes made since I graduated. I also went to my favorite restaurant down on the causeway--"The Original Oysterhouse." And on Saturday, I went to dinner and bowling with all my friends. It was loads of fun!

Now I am back and wishing I wouldn't have had to come back so soon. It would have been nice to take more time off. But that will come later in the year.

Movin' on up!

Okay, so many of you (Alex) will be so proud of me. I bought a digital camera yesterday. It's my first one, and I absolutely love it. It's red in color, which is my favorite! And it has so many little bells and whistles, it will take a while to figure out all it does. But I am going on vacation to Mobile/Gulf Shores, Alabama this week, so I am sure I will get lots of practice! I had been adament not to get rid of my 35 millimeter--I love that camera! But it broke, so I had to get a new one. So, all of you can quit making fun of me for not living in the 21st century! I finally got my digital camera. I'll work on updating my cell phone later :)

Happy Easter

Today is Good Friday. That's the day Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. But he didn't stay there. He rose again on the 3rd day! Hallelujah! Which is why we celebrate Easter. Yes, the Easter Bunny and easter eggs are lots of fun. But let's remember this Easter weekend what Jesus went through for us! He carried a cross, after being beaten. Then hung there on the cross while he suffocated. So, remember the sacrifice!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

It's picture time!

I just wanted to post some pictures from fine arts. This is my friend, Olivia, and me at fine arts. We are showing off the awards she won! She competed in four competitions, but will go to nationals for two of them--human video solo and short sermon! Olivia is only 12 years old, but she was able to hold her own against 18 year olds at fine arts.

I am so proud of her. I feel like what I would imagine a proud mama feels like when her child does well. Congrats, Olivia! You did it!

Great Weekend!

So, I got home from Alabama around four yesterday afternoon--I have to say I had a wonderful time.

First, I met one of my best friends, Niecie, at the Galleria. We just found a place to sit, and some food and talked for nearly three hours! It was so great to see her and visit.

Then I went to my sister and her husband's house. We went and ate Mexican food, then came back to their house and played board games. It was just a good time of talking and hanging out.

Saturday, I got up only to discover it had snowed! I was so excited! I got a snow day when I didn't have to work! So, I quickly made plans to go have a snowball fight after breakfast. Well, we ate breakfast, and then I fell asleep on the couch! When I woke up, sadly the snow had melted--so no snowball fight for me :( . We later got ready and went to the galleria to shop a bit. While I was there, I ran into the pastor of my home church, and his wife. I talked to them for a while, then we met my mom and step-dad at the "California Pizza Kitchen" for dinner. Great food! We then went back to the house and played another board game.

So, it was a good visit--I don't get to see them very often so anytime I can, I cherish it. And I needed the time away just to regroup and relax a bit. I feel much better.

Oh--an update to my situation at church--I should be able to stay. I was worried about it, but some things have been put into place that will limit the amount of uncomfortable interactions I will have to have with Brett. I am so blessed to have a church family that loves me as much as they do. After much prayer, I knew I needed to stay. So, this Sunday will be the first Sunday I will be back at church. I know it will probably be very hard, but I will be okay. So, thanks to all of you who've been praying for me.

Yea Alabama!

I get a great treat this weekend. It's the first thing to make me smile in the last couple weeks. I am leaving this morning for Birmingham to visit my sister and brother-in-law! I have needed to get away for a few weeks now. It's a short trip--I'll be home Sunday. But it will be great to see her and just forget about the "real world" for a couple of days. And more good news--I think my mom and step-dad are planning to drive up and have dinner with us on Saturday--they live in Gordo, which is about an hour and a half away.

My doggie will be staying at the "doggie motel". That's what I call the kennel, so he feels like he's getting a vacation, too! He always seems to get excited when I ask him if he's ready to go to the "doggie motel"!

I swear--I am so tired of getting sick! I seem to be catching everything--my doctor doesn't seem concerned. He says everyone's sick right now. This week, I got a really bad sore throat, a bad cough, and a fever. My doctor said I had an infection--he gave me an antibiotic and today I am feeling much better. I do still have a nasty cough.
I spent two days out of work. I hated to, but I had no energy and all I did was sleep.

Well, gotta go. I think I will head home and sleep a couple of hours before I head to B'ham. I am so excited!

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Well, it was short-lived(3 months), but I am glad I know what I know now before I spent too much time in this relationship. Brett and I broke up--this time for good. It's a long story, and I'm not going to go into it all, but let's just say I wasn't ready for the level of committment he wanted, so he decided to end things completely. It was an all or nothing deal. Then he said some pretty nasty things to me. So, I won't be having anything else to do with him. And that does hurt, but I guess that's life, and I just have to learn from this. You have to be willing to get your heart broken to have any type of relationship--right now, I am picking up a million shattered pieces. I can handle break-ups, but some of the things he said when he ended our relationship, is what hurt so bad. And the bad part--we go to the same church and are involved in the same ministries. So, now I have to make some pretty big decisions.

Just please pray. This is only one big thing going on in my life right now. it feels like everything's happening at once, and I'm feeling very overwhelmed.

Please Pray for Me

Okay, I know I have lots of friends out there in the blogger world--and I really need your help this morning. My life right now is so overwhelming. I just need prayer. I've got so many different issues going on that it's hard to even know where to begin. And I can't really go into detail right now. But just please remember my name when you pray.

Weekend Update

So, for the most part--this weekend was pretty good. Friday night, I rented "No Reservations". I cooked pork chops and Brett and I watched the movie and ate.
Then he left early, because we had to be up before daylight to head to Columbia for fine arts.
I have to say, I now know what it feels like to be a proud mama. Although I'm not her mom, I would claim her any day. Olivia entered four competitions: short sermon, human video solo, piano, and art. She got superiors on everything--and is invited to nationals for the short sermon and the human video! Those are the two that I helped her with, so it made me feel really good! She did amazing! Olivia was one of the youngest at fine arts...she's 12. The competition is for 12-18 year olds. I am so proud of her. So, we're heading to nationals, which just so happens to be in Charlotte this year!

Sunday--well, I was so exhausted that I ended up not going to church. But I did meet Mike and Heather for lunch. Then came back home to head to bed for another week at work.

Brett and I have decided to take some time off from each other to decide if we should continue to give this relationship thing a try. Don't know what will come from this week. But hopefully if we decide to not "date", then we can still be friends. We will have to see. I am just not very good at this whole relationship thing--just ask any of my former boyfriends! And I know I have a lot of things I want. But there are some "must haves" and some "can't stands" that I am dealing with right now. I don't have a lot of those, but the ones I do, I'm having to decide how important they are to me. And I am spending a lot of time in prayer so I can try not to make any big mistakes in this. Because although he's a great guy, he may not be the one God has for me and I need to be open to what God is saying.

Well, there's so much more I could talk about, but I will end now. I took some pictures at fine arts--I will try to post some soon!

Thank God It's Friday!

It is Friday, and it is raining. Looks like good sleeping weather! I am about to go home from work to start my weekend, and I am looking forward to a nice relaxing day today. Don't really have much planned. Think I may go rent a movie or something to watch tonight.

Tomorrow, if Fine Arts competition here in South Carolina. I have been helping my 12-year-old friend, Olivia, with her solo human video and her sermon. This is her first fine arts. So, we will be leaving bright and early for Columbia in the morning. It will pretty much be an all-day event. I just pray she does well. She's so talented--and nationals are in Charlotte this year, so going would be feesible if she makes it.

Have a great weekend everyone!