Give me a Break!

I work in the news, and several days, there are stories that I really wish I wouldn't have heard. The big story last week...Clay Aiken "coming out". Now, it's his own business if he says he's gay, but please don't say it's okay to be gay and be a Christian. I mean, the bible very clearly states homosexuality is a sin. And God destroyed a whole city because of the homosexuality there. I do believe that Christians can struggle with homosexuality. It's a sin just like anything else. But to come out and say "I'm Gay and I'm a born again Christian", well I'm sorry. But I think that's terrible that our young people who may look up to Clay as a roll model would hear him say that. I cannot judge him, only God can, but it's not okay to mislead our youth.

Something you may not know...Christian singer Ray Boltz, who sang the classic songs "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb", "Thank You", and "Watch the Lamb" also says he's gay. I would just ask the Christian community to come together and pray for these two men.

Three Months and Still Enjoying It

Well, I've been at my new job in Chattanooga for three months now, and things are going great. My show is going great, and I'm having lots of fun with my new friends.

We have started doing some events with our young adults ministry. The girls went out to dinner and to downtown just a couple weeks ago, and we're planning several events for October, including a party to watch the Alabama/Tennessee game. Now, I know I will be outnumbered (Roll Tide), but I am hoping the Crimson Tide pulls out the win, and I am the only one not crying at the end of the evening! It's gonna be fun!




My friend, Noelle, and I are planning a huge trip to celebrate our 30th birthdays. I can't believe I'm about to be 30!!! My birthday is in December and hers is in March, so we are travelling to Tucson, Arizona, in January for a four-day trip! I am so excited! We've already gotten our hotel and plane reservations...and we got some huge deals!!!!





Well, I've got to head home.

Daddy's Little Girl

Everyone always says little girls never grow out of being Daddy's Little Girl.

Well, I think to an extent, that is true.

My dad and stepmom are home from Vegas until the beginning of September, and I have spent the last two weekends at his house. He lives a little more than an hour from me on Weiss Lake in Alabama.

And last week, he called and gave me the best news--they finally bought two waverunners! I've wanted one as long as I can remember. So, we spent last weekend riding them on the water. It was lots of fun. My dad had a really hard time learning how to ride them, but he finally got the hang of it on day two. But my stepmom, Sherry, and I had no trouble riding them.

It's nice living so close to them. In South Carolina, I was about four hours from them. And I was about six from my mom and stepdad. Now, I'm much closer to both. I'm hoping that means much more quality time with all of them.

I Just Want to Sleep

Well, I have been in Chattanooga for two months now, and things seem to be going great.
And my dad and stepmom are back from Vegas(where my dad is working) for a few weeks, so I am getting to spend some time with them. They live a little more than an hour from me, so it's an easy drive to their house. I spent last weekend there, and plan to go back tonight. They live on the lake, so I predict a fun weekend of boating and swimming...and riding the new waverunners!
Since I came home Sunday night, though, I have had a really hard time sleeping at night. I really don't know why. Until last night, I went to sleep right away, but always woke up a few hours later. Last night, I even had a hard time getting to sleep. I am so tired! My grandmother asked me last night what's bothering me that would prevent me from sleeping. I really don't think anything is bothering me. I have been feeling a bit lonely over the last week or so, which could be causing some of the problem. Last Thursday, I had a really down day--and this week, I've just been wishing I was surrounded by my family and friends. It's always hard moving to a new city...especially when you're all alone. I've made a couple of friends here, but they are new friends, so I don't connect with them as well as my old friends just yet.
Well, I need to get back to work--by the way, things seem to be going great there. And working during the day is definately a plus!

Tales of Tennessee

Well, I really haven't had much to report--which is why I haven't updated lately. Things at work are great. I never knew working in a newsroom could be so enjoyable. People here are nice and they treat each other with respect. And my bosses seem to really like me. They say they've gotten nothing but good feedback from my director and my anchors.

My personal life is also great. I have made friends with some folks from a church that I've visited several times. I don't know if I will continue to attend the church or not (I am visiting others), but I will continue to attend their young adult meetings. Thanks to Jeremy, Janna, Neville, Stephanie, and Zeuban for befriending me so quickly!

That guy that asked for my phone number quit calling. I guess he didn't like me after talking to me on the phone. But I'm not at all upset about it. I guess he just wasn't right for me, which is perfectly okay!

I still miss everyone in Greenville, and I talk to my friends there often on the phone.

Well, gotta get back to work. Keep in touch everyone!

Things are Great!

Just a quick update--
Things are great here. I've finished two weeks of work, and I have to say, things couldn't be better. Everyone is very nice, and I've gotten several compliments about my work. Even one of my anchors told me I do a great job. That makes me feel really good.

Another update--guy from the pool called me today--we'll probably go out sometime this week.

other than that, nothing new.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Tennessee Smile

Well, I've been in Tennessee a total of two weeks now, and I have to say, things are going pretty well. I started my job last Monday, and by THursday, I was going solo. I've had three flawless shows, and my boss says he thinks I'm going to fit in just fine there.

My apartment is still not put together. The painters did a horrible job, so they had to come back and paint again. But it's still not acceptable. So, they will be back. On top of that, there's maintenance that still has to be done. But they promise they're working to get it completed.

Yesterday something really cool happened. I was at the pool laying out and the landscaping people were there working on the lawns of the apartment complex. Well, one of them was working around the pool. He stopped a moment to talk to me. Then, he asked me for my phone number! I wonder if he will call. He is really cute!

Oh, and I visited an Assembly of GOd Church last SUnday. and last night, I went to their 20s/30s group. It was a lot of fun--I'll probably stay there! So, I may have found a church, too!

Well, that's about it for now. I will try to update as often as I can. I don't have a computer at home at this time.

I do have to pay tribute to one of the best journalists of my time. I was saddened to hear of the death of Tim Russert. I watched him every Sunday on Meet the Press, and I was always amazed at how fair he could be. He was one of the greats, and he will be missed.

Carolina On My Mind

Well, I have officially left South Carolina, But I will probably always be a Carolina Girl at heart. Greenville is the first place in my life that I ever felt like I was home. Even when I left Gordo, the small Alabama town I grew up in, I didn't feel the sadness I have felt over the last few weeks. I left Greenville yesterday, and as I approached the South Carolina/Georgia line, I had to fight tears, because I so didn't want to leave. But I had to. So, I had a little talk with God--and I told him that my head was telling me to be so angry at Him because I felt like he let me down. I made a home for myself in Greenville. I loved it there. And if things would have been okay with my job, I would have bought a house and stayed forever. But my heart tells me that I just need to trust Him--trust the one who writes my days(as the Barlow Girl song so poetically says). Because maybe I am supposed to be in Chattanooga for this time. Maybe I am going to go there and God is going to really use me. Or maybe I am supposed to go there to find my husband. Who knows? I just pray that I will love it there, and if I don't, God will allow me to go back to Greenville one day. So, as I sit at my mom's house in small town Alabama, I miss Greenville already. But I am trusting God that He will make this move great! I did find a wonderful apartment. It's a one bedroom, loft apartment in East Ridge, a suburb of Chattanooga.So, things are already looking up. Please pray for me that I will find a wonderful church family, and that my job will be great!

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 :)