Alabama Wins

In case you didn't know, Alabama won last Saturday's game against Tennessee 29-9. It was such a sweet victory.

Here are some pictures from last Friday's pep rally. I didn't take these. Someone emailed them to me.

You can see me in this picture. I am right there on the first row of people sitting down (toward the back). I have a crimson shirt on with a gray stripe on the sleeve.

A Bad Year, But It's Getting Better

You know, I got to thinking this week. 2008 has been a really bad year for me. I mean, my job went sour and I had to move from where I considered to be my home. I went through a bad breakup. Yeah, 2008 was a bad year for the most part. But I think for the most part, things have really changed for me for the better. I moved to a great city where going to work is actually pleasant. I have several friends my age...something I haven't had in a really long time. And I really don't think these are fair-weather friends. I think they are truly good people that want my friendship as much as I want there's. People that aren't just using me for their own agenda. I have had "friends" over the years that did that. Even as recent as Greenville.

But you know, 2007 was a good year for me and my family. I was in a great place in Greenville. I had found a great church, I got my dream car, my sister got married. It was just a good year all-around. Sure, there were bad times, but those didn't last that long.

So, I am hoping 2009 is a good year. I guess we have to go through seasons in our lives. Good seasons and bad. And we learn things along the way. Lord knows, I've been through my share of bad. I'm just wanting some good seasons. I'm turning 30 at the end of this year. I would really like to start 30 off good.

B-A-M-A, ROLL TIDE, ROLL!

Roll Tide, Roll!
Today, I went to an Alabama pep rally here in Chattanooga.
The Million Dollar Band, Crimsonettes, cheerleaders, and even Big Al stopped on their way through Chattanooga today to get fans fired up! It was so much fun! I took lots of pictures and video. Will try to get some on in the coming days.

Alabama plays Tennessee tomorrow...and hopefully we will come away still undefeated!

Pictures from My SC trip

Here are the pictures, as promised!


I spent the whole day Saturday with Olivia. We had a wonderful day and I was sad that we had to say good-bye!

I met up with my friends, Heather and Mike, and their children downtown.

Here's Heather and Mike and their children. They are such good friends!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

I'm back from Greenville, and I have to say, all the way home I fought back tears. I really hated leaving again. I had such a wonderful time visiting with the Meiszeks, Olivia, the Birchfields, and the Hills...plus getting to see everyone at church. I was busy all weekend, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I miss them so much. I've had dreams that I will one day get to move back there, but right now, I really like Chattanooga, too. So, we'll see what happens in the future. I will post some pictures from the trip as soon as I am able.

My Weekend Trip

Well, in just a few hours, I will be heading to Greenville for the weekend. I am very much looking forward to it. I haven't been back since I left more than four months ago. I will get to spend time with most of my friends from there. I am kind of upset because I won't be able to see my friend, Heather. She has to work. But she says she plans to come visit me in Chattanooga. I am excited. I love having out of town guests!

Try Not to Worry

Today, the stock market dropped sharply again...just minutes after trading began. Gas prices are still near $4 a gallon, even though oil prices have dropped so much. For the average person, groceries are costing nearly twice as much. Electric and water bills are going up...and on top of that employment is down, and plants are closing everyday. So, where does it end? Where can we find relief? I don't know about you, but times like this have me worrying about how I'm going to get groceries next week, or put gas in the car. Times like this are enough to make anyone worry. But I'm reminded what the Bible says about worry. Here's what Matthew 6:25-27 says about worry:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

So, as we sit and think about our finances and how we are going to make ends meat, let's ponder these words. Let's put our trust in the Lord. He knows what we are going through. He hasn't forgotten us.

Greenville, Here I Come!

So, I haven't been back to visit Greenville since I moved to Chattanooga. Well, that's all about to change! I am going to visit October 17-19. I am so excited! A family from my church there is letting me and my dog stay at their house. And I am hoping to visit with everyone! It's going to be like a mini-vacation for me! And of course, on Sunday, I will visit my old church. I miss everyone so much and it's been way to long since I went!

I also got some great news yesterday. My very first camper at camp smile-a-mile in Alabama is coming to see me next month. Valerie was 7-year-old when we met. And she is quite the inspiration. For those of you who don't know, Camp Smile-A-Mile is a camp for children with cancer. So, Valerie battled cancer...she went on to graduate valedictorian of her high school class, and she is getting ready to graduate from UAB in December! I feel honored to have been a part of her life all these years! If your ever looking for a great volunteer opportunity, Camp SAM or any other cancer camp is a great place to be. I really cherish my time I spent will all of the children there.

Good Friends and Lots of Fun

I am so looking forward to this weekend. Tonight, my friends, Janna and Stephanie, are coming to my home for a girls night. Their husbands will be out of town, so we decided to spend some time just us girls.

So, tonight, we are doing fondue...we will have cheese fondue and chocolate fondue. It's not the Melting Pot, but I think it will still be fun! We are also going to watch a chick flick. I have rented "Made of Honor". I think it's going to be a great time!

Who knew North Georgia had a winery? I sure didn't when I moved here! Well, I am so excited! Tomorrow, the winery is having a grape stomp. So, I plan to go to that!

They will have wine-tasting, live music, and of course, some messy grape stomping. Sounds like so much fun! And it's only $5 to get in. Now that's my kind of price.

And of course, I'll have to watch the Tide roll over Kentucky tomorrow afternoon. Might not get to see the whole game, but I will definately catch the last half! i am so happy that my favorite team is doing so well! Alabama is number two in the country! It's exciting!

So, this weekend sounds like the most fun since I moved to Chattanooga. I'm really looking forward to it!

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.