Relay For Life

I have always wanted to participate in Relay for Life, and this year, I am taking steps to do so. But I can't get enough people to commit to this good cause. I called the American Cancer Society today, and they told me I need eight to 15 people for my team, since someone has to be on the track at all times. I have three committed, two others that might do it. But that's only five! So, if you want to be a part of our team, please let me know!

SC Bound!

I am really excited! Next Friday (feb 27th), I'm going to Greenville for a visit. I miss everyone so much, and haven't ruled out moving back there at some point. Fine Arts competition is that weekend, and Olivia is competing. So, I will be going to Columbia with her on Saturday. But Friday and Sunday will be spent in Greenville with friends. I can't wait!

What is a Valentine?

It's time for my least favorite holiday of the year...you might say I'm a Valentines Day Scrooge. I don't like the whole concept. Why must you have a date on the calendar that tells you when to show someone you love them? You should do that all year long! To me, a valentine is someone who showers you with love 365 days of the year...not just February 14th. Don't get me wrong...when I am with someone, I do always hope for wonderful gifts on Valentines Day...but I also hope that I will have fresh flowers on my table most of the time. So, my lesson for you: love on those you love this Valentines Day, but don't forget to do the same on June 12th or March 30th or October 15th...because they deserve knowing how much you adore them everyday of the year!

Notes about our trip

Noelle and I thoroughly enjoyed our 30th birthday trip to Tucson, Arizona. We got to see the city and the desert(which was the highlight of the trip). We also got to spend time at Old Tucson Studios. If you've ever seen a western, or watched "little house on the prairie", chances are you'll recognize some of the buildings and scenery there, because many of them were shot there. The desert is beautiful...nothing like the southeast, where I live. And the weather during the winter is awesome. It was 75 degrees and sunny during the day. at night, we had to wear sleeves...it dropped to about 40 degrees. The food there was amazing! We had Mexican, Southwestern, Jewish, Greek, and Italian food during our stay. And the people were very hospitable. I would recommend this trip to anyone, but go in the winter! I hear it gets plum miserable during the summer!

Pictures From My 30th Birthday Trip to Tucson

Headed to the Sunny/Warm Southwest!

Tomorrow night, I head to Nashville. I will spend the night there and catch a plane the next morning for Tucson, Arizona! I am so excited, I can barely contain myself! My friend, Noelle, is meeting me there and we will be staying until Monday! We are staying at the most awesome hotel--The Westin La Paloma Resort www.westinlapalomaresort.com.
It's going to be such a relaxing trip. I am looking forward to some downtime with one of my best friends! We plan to attend dillinger days, which is a street festival they're having downtown. We also plan to go to Old Tucson Studios...and we are going to go hiking in one of the national parks there. I will definately post pictures once I get back!

Thinking of Robbie

Over the past few days, I've been thinking about my brother, Robbie, a lot. Robbie died after a long battle with Leukemia 12 years ago. The anniversary of his death was Friday. There's still sadness when I think about losing my brother at such an early age. Robbie and I were very close. He was three years younger than me, and we had our fights just like any siblings, but at the end of the day, we loved each other very much. He died my senior year of high school, when he was only 15.

Robbie would be 27 years old now, and I find myself wondering what he would be like. More than likely, he would be married, because he always had girls following him around...and always a couple on his arm. I don't know what he would have decided to do as a career. But I do know that he and I would still be close today.

I have questioned God a lot in the past...why would He take Robbie away from us after such a short time? But as much as I've grieved over the past 12 years, and as much as my family has grieved, I have to trust the Lord. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without facing my brother's death. I also know that God helped me through those rough times, and sent friends to help me through it. I had some really good friends during my brother's fight with cancer, and when he died.

I know that he is in Heaven, waiting on us to join him. He loved the Lord with all his heart. But it doesn't make us on earth miss him any less. I still tear up when I think about him...even after 12 years.

So, as I think about him, I just want to say, "I love you, Robbie, and I'll see you on the other side."

Auld Lang Syne

As I sit and think about the end of 2008 and a new beginning in 2009, I am glad for the chance to start again. 2007 was a wonderful year for me, and as I entered 2008, I just knew it was going to be a great year. I had vowed to lose the extra weight I seem to have carried all my life, and become a much healthier person. I had also vowed to travel more, and I made a list of about five places I wanted to visit.
But 2008 was a year of hardship, of heartache, and of moving on. I didn't lose the weight. I didn't travel more, and I spent most of the year trying to be happy again. I had a really bad breakup, and had to move because with a new boss, my job went sour.

So, the New Year has me thinking about the words of the famous new year's song "Auld Lang Syne". If you don't know the words, here they are:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne

So, should we forget the days that have gone by? Sometimes I think yes, but other times, I think no. Because if you forget where you've been, then you can't learn anything for the future.
So, as you enter the New Year, Thank God for where you've been, and the trials He's brought you through. Because we're still standing today, despite the things that have happened, or the people that seek to destroy us. And look forward to the New Year, and the new beginnings. Because the coming year, 2009, is going to be great! I just know it!

Working on Christmas

I've been in the Television business since 2002, and since 2002, I've had to work every Christmas, except for one. I didn't work last Christmas, and that was a gift in itself to be able to be with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This year, I sit inside the newsroom at Channel three in Chattanooga, and I wish I could be home with my family. My mom passed around the phone this morning and I talked to all my family at her house...my mom, stepdad, grandmother, my sister and her husband, my brother and his fiance. And it was great just getting to hear their voices.

But for the first time I actually enjoy the people I'm spending Christmas with. The people I work with here are so great, and I have actually enjoyed today, even though I've had to work. The crew that's working today are the "newby's"...all of us don't have the seniority, so we have to work while others get the holiday off. It's the nature of the business, the news must go on.

But we're not the only ones...I went into Waffle House today, and those poor people were so busy! It seems everyone went to get a late breakfast at Waffle House this morning...there were so many people in there, and I found myself feeling sorry for the people working there. At least my job isn't as demanding as there's today. Holidays are usually pretty easy in the news business. So, thank you waffle house workers for making my food today.

I say all of this to say--enjoy your time with your family and friends this holiday season...and Thank God for all the time you get to spend with them. Because there are some who can't be with their families on the holidays...as for me, I'm heading to see family tonight.

The Loop Christmas Party

Check out the pictures and video from our Christmas party. The Loop is a young adult group I'm involved in for ages 20s and 30s...we had a great time.http://theloopchattanooga.blogspot.com

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I haven't blogged in a while. Things have been so busy, Christmas has really snuck up on me this year. I'm working today and tomorrow, as I usually have to do. It's the curse of being a tv news producer. But I do get to go home for the weekend and see my family.

I called my mom today. She says everyone's coming over for the annual Christmas Eve celebration...the celebration that I have missed every year, except for last year. It's really sad...I always feel like I'm on the outside. Mom says they're having hordouvers...and exchanging gifts.

I'll work tomorrow, then head to my dad's home, which is really close--about an hour away. I will celebrate Christmas with him and my stepmom tomorrow night...
then I'll head to my mom's in Gordo on Friday morning, where I will get to spend Christmas weekend with my mom, stepdad, grandmother, and probably my brother, Timmy, and his fiance. Lisa and Jon probably won't be there, but I hope that changes.

I'm looking forward to the time at home...

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas...
I hope Santa treats everyone good, and don't forget while you're opening presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday, too. After all, He's the reason for the season!

Look What I got!

I'm so excited! I got my first smart phone! It's a Blackjack II from Samsung. I absolutely love it, but it's taking me some time to figure out how it works! It's almost smarter than me!

Turning 30

So, tomorrow I turn the big 3-0. And it's been really sad for me. I mean, today is the last day of my 20s. I guess leaving behind decades is sad, because that's the last 10 years of your life! And you look back at all you wanted to accomplish, and it didn't happen.
But the good thing is that it kind of gives you a fresh start--a new beginning to do all the things you want to do.
I got an email from my dear friend, Noelle, today. She also turns 30 soon. Her birthday is in March, and she and I are going to Tucson together next month to celebrate. She lives in San Francisco area, so it will be great to see her.

She really put turning 30 it in perspective for me. here's an excerpt:

"Enjoy 30! If you think 30 is bad, wait till we get to 50 (; Not looking forward to 50. Don't really feel much older as I approach 30....I guess I could be upset...but I was at a conference for the past two days in the City....I had to walk to BART from the conference and was surrounded by disabled people...people talking to themselves...panhandlers....and an old homeless guy sleeping in his wheelchair in the BART station underground because it's so cold outside right now in the Bay Area. We really have so much to be thankful for.....a trip to the City keeps things in perspective."

So, as I turn 30, I really want to think about what I want my life to be like for the next 10 years. I want to enjoy life more. I want to meet more people, and make new friends. I want to hopefully find a wonderful man to marry, and have beautiful children. I want to stay put--and quit moving around so much. I want to travel more (for pleasure), and see places I've never seen. I begin that with Tucson...I went when I was a little girl, but I don't remember anything. So, I can't wait to see the southwest.

I'm not working for the rest of the week, so I will update next week.

A Week Away, Advice Needed

I am exactly a week away from the dreaded 30. I turn 30 on December 11th. I am, however, looking forward to some time off. I am off that Thursday and Friday. I was planning on going to Nashville, but because I couldn't find anyone that wanted to go with me...I decided I'm going to stick around here.

So, I'm looking for tips on how to survive turning 30. For those of you that have already hit that milestone...please send me those tips, whether they be humorous or serious, I want to know!

Happy Family News

I got the best phone call last night. My brother, Timmy, has been dating Kylie for a couple years now. Well, Kylie called me last night to tell me Timmy had proposed! So, they're getting married in October! I am so happy for them! I liked Kylie from the beginning, and I told Timmy not to let her get away! So, I am so glad that they are getting married! And Timmy even thought of a clever way to propose! I'm so proud of him!

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

I just love Christmas. It's just so magical! And the belief of Santa Claus has a lot to do with that.

I went to the East Ridge Christmas parade last Saturday night. I decided to go, even though I didn't have anyone to go with. And I am so glad I did. I ended up standing next to a man and his seven-year-old daughter. It was so much fun watching the parade with this little girl. She just watched the parade with awe. But it was a long parade. And about halfway through, she began to get antsy. So, I told her that she needed to watch, because Santa Claus hadn't come by yet. Here's the conversation that followed:

girl: Santa Claus is going to be in the parade?

Me: Didn't you know Santa comes to all the Christmas parades?

girl: The real Santa?

Me: Of course! Is there any other?

So, she got so excited and watched the rest of the parade...and as predicted, Santa came riding in on a fire truck to greet all of the children.

It reminds me of another little girl, who's letter to the editor of the New York Sun has become quite popular. Eight-Year-Old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote the letter, and a quick response was printed in 1897.

Here's the letter and response:

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' "Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Thank God for All His Provisions

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and although I have to work tomorrow and Friday, I just have to say I've got a lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful I have a job, because there are many people in the world right now wondering where their next paycheck will come from. And I am thankful I will get to go home and spend some time with my family this weekend.

I'm thankful for friends. My new friends, Stephanie and Neville, have invited me to spend Thanksgiving evening with them, so I won't be alone. I think that's so nice of them.

I'm thankful for sunrises and sunsets...and the chance to live each day.

What are you thankful for? Let's be sure to give thanks this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas

So, it used to be Happy Thanksgiving for the month of November, then Merry Christmas for the month of December. But it's changed, and silly me, I'm still trying to hold on to my traditions. I've been hearing about folks who have already decorated for Christmas, and my thought it, good grief! Celebrate one holiday at a time! Then, one of the radio stations here went to all Christmas music this week. I couldn't believe it! Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I am afraid if we celebrate for too long, it will no longer be special...



So, I tried to hold off and not listen to the Christmas music. But somehow, my radio dial has made it to that station. And I've learned that Christmas music makes me really happy! So, I just left it there for now. As for decorating, I plan to start the process this weekend. I don't know if I'll do inside and out, but I will get it started. I usually wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up the tree. But Thanksgiving is a week late this year. And I have to work Thanksgiving and the day after. I will be in Gordo visiting my family that weekend. So, I'm going to go ahead and break tradition and put it up.

So, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas--all wrapped into one.

Weekend at Daddy's

This weekend, I am going to see my dad and stepmom. My dad called me about an hour ago, telling me he was home, and wanted to know if I would come. It turned out to be good timing, because I've been feeling a bit lonely this week. I've been sick most of the week, so I haven't had much contact with people, and I just miss my family. So, for anyone that might try to call me this weekend, I will be out of cell phone range until Sunday night. Yeah, my dad's is one of the few places on earth that has lousy cell phone coverage...he lives way out in the boondocks, right on Lake Weiss. But that's not so bad. It gives you a chance to relax from all the hustle and bustle of this world.