Goodbye Katie

Yes, I saw it.  What I could anyway.  Yes, I cried. Too bad I couldn't call in sick or go into work late.  I haven't had a day of seriously considering that in order to watch a television event since President Ronald Reagan's funeral. 

So, as previously established, I am a Katie Couric fan in this world that seems to be increasingly leaning towards the Katie haters.  I am not jumping ship.  I love Katie, okay?  Seriously, this sounds dumb but for real:  Although we have never actually met, Katie Couric had an impact on my career.  No, I've never met her... but I became obsessed with the Today show when I was in middle school, around the same time Katie started co-hosting Today.  When Matt Lauer got on board, I was even more interested, hello!!  Seriously, I wanted to be "the next Katie Couric" like millions of other American girls.  When I graduated from high school, some of the cards I got were addressed to "The future Miss Katie Couric."  Now, we all know, my career ended up taking me down a slightly different path, producing.  And I LOVE PRODUCING.  I feel like I was created to do this job.  And I landed it because I pursued a career in TV news, because when I was 13, I wanted to be like Katie.  So, Katie haters, take that.

Plus, how can you hate a woman who has saved countless lives from the grips of colon cancer?  Katie is smart, savvy, cute, funny... what more could you want in a woman, a journalist, or a role model?  I admit, there have been times over the years where I have wished she would be so into herself, or she wouldn't be so blatantly liberal, but there is forgiveness.

I don't know how many people realize this, or how many people will officially label me a freak for this, but did you know my cat is named after Katie Couric?  I woke her up this morning to see the sweetest goodbye edition of the broadcast.  She didn't seem to appreciate that, or be very interested in the television.  She did, however, get a bonus meal, breakfast, out of it.  That, she dug.

One more note, shout out to my favorite evening news anchor (sorry Katie) Brian Williams. http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/brian_williams/index.htmlToday is the one year anniversary of his blog! It is a fabulous place, and I wish I still had the time for daily visits to the "Daily Nightly" during my day.  I loved reading during the day how Nightly News's rundown was shaping up.  Now I read it in the evenings, it's not the same.

Brian vs. Katie vs. Charlie.  Three greats. I can't wait!! I SO need to get a DVR again!!

getting it white

Okay, so if I remember correctly, the fashion rule is after labor day you can wear white shoes.  Does the same apply for white pants?  I just bought a pair, and was thinking of sporting them tomorrow.  That is, if the fat on my legs isn't too fierce.  (yes, I tried them on and photographed, to get an outside opinion) That would definitely make the white pants out of question.  Isn't it crazy how your body looks different from day to day?  Do you think that's all mental? Why is it, I ask, that NO MATTER how much weight I lose... I am still cursed with chubby sausage thighs?  Why?  My mother and grandmother don't have this problem.  Genetics is out.  Why me?? Why me?? (cue the Nancy Kerrigan tape)

The Waiting Game

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. --Psalm 27:14"

Notice how it says "wait for the Lord" twice.  I don't think this is a mistake.  We need to be reminded, because after 6 words, we've already forgotten the message."

I'd like to get back into posting my daily musings.  So, here goes.  Not even a full 24 hours post my patriotic post about Memorial Day, I found myself in a predicament.  I noticed there was no traffic on the way to work today (because all folks with a reasonable, normal job were off) so I thought, "I shall seize this Starbucks opportunity." I was even the kind co-worker and called ahead to the newsroom to bring joe for others. And that's when it happened.  I practically pulled out into the middle of a Memorial Day Parade.  Seriously.  There were high school marching bands, Shriners, and I even saw the Mayor of Monroeville.  Route 22 was parade headquarters.  And the festivities were continuing beyond Starbucks.  Needless to say, I had to start my day without joe. Sigh.

I got in a last minute Memorial Day grilling mood and made a trip to the grocery store where there were NO STEAKS. At all.  Western Pennsylvania has been swept clean of red meat.  So, I had chicken. 

Seeing as my two above opportunities to blow my healthy way of life were busted, I tried for the charm.  Third try.  Brusters.  Score!  I'm pretty sure I was making love to that Turtle Waffle cone all the way home. Windows were down.  Our PDA was out there for the whole world to see.  Cue the Rascal Flatts song.  I love this ice cream.  LOVE it.  Seriously.

Okay, there.  Happy Memorial Day.  Again, don't lose sight of what it's all about... even if the American Legion Parade gets in your way.  Today another soldier and two journalists lost their lives in Iraq.  Those deaths both hit home for me.

Well... 7 minutes until Everwood.  I must now assume the position.

I just realized I have had this blog now for more than a year! And I have had 1833 visitors.  That's not very many for a whole year!  But it's quality, not quantity people.

I had to work tonight (Sunday is becoming Monday right now).  Welcome to the life of the new kid.  I didn't mind it though.  It's amazing the transformation a newsroom takes on on weekends and holidays.  There are no managers and not as many pressures.  Not as much news.  The phone isn't ringing off the hook.  And there are good things like people going out for food, flip flops, jeans, and plenty of time to work with.  It's almost like a vacation, but you're still at work.  Imagine, people.  Work with me.  It's NICE.

I had a very low key weekend.  Let's see, there was a walk in the park (literally).  A Lifetime movie (it's been a while, so it was nice).  Lifetime is like a tuna sandwich.  You would never agree to having it on a day to day basis, but every once in a while, it's REALLY good.  I sat out back and read (Anderson Cooper's new book is out -- he's SUCH a cutie)

Oh, and today I finally had one of life's simple pleasures I had yet to enjoy on my own.  The iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts.  FABULOUS.  PERIOD.  I am so psyched I have discovered that for $1.71 I can have the summertime fix for my caffine needs.  And it's on my way to work.  See you soon DD!!

Okay, that's about it.  Sorry I've been short on posts lately.  I've been reflective, and I don't like to get too mushy or personal in this space.

Please, please, PLEASE take time out today away from your day off, shopping, grilling out, to say a prayer for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the men and women who have died in war, proecting America and what our values and beliefs are all about.  There are thousands of men and women in danger today and they need our support and prayers.  While you're on this wavelength, please pray specifically for my friend, Jeff.  He has some really beautiful dreams he'd like to live to see come true.  I'd like that for him too.  Please pray for him today.

friends to the core

Tonight I was having a conversation with a dear friend.  All friendships are special.  But some go beneath the surface.  My friend Ann and I have an incredible bond.  Our God.  Sadly, I have not been seeking His face as I should be lately.  I don't know why.  Why do we wander?  Anyway... that's not the point of this post.  This post is to thank Ann for pointing me north.  We can spin and spin, and it can be fun, for a time.  Then, we need to focus.  Sometimes we need someone to help us.  It's like pin the tail on the donkey.  You have a chance... if someone at least points you in the right direction.  Thank you, Ann. 

Colssians 3:16 = "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

what a girl wants

All I want is a guy like this... too much to ask?

I'd like to file a formal complaint

It's May 19th.  May 19th.  And today I wore socks... and I saw my own breath.  That is so unacceptable!  What happened to Spring?

Race For The Cure

I survived!  Here are a couple of pictures from the race.  I'm exhausted, so I'll give you the details later.  But I finished :)   Thank you Gretchen for being my inspiration!

An Explanation...

Below are a few of the pictures my Granny recently sent me.  Pictures from when Chris & I were growing up.  Aren't they hilarious?!  Look at his face in every picture.  So dramatic.  And look at my family!  What in the world?  Who dressed me?  Who dressed my dad?  It's so funny to look back at yourself when you were 8 and had the same teeth that you do now.  Growing is definitely a process.  It's unfortunate and yet wonderful that there are snapshots like this along the way.  I'm such a sentimental geek.  I don't know what everyone will think of these pictures, but I know my family will enjoy!

As promised

 

King Friday

Hold your comments.  I know I just titled my post a day of the week again... but it's the F-word that everyone loves.... FRIDAY.  Man, has this week dragged on.  But alas, Friday is here!  Isn't there something magical about Friday?  Rest, just around the corner.  There are jeans, paychecks, and casual conversations of "what are you doing this weekend?" and 48 hours ahead of nothing but time that you can do with what you choose.  Oh, bliss.

If Friday weren't so wonderful... Mr. Rogers wouldn't have a best friend named "King Friday."

Happy Friday everyone!  Have a flavored coffee and sip on the possibilities.

Fear

Coming Soon:  Embarrassment.

Okay... so for some reason I decided it would be a good idea to run with Gretchen in the Race for the Cure.  It's a 5K, and it's this Sunday.  I have only run in one 5K before, and I came in DEAD LAST.  Seriously.  Want Proof?http://starcitystriders.com/Results/jingle/jingle01/jingleage011.htm

Dawn Pellas and I only ran a couple of minutes the whole time.  It was all fun and good, I got a long sleeved t-shirt out of it.  But I'd be lying if I played this whole thing off.  The truth is, I didn't really find it all that funny that I came in last.  I'm a pretty competitive person... I like to do well in everything that I do.  That's why I like to stick to things I'm good at!  So... here I am, what?  4 years later... 30 pounds lighter... hoping for the best... but just praying that I don't come in last again.

I am scared.  I don't feel ready.  It's like a final.  I wish I was ready, but I haven't really prepared.. or studied, now I'm going to try to pull it off anyway.  Whew.  I hope adrenalin is all it's cracked up to be.

Lost in Translation

Okay... so for the past couple of weeks, I have been admittedly OBSESSED with this song... even though I had NO IDEA what it said.  I don't speak french, I don't read french, but it sounds beautiful:

J'ai deux amours (Madeleine Peyroux)

On dit qu'au delà des mers
Là-bas sous le ciel clair
Il existe une cité
Au séjour enchanté
Et sous les grands arbres noirs
Chaque soir
Vers elle s'en va tout mon espoir

J'ai deux amours
Mon pays et Paris
Par eux toujours
Mon cœur est ravi
Manhattan est belle
Mais à quoi bon le nier
Ce qui m'ensorcelle
C'est Paris
C'est Paris tout entier

Le voir un jour
C'est mon rêve joli
J'ai deux amours
Mon pays et Paris

Manhattan est belle
Mais à quoi bon le nier
Ce qui m'ensorcelle
C'est Paris, c'est Paris tout entier

Le voir un jour
C'est mon rêve joli
J'ai deux amours
Mon pays et Paris

Enter the beauty of Google.  Have you ever translated anything?  It's instant.  Google is so smart.  If I had a dog, I'd name him Google.  Cute puppy name, yeah?  That's beside the point... so here's what Google says my current jam says in english:

One says that beyond the seas   Over there under the clear sky   There is a city   With the magic stay   And under the large black trees   Each evening   Towards it from all my hope goes away     I have two loves   My country and Paris   By them always   My heart is charmed   Manhattan is beautiful   But what good is it to deny it   What bewitches me   It is Paris   It is entire Paris     To see one day   It is my pretty dream   I have two loves   My country and Paris     Manhattan is beautiful   But what good is it to deny it   What bewitches me   It is Paris, it is entire Paris     To see one day   It is my pretty dream   I have two loves   My country and Paris

mediocre monday

What do you think of me titling posts by the day of the week?  I think it's kind of weak.  I'm low on creative juice.  Bear with me.  I was really REALLY really late this morning.  I left my house late, then got trapped in the Parkway traffic warp for like 45 minutes!!  Thankfully I had KT Tunstall to jam out to.  I got to work just in time to walk into the morning meeting with everyone saying things like "there she is," and "we're just glad you're okay."  Hmm.  Thanks for noticing, but no thanks.  I was a bit embarrassed.  It passed quickly however, and soon we were on about our merry news day. 

Tonight I made a discovery.  For the past few years, I have had these mysterious bleach spots showing up on my towels.  Not too big of a deal since I don't pump a lot of money out on things like towels... but I did always wonder where the bleach spots came from.  Ha!  I, the great scientist, have figured it out!  Benzoyl Peroxide. I know because the green washcloth I washed my face with last night is the latest victim.  I'm really giving this ProActiv bo-bo stuff a chance, I tell ya!

Everwood was sooo good tonight.  I just love that show! And Gilmore Girls, which I thought was ending last week... but much to my surprise and pleasure, there's one more night!  Tomorrow night.  I read today that it will be the show's last night with its creator, Amy Sherman-Pallidino.  Too bad.  I saw her on the DVD, and it's obviously clear her writing style drives the show.  I'll still hang.  Tonight I watched a new show I'm a little skeptical of... "What About Brian" on ABC.  First of all... it's hard to get past thinking Barry Watson isn't Matt from 7th Heaven.  I can tell I'm in the beginning stages of falling for this show.  But, much like a relationship... I'm skeptical.  What if it doesn't work out?  What if it's canceled... and I'm all alone on a Monday night at 10... with nothing to watch?  Ever since Swan's Crossing dissed me after school in 7th grade, I've had a wall up.  Broken hearted TV habits.  This is why I like to stick with the stuff you can count on, like the news!

I had big plans on making fun of David Blaine and his week in a giant bubble tonight.  But I clicked over during the commercials and saw they were giving him oxygen.  I can't, in my right mind, make fun of a guy who's on oxygen.  David, you're off the hook.

sunday night

  There are good and bad things about Sunday night.  Good = nice reflective time, relaxed mode... time to unwind, clean, get ready for the week ahead.  There's hope too... a new week ahead.  The bad, there's a whole week of work ahead!  Ahh!  And it's May.  A rough and tumble time in local TV news.  It's a very important ratings period.  My boss said Friday, "A good May book is a good summer."  No pressure, seriously... thanks.

I have had a great weekend.  I downloaded some really good cds:

With all of this good music, I just wanted to listen and listen and listen... so I did.  I was fairly productive... laundry, cleaning, cooking etc.

I'm a little frustrated with my face right now.  Seriously, I thought acne was supposed to be an adolescent problem.  Apparenly my face got the memo about 10 years late.  I have zits on my forehead and my chin!! Ew! And when I get a zit... it's a big one.  My face doesn't play around.  Like the rest of me, it's all or nothing.  I get these giant, painful puss filled monsters that leave their evil red marks behind for months.  So, it's war.  Oh yeah.  I went to Sam's Club and bought this stuff that's supposed to be like ProActiv, you know the Jessica Simpson advertized stuff?  We'll see if it works.  If I look like Jessica Simpson in two weeks... I'll be happy.

Speaking of her... so Nick Lachey has it going on these days.  Seriously.. he has a new infomercial out about Core Strength... some kind of exercise DVD or somethign... He does a lot of sit ups on one of those giant inflatable balls.  It's nice!  I can always feel myself getting wooed by infomercials.  I'm such a marketer's dream!! And Nick Lachey's new song, "What's Left Of Me," is pretty good.

Last night I hung out with people from work... had a blast... I also had curly hair. (it was all an attempt to draw attention away from the Appalachian Mountains forming on my forehead and chin)

Well.. that's just about all for now.  A chilled weekend.  A good thing.  Ready for a new week?  Ready or not.. here it comes!

Oh, also this weekend, I got a new scanner/printer and it's sweet!  I'll scan some of the hilarious pictures my Granny sent me of me and my brother when we were little.  Coming soon. Laughs guaranteed.

Favorite Things

Every year Oprah has this special show that gets ridiculous ratings called "My Favorite Things." She gives away awesome stuff like cars, computers, ipods.. you get the point.  No, that wasn't her show today... you didn't miss anything.  Seriously, today she had Teri Hatcher, and I only saw like the last 5 minutes of the show.. but I'm thinking, yeah.. you didn't miss much.  Apparently Teri Hatcher has a book called "Burnt Toast" or something. There, you're all caught up.

Back on task... So today I experienced a couple of my favorite things.  The smell of summer rain and a long, hot bath.  Yes, in that order... but there was a bunch of random stuff in between... all of it quite regular and not worth writing home about.  But I was just thinking of listing my favorite things... so here goes:

1. Chocolate Turtle Ice Cream from Bruster's (my new vice... it's on the way home from work, darn it!)

2.  Chef Boyardee's Spaghetti and Meatballs (total comfort food, always handy)

3.  The smell of summer rain (you know what I mean by this -- that smell after it rains when it's warm... it kind of stinks and smells good at the same time, I dig it)

4.  New shampoo and conditioner (always an adventure... and a splurge since I never really need to buy this, I have so much)

5.  The feeling of freshly brushed teeth (nothing else like it)

6.  The internet (seriously, how did people survive 10 years ago without it?)

7.  A long hot bath (even better if you have a good smelling candle and a good magazine... tonight I had both)

8.  A good book (one that makes you dream and think)

9.  A new CD (or these days, a new download)

10.  Ann Taylor Loft (Ann Taylor is my hero... so is Kate Spade, but I can't afford her, so Ann & I are tight)

Of course, there are many more... and it varies all the time... if I were making this list any other night, perhaps the top 10 favorite things would be different. Be that as it may, this is where I stand in this moment.  If I could just add a couple more things... they would be a really good night's sleep (which I feel coming on right now) and the Today Show (which I will blissfully experience shortly after my good night's sleep)

Hope all is well.  We are so blessed, yeah?  Life is Good... or at least that's what the shirt I'm wearing right now says.  So true.