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!