Thursday, August 31, 2006

A much needed mental break...

I'm off work! I just finished washing dishes. My dishwasher blew up weeks ago. The repairman is coming today. I've only been trying to get him to come work on it since black smoke began pouring out. He waits until I'm off to say he's available. So far, he's a no show.

Wow! I was really on my high horse the last 2 blog entries. For good reason though. Ignorance and waste make me mad. That is what you see all around. I'll not go back into all that. What's done is done.

My house is not getting clean with me just sitting here typing. I've got a lot to do today but wanted to put out this quick blog.

Hope everyone is well!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Its true what they say, you meet people for a reason

I blogged earlier today about covering the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I mentioned an interview I had set up with a lady who now lives in Decatur after losing her home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I knew her story would be very emotional. When I talked to her on the telephone the day before, she couldn't stop crying. Now I understand why.

Juergen and I met Judy at her home in Decatur and instantly liked her. She and her husband moved here a few months after Katrina. She bought an old house and fixed it up. She's an interior designer. The inside is gorgeous! The outside, remodeled to look like her old home. She was able to salvage a gorgeous antique bed from her muddy backyard. That is the only piece of furniture she was able to save. All of her pictures are gone. Her home destroyed. Everything that meant something to her was washed away. Her story was emotional, incredible and horrifying. She spent 4 days on her roof top waiting for help. The only food she and her husband had was a small ziplock bag of crackers and half a bottle of water. She shared this with her neighbors.

Judy is one of the lucky survivors. Her husband's job relocated him to Decatur. She has a new home, new furniture, new clothes and a new life. None of these material belongings can replace the memories or friendships she had in her hometown. Judy is traumatized, understandably, from her experience. Underneath it all, she has a heart of gold. She's lonely and simply wants a friend. I believe God brings people into your life for a reason. Maybe my reason for meeting Judy was to give her a voice, and a way to begin the healing process. She also made a new friend in the process.

In other news...my mother and grandmother are on a 2 week trip. Today, they toured Mount Rushmore. Tomorrow its off to Canada. While they are gone, dad is in charge of feeding Momma Kitty, the ducks, geese and whatever else moves around there. 2 cans of food a day should fatten up momma kitty. I think she really likes her new home.

80% chance of rain today? I think the weather guy missed the forecast. That's ok with me. Working in the rain is a real drip :)

More later...

And the award goes to....

I got a call yesterday from Decatur City School's Assistant Superintendent, Ed Nichols. He wanted to let me know I had been nominated, by the entire school board, for the Alabama Board of Education Media National Honor Roll Award. The award goes to a journalist who has shown character, good work ethic, dedication and fairness in covering school related stories. I was surprised and flattered! Even if I don't win, I'm honored the school board thought enough of me to nominate me for this award. Knowing that people have confidence in you and like you in this business means more than any award could.

Today is the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I watched NBC's Brian Williams one-hour special coverage last night. It is amazing how much damage is still piled up. Some places look just the same as when the Hurricane hit. I'm bewildered at how the United States can come together and send millions of dollars overseas when a disaster hits but we can't take care of our own homeland. Dont' get me wrong. I believe in helping others but from the looks of New Orleans, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, etc, we need to help ourselves first.

I've got 2 local interviews set up to go along with today's anniversary. One lady who called the office yesterday lost everything living in Mississippi. She made a good point. You continually see the damage and devastation in New Orleans but there are others all along the Gulf Coast who have nothing left to show but concrete slabs. It's like they've been forgotten. So sad.

The part that makes me the most angry is the waste that has gone on. Last night on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, they did a piece about the thousands of trailers sitting in Arkansas, empty. The reporter estimated the cost of building the mobile homes at $300,000, rent on the property at $25,000 a month. The official that was interviewed said something so stupid the reporter should have slapped the white off his face. He said "well, at least when there is another natural disaster. We'll be prepared. I guess its a good idea we've built to many." On top of that, the poor people who don't have homes can't get one of the FEMA trailers to move into. The amount of red tape is ridiculous. Their sits people with nowhere to live and nothing to call home.

I blame President Bush and FEMA for their tremendous lack of response. I wonder if they lost everything they owned in a natural disaster and had no place to live, no money, no job, no food, no clothing, no transportation, if things wouldn't be different. I bet those FEMA trailers would be set up, without question and the debris hauled off at first light. Maybe they should put themselves in someone else's shoes for a while. As my mom says, "it will come back to bite you." It very well may.

I've been on my soap box way to long. I've got to leave and go to Hartselle.

Have a safe day! Pray for those suffering today.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Boom!



My brother sent me this picture of Col. Henry Blake from the good ole days of MASH (we are big MASH fans). This is exactly the kind of day I had last week. I couldn't say it any better myself, Col. Blake :)

Sugar and spice and everything that glitters?

I reverted back to my childhood tonight and in the process wound up somewhat embarassing myself. I decided to go to church at Austinville Church of Christ. I parked my car and noticed my hands felt grimy. I grabbed my hand sanitizer, squirted a large glob in my hand and started rubbing. I didn't realize it was *glitter* hand sanitizer (new bottle). My hands were covered in shiny shards of glitter and since I had apparently rubbed my hand across my face, so was my cheek. I looked like an over-age member of the now defunct singing group, The Spice Girls.

I can't believe it. I hear it raining outside! It hasn't rained around these parts in a really long time. The grass is dry, corn crops destoryed, and the drainage ditches look dusty. I love when it rains at night. That is such sweet sleeping weather.

I only have to work -3- days this week. I'm off Thursday and Friday. Then next week, I've got Labor Day and the next day off. A well deserved break from the same ole grind. I've got a dinner meeting with my boss Tuesday night to talk about contract negotiations. It's hard to believe my contract is up in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

A friend of mine from church told me tonight she is having gastric bypass surgery. Personally, that is not a choice I would want to make. I would rather leave off the bread, pasta, sweet tea and junk than to have my stomach laid open then sewen back into the size of a cashew nut. I love carbonated beverages and hamburgers too much to change my eating plan to 3 ounces of protein shake every meal. I admire her for wanting to drop the weight.

Hope everyone has a terrific week. I'll blog more later.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Better Late Than Never???

I'm not sure why my camera is printing the wrong date. I assume something is not set right. I hope to figure the problem out soon.

I love to read a good book. Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorites. I'm reading "While My Pretty One Sleeps" right now. I'm trying to read all of her best sellers. I get so engrossed in her books that I stay up late reading then have trouble getting up for work the next morning. Prime example. I was off Monday. I ready past midnight and when the alarm clock went off this morning, it hurt!

I remember when I was a kid, my mother wouldn't let me watch "Dallas." Back then, the show was not fit to watch (I remember sneaking into the hallway while my dad was watching it just to steal a glimpse of JR Ewing). Today, "Dallas" is considered clean compared to the trash on cable. "Dallas" is in re-runs on the Soap Network. I get tickled when I flip over to watch. That used to be such a cool show. So did "The Dukes of Hazard." I can't stand to watch it now and wonder what I ever saw in Bo and Luke Duke in my younger days. hahahah!

I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream!





Tonight, I took my 2 nephews and niece out for ice cream. This is what you get when you order rainbow deluxe ice cream! The name speaks for itself. We ended up with blue tongues and purple fingers. It sure was yummy!

Check out my cat

I caught this fish out of my parents pond Easter weekend. My brother, Chris, was the lucky one who had to get it off the hook for me :) Thanks bro!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Peace sweet peace


This is the most beautiful piece of country you will ever see. This is a glimpse of the senic hillside at my parents house in Haleyville. You can't see it but there is another large pond beside this one. The ducks love it! (the pink house in the background is across the road from mom and dad's).

When all else fails, read the instructions

Not the most flattering picture I admit ut it is my website!! :) I was reading an instruction book for my digital camera while sitting in the sat truck during a break. It was a good excuse to come inside from the heat.

Big Blue Pepsi Machine...

This is a snap shot I took of our satellite truck parked in Selmer, Tennessee. We had a photographer who used to work at 48 that described the truck as a "big blue Pepsi machine" driving down the road. :)

It's a cool ride, really. Its equipped with editing equipment, a computer, a coffee pot for all those caffiene lovers, monitors, sound board, comfy chairs, etc. We can do everything out of this truck, from storm chasing to live shots.

Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean...

In exchange for anchoring the news Saturday, I took today off. Instead of going somewhere exciting, I stayed home and cleaned. It was very theraputic (not really). I washed clothes, changed the sheets on my bed, washed dishes, dusted, cleaned the bathrooms...etc. All the things I hate to do.

I'm watching the "Fantasia Barrino Story" on Lifetime. She won the 2004 American Idol contest. She is not one of my favorite singers. However, I admire her drive and determination. She came from nothing and turned out a star.

Tomorrow night, I have a date with 3 of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet! My nephews Brad and John and my niece Mary Beth and I are going out for ice cream! Brad is very smart. He'll turn 10 in December. John has the prettiest blue eyes and blonde hair. He just turned 5. And Miss Mary Beth, the baby, is the toughest --and sweetest -- little girl you'll ever meet. She is 3. I'm a very lucky aunt. They are terrific children!

For all of you keeping up with Momma Kitty's progress, she's doing much better. However, she got in trouble with mom. Not only does she like climbing the screen with her sharp little claws, she's eating everything in sight. She really likes her new home. I was afraid she might run away at first, mom says no chance of it now. She's hooked on 3 cans of cat food a day.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Friday, August 18, 2006

"I've Been Everywhere Man"

Remember that song from the old Johnny Cash days? That is exactly the way I feel today. I have been on the road so much the past week, the state is about to rename one of the major highways after me. It wouldn't get on my nerves half as much if I got to drive some. Riding with another person all day is challenging.

Small town Hamilton in North Alabama is making news headlines -again-! Hamilton, for those of you who don't know, is a hop, skip and jump from Haleyville (where I grew up). It appears John Mark Karr got his start being a "bad boy, bad boy" right here in the great state of Alabama. We really know how to raise 'em right! I wonder, though, if he really killed JonBenet Ramsey. My money was always on Patsy. I find it ironic that 2 months after her death, this new information comes to light. Hmmmmm...

Kitty cat update...I'm happy to report that Momma Cat is doing well. She is eating 3 meals a day and sleeping the rest of the time. She is in good hands with my mom and dad. By the time I see her again, she should be well on her way to becoming a poster child for obese pets.

Today is Friday. Normally, I'm thrilled to have made it to another weekend. However, I have to work Saturday. I'm filling in at the anchor desk. That's not like reporting where you are out all day running around in the heat begging toothless people for an interview. I can sit back some and relax. What I need to do is wash clothes and clean house. I'll do that Monday. I'm off that day.

Ok. So the pictures aren't posted yet. That is my weekend project. Time people!! I haven't had time!

Hope all is well...
More later.
EG

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Home Sweet Home...

Here I am back home from Selmer, Tennessee sitting in the den of my townhouse watching "Project Runway" with the sound muted. I almost decided against posting a blog tonight because I am so exhausted. We worked hard the past 4 days. It was HOT, HOT, HOT outside. The occassional shower that came through only made the humidity worse. I drank more water this past week than I've ever drank in my life. When Mary's trial starts in October, it should be much cooler.

Here's a funny story. My camera guy, Juergen and I were on our way back to Selmer Monday. We were chugging along at a pretty good clip when the police caught us speeding through Cherokee. Juergen pulled over on the side of the highway. The cop walked up to the window, asked for his license and registration. Now, we are driving a white Ford Taurus with "Heart of The Valley" and WAFF-48 painted all over the car. Did he really think we stole it or that the station decided not to register the car? If I wanted to drive around in a stolen car, it wouldn't be one that used to have a peacock painted on the hood. Anyway, he informed us that Juergen was driving 82 in a 55. He also said we should slow down because they have a problem with deer running out in front of cars. Mr. Policeman didn't seem very interested in the fact that thousands of cars a day drive through that little bump in the road called Cherokee, Alabama. I digress. We are lucky he let us off with a warning -- and a sermon about deer.

I took pictures while we were in Selmer. As soon as I download them, I will post the pics on the website.

I hate to make this short and sweet but I'm tired. I will have much more to say tomorrow. Until then....may the force be with you.

EG

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Nine of the sweetest lives...

My mom and I both love cats. Dad even likes them, though it took years to get him to understand cats are about the most loving animals on the planet. (sorry dog lovers. I've always been partial to cats).

A few weeks ago, mom found some kittens living in a drainage culvert down the road from their house. Since the kittens obviously didn't belong to anyone and were starving, mom and I picked the ones we wanted to take home. Unfortunatly, the kitty cats had other plans. They weren't going to budge. So, Saturday night, we tried again. Little Gray and Calli decided to stay behind. Somehow, we lured Momma cat into coming home with us. I guess she was tired of living life in the ghetto. She's very sweet, a bit timid and so pitiful. I've never seen a skinny cat. We put her on a -3- meal a day plan and she seems to really like it. Hopefully, by the time I come back for a visit, she'll be fat and sassy.

Here is another cat story for you. Not long after we got back from "adopting" momma cat, I opened the door to my car and heard a noise. I looked up and there was a big gray cat stuck to the top of my driver's side seat. I screamed!!! The cat jumped, hit its head on the windshield, scratched the dash, then ran out the door. I have no idea how that animal got in my car. My windows were only cracked a few inches. Hopefully, I've discouraged it from visiting again.

I've got my digital camera working. I'll be posting pictures soon.

I'm sleepy. I've got a long day planned tomorrow. It's lights out for me.

More later...

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Mary, you are giving me a headache...

I'm behind in my posting. I got back Friday night from Selmer, Tennessee. I've spent three days waiting for Mary Winkler to post a $750,000 bail. I have to go back Monday and stay until I get the all clear to come home. That could put my blogging off for a while unless we stay in Corinth, MS where they have wireless internet service. Thanks a lot Mary.

I got an email today from my dear friend Kristen. We've been friends since 6th grade! She's a beautiful and talented person. Her daughter is so pretty! I have to admit I haven't been the best friend. I don't call and often forget to email. Those of you who know me well, know the same thing happens to you. My work load keeps me tied down. Hmmmm....sounds like I need a new hobby :) So Kristen, here's to you! Hope all is well! I miss you dear friend! I will call next time I'm home. Promise!!

I'm stuffed. We just celebrated birthdays for the month of August. My grandmother cooked a huge meal complete with birthday cake (which I cannot eat). I feel like a bloated whale. Gross!

Anyone seen World Trade Center? I had mixed emotions about reliving that day. At first, I didn't want to see the movie. I'm glad I did. I liked the way it ended. I would recommend you see it with a box of Kleenex.

I hope everyone is happy, healthy and wise.

More later...

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

It must be said...

I truly enjoy reading blogs on the internet. I have a few sites in my bookmark that I check on a regular basis. It's a great way to keep up with friends who live far off. I can pull up photos and read what's going on in there lives. I've been meaning to set up an account for months. But like so many other good intentions in my life, I'm just now getting around to it. My mother calls me the world's biggest procrastinator. I think my dad owns that title. haha!

I realized today, this month marks 10 years since I graduated college. Wow! I feel old.

I just enjoyed a well-deserved 4 day weekend. I spent part of it in Haleyville visiting my parents and grandmother. It's so peaceful there. Where I live, I hear the constant buzz of cars speeding by and loud stereos blasting some off beat wrap music. Sometimes, I hear gun fire, followed by a scream. I always wonder if someone is shooting a gun in the air or at another person. It used to scare me but I've tripped over so many dead bodies the last 6 years, I just roll over and go back to sleep. I often refer to this neighborhood as "Little Vietnam."

Have I mentioned its H-O-T outside? It tickles me that the television stations here in Huntsville go all out to cover the heat. This is summer time. Sweat is supposed to roll off your forehead and drip down your leg. I'm out in the weather alot. I try not to let it bother me (mind over matter. mind over matter). Today,though, I had to use my Christmas dish towel I carry in my bag, to wipe away the persperation. Just becase it says Merry Christmas doesn't mean it cooled me off any.

Just another typical day in my life...
More later!