Local tie to the Olympics...

So its after 10 pm and I'm sitting in the newsroom waiting for the Olympics to finish up. We can't go on until today's events wraps up. The schedule says 11:30. YUCK! However, makes for good overtime :)

This is a picture of my friend, and former Decatur Bureau Photographer, Juergen Beck. He is in Beijing shooting video for the Olympics. What a cool job! I'm very proud of him. He jumped out of television news to start his own production company. Looks like his hard work has paid off. Congrats JB and have fun!!

Does America REALLY have talent?

I'm sitting in the newsroom waiting for my 10:00 spot on the news. Playing on NBC is "America's Got Talent." Some of the people on there are so gifted. Then there are others that are, well, not so much!

I know its been a long time since my last post. My excuse is this. I don't really have one other than just being lazy. As with every post I will make this solemn promise -- I will try harder!

Is it hot enough for you? I know it is for me but I'm one of those strange people who LOVES summer in the south! The heat and humidity beats freezing to death. I've never been much for cold weather. Makes my old bones hurt and gives me static in my hair :) No woman wants that!?!?!

I spent most of the day at the Moontown Airport. 2 people died in a plane crash just west of there. Very sad. No matter how many tragic and bad scenes you go out on it never gets easier. In fact, it gets tougher. Makes you realize how precious life is. You should love everyday given you and embrace the ones around you that mean the world to you.

Fresh garden vegetables are by far the best invention EVER! I brought home a basket of grandma grown tomatoes, corn, watermelon, peppers and peaches. I've so enjoyed reaping the benefits of her gardening. SO delicious and much better than even what you buy at the farmer's market -- not to mention its FREE!!!!

Are you in the market for a kitty cat? Lane has 5 snuggly little ones he's more than willing to give away to a good home. If you are like me and have cat related allergies, he'll even tie a Benadryl around kitties neck. Let me know if you want one. It will be the best investment you ever make (ok not really but he desperatly needs to get rid of the kitties and doesn't want to have to drop them at the animal shelter).

Hope everyone has a good "hump day!"

Not just another fish tale

I caught this spotted catfish out of my parent's pond Mother's Day Weekend! It weighs just a few pounds but it's a fish none the less. Thanks dad for taking it off the hook for me :)

The "big" catch...

Last Saturday, my brother and I went fishing at Flint Creek. We had a blast! The weather was warm and sunny. We had a boat full of crickets -literally Chris spilled them :) and I packed sandwiches and Funyun rings which we forgot to eat. I wanted to show you the "big catch." It's a 2 pound limb that I'm proud to say was quiet a challenge to reel in :) Enjoy!

Memorial Day...

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Hope you enjoyed some delicious bar-b-q, potato salad and a slice of apple pie. I worked. What's new?

Sunday thoughts...

Saturday we such a beautiful day! It was a little chilly to me, especially in the shade but gorgeous weather just the same.

The healthy eating plan is going well. Can't complain when I step on the scales. The weight isn't coming off quiet as fast as last year but that is partly because I haven't had time to walk or get on the elliptical. That's ok. I am a busy girl and sometimes can't fit everything I need to do into 24 hours. I really could use about 26 ha/ha My mom calls it poor time management skills. I call it just having skills :)

My windshield finised cracking yesterday. I will have to get it replaced hopefully tomorrow. I've got a dentist appointment early Tuesday and won't have that much time when I get back, if any. Not to mention I need 4 new tires and the bumper fixed where some moron backed into me a few months ago.

So let's see what's on today's menu.

I had a bowl of Fiber One cereal today (just 1 cup with skim milk). I have discovered it is delicious and actually has more fiber than oatmeal and its a good swap through the week. For a snack I ate the rest of my grapes in the fridge. I'm going to blend me a fruit smoothie at some point today but that might not be until later this evening. I'm thinking about having lunch (still the health eating way) at O'Charley's this afternoon. I'm tired of eating here so I think I will let somebody else cook for me. :)

2 days in 1...

I'm a day behind on posting. I had to go to court in Morgan County yesterday on an ID theft case from 2 years ago. Then I had run home, eat lunch, and head to work. I was a busy girl!

My healthy eating plan is going well. I'm eating the same type foods and seeing results on the scales. Isn't that what its all about??? :)

I'm on call this weekend and really have no plans of using my cheat day. I haven't lost enough weight yet to do that. I am banking on next Thursday night to ea something very yummy -- like boneless chicken tenders smothered in Daytona Sauce.

Today's food craving - chicken tenders

What do you expect? I'm only human!!

Normally I end my blog entry with a food craving of the day. Not today. The third day is always the toughest. I'm usually out of the newsroom and busy but on Wednesday I'm stuck inside working on my franchise piece. Since I'm finished writing, I have plenty of time to kill so what crossed my mind???? Peanut butter. I wouldn't dare dip into the jar but just to think about it brings peace to my soul! No matter how much I love fresh fruits and vegetables nothing takes the place of good ole comfort food. As much as I am craving it, I wouldn't dare touch it!! I'll save a tablespoon for a cheat day. That will give me something to look forward to.

I had a surprise arrive to the newsroom today. Beautiful yellow roses! Awwwwwwww! That was so sweet! E2 you made my rainy day sunny! Thanks so much!!!


Today's menu:

Breakfast -- oatmeal with fruit
snack -- blueberry smoothie
lunch -- salad with tomatoes, 3 T ranch dressing, 1 cup strawberries, 2 boiled eggs
snack -- banana
snack -- 2 apples
dinner -- chicken flavored brown rice, tomatoe, cantaloupe, 2 boiled eggs

Tasty huh? ha/ha May seem skimpy but really tasty! Get on board! The 3rd day is a drag but don't let it get you down. It will be much easier tomorrow :)

1 1/2 pounds lighter...

You are not supposed to weigh for 9 days but I am one of those people who just has to "be in the know." I've already lost a pound and a half. Not bad for a day's work :)

I got up early and cleaned house. That was my exercise for today. I washed clothes, ran the vacum, dusted, ironed, cleaned my kitchen and a few other odds and ends. Remember, keep moving! That's key to any successful health plan.

My day's menu:

Breakfast - 1 cup oatmeal with banana and strawberries
Lunch - salad from Steak Out with Ranch dressing (remember only 3 Tablespoons of fat a day)
snack - blueberry smoothie
dinner - 1 cup brown rice (Uncle Ben's 90 second kind), 1 cup cantaloupe and an apple

I'm full and quiet content. It helps to plan ahead and bring dinner. Do I miss my peanut butter, yes but I can live without it. Thanks Lane for the heads up. He told me peanut butter is what football players eat to fatten up. I'd make one heck of a line backer right now!!!! ha/ha Where do I sign up coach? :)

***important note***
The author of Fat Smash has put out an updated version of his book. It gives a little more information on the detox phase along with a few more sample menus. It's basically still the same format just slightly revised.

Happy eatings!

Today's food craving - scrambled egg sandwich on toasted bread

Happy Birthday!

Today is my niece's birthday. She turned 5. Happy Birthday Mary Beth!

Time for a change...again!

Once more, I am fighting the "battle of the bulge." Ok more like a non-stop war these days. If you remember this time last year, I dropped about 30 pounds on "The Fat Smash Diet." I gained that back plus some, I'm ashamed to say. When my schedule changed to a split shift, my metabolism went into the basement. Well, that's part of it. The other half of the story is everything I've been eating since. Peanut butter and I became very good friends shortly after. Last night, I had to end that sticky love affair and say goodbye to my favorite jar of Jiff. It was difficult but I feel certain it was the right move. Eating an entire jar of my favorite spread really was starting to show up in places I would rather not share :)

I've mentioned this already but feel its worth repeating. I LOVE Fat Smash because its easy. Plain and simple. I like fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and brown rice so its no problem for me to stick to it during the 9 day detox phase. I have my "built in" cheat day and I take advanatage of a FEW favorties then. The next day, I'm back on it.

I realized sleeping until 11 on Monday and Tuesday morning wasn't helping me at all. I need a regular schedule so today I got up early and exercised, kist like I would at the end of the week when I work a dayside schedule. I cleaned house after never giving myself a chance to be still. Remember if you move it you will lose it!!! Also, I find blogging about my weight loss experience helps me stay on track. It holds me accountable for the foods I stick in my mouth. Plus I love the feedback for those of you faithful enough to still log on and check this thing.

Like last time, I ate what I wanted before I started back on my healthy eating plan. It helps get the cravings out of my system. Today was very easy and I enjoyed the foods I ate. Remember, the 9 day detox plan helps get rid of the water weight and you can really shed some pounds in that amount of time -- in a healthy way!

Here's what I ate today...

Breakfast - 1 cup oatmeal with half banana, 2 cut up strawberries and a splash of milk
snack- I had the other half of my banana
lunch- Blueberry Smoothie (1/3 cup frozen blueberries, 1 container of blueberry yogurt and 1/3 cup skim milk) YUM!
dinner - 2 boiled eggs, tomatoes and a small salad with cut up apples and unsweet tea with lemon

If you want to participate along with me, join in. You can check past blogs to find out more about the plan. I will be posting everyday so you can see how its going.

Wish me luck -- again!

My weight -- 1** (seriously people. I didn't tell you the last time either)
Today's food craving - bagel

Stop! Put your hands where I can see them!

Ok. I am no crime fighter. And after last week, my respect for law enforcement went up a notch. If you haven't heard my photographer, Ben and I foiled a burglary. Want the details? Sure you do!

Thursday, the owner of former "Sister Gooch Restaurant" in Huntsville called to say that someone had stolen over $300,000 worth of equipment, furniture, silverware, etc from inside the closed business. She was desperate for help and wanted information on anybody who may have been seen around the area. She even went as far as sleeping in her car outside to try and catch the theives. We went inside with her, did an interview, shot video. We were there for over an hour. When we were finished, we loaded our gear and pulled around back. We see a beat up old van pulled in backwards and a door (the only one with a broken lock) standing wide open. We asked three men standing there what they were doing. One said he had been told to come by and pick up some equipment. We knew that was a lie considering not much was left inside (we think they came back to strip the expensive light fixtures and iron railings). The owner starts crying hysterically and asks Ben to call 911. She is so distraught she can't speak. Ben takes the phone and tells the dispather what is going on. One of the suspects comes to the door of our vehicle and tries to tell me his story (while blocking my door). I got out and started questioning what he was saying. Ben gets a license plate number and gives the dispatcher a description of the van and the suspects. We pinned them in with our vehicle but they manage to pull out around us. The owner and I stand in front of the van. One of the suspects starts walking off. Ben goes around the front of the store to try and stop him (all the while staying on the phone with 911). I call an investigator to tell him what is happening. While I am talking to him and trying to console the owner, a second suspect tries to get away. I told the driver of the van to put his hands on the steering wheel where I could see them. Left the owner there with him and took off running after the suspect in blue (that we lovingly labled "Pookie.") When I get around the corner, a Huntsville Police Investigator gets out of the car, draws his gun and puts the suspect down on the ground. He arrests the driver, puts him in handcuffs and gets him to the ground. The investigator I was on the telephone with goes after the 3rd suspect, finds him in the woods near a pre-school, draws his gun and makes an arrest.

Ironiaclly, Investigators found the stolen restaurant equipment at a warehouse on Oakwood Avenue and were able to return most of it to the owners. In the end, we kept 3 crooks from running away and helped solve a big burglary ring. It was pretty cool!

If you want to read or see video log on to our website at www.waff.com. Enjoy!

This is a promo about the burglary bust running on our station this week.

Have a good one!

My special house guest...

Ok. Ok. Stop hounding me! I know its been FOREVER since I last posted to this blog. Does anyone out there still read this thing? My New Year's Resolution was to do better about posting. So I got a little side tracked! It happens when you live in a very busy world (or when you procrastinate) :)

Monday I will greet a very special visitor to the great state of Alabama. His name is Russ and he lives in Anchorage, AK -- yes that is what I said. We went to college together then reconnected sometime ago. I am excited about seeing him again! I admit I'm nervous but happy the day is finally here! I hope it all goes well. I'm going into it with an open mind -- and a lot of butterflies in my stomach :)

I will post again soon with updates...Check back to see my progress.

Here I go AGAIN!

Think back to last spring when I posted the bulletin about starting the "Fat Smash Diet." It was a very successful diet plan that fit my lifestyle so well. I lost a lot of weight, in a healthy manner in a relatively short period of time. I was thrilled with the results and loved to see how well I did every time I looked in the mirror. Well people, its time to shed the winter pounds I've gained back and do it all over again!

So for those of you with New Year's plans of losing weight, I will repost the same thoughts, recipes and diet tips from my first go around. I like this plan because I get to eat fruits, veggies, oatmeal, brown rice and a little salad dressing. On low-carb diets all the "healthy and tasty" foods are cut out making you hungry which leads to cheating then weight gain.

Anyone willing to jump on board with me, here's the plan. I'm starting Monday so I better go get my place in line at Taco Bell!!!

Working out the kinks...

I've been having technical trouble with my blog. I believe some of the kinks have been worked out. So, I have no excuse to get so far behind on this page. New pictures, posts and drama are headed your way in 2008. Be sure to tune in -- and tell your friends to join in!

Britney Spears? I don't think so!

Tonight, I had to shoot a story for my weekly franchise, "Restaurant Scorecard" As we are getting ready for the interview, I hear, "Psstt...she looks like Britney Spears." I turn around to hear the woman contine, "that reporter. she reminds me of her." Now, I think Britney, despite her troubles, is an attractive woman. Uh, pre-Britney that is. Post Britney, not so much. I didn't get a chance to ask which genre of Britney she thought I looked like. Perhaps, I don't want to know. So, to those who are crazy and think I look like the pop princess please reconsider and find a new role model to pattern me by ha/ha

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I hope all of my faithful readers enjoyed a very Merry Christmas! Santa did not skip over me this year, as I have been a very good girl, according to HIS list :) The time spent with my family was the best part. Christmas gifts were great too!

Also want to wish you all a happy 2008!

Over 1,000 people served...

This blog has reached a mile stone. I checked the counter and I finally hit 1,000 views! I realize for several months I have neglected my readers so if you still log on to this site, I thank you! Your presence is accounted for :)

My New Year's resolution, by the way, is to blog more, complain less! ha/ha

Shhhhh Don't Tell!!!

I'm excited about this weekend! It's going to be a very special Saturday. My 2 cousins are flying in to surprise my grandmother. After dinner, we are giving GG her cookbook, that Chris and I spent the past 10 months putting together. She has NO idea what's in store for her. I hope she likes it! Everybody so far who has read through it loves it. GG, I hope you enjoy your weekend. You deserve to have a happy time!

Meeting "The Man"

Last Friday night, my mother and I had the priviledge of meeting retired NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw. He was the guest speaker at the Freed-Hardeman University Benefit Dinner. I had been trying to swing "free" tickets for months, being that I am a member of the media. I had all but given up hope when 2 good friends of mine from church called and said they had 2 tickets and wanted to know if I would be interested in taking them. Are you kidding???? YES!! My friends brother made a $5,000 donation to the school and in return was sent 4 tickets. He GAVE those tickets to his brother who in turn GAVE me 2. I called my mom and asked if she wanted to go. She was thrilled! We drove to Henderson, ate dinner then went to Loyd Auditorium to hear Mr. Brokaw speak. He is truly a wonderful and entertaining person. Afterwards, we had our picture made with him. He is shorter than what I expected but, as always, dignified and professional. Thanks Yates family for the tickets and thanks Mr. Brokaw for a wonderful, memorable evening!