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!

Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!

Hope everyone who is still faithful to read this abandoned blog page had a Happy Thanksgiving!! My apologies for not keeping in touch for so long. Not sure why I've neglected my blogging duties other than I've been super busy the past few months.

As usual, I worked Thanksgiving and the day after. Nothing spectacular going on unless you count the guy shot in the nipple by his best friend after a beer brawl. That happened Thanksgiving night. He's going to live but I feel sorry for the Med-Flight crew that had to work on him. One of the paramedics told me he stunk of alcohol so badly it was making them sick to stabalize him. ha/ha Ladies and gentlemen, morons like that is the reason I get a pay check every 2 weeks.

I spent the weekend with my family enjoying some post turkey day treats. Mom had one more spread on the dining room table. Everything from turkey and boston butt to mashed potatoes, corn and sweets. Very delicious!! My brother, sister-in-law,nephew and myself played "Rook" and "UNO" for hours. It was soooo much fun!! Afterwards, I went to Kristen's house to visit and watch the Iron Bowl. That game stunk!!! Of course Bama lost. Shocker (not)! I had a great time visiting with my oldest and dearest best friend in the world!

Christmas time is nearing and I have bought NOTHING!! I know what I am going to buy at least 2 members of my family but that's it. Will I get anything accomplished in the shopping field this weekend? Probably not. I don't enjoy the crowds and I have a baby shower to attend Saturday.

December promises to be a very busy month. Mom and I are going to Tennessee the 7th for the "Freed Hardeman Benefit Dinner" featuring Tom Brokaw as guest speaker. I am SOOOOO excited! He's a favorite anchor personality of mine. The 8th is our WAFF-48 Christmas Party which promises good times! My sister-in-law's annual Christmas Cookie Swap is the 9th. Also scheduled for the month, a surprise for my grandmother the weekend of the 16th and the usual Gentle cousin's Christmas.

Speaking of surprise, my brother and I put together and printed a cookbook for my grandmother as a surprise for Christmas. The project turned out super professional. My hats off to Allied Photo in Huntsville for doing such a fantastic job printing and laminating the cover. It's over 200 pages of stories, recipes and family memories. I am really, really happy with the end product.

I'm still working that crazy split schedule and loving it! I like the fact that I have free time on Monday and Tuesday to run errunds. Really makes a difference when I need to get things done.

I promise to do a better job posting to this site. Hope you all had a terrific holiday!!!

Back to the blog...

Sorry this blog has been neglected for so long. I don't have as much time to post my daily ramblings as I did when I worked in Decatur. For one thing, I'm busy on myspace now :) ha ha My dear friend Emily set me up a page. Its quiet addictive actually. I've been able to reconnect with people I haven't spoken to in years. I used to be anti-myspace but apparently that whole theory of it being a "young person's playground" isn't necessarily true. Check me out. Just go to the myspace page and type my name in. Enjoy!

Roll Tide! Bama won today!

Seaside, Florida

Here is a snap shot from my recent trip to Seaside, Florida. I went with a fantastic group of ladies from Mayfair Church of Christ. My friend Emily, pictured front wearing the black tank top, invited to me go with them. We really had a good time! The food was delicious, the weather warm. The ocean was crystal clear and the sand perfect for walking across barefoot.

Has it really been that long?

Hello? Anybody out there or have all my once faithful viewers left me for other more responsible blog sites? I have not abandoned my website, just been busy! Lots going on in my life. Some I'm happy about, some not so much.

Let me start with work. That's always a great way to realize just how much you look forward to the day you can retire!!! I'm 33 years old and anxiously await the day I turn 65. Is something wrong with that picture?? Uh yeh!!!! My schedule officially got changed yesterday. So did everybody else with the exception of those who work in bureaus. I've worked the same "dayside" schedule for years. Suddenly, I'm going to a split shift. So instead of Monday-Friday 9a-6p (more like 6:30) I am now Monday and Tuesday 2p-10p. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9a-6p. I would love to say I'm thrilled but I'm not. I don't hate it either. I get a longer weekend but nightside screws with my routine of watching Jay Leno's headlines on Monday.

I leave for the beach next Thursday! I cannot wait to leave North Alabama behind for a few days. I need a break before I "break." I hope the weather is as gorgeous in Destin as it has been here in Huntsville. Clear blue skies, cool mornings, warm afternoons.

I promise to blog more before I leave for my trip! will post pics soon 2.

Got some MAJOR catching up to do...

Does anybody out there still read this blog? Ha! My good friend Emily sent me an email a few weeks ago reminding me that I have not been faithful to post in quiet sometime. I apologize. I have been running non-stop since my transfer back to Huntsville. I don't blog in the newsroom b/c so many people are looking over my shoulder. By the time I get home, this is the last thing I want to do. So why am I blogging tonight? Good question. I don't want to pack so I'm using this as a good excuse to relax. Ha ha!

Speaking of Emily, congratulations on your pregnancy. Emily will find out if her baby is a boy or girl soon. We are leaving for the beach the last week of September. She'll know by then. I'm so excited for her. She and Jason are going to make wonderful parents!

Also, congrats to Holly and her husband, also named Jason. They are expecting a girl in a few months. They already have a beautiful little boy, Chase. Holly and i graduated high school together. I hope to get in a visit with her while I'm at the beach.

One more pregnancy to mention. A friend of mine from college, also named Emily is expecting. Haven't heard yet if its a boy or girl. She and her husband, Clayton, have a boy that is sooo cute! I wish all of you proud momma's the best!

Not much new to mention with me. The drama from my last post has calmed down considerably!!!! Very good thing b/c I was getting sick of it.

I'm moving to Huntsville Friday. I'm excited but a little worried. I'm leaving a 2 story townhouse for a one bedroom apartment. The square footage isn't nearly as big and the rent is high. Its in a new complex, gated community with a lot of ammenities. Its just where am I going to put all this stuff? A lot of it is back home with mom and dad (I owe them a shout out for housing it for me). I'll just have to be tidy and neat now instead of the usual. Uh yeh! It will all work out.

Did you hear about Mary Winkler? Bet she eats a nice meal tonight when she gets out of the crazy house. Matthew can't enjoy his favorite foods. There's something for you to chew on (no pun intended).

Ok. I've got to pack some or 2 Men and A Truck are going to turn around and leave me stranded!

Miss you all and hope everyone is healthy, wealthy and wise!

Tainted greens...

The past 2 days I've learned more about E.Coli than I ever cared to know. Madison County has 14 confirmed cases of the foodborne illness. They have traced the strain to shredded lettuce served from, one of my favorite Mexican joints, Little Rosie's Cantina in South Huntsville. Monday, we interviewed a 12 year old boy recovering from the sickness. Let's just say he doesn't plan to eat there for a while. I'll leave the disgusting details to your imagination :)

Transitioning back to Huntsville has really kept me busy. We are short handed so I am the only day side reporter. Not only am I having to turn 2 stories a day, I also have to catch breaking news and work on my new franchice, Restaurant Scorecard, which airs Thursday (and I have not started writing the script yet). I am really happy being back in the Rocket City. I was afraid I wouldn't like sitting in the newsroom, under the watchful eye of management. It really isn't bad. We have a lot of laughs in the back of the room and all of us get along quiet well. Of course, we have disagreements and even a few screaming matches from time-to-time. Nothing that can't work itself out. Leaving Decatur was such a good move for me. I was so burned out working in the bureau. This has given me a change of scenery and I'm glad I chose this path. Of course, I miss my contacts and I miss my old photographer (no body shoots video like Juergen).

I am proud to report no problems with kidney stones since my surgery. I'm doing really well and hope it stays that way!

I will be posting phase 2 of the "Fat Smash Diet" as soon as I get the book out of my bag :) This really is a healthy way to shed unwanted pounds.

Its getting stormy outside and its bed time. I'm logging off for now but promise to write more soon!

Ouch!

I have not had a chance to update my blog. I have a really good excuse. Last Friday, on my off day, I woke up at 2 in the morning with the worst case of kidney stones you could ever imagine. I've had them 2 other times. This one was awful. I had surgery Tuesday to remove the stone causing all my grief and misery. Once it was out, I felt sooooo much better. Other than running a low grade fever afterwards, I'm feeling better. Going to work tomorrow though I still don't feel like bouncing around in a live truck. I have to thank my mom, dad and brother for taking such good care of me while I was sick. Why stick myself with a husband when I've got great family nearby (though they would argue its somebody elses turn to take care of me).

Since I was sick, the "Fat Smash Diet" got put on hold. That's ok. I lost weight anyway. I couldn't hold anything but popcicles and milkshakes down and when I got to feeling better I didn't have an appetite. In all, I've dropped 13 pounds. Tomorrow, its back to "healthy eating."

Hope everyone had a good weekend and got lots of rest!

Lighter and lighter...

The pounds are melting away! I'm really happy with the "Fat Smash" plan. I'm down nearly 12 pounds. I had a wonderful cheat day Friday. I think that helps motivate me. My grandmother fried catfish, hushpuppies, french fries. We had vinegar slaw and yummy deserts. I ate until I was stuffed. Saturday morning, it was back to "healthy eating." This is actually addictive. A no brainer diet.

Winkler Sentencing...

What did you think about the judge's sentencing order for Mary Winkler? I'm sure many of you have mixed feelings.

Sentencing was so much more emotional than the trial. If the prosecution had handled the case earlier like they did sentencing, the outcome may have been far different. Matthew's brother, Daniel took the stand and spoke for the first time. I thought he did such a good job talking about his brother's character, good name and the way he cared for his family. He made several bold comments to Mary as he spoke. Her facial expression never changed. Aren't we used to seeing that? Nothing new.

Perhaps, Diane Winkler made the biggest impact, though her testimony didn't do much to sway the judge's decision. I cried the entire time she was on the stand. Her words came from the heart of a woman torn between anger, saddness, confusion, etc. I can't imagine what life has been like for this mother the past year. Her life turned upside down by one person's decision that has changed so many lives.

I do not believe Mary's punishment fit the crime. Regardless of what "she" says happened, Matthew never got a chance to tell his side of the story. We only heard from Mary. She had no right to take the law into her own hands. She had no right to shoot her husband in the back while he lay sleeping. She had no right to take away her children's father. She should have been found guilty of murder and sentenced to the maximum. I don't believe she should have spent the rest of her life behind bars but I do believe she deserved at least 20 years to think about what she did.

Now her attorney's are wanting a new trial. Why? Who knows! She is lucky the punishment wasn't much worse. Take what you can get and be happy with it. Isn't she basically walking away a free woman? She got away with murder didn't she? Why drag this family through anything else because selfish motives have gotten in the way.

I feel so sorry for Mary's children. The only normal life they've had the last year is about to be taken away from them. Mary wants those girls back and most likely the judge will see to it they are returned to her. Dan and Diane will probably never see them again. Can you imagine what kind of life these little girls face? Pray the courts make the right decision.

"All you can eat" doesn't really mean what you think

I've done really well sticking to my 'healthy eating plan.' In fact, I've really enjoyed the food choices, though in phase 1 it is slightly limited. I was supposed to start phase 2 Friday. However, after eating what I did Saturday, I went back to phase 1 again today. I'll start phase 2 later this week.

Saturday was my brother's birthday. My sister-in-law ordered 3 pounds of smoked chicken with white sauce, pork, slaw, baked beans from "Pig Stand BBQ" in Hartselle. Oh my! How yummy! We also had potato chips, cake and homemade ice cream. I already planned to blow my diet and eat just what I wanted. That way, my metabolism would get a needed boost. Boy did I eat! Chicken. Pork. Slaw. Chips. 3 glasses of tea. Bite of cake. 2 cups of ice cream. About an hour later, I was in the bathroom sick! When I weighed this morning, I gained 1/2 pound. Was it worth it? You better believe it! :)

I got up this morning, fixed a cup of oatmeal with peaches. For lunch, I fixed chicken and rice. I measured out a 1/2 cup and ate that with 1/2 of a tomato. I also had a blueberry smoothie. It was really good.

For a few days, I will stick to phase 1 just so I can drop a few extra pounds. I can really tell a difference in my weight. So can everyone else! I'm really proud of myself for sticking to it for 12 days. One day off the wagon didn't hurt much and I jumped right back on today. Remember, we are all just human and we deserve a break now and then.

8 pounds lighter and loving it!

The "Fat Smash Diet" really does work. I weighed this morning and really saw results! I'm happy with the progress. I will continue this phase for 2 more days, only because I didn't feel well 2 days this week and I skipped lunch. SHAME ON ME! You are not supposed to do that. I feel better now. My blood pressure is normal again and my appetite is better. I think the stress of my transistion may have caused me to feel bad.

I will blog more about my results later today. I've got to head out to Madison.

Day 5, 6, 7

Ok. I'm behind on blogging my "progress." My home computer is down. I haven't had time with transitioning to Huntsville to pull up my blog.

I'm on my 7th day. Sunday, I started feeling really bad. No wonder. I checked my blood pressure. It was 93/56. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it back up. My mother suggested I eat salt (which I had cut from my diet). After a teaspoon full, I started feeling better. I can tell its down again because I feel weak and strung out. I know now why I've lost so much fluid. Salt makes you retain water so without it, you lose weight. Speaking of which, I'm down 4 1/2 pounds.

My diet is still basically the same, though I will admit I'm looking forward to phase 2. I hope to start it Friday.

Hope all is well. Will blog more about this later.