Life Really is Too Short

Today I received a heart-breaking phone call. I learned that a man that I met just last week had suddenly passed away. He's a man that many people in the Abilene community were blessed to know...John Beall. John was a well-known developer in the Abilene community. He built over 500 homes, including Mesquite Forrest in South Abilene, where he and his wife lived.
Mr. and Mrs. Beall were kind enough to invite me into their home and share a story with viewers about how they came to call that place home.
Within seconds of getting to know John, I learned he was an amazing person. He was so warm, kind, and selfless. He lived for his family and his friends.
I left his house knowing I'd made two new friends, Paula and John.
The next day at work, I returned from lunch to find yellow roses and a card from the Beall's...thanking me for doing the story. The only thank you that was needed was from me, allowing me into their home and sharing their story. But again, that just goes to show you the type of people the Beall's are.
Learning today about John's sudden death, I'm shocked and my deepest sympathies go out to wife, children, family, and friends during this tough time. Life really is too short. Abilene has lost a great man, and I feel so blessed to have met him. He made a lasting impression on my life.

Chik-Fil-A Lunch time Madness

So I know that long lines at Chik-fil-a during the lunch hour are nothing new, but is it just me or are they getting worse? I get it that this fast food chain is a popular spot. I frequent there often, myself. While I used to be one to wait in that long drive-thru line, I have graduated to parking and going inside and taking my food to-go. This used to be an efficient way to get my delicious lunch in a timely manner. This was not the case for me yesterday.

Now first and foremost, don't get me wrong...the staff working at Chik-fil-A could not be any better. They are some of the nicest people and hard workers in Abilene (from what I have seen). But there isn't much else one can do when you you've got a line of people out-the-door and cars stretched out on Southwest Drive.

Now, I have been to one other Chik-fil-A in Abilene (inside the Mall) but on a lunch break, I'm not going to go to the Mall. Now the third location in Abilene, I have never been.

But if you're a chik-fil-a fan like me, I'm thinking Abilene could use another Chik-fil-A restaurant with a drive-thru. What are your thoughts? I think it would be a profitable business for whoever has the money upfront to start one. Much easier said then done, I know. ; )

Fun and Freezing at the Same Time

So when it comes to covering severe weather, the experience as a reporter is bittersweet. While it may be terrifying to be one of the first to drive on the icy roadways, if it keeps one more person off the road to avoid an accident, it's a big reward.



Yesterday, my photographer, "Goose" and I were literally on the verge of frostbite after standing outside for two long, but when we had the opportunity to warm up in the live van...it was an adrenaline rush, I guess you could say. It can be fun getting creative with live shots to demonstrate to viewers just how serious the road conditions are. But perhaps what the most fun about wall-to-wall coverage, is the team bonding that goes that on. I know that may sound cheesy but it's true. On a daily basis, reporters, anchors, and producers don't have too much time to hang out together. But on these days, we're together from dusk until to dawn, and then some.
Everyone is tired and working hard to do the best that they can to bring you everything you need to know in severe weather,; from dropping temperatures, dangerous road conditions, and school and business closures.