Missing Mints at Abuelos

If you dine at Abuelos, one of the things you probably look forward to after a meal there are the mints (I know I do). So, I went there for dinner tonight with my co-anchor, Randy Turner after the 6 o'clock news and when the bill came, there were no mints. When the waitress came back to get the booklet, I asked her if they no longer gave out their mints and she quickly responded, "No, we still have them. They're now kept upfront because the waiters/waitresses were eating them all".
This immediately sent Randy and I cracking up. Apparently the mints have such an appeal that Abuelos servers can't control themselves. If I worked there, I might have the same problem too. They are addicting.
So sure enough, when we went to walk out. We asked the hostess for some mints. She gave us a handful and said we could have as many as we liked. I wanted to know if there were a lot of customers that asked for the mints when they don't show up in the bill...the hostess says most people forget that they even offered mints. But for those of you that don't forget (like me) you can get all the mints your heart desires on your way out! ; )

To Get the Flu Shot or Not to Get the Flu shot?!?!

To get the flu shot or not to get the flu shot...that seems to be the question for many Abilenians. I think we can all agree that not a day goes by where the flu, or swine flu is NOT mentioned.
So many are racing to get their flu shots, others are boycotting it, and others are debating. I think the most that I've heard of are people that have already gotten or plan to get the regular seasonal flu vaccine, feeling better safe than sorry.
I've also ran into others that say they've gotten sick (very sick) from getting a flu shot in the past and that they're not interested in doing it again. Some feel that the whole vaccine is pointless; that is not accurate.
Then of course, the Swine Flu scare. Ever since the H1N1 virus made headlines, many health clinics and doctors offices say they've seen an increase in patients even wanting the seasonal flu shot (despite the fact that it doesn't protect you from H1N1).
Now to the fear of needles...I am curious to know how many people cringe when they see a syringe. If you have any advice for those afraid of needles, leave it for them on my blog. Also, I'd love to know if there are any or many people that simply were able to get over their flu shot fears this season because of all the attention on the flu and the H1N1 virus.

My Next Chapter

For the past month, I have been filling in for KRBC's morning show, Abilene Today while Stephanie Harris transitions into her new role as main anchor here.
It's been quite the adjustment, waking up well before the sun for the past month. I've filled in for Stephanie a hand full of times in the past, but doing it every day for a month if tough stuff.
For the most part, I have been waking up between 2-2:30 every morning to get ready and hopefully be into work by 3-3:30. When I say those numbers to people, many say, "what the heck do you do up there at the TV station at the hour, when the news doesn't even start until 6?"
I probably thought the same thing before, but it didn't take long to realize just how much work goes into the morning show. As the morning anchor, you are also the shows producer, (responsible for putting all of the content, editing, and director's cues into the show). Plus, it's KRBC's longest newscast (an hour long as opposed to the normal half hour shows we have). That's a long show, or as Stephanie often refers to it, as a "beast of a show". Granted the second half hour is essentially a repeat for those that might've missed the first half, but there are still plenty of differences.
The only thing I really struggled with filling in for the past month was the initial getting out of bed part when the alarm clock went off. After you're up...you're up. I get a little sleepy in between Abilene Today and Abilene Midday...and then following both shows, I am beat.
The morning show is a fun show to anchor though. I had a blast doing it. The morning crew we have is amazing. They make it fun to be up at crazy hours and frankly, they are a bunch of goofballs. I am going to miss working with them without a doubt.
But, I am excited for the mystery anchor to debut on Monday. I think she brings great talent to KRBC and a new kind of energy to wake up and start your day to.
Now to Abilene Midday. Abilene Midday, I like to call my baby. It's how I got my start anchoring, and while it's only been my job since April 20th to anchor it, I have learned so much.
It was a great experience producing and anchoring a brand new show for KRBC, since it had been at least 20 years since KRBC even had an afternoon newscast. So, I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to kind of set the tone for a new show. Abilene Midday is a fun and hip show with it's facebook feedback segments. Viewers seem to really like it, and it is unique to be the only newscast in the Big Country that lets viewers share their opinions live on TV. I think as time goes by more and more people will catch onto the new style newscast and hopefully will become a fan of the show.
The mystery morning anchor will also be taking over as midday anchor.
Now as for me, my anchoring days are not over. I am just moving to a different spot. I will now be co-anchoring with Randy Turner come Monday. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with him. I will also be getting back in the reporting game; reporting for the six o'clock news. I feel pretty lucky to be able to get the chance to both anchor and report in just a days time. Don't get me wrong, it's going to be a lot of work but it's also going to be great experience.
So here's to my next chapter here at KRBC.

Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun

Yesterday marked my 1 year Anniversary here at KRBC. And I guess I'd have to say, "Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun!" Because boy has time just flown right by and yes, it's been a lot of fun. It literally feels like it was just a few weeks ago that I was planning my big trek across country from Miami. At the same time my life feels so settled here in Abilene and I do feel at home. I didn't just start feeling that way though, when I went back to Florida for a visit a few months ago, I felt like a visitor/tourist. And just a year ago, that was what I considered home. Being a TV news reporter is definitely an adventurous job. Over the summer of 2008, I applied to about 100 TV stations all over the country...not knowing where I'd end up...nor did I really have a preference because I was always told you have to go wherever you could get your foot in the door. So when it came down to decision-making time, I obviously chose Abilene because it sounded like the best fit for me and sure enough, I think it was. Looking back, at Fargo, North Dakota and Lincoln, Nebraska as options...the decision to come here to the Big Country was a pie of cake.

A Silly Switch

So, if you're like me...you get really excited when Friday rolls around. I am all about the TGIF. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my work week, as I love my job. However, I do love my weekend time. So after the morning show, Abilene Today was finished this morning...I thought it would be fun if Meteorologist, Nance Burgin and I did a little switcharoo. Just for fun, of course. Nance was at the news desk, anchoring the news...and I gave the green wall a shot, attempting to forecast the weather. While I clearly embarrassed myself with my lack of understanding where to stand and point, it definitely was amusing. I don't think I'll be forecasting KRBC weather any time soon...but, I will tell you that this won't be the last time that I give it a go...hoping to at least conquer the directions at the green wall. And yes, I did make mistakes even in my ad-libbing...guess I was concentrating just a little bit too hard. Enjoy.



Here's the completed Silly Webcast.

Sad about Snowcone Season Coming to an End

I'm not afraid to admit it; I'm like a little kid when it comes to snow cones; might even be unhealthily addicted to them. While I have always been a fan of the refreshing treats, living here in West Texas has definitely increased my sweet tooth for them. With the hot temperatures all summer long, it was such a nice way to cool down. Also, the snow cone stands that I've visited here in Abilene all have such friendly people working there. I was also intrigued at just how many different flavors that each stand has. I set out a goal to try all the flavors by the summer's end but quickly realized that was not possible, as each snow cone stand has their own set of original flavors.
I will say that I am up there for the list of people who have had the most snow cone's throughout the summer, though. It seemed like no day was complete without one. And as small as it might appear to be, a snow cone was often the highlight of my summer days. Whether it was from a long day of work, after rollerblading, or basically just a craving, it put a smile on my face. And how could I forget about my snow cone live shot opportunity...And although, ice cream is a nice cold treat too, I'll argue that snow cones are better.
You get to satisfy your sweet craving and you don't get too full. And I'd say they're a little bit healthier, even though there's lots of sugar in them.
So with summer coming to an end, I know that means the same for snow cone season in the Big Country, I guess I'll have to find another guilty pleasure.

Movement on Midday

So for all of our Abilene Midday viewers, you've probably noticed that after each commercial break, we move to a different spot in our studio. It's something that may look pretty simple but actually requires some work...but it's fun work.

I am partial to Abilene Midday because it's how I got my start anchoring and because I had a clean slate to work with (since KRBC hasn't had an afternoon newscast for so many years).
Since I am the producer of Abilene Midday, I am responsible for the content and the style of the show, which is why I started switching it up since our debut on April 20th.

For Abilene Midday, we have one camera operator, Richard (who is absolutely awesome). Don't get me wrong, Mario (our old camera op...was fabulous as well)...but, now Richard is left with the responsibility of moving one camera between the main anchor desk, the plasma wall, and the sports/Abilene Today set. On top of moving the camera around for me, he also is responsible for running both Nance or Chris's (depending on who's forecasting that day) camera. Richard also seperates my scripts for each block of news...making it especially easy to move to each set location.

Not to mention, that each commercial break is around 1 minute and 30 seconds. Switching shots also includes moving cords and even moving furniture (like with our high top chairs). It definitely keeps things interesting because it's a race to actually be in front of the camera in time to be on air.

And here's a little behind the scenes preview, I always have two pairs of shoes on set with me. A pair of flip flops, which are essential when running around the newsroom. And a pair of heels for the shots that my feet appear on camera. Not really sure if other anchors do the same thing but it's something I've just gotten used to doing.

Another inside detail, when standing over at the Sports/Abilene Today set...some of us stand on a platform because we're too short for the desk.