A stranger bought the meals of two Airmen

This is one of the many reasons why I love Abilene. I went to United today for lunch. Two airmen were ordering before me, and a woman immediately goes up to the two men and offers to buy them lunch. The guys thanked her for the offer but told her that it wasn't necessary. She insisted. They were very appreciative, but she also expressed her appreciation for their service to this country. It's just so neat to see complete strangers show their appreciation for those in the U.S. military that are fighting to keep us safe and to continue having the freedom that we are so lucky to have.

Justin Bieber in Sweetwater?

Here's a cute story. Yesterday, I went to Sweetwater with Jessica Reyes to judge the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant (lots of fun, by the way). Driving through town, we passed by the movie theater, where instead of displaying Justin Bieber's movie "Never Say Never," the sign just said Justin Bieber at 7:30 Friday night. Jessica and I laughed about it in the car. But what made it even funnier is when we were sitting inside the local coffee shop, and the owner starts talking about how girls in Sweetwater were getting all excited and thought that Justin Bieber was really coming to town. Of course, the girls dreams were crushed within moments. But hopefully, they'll still be just as excited to see their Hollywood crush on the big screen. : )

P.S. Sorry Max, he's not going to be thirty minutes away from us!

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.

Hope for Hailey's Safe Return

From sunrise to sunset, people are searching for her. Some are family and friends (that know Hailey well) and others are complete strangers that just want to find the missing thirteen-year-old girl.
It's been amazing to see the outpouring of support not just from the Big Country area, but around the country. But in all of it's amazement, it's frustrating for most people knowing that they've searched acres upon acres for clues and still three weeks later, no sign.
So many of us cannot imagine what it's been like for the people that know Hailey. So many people are impacted by the disappearance of Hailey because she is just thirteen. She has so much to look forward to and the world is just beginning for her.
Prayer and hope are keeping family and searchers strong. Most people continue to hold onto the happy ending of this frightening scenario.
So many people that I have been speaking with over the past few weeks have shared how Hailey's disappearance has imacted their lives and how they hold onto their kids a little bit tighter because something like this could happen to anyone.
Many people are expanding their search efforts and their strategies to bring her back, and I know there may be search efforts that even the media is unaware of. If anybody knows of efforts that we may not, please let us know. As I am sure, you've noticed on our website and during our newscasts, we're trying to put Hailey's face and story out there as much as possible, hoping for the best outcome. Thanks for reading this blog. Please, feel free to share any thoughts or comments you might have about Hailey Dunn.

My Love for Sharky's

Shortly after moving to Abilene (in September of '09) I was introduced to Sharky's burrito joint on Judge Ely Blvd by a former photographer named Allen. I was instantly hooked. The food is fresh and delicious, staff are nice as can be, and the place is clean.

I used to live on the South side of town, so going to Sharky's for a bite to eat was typically only on rare occasions (or whenever I had a story set on on the North side of town). Now, I live on the North side, not far from Sharky's which means I dine there a lot.

My boyfriend and I grabbed to-go order's the other night. Once we got home, we opened the box to find these clearly marked burritos..."His and Hers". I thought it was cute. Just the little things that local businesses do to make you smile.