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.

Picking the Pom Pon's Back Up

Picking the Pom Pon's Back up...well not actually. But, close enough for me. Having been a cheerleader since the 3rd grade until my senior year of college, and coaching since 12th grade through college, this past year without any of it has felt like something has been missing.
Shortly after moving to Abilene, I knew that I wanted to get involved coaching some cheerleading team, but realized that I needed to first worry about getting adjusted to a new job, a new lifestyle, and an entirely new place before being able to devote time to a cheerleading squad. But, now that my one year anniversary in Abilene is approaching, I found the perfect fit.
I just started coaching Pop Warner cheerleading in Abilene.

However, since my schedule working in the wonderful world of news can be sometimes unpredictable, I knew that I didn't want to ever leave a team of mine stranded. So instead, I spoke with the Cheerleading Organizer and we decided I'd be the cheerleader choreographer...where I wouldn't just work with one group of girls but instead the entire league. That way, each team would still have their own individual coach but I'd be able to help everyone out by offering some new material and an overall different cheerleading experience.
I started helping out the "Jets", the littlest girls in the bunch (the youngest being 4). There are only about 9 of them, but they are too cute. You can't help but smile when you hear their high pitch voices. Their attention span doesn't last too young and I can already see that the coaches struggle with teaching them new cheers, jumps, and stunts in an hours worth of time. I've worked with girls as young them before, so it was nothing I wasn't prepared for.

I taught them a few cheers, an organized way to jump together, and a stunt to a cheer. Then at the end of practice, we played a game that happens to be a great positive reinforcement mechanism. It's a silly game that resembles Simon Says, that kids everywhere just seem to love. Since the game was such a hit with the girls...we told them that if they wanted to play it every day at practice, they'd first have to pay attention to all of the things that we learn and review in practice.

So far so good. It's always a rewarding experience seeing how much fun they have learning new things and how hard they work to remember them. It really makes me miss when I was on the sidelines...especially being that young. Because when you get to High School and College cheerleading, the sport of cheerleading takes on a whole new meaning; with it's competitiveness and level of difficulty; ultimately adding another element of danger. Hence, why I tore my ACL my Junior year in college while stunting, winding me up in the operating room for surgery and preventing me from cheering my Senior year of college.

Since I can no longer be on the sidelines or on the competition mat, it makes me really happy to see so many other girls enjoy it just like I did. So, I look forward to continuing to coach the Jets as well as the other cheer squads in the league.

High Heels Hurt

High Heels Hurt!

Society often leads many women to believe that when a female dresses up, heels are a "must". But, when guys are in a suit and tie, most people don't expect them to wear heels (although, I've heard some male dress shoes aren't always comfortable either).

I happen to have a shoe fetish, don't get me wrong...but, I've officially decided when I'm at work, out and about and on my feet all day, I bring a pair of flats or flip flops. I've learned the hard way that toting around a camera and tripod in stilettos isn't fun. Some of my coworkers make it look effortless doing the same things I do in heels, but my feet are so much happier with me at the end of each day if I wear flip flops instead. I'll admit sometimes I look silly with a full suit and flip flops...but really who's looking at your feet anyways?

Forget about, "beauty is pain"...I'm all about being comfortable!

Being a Big Sister

Being an only child definitely had and still has it's pros and cons. When I was little and my parents were still together, I had "only child syndrome" where I was spoiled and somewhat bratty...and not wanting to share my toys, along with wanting to be my parents, "one and only".

Luckily, it was just a phase and I realized playing Monopoly and playing Barbies was not as fun solo.

Of course, it wasn't until my parents divorced that I thought it would be cool to have a little brother or a little sister...so by then it was basically too late. Growing up, I didn't have close friends that were only children like me, so I lived vicariously through them. Whether it was the older brother who bullied them around or the big sister that dressed them up like a live-Barbie doll. I was jealous as much as my friends complained and said they were jealous of me. It's funny how we always seem to want what we can't have.

Now that Abilene is home and I am settled into my career, I decided to join Big Brothers/Big Sister's in Abilene. In addition, to getting the sister I never had...it's been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I'd always considered helping out a girl in a program but was traveling and moving around quite a bit, which I thought wouldn't be fair to a potential little sis.

So, it's been about six months that I've spent time with my little sister. We've done lots of unique things together and it's amazing how much a 10-year-old and I have in common. She is so much fun to be around. It's very rewarding to know that I have such an impact on her and can really serve as her role model. For anyone that has thought about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister...I highly encourage you to sign up. There's nothing to lose and only something to gain.