One More Flight

I cant believe its been almost a year since I last posted a blog. It's been far too long!Even more so there have been so many worthy topics, life events and changes.

And even over the past few weeks I've felt so compelled to contribute a few words on some subjects (like the overweight anchor who struck back against a critical viewer -don't even get me started on the emails I receive from viewers sometimes) that I almost posted...almost.

But now sitting on one more plane, thousands of feet above Texas, this time headed to visit my family in Atlanta, I feel like there really is no time like the present to write...especially with my head spinning and screaming for release.

This is my third trip to Atlanta this year to see my family. I've taken three trips to California to compete in races: one in San Diego, one in Orange County and one in Malibu. I flew to Dallas to pick up my car at the end of July. I travel to Austin quite frequently to hang out with friends and just have a change of scenery.

I love to travel. I love to fly. I love the amazing circle of people in my life and I love to visit friends that live all over the nation. And having been a journalist for well over a decade I literally have friends/former co-workers/colleagues all over the world. Many of which I am blessed to see and visit when I can.

But travel and vacations are relatively new to me. Up until last year I was so focused on my career that I didn't take time off for fun. I would take the obligatory time off during the holidays (Christmas) to see my family but that was about it.

I was so busy trying to eek my way in life that I wasn't living. I would move to a city, work for a few years and when my contract was done so was I. I was off and on to another place and town. I never established roots, relationships were always temporary and "just for fun," never long term because I could leave at any time.

Then I moved to San Antonio. I've been in the Alamo City seven whole years. That is the longest time this nomadic girl has been in one place in well over a decade. Since being here I've bought and sold a home, bought and sold several cars, bought two Harley's and dated all types.

I've dated professional athletes, musicians, businessmen, regular joes, doctors, lawyers, a construction worker, high brau, low brau, men of all different shapes, sizes, heights, ethnicities and still not met my prince.

I say this again as I'm on a plane reeling from the flurry of angry, bitter, jealous and just plane mean text messages I received from the latest frog that never materialized into a prince.

A highlight towards the end of a long tirade of character assassinations: "It scares me that you haven't been in a long term relationship. Is it them or you? How many bad guys can someone really meet."

My immediate thought...well I met you! But instead I took the high road suggesting we not be hurtful and hateful and just admit we're not a match for each other and move on. I don't need to fight with or play with mean people anymore. It's wasted energy.

But really my history runs anywhere from several weeks to about two years (the average contract length for a TV job) and I'm realizing that these days I am unwilling to stay in relationships that don't work. If we're not compatible at six weeks. We probably aren't going to be compatible at five years. So why would I waste my time in a LTR? To prove I know how to be miserable?

Also it's not easy dating on my schedule. It gets old having the girlfriend who goes to bed at 7 p.m. Dating during the week is tricky. Who's up for the Luby's early bird special? Weekends are full of races, travel, emceed events and the like. But there are perks. I get invited to a lot of fun functions, movie openings, concerts and galas. Something the last frog didn't like nor appreciate (bitter party of 1).

So I've decided I'm now taking auditions for the part of boyfriend. Qualifications: single (separated, unhappily married, in the process of getting divorced need not apply) athletic or works out, tall, educated, financially self sufficient, has a job, not allergic to cats, kind to animals, likes to dance (country, salsa, club), surprises me with flowers regularly, doesn't mind the fact that I go to bed early during the week, no visible tattoos/piercings, non-smoker, non-drug user, motorcycle enthusiast a plus, good table manners, be creative about dates (I don't do dinner and a movie- I'm a zip lining kind of girl), someone who likes to laugh, travel and see where the wind takes them. Oh...also opening doors is a courtesy I return.

Alas I kid about the audition. But as I sit on a plane, sipping my Starbucks, headed for one more race and one more adventure, I still have hope that one day I will find my frog that will magically materialize into Prince Charming.

Runners High

It has been 7 months since I quit smoking. After a nearly twenty year love/hate relationship with nicotine, I bit the bullet and gave up my beloved cigs. This was back in May. At that point I could hardly climb a flight of stairs much less run fifty yards without getting winded. Then in late September, on my cruise, I started running.

To my surprise, I found that with very little effort I could run a mile. I wasn't even winded. I was floored because for so long I had struggled to do any cardio even though I had been a regular at the gym.

When I returned from vacation I began pushing myself to run further - first two miles, then four. I'm now up to six a day. My pace is nothing impressive - between 12-13 minutes a mile. But the fact that I can run still amazes me every day.

When I catch my stride and my lungs fill with air, propelling me to go the distance; when I reach the bottom of a hill and my legs have the strength to push me on just a little further; and when I finally finish for the day and my feet stop moving, I feel strong and free - It's a high like I've never known.

All this from someone who seven months ago barely had enough breath to climb a flight of stairs.

A few years ago I lost my Cookie Grandmother to lung cancer. She smoked until the very end. I truly believe that I am blessed, that each day is a gift - let us make every one count.

Say What??

Every day things are said on air, off air, in the newsroom and stuff just happens in the studio that cracks me up or strikes me as powerful. I always tell myself I need to write that down or tweet it or something but usually I get distracted.


Here's a few of the latest witty comments that have made my day...hopefully they'll make yours a little brighter too

From a floor crew member: I'm so broke I can't even pay attention


When I asked a photographer about the bible in his car: Me: Is that in case you need some extra reinforcements? Him: It's my shield and my sword.


Some Brandon Roddy song remixes:

Sung to "Here I go again" by Whitesnake: Here I go again on my phone, texting everyone I've ever known...

Sung to Toadies "Possum Kingdom": Do you want some fries, chili cheese fries...

A news parody of "Beat it" by the King of Pop: The prompter may be wrong and you know that you're right but just read it, read it, read it, just read it, read it --ooo

That's just a few of the many songs I've heard Roddy bust out that I can remember but they're always perfectly timed.

We've also come up with swear word alternatives like Flock you and Fluff you - all inside jokes based on news stories that have struck us as hilarious at 4:30 am.

I have to admit we get a little wacky in the studio on the morning shift. Us early birds are a strange bunch with a strange sense of humor. And when we occasionally get let out of our cages aka the cold studio we don't always interact well in public.

There's a reason Paul's nickname is the Chango de Clima...he is a wild animal. Just kidding. You don't need to hide your children. He really is a very talented meterologist who enjoys embarassing himself via the Friday dance.

Some other secrets...Fred sings when we're not on air. He actually has an amazing voice and a wicked sense of humor. Sarah Forgany also has an amazing voice and a lot of passion for the show. She strives for excellence every morning. She's also a very tall 5'3" :)

So what about others in the KENS 5 newsroom? Stacia Willson...wow what a sense of style...I'd love to have half of her wardrobe. Joe Conger shares a cubie wall with me - he's an amazing still photographer and father in addition to being our veteran Chupacabra hunter.

Christopher Heath is such a proud father - I love seeing pics of his new son on his iPad. Barry Davis is probably one of the people I have known the longest here in San Antonio. I've been friends with him since December of 2005 - he's one of my mentors and I always seek his opinion with my writing. When anchoring I always ask "How would Barry write this?"

Marvin is the cool cat with an understated sense of humor and when I was a field reporter, I used to wish I had even half the contacts he had. Noelle has a passion for rescue dogs and has taken several into her home. James Munoz is a published author, Karen Grace - an adjunct professor at OLLU and Wendy Rigby has been given just about every award in the book for her medical reporting.

A few others...Brian New, Sarah Lucero and Jeff Vaughn are all expecting additions to their family later this year. Deborah Knapp and Bridget Smith are two of the classiest women I have ever met. Bridget also didn't have a FB until a week or so ago and she's considering writing a book about relationships. Eileen Teeves is a spin instructor and a marathon runner.

There are so many others who work behind the scenes that I haven't mentioned and really, I could go on and on about the family I spend 8-12 hours a day with. But mostly I am just grateful for the comic relief, love and emotional support they supply me with.

So this is dedicated to the "Peasant Floor Crewians" who make my world go round...thank you for everything.

Perks

On a whole I think I live a pretty blessed life. But I do enjoy some pretty great perks. Did I mention that my roommate Tori works at Starbucks?

Yes, in addition to being my best friend - she faithfully brings home a pound of my favorite SBucks coffee every other week - sweet! She also works at a location that is surprisingly close to the station...so occasionally a co-worker will drop by to pick up a drink on their way to KENS and she add's a Venti, sugar free, vanilla latte with 2% milk to their order just for me :)

However there are perks to being my friend too! Like having another person who wakes up at the ungodly hour of "You get up when?" and I always know when its National Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae Day.

Yeah life is good.

~n

Cluck, Cluck

Yesterday was National Fried Chicken day and not being one to not celebrate I rounded up a group of friends to partake in the crispy goodness that has become a staple in the south.


But on this holy of holidays not any KFC, Popeyes or Churches would do...we needed good ol' home cooking to really do this particular poultry day justice.

We, meaning Debra, Danny and his younger brother Anthony, originally intended to head over to Mr. & Mrs. G's on the Eastside but it turned out my favorite soul food joint was closed for an extended 4th of July vacation....oh the horror and on National Fried Chicken Day!

So our fearless foursome hit up the next best place we knew of...Chatmans.

It wasn't quite M&M G's...but it was good!

A mixed twelve piece, large fries, basket of corn niblets, a small side of macaroni & cheese and some soda later...we all held up our wings in salute of National FCD....this full stomach is for you oh crispy, non-flying fowl...thank you for all that you do.

I hit the gym extra hard today.

~n

Morning Sunshine

Most of you know my day starts much earlier than sunrise but every morning I'm so blessed to see a gorgeous sunrise welcoming me into the newsroom just after the newscast ends.
That's right...although not a window or corner office, my little cubicle has an amazing view. Funny how God works.

Just an observation

As I layed tossing and turning last night with George, in all his 18lbs of furry, fluffy glory perched atop my head hogging the pillow and little Bella so lovingly curled up in a ball at my side...I made a few observations.

While I do appreciate how cute it is that George cusps my face with his paws...his nails DESPERATLY need a trimming.

And Bella, so sweet as she sleeps - all 4.5lbs of her - it appears her new high priced food of pure "Lamb & Rice" gives her horrific gas.

Just an observation.

~n