11 months and counting

I can't believe we've been engaged more than 6 months! Ahhhhh time really does fly by. As much as I would LOVE to rush this process along, I'm enjoying taking my sweet little time.

We're getting vendors booked and things like that as soon as we can. I've noticed some photographers, videographers, etc are already booked and we're still a long ways out. It's crazy. So my biggest advice to all you future brides out there.. BOOK EARLY! Especially things that are most important to you. Pictures probably were our number 1 thing so we booked our photographer well in advance so we'd know we would get the best of the best.

Here's another piece of advice: before you make your budget do some research. This is one thing I'm really starting to regret. Just go through some websites and find out what the average cost of a photographer, videographer, caterer, etc in your area is. It's proving to be difficult to find a videographer within my budget that's exactly what I want. I live in a world of video, yes, I'm going to be picky.

Be realistic about your budget. There's plenty of things to trim and do cheaply. Do you really need those massive centerpieces or can you settle for something else? How important are flowers to you? Food? I will say we're going with a more expensive caterer because we were blown away by the food. We literally talked about it for HOURS!! So, yes we're willing to sacrifice something else for some really good food.

Be mindful! Don't overspend unless it's absolutely worth it and you have the money to do it!

Going Gluten Free? Don't Forget Your Makeup, Ladies

I recently blogged about my love of cheap makeup. Ok, don't let me fool you. I'm a sucker for really good and a little more expensive makeup, too.

Thanks to those at Dominion Salon in Huntsville, I've been trying out all the latest stuff from Zuzu Luxe. Here's the link for a whole list of Zuzu products: Click here!

I would love to be one who considers themselves a health-nut, but lets be honest.. I'm not. I eat junk food, I drink soda.. I'm a sucker for almost anything salty. So, I'm not the person who is going to preach about going gluten-free but I do realize that some people HAVE to.

Here's some of the products I'm currently using:

This is a multi-use pot. Use it on your eyes, cheeks, lips or whatever you can think of. It's light and I like my cheeks pretty bright so I use a lot of it. But, it has a nice shimmer to it.

 

This is my favorite lipstick probably ever! It has such nice coverage!

 Obviously I use this eye shadow a lot! It goes on nice and soft!

 I've received more compliments when I wear this lip liner than anything else. I'm not a lip liner person either but I love this! Sometimes, I even wear it alone.

 Taking care of your skin is super important. So, don't always opp for the cheap stuff on your face, especially if you wear makeup often. This is oil-free and gluten-free! You can't even feel it!

What's your favorite makeup?

Engagement Pictures!!

Ahh... so we're moving along with the wedding process. We've visited florists and done some catering tastings! YAY! We've even seen the venue in person. We really are just so excited but the process is overwhelming.

So, on a recent trip to Orlando we set out to have some fun. Our amazing wedding photographer came along for the ride and took some engagement pictures.

You can check out more of Robert McClory's photography here: http://www.robertmcclory.com/

This is one of my favorites. It just captivates who we are, I think. Vince always has me laughing about something.

So, before I share some more pictures I wanted to give my tips on getting your Engagement pictures done.

1. Don't fret over what to wear. I wanted us to match.. but not too matchy. I initially wanted us to be casual but I couldn't find an outfit I truly was comfortable with. I found this dress at Forever 21 (I know ladies, shocker) and just fell in love. It was comfortable and affordable.

2. Make sure you decide what kind of pictures you want. Do you want it to be natural or set up? Everyone's personality is different but these pictures should definitely show who the couple is.

3. Have fun and relax. For most people, I bet being in front of a camera is kind of intimidating. I love the camera so this comes naturally. But, I do understand it doesn't for everyone. Pretend it's not there and just be you. Those will be the best pictures anyway.

4. Trust your photographer. Sure, you may not think the location is the best. You may not like this or that. But, he/she has a vision. We loved our locations to begin with and never imagined they would turn out so amazing. They were above and beyond our expectations. But, I've looked at my share of engagement pictures on Pinterest and I'm sure some of these people asked themselves, Are you serious? But, I really haven't seen one I haven't liked. 

5. I'll say it again, HAVE FUN!!!

Ok.. here's some more pictures.

Would you ever guess I wear cheap makeup?

For years.. I've been told MAC is the best makeup to wear on TV. Oh joy, $30 makeup I can't afford because I barely make enough to feed myself on a daily basis.

So, for the first couple of years I was in TV I would head to the MAC counter. Sure, it's great makeup. I've tried other brands and nothing seemed as good.

Recently, I was told that a brand called E.L.F started making HD makeup. Ok, if you know anything at all about ELF you know it's CHEAP! You also know, that isn't always a good thing. Cheap makeup can be some of the worst things a woman can experience.

So, I thought ok why not try this stuff. What will it hurt?

Yes, I know I need a manicure. Don't pay attention :) lol

I started off with the ELF Flawless Finish Foundation. It's SPF 15 (great for sunny days) and Oil Free (great for not breaking out.)

I was very skeptical. But, I was very impressed. It goes on smooth and lasts a shockingly long time. I have pretty neutral skin as far as dryness or oily goes. It makes me a little shiny but for $6 I can't complain. At Target they only have it in 4 shades. I buy mine a little dark so I look like I have some color on tv. However, it doesn't give me that orange-ish color. I give it an A! It's wonderful.

Next, I bought the ELF 3-in-1 Mascara. I really enjoy the MAC mascara and I really liked the ZUZU Luxe one. I hate mascara that bunches. I already have pretty long lashes so I need something that just makes them stand out. Is this my favorite mascara? Probably not. But for $2 or $3 bucks it does its job.

Ha, so recently I've been breaking out. I haven't had a breakout this bad since probably high school. Why? Frankly, I'm just incredibly stressed. I was at Target and found the ELF Zit Zapper. I couldn't help but laugh. It was a $1. So, hey why not I'll give it a try. I've only used it once so I can't give an accurate review. It has salicylic acid in it.. so beware of the burn!!

ELK Makeup Lock and Seal: Ok, I sweat my makeup off almost every day. So, that means I have to reapply 2-3 times a day! What a pain!! So, I saw this and crossed my fingers it would work. You basically put 2-3 drops of this stuff into a little tiny jar. Then, dip your brush into the stuff and then into your eyeshadow. YAY! Not only does this stuff help your eyeshadow last longer but it also brightens the color. Very cool! I only use it for eye shadow.. I tried doing it with my blush... lets just say that didn't go over well.

I've tried 2 different kinds of ELF eyeshadow. The more expensive, baked one is on the left. The cheap one is on the right. I love the baked one. It works well and lasts a while. The one on the right just gets everywhere and that drives me nuts. With the Lock and Seal it works better but it's still not great. It transitions as a typical $1 brand eyeshadow to me. I'd probably stick with MAC or another expensive brand for eyeshadows.




I also have something called ELF HD Powder. Really good for us TV people. It's $6 and works just as well as MAC or any other brand. It just makes you look flawless.

All in all, it's trial and error. But, for a couple of bucks you can afford to do all this! 

Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Planning

Ok.. if you know me, you know I'm stressed to the max lately.

Our wedding venue canceled a few days after we lost Basil. Talk about stress on top of stress. So, after we found Basil the search began for another place to say I do.

I'm particular. I don't want to a reception in a big fancy ballroom. I don't want to get married on the beach. Let me tell you, when you choose to get married in Florida... your chances from there are limited.

We thought we found the perfect place. But, it fell through. So, we ventured to find something better. Not an easy task. I wanted to cry. We already booked our wedding planner and photographer. We were about a month away from scheduling a caterer.

So, we're a little over a year away from the wedding date. I didn't think we would have a problem finding a new place for our date. Ha, I was wrong. What is wrong with Florida brides? Do you plan a wedding before you're even engaged or are their really THAT many brides?

So, after  a week of searching and then days of my wonderful parents taking their days off and searching.. we landed on something else (on a different date.)

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to get my $$ deposit back.

So far on my search here's my list:

Do:
- Ask vendors a lot of questions
- Go with a legitimate venue. Our original venue was a guy who bought a mansion and decided to turn it into wedding venue. DON'T DO THIS. Chances are what happened to us, won't happen to you but I wouldn't want to risk it.
- Book Early
- Make decisions smart.. is it too good to be true?
- Have a back up plan

Don't
- Trust everyone's word
- Trust google reviews.. Go to the site, visit people in person, go with your gut.
- Put down a large deposit


Meanwhile.. I'll be pulling out my hair somewhere in Huntsville, Alabama.

Our Family is Back Together

Many of you are asking.. so here it goes. The story of Basil.. 

On August 3rd, 2013-- Basil and my fiance went for a hike at the Walls of Jericho in Hytop, Alabama. At some point on the hike Basil became scared and took off. She wasn't found until 8/10/13.. 7 days later.

We went back to the Walls many times over those 7 days.. to no avail. Basil just wasn't having it. She was having too much fun in those woods.



Many times over the past week, we've received phone calls and tips about our little pup. From Birmingham to Huntsville.. we about heard it all.

On 8/7 Basil was spotted at the entrance of the Walls but took off when someone called her name. Same thing seemed to happen day after day. On Friday, I left my shirt and her KONG up there.. I figured she may like that or recognize the smell of my shirt.



Thank goodness! On Saturday, Vince and I woke up at 5:30am to head to the Walls. As we were driving up Highway 79, I passed the horse entrance to the trails. Vince kept asking me why I didn't stop but I kept driving. We pulled into the hiking entrance.. and there she was. My beautiful, little pup just sitting there on her bed (that someone nicely left for her) with my shirt and her KONG. I started crying my eyes out. It was my first time seeing her in 7 days!!!!


Of course, I get out of the car (which I parked in the middle of entrance as soon I saw her, btw) and kneel down and she trots away. Silly pup. So, we start our search. We saw her. We have hope. So Vince heads one way and I head the other. All of a sudden, I hear Vince calling my name. I run over there. He said Basil ran from him. So, we walked about 1/4 of a mile on the trail and ran into her again. I knelt down.. and she kept looking like she wasn't sure what to do.

So.. I started throwing bits of food at her and finally she decide to come and see us. It was the most amazing moment. 



I can't thank those that took time to help look for her enough. It really is truly amazing to know such animal lovers and lovely people exist. We honestly cna't thank you guys enough. It's truly a blessing we got our dog back. But, all of you really helped us keep our faith.  We never expected to meet such wonderful people on this journey. It's simply amazing and I can't emphasize that enough.

Basil is doing wonderful. We went straight to the vet. No fleas, no ticks. Just a bacterial infection on her tummy. But, she'll be GREAT!!!!!!



THANK YOU!!!

Is TV News What it Used to Be?

So, as Vincent and I were sitting in a local coffee shop this morning I overheard a woman's conversation about Good Morning America. She started to rant about the Royal Baby and how that isn't news. Then, she started to rant about a new segment they have called "What's Trending?"

Ring a bell? Hundreds, if not thousands, of you have the same feelings on a daily basis. It appears that TV News cares more about the Royal Baby than pressing issues in your community or our Country for that matter. Wait, is that true?

Here's the thing: Majority of reporters don't want to be reporting on the Royal Baby either. And I'm a reporter that loves happy news! But, the fact of the matter is.. it generates clicks and shares on the web and social media sites. That's why it's in your face.

(Yes, I consider myself a social media nerd. So, chances are I would love a segment on What's Trending. Wait.. I've been there. It was probably my favorite segment I've ever done. I felt in my element. But, I do realize this doesn't appeal to everyone.)

How many times was that story about city council retweeted? None. How many times did that story about the Flying Squirrel get shared? 2,000. Oh ok.. there's your answer folks.

Time and time again I hear my colleagues talk about how much TV News has changed. I hear my close friends in the business ask themselves all the time if this is the career they really want for the rest of their lives.

For the most part, I consider myself and these friends "news hounds." We love to dig up stories, we love to report on the problems in your city, county. First on the scene? Yep, we live for that. We live for Breaking News. We want every detail and we want it now.

We analyze every newscast in our area. We watch National news to see how we can improve. But, in the end local news just isn't the same and it's not on the national level either.

If you're like me, you had college professors that are considered "old school." You were virtually trained to report and anchor in a certain way. You know what news is. You live for that adrenaline rush every day. You never start a story off in past tense and you NEVER use the world allegedly. (Thank Goodness for these Professors. I wouldn't be as prepared for this TV world if it wasn't for them)

It's a different world and we knew what we were getting into. But, is it just me or do you as a reporter still question if you love what you do? Is it the hours? The job? The dedication? Why is there doubt among so many young professional reporters?

Are we just the generation of wanting something more? Wanting to move above and beyond every second of every day??

So many questions.. not enough answers. But, that's just the story of my life and my career. No one can ever answer enough questions.

Pinterest Overload

Man-- wedding planning is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute it's so exciting, the next I want to shoot something.

As most of you know, I'm a little obsessed with Pinterest. Ok.. well, maybe I'm a lot obsessed. Either way, it's been a great resource for wedding planning.

I've been thinking a lot about wedding favors lately. Most of them seem so lame. I'm trying to think of something reasonably priced for 100 people but that's useful as well.

Here's a few ideas I've seen that I liked:

Homemade candles with a Thank You note?

 

Succulents? Really popular right now. But, how useful?

We're having a "love bird" theme, I think. Bird seed in a cute shape?

What favor would you like best?
Want to see more of my wedding ideas? Head to my Pinterest page: Click Here!

Goodbye Lecavalier... Just not for long, k?

For those of you who know me, you know today is a hard day. 

I've been a fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning since the mid 90s. What was I 8?? I remember the good times and the bad. When I was about 10 or 11 there was a handsome 18 year old French Canadian that arrived in Tampa Bay. His name was Vincent Lecavalier. Boy... Was he cute. Forget the Backstreet Boys and Hanson. Move over Jonathan Taylor Thomas. This kid is cute and he plays hockey. Ok, so I may or may not have been quite that dramatic. 

As I grew up.. So did Vinny. I've met him a dozen times or so. He always managed to remember my name. Or at least that's the way I remember it. He was just as cute in person. I think I came up to his hip. Lol! He was so tall, handsome and sweet. 

And yes, I do know he played some good hockey. He was awesome. Pass after pass and goal after goal. He just brought this young life to the Bolts. And we all remember when Vinny fought Jerome Iginla and when the Bolts won the Cup. It was a magical moment for Lightning fans. Many thought that day would never come. 

Vinny meant a lot to me, still does. I wear his signed jersey proudly and always will. Vinny was a class act. The things he did for Tampa Bay will never be forgotten. Check out this article : http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lecavalier-touches-tampa-bay-in-lasting-way/212894

You don't find athletes like Vinny in every sport or every team. He's a good person. Tampa will never forget that. 

We all know he doesn't want to leave Tampa. He never did and that's why he's in the situation he's in. It's quite sad. I wish him nothing but the best. But, I do selfishly want him to stay. I can't picture him in another teams sweater. Can anyone?

I really thought he would retire in Tampa. I really did. #4 deserves to be hung up in the rafters and retired. No one can fill those shoes. 

Being a sports lover is hard. Believing in your team isn't always easy. Today-- it's like I'm losing a best friend. Does that sound weird?? Ok, I just re-read it and it does LOL!

But, thanks VL4. Thanks for giving your heart to us. Please keep helping those kids with cancer. They need you. 

Love-- your #1 fan! (Cliche I know :))

Why Hello, New Orleans

Recently, Vincent and I went on a trip to New Orleans, LA. Neither one of us had ever been and we weren't really sure what to expect. All we ever really heard about was the craziness that is Bourbon St.

We arrived into town on a Wednesday. We stayed at the Marriott on Canal St. Amazing hotel! It was in perfect walking distance of everything. My cousin sent us a list of every restaurant we had to try so we set out for our first excursion.

Our first restaurant was Port O' Call. We hear the burgers and baked potatoes were amazing. As we set out, we took in our surroundings. Restaurants and bars everywhere. For a Wednesday, the city was pretty busy. We ended up in a courtyard with some live music. That's our kind of party. We ended up in a neighborhood-like area after that. It was quaint and cute. I kept wondering what the inside of the homes looked like. So, we finally ended up at Port O' Call. Cute little place. You enter and it's very dark. A big pet peeve of mine. I like to see my food when I eat. Anyways, we were seated next to a window. YAY. I felt like I kept trying to kill flies my entire time there though. Big negative. We both ordered burgers and baked potatoes. YUMM!! Delicious. The burger and potato was HUGE! A little on the more expensive side but worth it!

Next, we headed for a famous Hurricane at Pat O'Briens. We are lovers for some live music and were kind of disappointed they didn't have any. But, it was a great time to hang out and talk. Believe what they say, these suckers are dangerous! 

We spent the rest of the evening just walking around town and seeing what's out there. 

The next day we went exploring! 

Found this beautiful church! I was in love with the building. It has a garden area right in front of it. The inside is amazing. Painted ceilings and stained glass! LOVE!

We also found some live music to enjoy! I loved this band! They were absolutely awesome. I love sitting out and enjoying some good music!

Later, we went on a ghost tour. Cost was about $20 per person and lasted about 2 hours. It was pretty good! Didn't see any ghosts but learned a lot!

The amount of entertainment in this city is amazing! I loved this guy! He was tons of fun and really good!

Ahhh yes!!! The ever-so famous beignets from Cafe Beignet. Marvelous! The place was packed but service was quick. Mind you.. all they seem to serve are beignets and coffee. The live music outside was a great addition! This place is just a must-do! 

We also visited a plantation called the Houmas House. By far, one of the best tour of a plantation I've ever been to. The tour guide was dressed in character and really seemed passionate about her job. The owner of this home actually still lives there! COOL! It's obvious he put his heart into really keep this house in tip-top shape and it's character. 

During another tour, we went to the areas that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. My heart broke. The amount of people that are still struggling to rebuild. I mean, it's awful. My heart really goes out to these people. But, it's also a reminder that we must never forget how powerful Mother Nature actually is. 

There is good in the world

Yes, I'm a journalist and this just came out of my mouth. Out of all the 100 "negative" stories I cover, I know there are 10x more happy stories.

Recently, a colleague in the business and a former competitor wrote a blog on why we don't cover good news. You should read it. http://www.chattanoogaradiotv.com/general/why-dont-yall-ever-show-any-good-news/

David is a great journalist and person. He's one of the "old tv." He gets it. Trust me, a lot of people "don't get" the business.

Lets face it. "Good" stories don't generate Facebook clicks or hits on the website. However, that shooting story in your neighborhood received hundreds or thousands.

Trust me, I'm one that loves good stories. I love to see the positive in the world. Almost any chance I get.. I'm jumping at the chance to cover some positive news. Unfortunately, it just doesn't happen as much. Because frankly, you just don't want to hear it. You say you do but at the end of the day.. you just don't.

I do believe there should be "good" news in every newscast. Maybe it should be the last story of the day so we always end on a positive note.

Saying yes to a dress

Whoa. What an experience. 

Let me preface by saying I've worn tons of beautiful dresses in my lifetime. I dance for 13 years and I wore tons of tutu's and dressed up like a princess more times then I can count. 

So, trying on dresses was quite the experience. They're all so beautiful. But, a lot of them felt like I was wearing a tutu. It was a strange feeling. 

The whole time I'm expecting tons of tears and this music to appear out of nowhere. Do I watch too much Say Yes to the Dress or what?? 

After a far less than perfect experience at one bridal shop we headed south for more choices. 

The final stop was this cute boutique in Birmingham. They really were all about the experience and knew exactly what they were talking about. 

I think we all knew the last dress I tried on was it! Nothing felt quite like it! I could wear it everyday! Lol! 

So... The planning continues! We now have a venue and I have a dress! 

Woo!!!!

Week 1: I want to be a runner

Eww... Am I actually saying this?

I'm not a runner, unless I'm playing football. Something I haven't done since I moved to Huntsville... so if you know a place where we can play some co-ed flag football let me know!

I've always wanted to be a runner. I recently spent some time in New Orleans. As we sat on some patios and walked around the safe zone of NOLA... I saw some many people running. Number 1, these people were in killer shape. Number 2, they looked so at peace. I want that.

Therefore, I'm setting out to achieve this goal. I want to love running! Why is that such a daunting task?

Today, I ran a mile. Barely.. but I did it. Tomorrow- I'll try again. Someone save me.. why am I doing this to myself? LOL!

Wedding, Wedding, Wedding.. Work, Work, Work

Living and planning a wedding on a journalists budget. AKA not as much fun as it could be!

Obviously.. I'm on a budget. I'm not going to have the $50,000 wedding and I'm okay with that. It's not nearly what we want anyway.

The hardest part has been venue. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama?? All of them have had such a big impact on our lives. Florida is our "home." Georgia was our first home away from home. Tennessee is where we finally were able to live and let live! And Alabama is where we got engaged. A lot of decisions. Tennessee would be nice because it's kind of in the middle of all my family. But, ultimately-- we went back to our roots.

I've known pretty much my whole life I didn't want a beach wedding. I love love love the beach and we'll probably spend 90% of our honeymoon at the beach. But, I don't know. Something about it.

So, here we are. Trying to decide some magical place that's not the beach. Clubhouse!! No way. I'm not a "fancy schmancy" type of girl. And.. I just don't see myself forking over that kind of money.

So-- now what? I finally found the most perfectly imperfect venue.

What do you think??

My heart breaks

<Don't ask why this never posted... Sorry it's so late>

Boston. Ricin letters. West Texas.

All terrible incidents that I've covered this week.

I spoke to a group of college students weeks ago and I was asked a very good question. "How do you remove yourself from stories?"

This one stumped me. All through college I was told you can't be involved, you can't be emotional.

I've realized over the past 3 years in this business, that life is sad. Covering tragedies doesn't get any easier. I'll never forget the first time a story really got to me. April 27, 2011. Most of you who follow my blog will never forget this day. That whole day I was in work mode. Get the official sound, get the "real person" sound and rush back and edit. Problem was, I was in Catoosa County, GA and officials wouldn't let the media in the city to get the "real sound." So, it was a bunch of waiting around. We couldn't see much of anything from the Sheriff's office where we were staged. But, hours and hours later (if not the next day) we were allowed in. That was definitely something I was not prepared for.

So, I was in work mode for hours upon hours. I remember getting home, looking at my pictures, and just crying. Mother Nature is crazy.

So, on Monday-- the day of the Boston Bombings. I'm sitting at home, glued to CNN. I just start crying.

Needless to say-- I think there's a time and a place to put yourself in the situation. Is it ok to break down and sob on live TV? Probably not. Is it okay to get emotional with a mom who just lost her child? Sure.

I feel like people think journalists have no emotion. Please. I'm a real person and I put my pants on just like anyone else. (Shocking.. I know)

Harder than I thought

So, we've been engaged about a week. Still no date set in stone. Still no venue set in stone. We have an idea on date but no clue on venue.

I never knew how hard it is to pick a venue. Everything has something great about it. Some things are pricey but include everything (I'm all for no work) and others include nothing.

It's quite overwhelming. We have NO idea what state we even want to do this in. Vince would prefer Florida.. Me, I'm kind of open. I've been dreaming of this day my whole life.

Most people in Florida want to get married on the beach. Not me! Unfortunately, it would probably be cheaper if I did. I just want something quiet and peaceful. Near a lake or river. Is that so hard to find?

Apparently, it is. I am on page two of places I like. And the journey continues..

Other than that-- is it spring yet? These snow flurries need to disappear!

My notebook's never been about me

First and foremost, I just would like to say thank you. All the congratulations have been overwhelming. We've heard from people across the world and couldn't be more thankful for each and every one. I've done my best to personally respond to each tweet, Facebook message, and email. If I missed you, please take this as your personal thank you!

I'm a journalist. I'd like to think a good one, but who am I? I've preached and preached about how the news isn't about me. A story isn't about me. It's about the child suffering from an incurable disease, the family struggling to make ends me, the mother of a murder victim, etc.  This time.. the story is me.. and my now fiance.

I'm not going to lie, I have no idea how to handle it. Being interviewed my Jeanne Moos was amazing.. but at the end of the day.. I'm usually on the other side of this. I'm the interviewer, not the interviewee. The radio interviews, the Skype interviews have all been so much fun. But, at the end of the day.. I'm just a small town girl who is now engaged. Case closed. Sure- it was on live TV. Yes, our parents got to partake in the day and watch the magical moment from Florida. (Most exciting part to me.)

Going viral was never the point. TV has been a huge part of our relationship. The ups, the downs, the struggles. Dating a TV journalist is not easy. I often get home late, work crazy hours, and know every thing that's going on in the world. I'm glued to my phone, email, Twitter, Facebook just to see what's new. I told Vince from the beginning, my career comes first. This is MY DREAM!! I'm so glad I met such an amazing man. It's not easy putting up with me, I promise you this. While I consider myself an easy-going person.. it's not always true. I'm working even when I'm not. I made the decision to move far away from our Florida lives to Dalton, Georgia. I told Vince he didn't have to go, but he chose to. He chose to take this journey with me. Honestly, that's the best part. I never asked. He did it because he loves me and knew how important this journey was.

Do I think it's neat we ended up on National Television, the headline on Yahoo and MSN, International Radio? Sure.

But, it's not the point.

We're just two everyday people living our lives the best we know how.

I think it's important to let viewers into my life. That's why I created a Facebook and Twitter page.. to seem more "human," if you will. I can't tell you how many times I've been told, you're so much prettier in person or you're so cute, so on and so forth. I hope viewers want to know more about their anchors, reporters, and journalist. Especially in a small town like Huntsville. We're all family and we're all in this together. Don't hesitate to say hi or anything. I promise you.. I'll say hi back!

But-- as I head back to work from a nice weekend.. I realize... there's always a critic. There's always someone you can't please. I'm okay with that. Where would we be without critics? Where would we be without people challenging our everyday moves?

Thank you all again for your sweet words and encouragement.

Here's to planning a wedding!

And thank you for taking part in such a special day.. We'll never forget it.

It only took 6 years....

but we are finally engaged!!!! How exciting.

The proposal:

Click here to watch it!

What an amazing night! Luckily, I have an awesome producer that I trust more than anything. About 10 seconds before coming back from break she tells me we have breaking news and a co-worker is on the other line. She has an intro into prompter and just to read it. Of course, I freak out. Dana! I can't run prompter from this shot.. I need to read it first. Yep, no time and Dana has control of my prompter and now I have to cold read. Luckily, it turns out for the best. I, of course, said yes! Our families were watching from home thanks to Slingbox and witnessed the magic. Vince says there is so much more to this story... but no need to get into it. I'm so glad our families got to be a part of this special day. They probably wouldn't have if I wasn't on tv. I'm so very blessed.

I'm not one for making it all about me, hence why I'm a journalist. But, I am so happy!

Thank you all for your well wishes! We can't wait to share this journey with you!

Sometimes you change your mind

So.. I was going to post about how I'm changing my life. Cooking dinner, budgeting, and the like.. (BORING!!!) That's when I realized, it's not about me. I became a journalist to make a difference. What difference would I like to make you might ask? Frankly, I'm not sure. I've just always known I want to do something that changes one mind, one heart. I was told once but a great journalist, don't put yourself in the story.. just tell it. Because after all.. the news isn't about me. It's about you and the stories you want to hear.

With that said, I'm not about to write about myself. I'm writing about a little girl named Ava, a girl I've never met. Last week, I had the pleasure of telling her story.

Here's the video: Yes, I know. Not the best live shot.. but just watch the story.



Ava and her family touched my heart. Their friends are amazing, the only people I've met so far telling this story.

Isn't Ava just cutest thing?

Ava has a rare type of Leukemia. She turns 3 this week. It makes me sad she doesn't get to live the life of a 3 year old, but there's something about it. Her spirit just makes you forget everything back that is happening in your life and stay positive. I've met a lot of people suffering illnesses, most have this about them.

Ava gets rounds of chemo at home and travels to Birmingham every 4 weeks for a different type of chemo. I'm sure days get rough.

She's inspired me to be a happier, more positive person.

Decatur is now "going red." It's called Paint the Town Red for Ava. How can you resist?

I know my story won't cure this little girl but I hope it inspires and makes a different in someone's life, just like it did mine.

Amazing how someone you've never even met.. can make a such a positive difference in your life.

More people in my life last year were affected(effected? I hate these words) by cancer than any year. Cancer took my grandmother from this world. By all means, cancer sucks. There's no ifs, ands, or buts, about it. (Ha, I sound like my father.) But, it changes you. For the good, the bad, the positive, or the negative. But, I see the way it makes people appreciate life, those who survive, those it affects. (again, not sure which version) I wish I never had to report on anyone who has a deadly disease, but I do. Maybe one day.. we'll find a preventative measure.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  ~Winston Churchill

Super Bowl Sunday... The Commercial

Ok... The lights went out, San Fran attempted to make a comeback, and then... The Ravens won, players and fans cried, one Harbaugh won, the other lost... But then there's the commercials.

Honestly, if the lights didn't go out I don't think this Super Bowl would have been talked about very long.

But-- the commercials are always talked about... For weeks. And yes, the media drags it on forever and forever. Just to make million dollar making companies money?? Yep... That's it. Note my sarcasm please.

Anyways... I keep hearing people say how controversial the Go Daddy commercial is. Why? Because a beautiful model makes out with a man that's not... Brad Pitt?? Please.. Give me a break.

I don't find the commercial offensive. I find the fact that the media keeps referring to this poor man as a dork or nerd because of the way he looks. That's what bothers me. Can we stop referring to people in such a negative manner?

Children are committing suicide because other people are calling them dorks or needs. This behavior must stop.

Nothing breaks my heart more than a child committing suicide because of hurtful words. And... That's exactly what's happening here and local media is condoning it.

Maybe this commercial should show us that people are just people. Hot or not, blonde or brunette... Your Prince Charming isn't always who you imagined and I'm sure neither is the Princess you save in the castle. Lets just get over that, k?