Nights in Rodanthe...

is a great life lesson movie, but the pace was a bit slow for me. I hate saying that because I am a fan of both Diane Lane and Richard Gere. It was frustrating to watch the two of them slowly move along for the first 45-60 minutes of the film. Maybe I just had high expectations because The Notebook was such a fantastic movie.

Luckily, Friday was a low key day with the debate. Once the 5pm show was over I was done. I wish I could say I've enjoyed my weekend, but I'm definitely sick. I've spent Friday night and all of Saturday on the couch watching TV. Today will be the same. In that case, I don't really have anything exciting to write about.

Proposal...Denied!

There's nothing like breaking news to put a producer on her (or his) feet. Not more than 2 minutes before we were about to go on air did news show up on the AP Wire that disagreements over the proposed bailout plan had occurred. So of course I literally ran to production to prepare for the show to find the key board unplugged not letting me re-type the script to include the new information. Luckily there wasn't a lot of details and I was able to get by just by changing the tense of some words. I didn't, however, have enough time to get into the next script and change some facts about McCain's campaign being excited over the proposal and optimistic that everything would come together so he would attend tomorrow debate. The rest of the show went smooth with no problems. It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow, if a plan is accepted and the debate goes on. I will say, after continuously viewing and editing video of the meetings for the bill, I have so much respect for legislatures. I may not always agree, but I can't imagine the patience they must have to sit through, listen and find a common ground. I consider myself a pretty patient person, but I have a feeling I would get pretty irritated and frustrated throughout the process...not my dream job.

Alright, I need to get myself moving so I can stay awake through the night's movie. I'm a little sad I'm going to miss Grey's, but that's what the Internet is for. Thank you ABC ;)

A Slap in the Face...

Mother Nature does not mess around here. Monday was the first day of autumn and it definitely showed. The temperature went from the low 90's Sunday to highs in the mid 70's... a complete slap in the face. Today was a little warmer, but I of course only enjoyed it on my quick break to the bank. It's getting dark much earlier and is extremely cool in the morning so I really feel the warmth during the day if there is any.

The President's speech made for an interesting day. He came on right at the start of the 6pm newscast. We knew about it early in the day after seeing it on CNN's news ticker, but we weren't sure just how long he would talk. He ended up talking 5 minutes longer than we expected so I worked with the anchors to determine what stories to cut as the show progressed. No big problems came from it, just a lot of decisions to make on the fly and a few things to re-write.

Then there is McCain who wants to cancel the debate on Friday. I don't think it will be cancelled because Obama says the economy problems is more of a reason to debate. I have to say that makes me happy. The debate happens here during our 6 and 6:30 shows which means I am done after the 5. Short days don't come around too often - I'm looking forward to it.

I will also have another movie review for you Friday. Tomorrow night's movie is "Nights in Rodanthe" with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. It should be a good one. Until then...

Weekend Review

First, "Lakeview Terrace" review... It's Samuel L. Jackson's newest thriller that I suggest seeing on video. I thought the characters were really hard to relate to and like. There really wasn't one character to root for, each one is disappointing in some way. The overall plot consists of a mixed racial couple who moves into a new neighborhood and their neighbor, Jackson, is not accepting of their relationship. Thus, rifts occur and you find out why Jackson is so angry and then the movie comes to an end. Jackson does play a bad villain, so if you are a huge fan, then maybe you will feel strongly about the movie. Keep in mind... you can't pick your neighbors, but you can pick your movies...so choose wisely.
I took it pretty easy Friday after work because I drove to Washington State University the next morning. The drive wasn't too bad, although there is literally NOTHING around. It was completely barren desert. I did find it pretty, but if I ran out of gas or had car issues, I would be in BIG trouble! I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I am now an advisor (education) for the Theta Chapter at WSU. I ventured to the campus to meet with the other executive advisors for a training session. I had the chance to see their chapter's house and meet some of the women. It was quite different in terms of structure and definitely a weird feeling being there. Driving back, all I could think about was how much I missed everyone, but am so blessed to have wonderful friends in my life. It's during the quiet times during my day that I tend to think/over think too much and the distance sets in.
Luckily, I met with some friends later Saturday night and enjoyed a low-key evening of dessert, chatting, and Scategories.
Today has been all about relaxing with lots of Sex and the City episodes, cleaning and actually enjoying the day (something I don't do often being in a windowless newsroom). Although, I still have quite a bit of laundry to put away. I'll get back to that, and until my next blog....have a wonderful day.

Isn't She Cute!

I need a news "mind break".
One my friends here just bought a puppy, a baby havanese. This isn't her dog, but it looks identical...

This area really is a great place to have a dog. There are so many wonderful parks and trails to go on a walk. If only I knew how to care for one...
Once the work day is over and I have a chance to relax I'm going to a movie screening. Samuel L. Jackson's new movie "Lakeview Terrace" comes out tomorrow and some of us get a sneak peek tonight. I really need sleep, but it looks like a good one so I will wait to catch up on my sleep this weekend. I'll give you the thumbs up/down tomorrow on whether or not to spend the money. Movie tickets are so expensive nowadays I have to take advantage of these sneak previews! Back to work for now

I'm Not the Only One Who Loves IU's Campus

Is that not a beautiful campus or what?!

I found the picture while looking for story ideas. It is part of an MSN article that names the top 10 "Beautiful College Campuses".

While the slideshow says no particular order, this wonderful picture is #1. (A good journalist always provides a source.)

On a side note, my heart goes out to everyone in the South and Midwest who are dealing with the effects of Ike. I've been reading about and watching video of the damage all day and the images are unbelievable. Add in the bank issues and this is a rough time for everyone.

Keep in touch, and keep smiling.

Into Perspective...

Before I took my car to get an oil change I stopped to fill up on gas. I had a little over a quarter of a tank left, but prices are the lowest they've been since I got here ($4.25 when I got here, now... $3.83). As I filled my tank I couldn't help but feel guilty. Here I am wanting to fill my tank before prices increase from Hurricane Ike and there are people in the south who are leaving their homes with the possibility of returning to nothing. I am worried about a couple of cents and there are people who will have their homes destroyed. My job might be stressful at times, but I am so grateful for the awareness it has given me of everything going on in the world. I've gained a much broader view of the world.

On a lighter side, Adam and I were talking this afternoon and he mentioned the world "homework". Boy did that sound foreign to me! I can't believe I haven't had to think about homework for over four months and won't have to anytime soon - what a wonderful feeling! (Finding story ideas doesn't count, I find myself doing it naturally.) And, what a wonderful day. It is 85 degrees and sunny...a perfect start for the weekend. If OSU loses it'll be even better ;)

Is it Saturday Yet?

I swear it was the day of a full moon. The day cannot be over soon enough. I am back from the Chicago Musical and am looking forward to snuggling in my bed. As soon as the day started the roller coaster began. I saw first hand how rough this business really is. The event definitely caught me off guard and startled me at the same time. I was extremely motivated to do a good job because there is always someone right behind you who is capable of doing the job, maybe better and for less. The rest of the roller coaster continued throughout the day with stories dropping left and right and new spot news stories taking their places. At one point I had no idea where my reporters were or what they were covering. I think the chaos began with an attempted murder announcement on the scanner, which brought the SWAT team out and never did end with an arrest. I was completely behind on my tasks (without a lunch break) and was writing headlines 30 seconds before it aired - not good! That was frustrating considering how wonderful yesterdays newscast went. I received so many compliments during and after yesterdays show, but I guess that's "show" business. To say the least, I am ready for the weekend.
Chicago was OK. I was disappointed in the choreography. And, although it was only a little over 2 hours WITH an intermission, it seemed really long. I just don't think it's my kind of show. I didn't even get through half of the movie when it came out, but I am always willing to give something a second chance - which I did.
Too bad I have to get up early to take my car in. Sleeping in sounds great, but knowing me I will be up before the alarm at 7:30. O, well. The rest of the day is mine to do nothing! That's about it for today. I hope everyone is planning an enjoyable weekend

I Won!

Today is my lucky day...well sort of. I won tickets to see Chicago on stage this weekend. There were some extra tickets sent to us and I submitted my name for the drawing. I just got an e-mail saying I am one of the winners. The show is Friday night. Now, who to take....?

Back to work for now. Still have a 6 and 6:30 show to help with.

After furthur consideration

I decided to remove the previous posts. Sorry, to those who are just now looking. I will continue to keep blogging I just have to be careful about what I say and can't make it as detailed as it was because most of my friends are in the public eye....anchors and reporters. But, I will continue to keep you updated, just on a little more subtle description.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy last night's sunset!