The Revelation….

I LOVE everything about Christmas, well almost.

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees make me happy!  Hot chocolate with marshmallows satisfy my taste buds as I try to survive the winter chill.  I love snow (as long as it doesn’t snow too many times or create thick layers of ice that lead to electrical outages).

Oh yea, back to what I love.

I love the true meaning of Christmas and the gift of salvation it represents.  I love giving gifts and seeing the reaction from those opening my presents.  I love, LOVE Christmas treats, especially decorating cookies.  I love how the mall seems to come alive with shoppers in a way that only happens around Christmas time.

But here’s the thing, I had a revelation while I was sitting in a waiting room today and there was no silence to be had.  I think I pretty much hate Christmas music!  It’s only November 28th and I’m about sick of Christmas songs.

There’s “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bell Rock”.  You’ve got Christmas carols by the Chipmunks which sound like nails on a chalkboard.  They play on the radio over and over and over again.  Give me a good Boys II Men rendition of Silent Night and I’m cool, but the annoying tunes that have to do with Frosty and Rudolph…I can do without.

Am I a Grinch?  No, I would go that far, but I am counting the days until we can go back to our regularly scheduled (music) program.  Until then, thank goodness for CD’s.

New Years Resolution #1

Bedford resident Barbara Scott stakes out a street corner encouraging local citizens to buy American made products

So, I know I still have about a month to go, but this has been on my heart for the past few weeks.  I am really going to make more of an effort to start “Buying Local” or American made.  I was inspired last month when I did a story about a woman who was urging people in her community to shop at locally owned stores and/or buy local gifts for the Christmas holiday.  Then again today, another reporter did a story about another lady who is on a one-woman-crusade to encourage people to support the American economy.

I’ll be the first to admit, other than my food, buying local isn’t something I think about too much.  I’ve been impressed with the series “Made in America” on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.  Through that, I’ve learned there are so many products like nails, beds and sheets that are Made in America.  You just have to look!  True, it may take a little more time to find and it might cost a few cents more; however, if we all did our part, how many people could we put to work here in our country where unemployment is a resounding 8.6%.?  I’m so tired of people blaming the President, Congress and even Wall Street for that matter.  While they all do share in the responsibility, so do we.  Why is it that we as individuals want to be so quick to pass the buck?

Let me be realistic.  I’m not going to buy only things made in this country, but I will do better.  I challenge you to do the same!

New Year’s + Miami + Virginia Tech = Happy 2011

Live shot along one of Florida's many beaches on Jan. 2, 2011

As you can tell just from the title, I’m talking about a triple threat here. 

 First of all, Happy New Year!  There’s something about a New Year that renews us all don’t you think?  This year, I spent New Year’s Day in Miami (catching an EARLY flight). 

 

I had a great time covering the Orange Bowl with Travis Wells and Chris Miles.  I’ve never really aspired to go to a college bowl game – but I jumped at the chance.  It’s quite impressive in so many ways aside from the actual game itself. 

Say hello to Betty & Lindsey Floyd! A few of the wonderful Hokie fans I got to meet

The tailgating (and VT fans go hard), the media-events, the quick tv deadlines it makes for a RUSH!  One of the best parts of being in Florida was the weather.  I think it averaged 73 degrees?  It was refreshing especially after Virginia’s bitter cold winter.  How many weeks until summer again?

Spa Day @ Wintergreen

So here we are in our fluffy robes (yes we returned them) and no make-up! I think we look pretty darn good don't you?

Virginia has some amazing places!  To celebrate my birthday about two weeks ago, my co-worker and amazing friend Susan Bahorich and I went to the Wintergreen Resort for our Girl’s Get-a-way/Spa Day.  We had a blast!  Talk about relaxing.  Since there was no snow to ski, we did the whole facial/massage thing, then we watched a bunch of tv in our suite, napped, tried delicious food and enjoyed girl chat.  It seems I’m one of the last to visit Wintergreen, but just in case you haven’t also…you’re missing out!

A "Wintergreen" View

A “Sweet” Kind of Struggle

So 4 weeks until my college roommate gets married and you know what that means?  I have a bridesmaid dress to get into.  But first I need to slim it up a bit since it is a LBD (little black dress).

And here are the sweets...just feet from my desk!

Here’s the thing:  On any given day, this newsroom is stacked with sweets.  Staff members either bring it or someone from the community sends it in and don’t forget about News7 Weekend Dinner left-overs.  

Reporter Chris Hurst's go-to juice collection. These are healthy right?

Also, we have birthday parties and goodbye parties for departing colleagues and before you know it…we’re all 5lbs heavier.  There’s only so much willpower to go around. 

And let’s face it… News can be a stressful business.  We have deadlines everyday! 

I won't tell you who keeps all this hidden in their desk, but I've been known to sneak in a time or two!

As journalists, we see things we don’t always air on tv…and emotions in this newsroom at anytime can explode.  Most of us — guilty by profession — are emotional eaters! 

Before you know it, it’ll be the holiday’s and that means even more sweets.  

Kelsey Lodge's Going Away Party (She was a producer and associate producer here at WDBJ) We'll miss you!

I’m telling you, cookies, cake, pizza, chips, oh yea and chocolate, they are truly my weakness — a guaranteed way into my heart ha ha! 

Chocolate...how can I resist?