Sometimes you need a MIRACLE

I was invited to tour the Children’s floor at Roanoke Memorial Hospital to help spread a little cheer. This is one of the patients I met. We both discovered we have a love for Oreo Blizzards at Dairy Queen.

I have been having such a crappy few days!  You know those days when things just aren’t going your way? What is it, one step forward, two steps back?  Then, to top it all off, I was in a car accident over the weekend.  Needless to say, I’ve been a little down and feeling sorry for myself.

Then, I was going through my email last night and I was reminded of last week when I visited a lot of the sick kids at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  Some of these kids, where out and about playing one day and in the hospital the next.  We’re talking life-altering health issues.  Babies, so tiny, they’re not even a pound.  They’re parents are stressed, grieving and some barely clinging on to hope.  Despite all this, these kids are MIRACLES.

Remembering this was the miracle I needed to let me know, life isn’t so bad.

A Hard to Swallow Subject

This weekend while cooking for several of my co-workers, I found myself praying, “Please Lord, don’t let this food make them sick!”

If you’re like me, your are extremely paranoid with all of these recent food related illnesses.

Cantaloupe – Listeria

Ground Beef – E. coli (Ground Turkey earlier this year)

Lettuce – Listeria

Spinach Dip – Listeria

Turkey Burgers – Salmonella

Strawberries – E. coli

Papaya – Salmonella

Eggs (2010) – Salmonella

It’s really quite scary when you think about it. Especially since I eat all of the foods I listed above. I’m especially bad at eating things with raw eggs in it (cookie dough, brownie batter – yea, I still sneak it a spoonful every now and then).

I think about the families who’ve lost someone from one of these tainted products. How devastating is that? “My brother died because he ate cantaloupe for breakfast.” Is this the new norm? Washing food is preventative measure but more and more that’s not even the answer.

Fortunately, none of my co-workers got sick – at least they were all at work today!

{INSERT BIG SIGH OF RELIEF HERE}

Talk About Anxiety…

I asked for two inches to come off.  My hairdresser took off about 4!  Needless to say I was shocked!  I found myself looking in the mirror for hours on Tuesday night (I was off that day).  Then, when I finally went to bed, I tossed and turned wondering “what are the viewers going to say”? You know “WE”, and yes I say we, tend to be so judgmental!  News7 fans either love it or hate it!  There’s no in between and shyness is not even in your vocabulary.  People tend to remember a few things when they watch our newscasts.  Every now and then, it’s the stories, but a lot of times it is the chit-chat, the fumbles and our wardrobe (make up and hair included).

So thanks to everyone for being so supportive.  Here are just a few of the comments I’d like to share:

“WOW! I’ve never written to any of you TV gals/guys before this evening, but I couldn’t resist telling you my opinion of your hair – it’s very flattering!  Now I need to decide what to do with mine! HA!”  ~Fran

From  a News7 Producer:  A woman called to compliment your new hairdo.  She says you could be the Michelle Obama of the state of Virginia, and that she hopes you marry a president.

“Hollani,  My husband and I just wanted you to know that we love, love, love, your hair.  We enjoy your broadcasts and reporting and hope that you will be with WDBJ for a long time to come.  We also think that you are the smartest dresser on any of the local stations.  Just wanted you to know how much we like you, and your “new” hair. ” ~ Mitzi and Rick Evans Roanoke

“Ms. Davis…My wife and I have always commented on how attractive you are and the great job you do as a journalist. Your new haircut is a PLUS! It makes you look more radiant, and I think it makes you look younger. Keep up the good work. Oh, and this is from a 65+, old, white boy.”  ~John in Rocky Mount

“I recall one of your blogs being about big hair in Texas.  Just wanted to let you know that the short ‘do is a good one.”   ~Phil & Sandy Toth  Floyd, Virginia

Is Your Mail Going Where It Should Be?

This past week I did a story about a new crime that has moved in to the Roanoke area.  Thieves are getting desperate and bold!  Nearly three weeks ago, someone reached into one of those big blue mailboxes in front of the main post office in Roanoke and stole some mail. 

I spoke with one of the victim’s a few days ago who had his $515 mortgage check stolen.  The culprit cut off the victim’s routing number, made a new check for $850 and went on a shopping spree at the Lynchburg Walmart.

(Click here to check out the story)

Without giving much away, I’ll only say that the criminal(s) are rigging the mailboxes so when you drop your letters in, they don’t fall to the bottom.  It gives them easy access when they drive up behind you and pull your mail out.

Since the story aired, I’ve had a couple of phone calls (from viewers who are simply paranoid – but with good reason.  At least one person however says his insurance check went missing the same day the first victim’s check was stolen.  Fortunately, he had enough sense to cancel the check about a week later.)

It’s unclear how many folks have been impacted by this stunt.  The postal hierarchy won’t know per say until people come forward. It’s a crime though that all of us could easily fall victim to.  I guess it pays to look into your rear view mirror — even at the post office.

AND 3,2,1 …WAIT! (REPORTER CRISIS)

My hair wasn't the only thing blowing or in this case flowing

Do you ever wonder what’s going on right before a reporter steps in front of the camera?  Better yet, what is that reporting thinking about?

Well let me tell ya!  Today on News7 at Noon, I was hardly thinking about my story.

About 10 minutes before the newscast, out of nowhere, my nose starts bleeding.  Oh Crap!  I thought it would stop (any minute, any minute) but not a chance.  What in the world?  Next thing I know I’m calling my producer (shout out to Thom Brewer) to tell him there’s no way I could be the top story.  Obviously he agreed!  

 

I guess it’s all that cold dry air blowing through.  But hopefully another surprise won’t blow my way anytime soon!