Memory Lane

Studies have proven that "Blue Monday" actually exists. If you're unfamiliar with the term, you must have magic coffee beans. For most people, it's the hardest day of the week. Your weekend is over, your work has just begun and Friday is too far away.

Every morning on the way to work, I try to take a second to pray. I turn my music down and just talk to God. I ask him to help me get through whatever my day consists of. Whether it's work related or something personal, I take those few minutes to get everything off my chest.

With the holidays here, "Blue Monday" seems to last a little longer. I can't help but to get down. Being back in Birmingham has been amazing. The decision to move home was the right one and has brought many great things my way. On the other hand, it reminds me of the life I used to have here. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but memories always flood back this time of year. It's during the holidays that you make those memories, and I can't help but to miss them.

When half your life is spent with one family, and the other with another, you build twice as many memories and traditions. Looking at it that way, I shouldn't be complaining! But have you ever driven down an unfamiliar road, and then all of a sudden, think "Oh wait! I know where I am now!" 

I get that feeling a lot. I'll be driving somewhere, and BAM, a memory pops up. You feel great for that one second, but then you miss the meaning behind it. 

I remember going to the Galleria on Christmas Eve and riding the carousel, attending the candle light service at our church, and getting to choose one present under the tree to open before going to bed. 

I'll never forgot my last Christmas morning in Birmingham. I came downstairs to see the one present I had wanted most - a mountain bike. It was a silver and black Diamond Back and it was beautiful. I actually still have it!

Over the weekend, I ran across some old photo albums and found a "Christmas Memories Book" my mother wrote in each year. It has sections to write about Holiday Visits, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. 
Christmas Dinner, Special Gifts and Things We Want to Remember, along with spaces for pictures.

As I read my way through, I want to share with you the last entry my mother wrote under 

Things We Want to Remember:

Samantha screams when she saw the mountain bike that Santa left!!!

Samantha in her third Galleria Lighting Ceremony.

Samantha in her first Nutcracker as a Cake Carrier!

Lynlee was a Trumpeteer in the same 2 performances!

New Year's Eve!! Quail Run Friends Party!!

The adults partied at the Pritchett's home and the kids at the Holmes' house. Close to midnight we all came "here" for hot chocolate, champagne and FIREWORKS!

For the first few things listed, I seem to be the common theme. But doesn't that sound perfect? Maybe it just does to me, because I remember all of it. The feeling, the smells, even the hot chocolate and fireworks. 

Now that we're all older, times have changed. It's sad... but many of those families are no longer together, or have lost loved ones. Most of the neighborhood friends have moved away are grown apart. But I have no doubt, they remember those years spent together. 

I've had many Christmas celebrations since then, and each one has a special meaning. I am beyond fortunate to spend it with the family(ies) God intended me to be with. 

Christmas- that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but it will be a day of remembrance- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

-Augusta E. Rundel

Tis' The Season

Is it just me, or do we start to celebrate Christmas earlier and earlier each year? I'm not against it, but putting your lights up before carving your turkey is pushing it!
I ran into my neighbor the other night who was all in a frenzy about not having her tree and decorations up yet. I had to remind her that it wasn't even December!

As for Thanksgiving, I was able to spend a day filled with food (literally), family and more food. Who can't love a holiday that encourages eating as much as possible? I was SO thankful to get the day off... But let me tell you, it required a lot more work beforehand! We had to book and record a whole new show just to air on the holiday. It required double the work in a day's time.
Below are some pictures from Talk of Alabama during November.

Our live show from "The Market" event 

This is where I watch the show when we are live on site - it's inside a satellite truck!

Recognize this guy? Taylor Hicks joined us for a performance one morning!

Although I didn't go into the station, I still woke up bright n' early to get everything in order. This year, I was in charge of the sweet potato casserole. This is a Thanksgiving STAPLE, so it had to be perfect! But if you know me, I had to do more than just one dish.... so I decided to make 2 other things, that weren't so traditional: a pineapple casserole and chocolate chip cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. I actually had the pineapple casserole when I was at another potluck. After my first bite, I literally said "I HAVE to have this recipe for my family Thanksgiving!" The girl who made it said is was from the Paula Deen cookbook, so you really can't go wrong with a recipe that has BUTTER as the main ingredient.

As for the cupcakes, who doesn't love peanut butter? If you don't, just stop reading. The cake part was simple, but the icing is what made them a hit! I even sprinkled some Reese's Pieces and Heath Bar on top just to induce that sugar coma.

Cupcakes & Sweet Potato Casserole... "Made with Love!"

Homemade Apple Pie I made for our work potluck!

You know those professionally iced cookies you see in bakeries? Well I was determined to try it myself!

Here's some fall leaf sugar cookies with "Royal Icing"

Food aside, It's already the first week of December and Christmas will be here before we know it! Luckily, I got a head start on my shopping list and have just a few things left to buy. Your parents are always the hardest... they already have everything and when you ask them what they want, it's always "I don't need anything." I would say what I have gotten them so far, but I'm pretty sure my mom reads this... Hey L!

What do I want for Christmas this year? I'm afraid if I went into detail, it would turn into a Lifetime movie. But you can never go wrong with shoes and clothes!

To wrap it up, November was a busy, busy, BUSY month and December is looking the same way! Who's ready for 2013?

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. 
Proverbs 19:21

Home Sweet Oklahoma

In July of 2000, I moved to Oklahoma. I was 12 years old and about to start junior high. My biggest concern was making new friends before school started.

Despite my fears, I was thrown a "Welcome to Enid" pool party at the local country club! It was a very sweet gesture, but also a little awkward attending your own party when you don't know a soul. Fortunately, I was given the "gift of gab" and I've never met a stranger. By the end of the day I was flipping off the diving board and making plans with new friends.

These are the memories that came to mind over the weekend. One of my best friends got married. I met her during that summer and we've been close ever since. It's cliche to say this, but it really does seem like yesterday. I remember going to Hastings in our pajamas to rent movies, pigging out on Oreo's and ice cream,  talking about our crushes and plenty of sleepless sleepovers. I remember when we both tried out and made the cheerleading squad together. We were so excited to wear our uniforms to school!

I can even recall when we got our first cell phones. We both had those huge Nokias that you could play Snake on. We would call each other back and forth just so we could test out our new ringtones!

These are just a glimmer of the times we spent together, but I will never forget the feeling of being accepted. Lindsay was one of my first friends, and not once did she ever question or judge why I had moved to Oklahoma in the first place.

Although I've moved back to Birmingham and have always referred to it as home, Oklahoma has a part of me, too. I flew back last weekend to be a bridesmaid in Lindsay's wedding and it really sank in just how much I miss it and the people. It was so amazing to be a part of the ceremony. From the rehearsal dinner, to doing our hair and makeup, to watching Lindsay and Mark say their vows to one another, I'm grateful I was able to witness it.

Despite the ups and downs in life, I'm still a romantic and still believe in Happily Ever After. I still hope to meet the love-of-my-life one day and also win the lottery... Which one is more realistic? Who knows! But I do know God presents the situations in your life to shape who you are. He places the people in your life for the same reason. Be happy for those around you. Be Happy for yourself.

"Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes."
Hugh Prather

 Bride and Bridesmaids!

 GO POKES!

 Me & Maggie - Another one of my 1st Oklahoma friends

 Pre-wedding cheers to calm a few nerves...

 One last touch up!

Still one of my closest friends, Collins. 

We were a "couple" back in the 7th grade!

25 Years

This time last year, I had just "turned over a new leaf"... or so I thought. I left working in television and began a new job completely out of left field. Well now it's a year later and what I thought was a new start, was really just a detour that led to something even better.

It's so easy to get discouraged and to ask God why he's taking you down a path you don't want to travel on. For me, sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of the woods, frantically looking at the signs pointing to all the different trails. Which one? Where will this lead me? Will I get lost? Will I find my way out? I tend to pressure myself to find the answer. I feel like if I don't search for the solution, I'll end up with the worst possible outcome. Time and time again, God has proven this theory wrong. He continues to guide me exactly where He wants me to go. Talk about a personal GPS.

25 years later, here I am! If you think you know everything about yourself... think again. I thought I did at ages 13...18...21... and so on. Just in the past year I've learned:

• Punctuality is my BIGGEST pet peeve

• I love to bake

• My parents really do know what's best

• Saving vs. Spending 

• I only like coffee when it's made by someone else

• I can't eat mac n' cheese as much as I want anymore

• I have a short attention span (Ok - that one isn't new)

• If it looks good on you, buy it in BLACK - not every color

• If it looks good on HGTV, it doesn't mean it will look good in your 1 bedroom apartment

• I have high cholesterol... thanks genetics

• I've acquired a taste for red wine.. You know, to help the heart (Physically and emotionally!)

I'll stop there... because I know the list will be twice as long when I get to 30. Which is a LONG WAYS AWAY. For now, I'm going to sit in the passenger seat and let God drive. I'm horrible at directions anyway. (1 Cheesy insert allowed per post).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6

They're called God Parents for a reason. 

They've supported since day 1. 

Birthday dinner with some friends at Five!

The Unofficial Start of Fall

There seems to be a reoccurring theme on when I write a new post: Easter, Fourth of July, Labor Day. I guess Halloween will be next. Speaking of which, today is the unofficial start of fall - my favorite time of year! We get a break from the heat and humidity, pumpkin and cinnamon flavors are welcomed back, weekends are spent watching football and I get to whip out my favorite pair of sweater pants. Yes, pants that feel like a sweater. If I could wear them to work, I would. On second thought, I believe I HAVE worn them to work when I was on the overnight shift. That's neither here nor there, though.

Besides weather, food and fashion, I also turn a quarter of a century old soon! Yep, the big 2-5. I know that's still pretty young, but it's a milestone, right?? Looking back, 25 seemed "SO OLD" but looking forward, it seems just the opposite. I still have so much I want to accomplish during this time... but where do I even start? I guess I have the rest of my life to figure that out.

This is the time of year is when I miss my mother the most. She LOVED thinking of creative birthday and Halloween parties for me. One year when I was in elementary school, she made spaghetti for "brains"and peeled grapes for "eyeballs" and let us go through a line blindfolded, feeling all the "ooey-gooey" stuff. I only hope I can be that fun for my kids someday.

As for work, I couldn't be in a better place. Nicole is back from maternity leave and a new format and flow is coming together. After the Fourth of July themed show, I decided our next project would be "Back to School" themed. Instead of doing it in-studio, I wanted to take it outside and do it remotely from a local park. We had cheerleaders, a marching band, healthy lunches to pack for the kids, a fashion show and even some pointers on homework help. Unfortunately, it rained the day of the show! And I don't mean a sprinkle or two, but the bottom fell out! We had to make a lot of last minute changes and had several technical difficulties... but that's the nature of the beast in live television!

So what's my next project? FOOTBALL! The Friday before the Iron Bowl (Alabama v. Auburn) we're going to do an Alabama/Auburn Talk of Alabama. I'm going to try to make it even, but don't be surprised to see a little more crimson than orange!

Until next time!

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.
-Corrie Ten Boom

 Me and Nicole before the Back to School Show!

What it takes to GO LIVE

Does this even need a caption? 

Too bad they were from Canada....

Had to get creative on how to rep both schools!

July Jubilee

I can't believe it's the middle of July, where has the summer gone? I definitely took the days of being in school for granted and having THREE months off. What did I do with my time? I would probably go stir crazy now. Regardless, I envy two groups of people this time of year: students and teachers. 


As for the weather, I love the heat- but only when I'm laying on the beach with a Pina Colada in tow. That is unfortunately not the case. On the other hand, I did have a wonderful Fourth of July. I had to work, but I worked hard enough that I was able to leave early and spend the rest of the afternoon poolside with some friends! It also gave me the excuse to indulge in an American classic... a hamburger! I don't get to cookout much since I live in an apartment, so I loaded it up and ate way too much. it was totally worth it. 


After getting some sun, we ventured out to a local vineyard www.morgancreekwinery.com for wine tasting, live music and fireworks. Can't get much better than that! Although I'm usually a fan of vino, the Muscadine grapevines down here in the South are just a little too sweet for me. 

Me and my other half, Lynlee, at the vineyard

I mentioned in my last post that I was planning a Fourth of July themed show at work. It ended up going great! We had some holiday trivia, red, white and blue popsicles, fireworks (no, not on set), firecracker flavored frozen yogurt, patriotic party tips and a Skype from San Destin for a fun family getaway! The popsicles and fro-yo were obviously my favorite segments. My next themed show will be "Back to School" and I'm hoping to go live from a local park... stay tuned!

4th of July show! Yummy Sangria Pops with Martie Duncan from 

Food Network Star & Chef Scottie

Charles getting "Slimed" live on the show!

Glenn Guist from "Swamp People" came on the show!

His favorite meal? Squirrel n' Dumplins...

Besides fireworks, food and fine wine, I'm still making headway on my apartment. I painted over a wall that I previously painted blue (I think it reflected how I felt at the time) and painted 3 other walls. I went with "City Scape" grey. I can't decide if I chose the color because it's all I've seen on Pinterest lately, or if it has to do with a certain book I'm reading. Either way... it looks great! I also repainted a table, put up new curtains and rearranged a bit. It's a slow process, but it's coming along. I would post pictures, but my iPhone camera just doesn't do it justice!


As for myself, I've been reflecting a lot on just how much can change in a year's time. It's scary... but good. People don't always like change, or like to venture outside of their comfort zone, but you risk the chance of missing out on something if you don't. It takes trust in yourself, trust in others and most importantly, it takes trust in God.  


"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain 

Just Call Me J-Lo

It's been a few weeks since I've taken time to write a new post... but when you write for a living, sometimes it's the last thing you want to do when you have free time!

I've been back at ABC for a little over a month, and it's still going great. I've gotten more comfortable with the flow of things and have a few projects in the works...One being a 4th of July themed show. Even though it falls on a Wednesday, we still go live! You're either employed in television or in the medical field when working on a holiday isn't given a second thought. So far we're going to have a red, white and blue fashion show, of course some holiday-themed food and I'm hoping to get the green light to play with some "baby" fire crackers and sparklers for one segment. As long as I'm not handling any explosives, nothing or no one should catch on fire... seriously.

Although it would be nice to have the holiday off, I've learned that taking a day off work is MORE work than not. Last Thursday I flew out to Oklahoma City for one of my best friend's wedding. I was her Maid of Honor... and if you've never been one, it's a big, huge, ENORMOUS responsibility! Once arriving in the Windy City (yes, I realize that's the nickname for Chicago, but it's WAY more fitting for Oklahoma City- or all of the state for that matter) it was non-stop. From arranging table arrangements and bouquets, to transforming a basketball gym into a reception hall, it was no easy feat! This is also where the title of the post comes into play. When taking on my M.O.H. duties, I quickly earned the name J-Lo. At first I thought I was being mocked for my "rather large" backside, but then came to find out it was because of Jennifer Lopez's movie, The Wedding Planner. If only I had Matthew McConaughey by my side... 

Back to reality: I was able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with the bride, Nicole, before the big day, and most importantly, was able to be a part of the wedding itself. It was a full Catholic Mass ceremony, and it was absolutely beautiful. Although it was more detailed than most, with lots of sitting and standing, singing and praying, it went off without a hitch! Well I take that back, the bride and groom got hitched! Corny, but you know you laughed.

The reception was of course my favorite part... since that's the part with the wedding cake. I also gave my Maid of Honor speech. I was really nervous since there were so many people there, but it went well. I was also able to catch up with a lot of good friends and sorority sisters from college. It's like I never left! Last but not least I caught the bouquet! I would say I snatched it fair and square, but when when all the other girls back up to let you catch it... well maybe not so much.

After a long but wonderful weekend, I finally made it back home. My flight was delayed THREE times. I really thought I was going to miss my connecting flight, but after Home-Aloning it through the Atlanta Airport, I actually made it on board to Birmingham! If only "Run, Run Rudolph" was playing during my sprint. 

That's enough writing for one day... I can't get burnt out when it's only Monday.

Until next time!

Gym to Reception Hall Transformation

Hand Made Bouquets & Reception Cups

Nicole's Last Night as a Single Lady!

Right Before the Ceremony