Honestly.  Girl Scouts are little smarties.  They know how to get you hooked! 

I was once a Brownie, but then my troop leaders threw in the towel.  So, that was the end of my Girl Scout career... 

Does any single person really need five boxes of cookies?  I love them.  We tore into Box #1 yesterday, and they've been the rave of the newsroom.  Everyone keeps sneaking around to see who's got an open cookie!

My favorite?  Caramel deLites... they're the death of me. 

I'm going to give you a hint.  I am working on a story that will give you some of the best spending tips out there...  

One of those tips... is never buy a new book.

Since I am a lover of bookstores (new and used), I have a hard time swallowing that advice.  But I will tell you, there's something magical about the library.

I love books, but let's be honest... the library should also be keeping up with the way we consume what's going on in the world... and thankfully, the New Hanover County library has audio and visual material.  I'm not a big movie-watcher, but I will check out a movie from time-to-time or borrow a CD.  

My latest find?  Sex and the City 2!  OK, it's not the newest movie, but it saves me a buck or two at the nearby Redbox. 

The only thing I wish is that the library district here had a bigger selection of newer titles.  I came from one of the most progressive and well-supported library districts in the nation.  (No joke!)  And, the district would always have the latest new titles available--hold lists started months in advance of a release.  The library in Southwest Missouri was so integral to the community with its 10 branches and several outreach programs.  Considering to close its doors would probably cause a riot.

Nonetheless... I love the library.  Any library.  The library is full of wonderful things... even Carrie Bradshaw thought so.

I just got back from Jacksonville's Olive Garden...which was lovely (thank you Will Ferrell!)

Seriously.  It was lovely.

I met up with one of my friends from good, ole Springfield, Missouri.  I met Sophia (the blonde with the striped shirt) back when she was in college.  I worked with her older sister, Tiffany, for several years.  Tiffany was the 5 p.m. producer at one of my former news stations, and she is still one of my favorite people on earth.  

Anyway... Sophia has since married a Marine, moved out of the Midwest, had three babies and is living near Camp Lejeune.  How did she pass me up in adulthood?  It will take me years to catch up with her!

Tonight, I drove up to see her because she and her friends were putting on a girls night out... or moms night out!  And boy, did it sound like they needed it.  I heard so many funny things come out of their mouths, like "combat cuddlin'" and where to find the best "eye candy" around town (just for fun.)  It was highly entertaining!

At the same time, I realized what sacrifices they make on a daily basis...without them even realizing they were telling me.  They were giggling and laughing... so happy to be away from the kiddos for a couple of hours.  But as they were talking, I learned a lot about the sacrifices they make to keep their families together.

They've all dealt with multiple deployments.  Four or more.  They can't plan their futures because they don't know where they'll be in two years.  Should they buy a house?  If so, when?  What happens to the house when they move?  What if one of the kids gets sick while their husband is deployed?  Who will babysit when something goes wrong?  What happens when someone breaks into their house while their husband is gone?  A couple of them can't sleep at night.

I was amazed at their strength, and I think it hit home with me because they are around my age.  I can barely stand living separately from my husband (as we try to sell our house in Missouri)... I can't imagine sending him off to a foreign place in a dangerous situation!

Anyway... they were amazing women, and I know I'll see them again.  They all have very good sense of humors, and I can't wait to go up to Jacksonville soon for a few laughs.  I feel like I need to borrow a baby so I can really be a part of the club!

WELCOME!

I have been reporting the news professionally for about a decade (I'd say many more if I counted all that time I worked for free as an intern!)  A lot of people think it's just about reading what's on the teleprompter...but actually, writing is a huge part of my job.

This is where I'll share a lot more personal things that I can't talk about on the news.  This is also where I hope you'll submit your own "news."  Got a cool upcoming event?  A special anniversary?  A cute puppy pic?  Share it with me!  And who knows...it could even end up on that old TV box!  I believe it's very important for local news stations to cover local and regional news... there are too many choices for you to get national and world news elsewhere... but FEW places will give you the information about what's going on in your community.

[READ WHAT I JUST WROTE ABOUT THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY CITIZENS ACADEMY]

Anyway, I've just built this website today.  So... if there's anything that sticks out to you (good or bad), please let me know!  Also, would love to know more about this area!