Welcome to the Kidmans', feel free to leave on your shoes

I realized we've lived here almost a year, and I've never given you the TOUR! Judd and I live in our house by the District at Green Valley Ranch. It's not actually OUR house, we're renting it, but it feels like home all the same.I'm thinking we'll renew in May. No need to pack again, ugh! It's the fourth place we've lived in together, and so far, our favorite! (and yes, those are Halloween lights).


Welcome inside! Here's the living room.


Another view...


My attempts to be creative with pictures...


The kitchen


Another view...


The room where the one-armed couch and the turtles live. Seriously, if you have any creative ideas for a tall empty wall like the one you see, let me know. I'll make you dinner :)


Fireplace



Office/Sugar Glider playroom


Downstairs bathroom. This is supposed to be Cape Cod themed


Let's go upstairs!



This could be a nursery someday. No Promises. For now, it's a craft/gun room/guest room. Haven't had any guests yet though, so haven't needed to actually do anything with it!


But if you do become a guest in our home, this would be your bathroom!



And last, but not least, our room. Judd came up with the curtains. Notice the blackout, desperately needed for my vampire schedule!

One of my favorite parts of the house. I'm obsessed with the drawers and cabinets all around the bed! I was feeling generous though... so I let Judd have them.

Ok, I just wanted the walk-in closet. Never knew it would be such a big ordeal, but Judd totally wants it!



AND... our bathroom!



Not pictured... the garage, aka Judd's man-cave. Just a teensy bit cluttered. Don't want you to think any less of us. I just don't go in there very often. I don't have to, because I can't even park in there between Judd's car, motorcycles, bikes, tools, freezer, work bench, generator, etc...

Backyard's getting some love. I'll post pictures once I figure out what I want to plant there!

So there ya go!

Nelson's Landing

Just got our pictures back from the Christmas Card shoot! We went to Nelson's Landing, about an hour south of town. It's this funny little "ghost town" with all kinds of things to explore. Old buses, barns, even a plane crash. Perfect place to take pictures! And shockingly, Bindi is looking at the camera in almost all the pictures! Sierra and Darren from DazzlePhotozz did these for us, with Sierra behind the camera and Darren getting Bindi's attention with silly noises. Fun, fun day!

Thoughts on Current Events:

Whitney Houston's death has dominated the headlines, and my newscast. I won't pass judgement on what she was or wasn't doing at the time of her death. I'd rather remember her for the amazing talent she was. Look up her rendition of the National Anthem, it will give you chills.

It's the Poor People Hater vs. Sweater Vest for the Republican nod for president now. Just kidding. I know Mitt Romney really doesn't hate poor people. He has an awesome track record to prove it. But Rick Santorum does wear a LOT of sweater vests.

My Runnin' Rebels are now ranked 11th in the nation! Finally, something UNLV can be proud of (other than it's AWESOME journalism department!).

And seriously... this season of the Bachelor is ticking me off. Courtney HAS to have some kind of social disorder. That would explain why she is so awful and manipulative. I can't believe Emily the rapping doctor got sent home over her!

Merry Christmas! (in February!)

I haven't been in a blogging mood lately, but I finally took my very first sick day at FOX5. And to keep my mind off this nasty stomach ache, thought I'd think happy Christmas thoughts!

The iPad really needs to come up with a better Blogger app. As my friend Matt would say, this is totally a white girl problem, but I want to write captions for pictures! Instead, I'll just number and explain!

1. My coworkers and I all got fabulous FOX5 jackets and gift cards!
2. My boss gave me these fabulous monkey socks. I'm wearing them now, perfect sick day accessory. Judd keeps hoping my dog will eat them, and I know she's tempted, but not happening!
3. Judd wanted toys for Christmas, so he got this remote controlled helicopter. It has video cameras and can fly for miles, so Judd can feel like a super secret agent. He talked me into a Kinect too, so we could get our workout on. Sure... ;)
4. I got my boots! I also got that robe too. Judd hated my previous one, which I've had since high school. He called it the Homeless Muppet, way to make me feel like a hottie, right?!
5. Yes, we dress Bindi up and have her play Santa. Don't judge.
6 and 7. We did a White Elephant party with Judd's family. We got Jett and Izzy some loud, but I think, fun toys!
8. For New Years, we braved the Strip, and I braved a NOFX concert. I felt old for about ten minutes. When I was 16ish, I would have had no issues jumping in a mosh pit with a bunch of dudes. At almost 25, I was terrified! Plus, people were throwing drinks and getting in fights. I hid in a corner and watched my husband go nuts on the middle of the floor with hundreds of other equally crazy guys. Then I felt like a loser, and decided to stop being a wimp. I didn't get in the middle of the action, but found some other wives/girlfriends slightly to the side and danced with them. My dress desperately needs dry-cleaning thanks to the jerk behind me who dumped a drink on it, and my boots are pretty scuffed. But it was a pretty awesome night otherwise! I'd do it again, but maybe next time we'll pick a band I actually know!

Let's keep these...

...RESOLUTIONS!

I'll get Christmas and New Years up in a bit. But first, let's get these written down so I actually follow them!

1. Nutrition

Last year my goal was to eat more fruits and vegetables. I've done pretty good on this one. For 2012, I want to eat more environmentally friendly foods. I have some friends back in Massachusetts that made a lifestyle choice to make sure 75% of the things they eat come from either their amazing garden or somewhere close by. It cuts down on preservatives, supports local farmers, and it helps them eat more healthy things. Being in Vegas, I know it will be challenging to find food that comes from here. But I'm going to figure out this whole farmers market system, and try growing my own. Maybe go in on a free range cow with someone.

2. Exercise
Kinect. Biking. Walk the dog more. Take advantage of the free gym 50 feet away.

3. Spiritual
For this one, I'm going back to the basics. I've kind of given myself a Rumspringa the past few months from church. Nothing too crazy, but just doing things I want to do that may or make not be looked down upon. I still haven't made any decisions yet regarding my future with the church. So what I'm doing is studying what I actually do know to be true. I've taken up a challenge to read my scriptures daily, so I'm focusing on the New Testament, because I do believe in Christ. I'm also following the advice I learned in my Christian group back in Reno, and that is to build those personal relationships with God.

4. Relax!
Stop stressing. Need I say more?

5. Volunteer
I have been wanting to find a cause. I miss the days I used to spend volunteering at the Reno Zoo. So I think I'm going to figure out how to be a volunteer at the Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary. Judd and I have a special spot in our hearts for that place. They gave our duckling a good home. So we want to help them out.

6. Figure out this sewing machine.
I was given a really nice sewing machine for Christmas from my in-laws. I'm determined to learn how to use it well. I really liked sewing as a kid, but haven't done it in years. So far, I made a baby blanket for Celina's new baby Anglie. If you are expecting, expect a blanket from me! It's the only thing I know how to make!

Speaking of things for babies...

7. Make a baby plan.
THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I repeat... THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
I'm one of those people that needs a plan for everything. Even if they don't work out, I like having general guidelines. So for this, I need a lot of plans. Specifically, how I will work and be a mom at the same time. I'm not saying this is happening soon, in a few months, even this year. But I figure if I come up with some plans, babies won't freak me out so much. So I'm researching, but no promises!

Reason #468762 why I need to be rich

Just kidding. I don't really need to be rich. I'd just like the means to afford a small functioning farm, a cottage on the Cape, and private school for the future kiddies. No harm in dreaming big, right?

Oh, and one other thing. I think I'd like to get a professional massage at a world class salon every now and then...

So up until yesterday, I have never had a professional massage at a spa. I've had massages, especially since the bestie is a professional massage therapist. But never at a spa where everyone goes out of their way to pamper you.

Said Bestie, Sasha, bless her dear heart, gave her friends a spa day at the Bellagio this year for Christmas. It came with the full experience, not just the massage. The steam rooms, the jetted tubs, the showers with four different sprayers, the beautiful vanity rooms with every type of curling irons and beauty supplies imaginable, fluffy robes, soothing music, drinks and fruit on tables, the scented air, the quiet rooms. I could go on and on... and the massage was incredible. No wonder Sasha is the most serene person I know, I would be too if I spent the majority of my time in that environment!

It was pure heaven. For four hours, my phone was silent, I wasn't at a computer, wasn't figuring out bills or work or UNLV deadlines. I was in a total state of bliss.

So yes, I don't need to be rich. But I think I could use a day like yesterday a little more often than once every 24 years.

That being said... are there any cheap spas out there?

Hangin' with the Sister Wives

Meet my new pals...

It's Christine, Cody, and Janelle of the Sister Wives!

So if you've read my blog long enough, you probably know I have a total fascination with this show. I love it. I love the drama, but I love that the gals always try and work it out. I think it's the most honest reality show out there.

In my line of work, I get to meet a lot of celebs. So far, I've been very professional, have never asked for an autograph or picture, and have done my best to represent my station. But my resolve was tested when my photographer friend asked me if I'd go along with him and interview the Brown family, since he had never seen the show before. I was already off, but I jumped on that in a heartbeat!

We met the Brown family at the Wranglers game. They were doing a meet and greet session with fans. They were slated to just do the session during one of the breaks, then watch the game with their kids. But the line of people wanting to meet them was so long, they actually stayed a good 20 minutes to half hour longer then they needed to. I was pretty impressed.

Once they were all done, I introduced myself, and asked when would be a good time to do the interview. They invited me to their private box, and they'd do it during the next intermission. So there I was, just hanging with the Browns while they watched the game. I helped a kid with a bloody nose, and got to know the family.

Let me just say this: These guys are genuinely good people. They are friendly, love their kids, and just want to have a great time. I had so much fun with them. I didn't even ask for a picture or autograph, they just gave them to me. I asked if they'd want to come on our morning show sometime, and they said to just give them a call whenever!

So that's my story of meeting one of my favorite TV families!

Thoughts on Current Events:

With all these sexual abuse allegations coming forward on coaches and other sports leaders, I have two thoughts. One is I'm glad men are speaking up on a topic that is rather taboo... rape against men and boys. I hope all the victims can get justice.

That being said... you just know one of these is going to end up being a false story. Some guy somewhere is going to want to get revenge on the coach that never put him in a game, and want thousands of dollars. I feel for whatever innocent coach that will be.

With Herman Cain out, Newt Gingrich is now the GOP front runner for president. Considering how much people freaked out over Cain's supposed affair, I'm surprised they're backing a candidate who has admitted to an affair. Sadly, I think a lot of people are just supporting the candidate that *isn't Mitt Romney.

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris just landed her first movie role. Good for her, let's keep the Jackson family talent going another generation!

One of my favorite bloggers, Reality Steve, is facing legal trouble over how he gets his spoilers for The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad. The show wants to shut him up, but I think they want the publicity that will come with it even more. I love this show, but it's pretty lame without Reality Steve's awesome commentary. Keep it up, don't let them get you down!

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run!

This town does the Las Vegas Great Santa Run every year around this time. It's a yearly attempt to break the world record for most Santas in one place (accomplished in 2007). Proceeds from the event go to Opportunity Village, a really great organization that helps out mentally challenged people here in the valley. I've always seen it on TV, but never actually joined in on the madness until this year.

My TV station sponsors this race, so this year, I volunteered to help set up. I got there at the break of dawn (because that's at seven a.m. these days), and it was miserably FREEZING. And WINDY. AND I forgot my coat. But that wouldn't dampen our jolly Christmas spirits! I borrowed a vest, and away we went!

It's not a running event without my favorite Border Collie, so we bought a little kid Santa shirt for her, and made her come along!

The FOX5 team, and Bindi.


Getting ready to run. I have about 6 layers on at this point, including the Santa Suit.


There were a bunch of "opening acts", including the Jabbawockeez! I've always wanted to see them live, so it was pretty cool watching them up close.


Bindi wasn't a fan of the Jabbawockeez, Recycled Percussion, or anyone who was loud since our setup was right next to the stage. She needed a little babying.

Ashley K. and I getting ready to go. From our old Studio G days until now, we've stuck together!

More pics... I swear half of "helping" was posing instead.


Ok, so I had it in my head I would do the 5K. But the combination of having a recovering puppy (she was really sick earlier this week) and having not run in a few weeks, I decided to stick with the one mile. Didn't want to kill either one of us! Judd on the other hand, snuck off to Frys and met us when the race was over. It was a blast, and I'm so doing the 5k next year! In fact, I'm feeling really ambitious and thinking I want to do the Rock & Roll Marathon too! Secretly, I wish I were a runner.