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.

True Love

I have a lot of love for my favorite day of the year, Black Friday. The rush I get when I score an awesome deal, the holiday music, the crowds, the race to grab a limited item. The quality time i get to spend with my mom, who passed down all of her Black Friday wisdom to me. Finding the perfect gift for everyone. I got my brother a donut maker, I seriously hope he practices that thing on his family. :)

Normally I do splurge a bit on myself. But this year, due to my self-imposed punishment of being a crappy ring owner, I humbled myself and said no gifts for me. Nothing, nada, zip.

Except for those freakin' fantastic boots pictured here.

I have an ongoing love affair with boots. I'm not the kind of person who spends a ton of money on labels or expensive clothes, or even purses. Im not really even a shoe kind of girl. But show me an adorable boot, and my knees go weak. I live in Las Vegas, which means my boot wearing is kind of limited. So I live in them during the cold seasons, and look for excuses to break them out in the summer.

So when I saw these Ugg Bailey Button Triplets, I knew it was true love, and they were meant to be. Even if it's pretty much guaranteed they'll probably never go on sale this season anywhere. Judd tried talking me into a knock off pair at first. I can do knock off with most things like purses or jewelry. But not these. Too pretty.

So I grabbed them this morning, and they're safely hidden away. It's actually kind of nice restricting myself to one present. I can now really focus on the season itself and true meaning, and forget all the consumerism. Christmas comes just once a year, why waste it on silly material needs?

Her Diamonds

I can't sleep in today, even though it's Sunday morning. My mind is frazzled, so I'm up watching Sister Wives on Netflix and blogging.

Yesterday, I lost one of the diamonds in my engagement ring. We were out running errands all day, but I'm pretty positive it popped out somewhere in Costco. We were loading up the car, when I looked down and kind of screamed. It was kind of fruitless to go back and look for it. Costco on a the weekend before a major holiday involving food is worse than the I-15 on a Friday afternoon. Carts and shoppers extreme.

So, trying really hard not to cry, I asked if we could go to a jeweler. We headed over to the Galleria Mall, where we went to the place that has originally tightened it. My jaw dropped when they told me what the damages were going to be. Just under a thousand. I asked what would happen if we stuck a CZ in there, at least until after the holidays. Since a good portion of the price was the labor, Judd decided it wasn't worth it, so we coughed up a deposit.

I'm so mad at myself. I know it's just a ring, but I feel like this wouldn't have happened if I had taken better care of it. I haven't had it serviced in three years. Cleaned, but not taken care of. I have noticed the diamonds rattle sometimes, and the thought did cross my mind to get it looked at. I'm disappointed I let this happen to my husband's gift he spent so much on. He's been so sweet, which I appreciate.

I'm also kicking myself for not getting insurance on the ring. We looked into it when we first got married and setting up car and rental insurance. It was going to be an extra $30 a year. At the time, we were cash-strapped broke college students, so it seemed like a bill we could avoid. Now I'm thinking, 30 bucks? That's like the cost of eating out at Claim Jumpers. Ugh. That's changing Monday!

So I just learned a very expensive lesson in taking care of things of value. I know it's just a "thing" and I could have had something more serious break like my car, but this was a special gift Judd saved up for a long time to get for me. I need to treat it better. I'm going to be the best ring owner after this, trust me!

Success

I've dropped the "associate" from my title. Now I'm a Producer. Of my own news show.

Granted, it's the 4:30 a.m. Not the audience or ratings that the 10 p.m. gets... but people actually get up and watch my show. I get some airtime myself whenever I run the "Question of the Day" segment where I share what viewers are thinking on air. I'm given four and a half hours to come up with the best show possible. Then I have to sit in the booth, direct the anchors, and pray it all goes well.

It's the most overwhelming job I've ever had. It's the busiest I've ever been, and maybe the most stressed out. There's days I want to throw my computer against the wall, and sometimes I swear like a sailor when a technical glitch happens on-air. Usually not out loud though.

But I love it. This is what I've fought for years for, and what I think I'm meant to do, at least for the time being.

I talked to one of my oldest friends this morning that's known me since freshman year of high school. She told me that I'm the most successful out of our group of mutual friends. I quickly told her in no way was that true. Everyone has been successful in their own way. Others have gone on to great jobs, bought houses, graduated, and so on. She's about to be a mom. I think that is a huge accomplishment and something far better than what I'm doing.

But I was thinking about it, and I feel like everything has kind of come full circle. I used to look at my group of friends from high school and get so insanely jealous... because each and everyone of them had been cast in a show except for me. For the longest time, I considered it my biggest failure that I was part of the ten percent of students to get into LVA, and couldn't get myself cast to save my life.

But now I realize I just hadn't realized what my niche was. I thought I was meant to be an actress. I was really good at tech work, and I could write really well. I liked these things, but kind of ignored them as talents, because I was so focused on why I wasn't getting cast. But I look back now, and realize that the tech and writing experience I gained there was a big stepping stone to where I am now. I gained invaluable knowledge that I still use every day, both in high school and in college.

I'm not sure where I was going with this, other than getting some jumbled thoughts out, but I guess if anything, I would say to take a look at some things you know you can do, but just take for granted. Is there a talent hiding that you can turn into something awesome? Sometimes I think I'm way to busy to try and learn something new. But thinking about this makes me want to do a self-examination and see if I'm ignoring anything else.

Thoughts on Current Events:

Investigators are re-opening the death investigation of Hollywood starlet Natalie Wood. My anchors saved the "What kind of wood doesn't float" joke for commercial break, thank goodness. Because it was the first thought I had when I got this story. In all seriousness though, even if the case is 30 years old, justice is justice. If that woman was murdered, the truth should get out there.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher are no more. Not a huge surprise. I hoped these two would beat the odds and prove cougars have some game... but I guess not.

21 Occupy Las Vegas protesters were arrested yesterday as they SAT on Las Vegas Boulevard, blocking traffic. One protester we talked to said getting arrested was "fun and exciting", and that they went out there knowing it would happen. Another said he hopes people will now take them seriously. OK, so I could maybe agree partially with their message... but I thought these people were mostly upset because they were out of work. So wouldn't trying to get arrested defeat trying to get a job? I don't know. Too many mixed messages.

UNLV Basketball continues to dominate and give the school something to be proud of. UNLV GO FIGHT WIN!!!!!!

And I'm hosting my first ever major family dinner for a lot of people. I think it's like 14 or something. It's the pre-Thanksgiving Italian Shenanigans Wednesday night. I'm having all these extended family members show up at my house, where I'm supposed to have this fantastic Italian meal prepared. Somewhere in me, a domestic goddess will hopefully make an appearance and I will pull this off. Because that's a lot of food. And a lot of work. Thanks Mom for volunteering me for this. But you're handling actual Thanksgiving, so I can't complain too much!