Forgive me for falling off the face of the planet. It's taken me a while to adjust to a "normal" schedule. I was used to getting all my business taken care of before I went to work, so when I came home I could unwind and go to bed. That works when you go in at 2 and come home at 11. It doesn't work when you go in at 10 and go home at 6.
I was made all too aware of this when I conked out last night before Brad got home from work. When he got home he saw that I had done pretty much nothing but eat dinner and watch TV. Meanwhile he did a lot of chores around the house that I "forgot" to do. It's bittersweet.
I feel good because he sees that we really have to team up to get work done and that it sucks when it's one-sided.
I feel like crap because my poor Brad was having a hard time dealing with my lack of motivation. My poor husband didn't eat good dinners because he was so busy emptying the dishwasher and kitty poop.
It's a real mental shift. After being used to doing absolutely nothing after work, I now I have to shift into home-job mode. Let's not even start on how I'm asleep when Brad gets home and he's asleep when I'm up in the mornings. It's all in the name of progress and a kick-a** job.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Have you seen my thumb?
I've used a mandolin slicer before, I swear.
It's just that every time I use one, I forget how close my thumb is getting to the blade. It happened when I was a short order cook slicing carrots and zucchinis, and it happened again this week as I sliced zucchini for lunch. (By the way, this is delicious: sliced zucchini with fresh ground pepper and fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top. Broil until the cheese bubbles. Add a tip of thumb for that added zing).
So I am missing a chunk of my thumb. It didn't hurt, just bled a lot. I actually reattached the chunk and most of it melded back into my finger. (Am I grossing you all out yet?). I just realized my blog readers probably aren't as fascinated with wounds as I am, so I'll stop.
Brad and I teamed up for our first multimedia project. He did a feature on Nick Stutts, a ridiculous athlete at North Iredell High School. I shot some video to go with it. The editor was impressed with Brad's willingness to embrace multimedia journalism (how can he not and still be married to me?). The editor was so impressed that he enrolled Brad in a multimedia training course in Richmond. Good job, Brad.
I'm glad spring weather is returning. Brad helped me clean the entire apartment this weekend (the Normans came to visit - so double that motivation). Something about a clean apartment puts me in a good mood. So that's about all I have. I'm sitting in a clean apartment, watching "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" and typing away on a laptop with a bandaged thumb.
It's just that every time I use one, I forget how close my thumb is getting to the blade. It happened when I was a short order cook slicing carrots and zucchinis, and it happened again this week as I sliced zucchini for lunch. (By the way, this is delicious: sliced zucchini with fresh ground pepper and fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top. Broil until the cheese bubbles. Add a tip of thumb for that added zing).
So I am missing a chunk of my thumb. It didn't hurt, just bled a lot. I actually reattached the chunk and most of it melded back into my finger. (Am I grossing you all out yet?). I just realized my blog readers probably aren't as fascinated with wounds as I am, so I'll stop.
Brad and I teamed up for our first multimedia project. He did a feature on Nick Stutts, a ridiculous athlete at North Iredell High School. I shot some video to go with it. The editor was impressed with Brad's willingness to embrace multimedia journalism (how can he not and still be married to me?). The editor was so impressed that he enrolled Brad in a multimedia training course in Richmond. Good job, Brad.
I'm glad spring weather is returning. Brad helped me clean the entire apartment this weekend (the Normans came to visit - so double that motivation). Something about a clean apartment puts me in a good mood. So that's about all I have. I'm sitting in a clean apartment, watching "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" and typing away on a laptop with a bandaged thumb.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Family tree
Here is what I have found:
Brad's family:
NORMANS: I couldn't get far with the Normans or Majors, but what I did find is that the Normans have been in Charlotte since Brad's great-great-grandfather. That's as far as I could get.
MAJORS: Bumps' dad came to Charlotte from S.C. I traced them back to Greenville, S.C., in the early 1800s.
MCLAUGHLINS: I could only go as far as Mike's information, that Robert Patrick McLaughlin made the voyage across the Atlantic from Ireland. He was born in 1872.
NICHOLSONS: Nany's family was in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. They then moved to Ohio in the late 1800s, where they stayed.
My family:
HINES: I've got this tree back to Johann Jacob Hein, who was born in Dillenberg, Germany, in 1713 and moved to a Moravian settlement in Broad Bay, Maine. He ended up in Stokes County, N.C. (from stories as a child I remember that the Hines were a big part of the Wachovia settlement in what is now Old Salem). Around the turn of the 19th century, the Hines left Stokes County for Grayson County, Va., where they remained until my grandfather moved his family to Greensboro in the 1950s.
WRIGHT: The Wrights have been in the mountains of Elk Creek, Va., since at least the early 1700s. I've traced one leg of the tree to the Sages, who moved to Grayson County from England. There is a historical marker in Elk Creek with Caty Sage's story (she was kidnapped by natives as a child, never to be seen again). Another leg of the Wrights, the Delps, moved from Hessen, Germany, to Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. Hans Delp then moved to Grayson County, Va., where they remained. It gets a little sketchy in the late 1700s, when it seems first cousins married. Eeek.
ROBERTS: I can't go far on this tree, just to the mid-1800s. They stayed in Wilkesboro the entire time, until my grandfather married my grandmother and moved to Greensboro.
WYRICKS: This one only goes back to the 1880s. The Wyricks were in Greensboro since at least then.
Brad's family:
NORMANS: I couldn't get far with the Normans or Majors, but what I did find is that the Normans have been in Charlotte since Brad's great-great-grandfather. That's as far as I could get.
MAJORS: Bumps' dad came to Charlotte from S.C. I traced them back to Greenville, S.C., in the early 1800s.
MCLAUGHLINS: I could only go as far as Mike's information, that Robert Patrick McLaughlin made the voyage across the Atlantic from Ireland. He was born in 1872.
NICHOLSONS: Nany's family was in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. They then moved to Ohio in the late 1800s, where they stayed.
My family:
HINES: I've got this tree back to Johann Jacob Hein, who was born in Dillenberg, Germany, in 1713 and moved to a Moravian settlement in Broad Bay, Maine. He ended up in Stokes County, N.C. (from stories as a child I remember that the Hines were a big part of the Wachovia settlement in what is now Old Salem). Around the turn of the 19th century, the Hines left Stokes County for Grayson County, Va., where they remained until my grandfather moved his family to Greensboro in the 1950s.
WRIGHT: The Wrights have been in the mountains of Elk Creek, Va., since at least the early 1700s. I've traced one leg of the tree to the Sages, who moved to Grayson County from England. There is a historical marker in Elk Creek with Caty Sage's story (she was kidnapped by natives as a child, never to be seen again). Another leg of the Wrights, the Delps, moved from Hessen, Germany, to Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. Hans Delp then moved to Grayson County, Va., where they remained. It gets a little sketchy in the late 1700s, when it seems first cousins married. Eeek.
ROBERTS: I can't go far on this tree, just to the mid-1800s. They stayed in Wilkesboro the entire time, until my grandfather married my grandmother and moved to Greensboro.
WYRICKS: This one only goes back to the 1880s. The Wyricks were in Greensboro since at least then.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Spring?
There is a lot going on around here. It helps that the weather has been so awesome for the past two days. It is just the motivation I need to super-charge March.
I officially start my new job on the first Monday of March. My fellow copy editor and work friend, Kate, was promoted to news editor, so we will tag team the newsroom in the near future. They are bringing in two new copy editors to replace us, and God forbid Jake will be the senior member of the desk.
The best news of it all is with the new job comes a new schedule. I'm working Sunday to Thursday, still 2-11 for now. That is until the new copy editor is phased into that nighttime role. Then I'll be either Sunday to Thursday, 9-6, or Monday to Friday 9-6.
Brad and I went to the NC Press Association awards banquet in Raleigh Thursday. It was a long drive, especially since I had to go to work the next day. It was nice though. We met many important people, including editors and publishers of newspapers we would eventually like to work for. We also got to cheat on our diets. (Update: Brad is down 15 pounds, I am down 9).
Sorry to focus mainly on work for this entry. It is really about all that is new in my life right now.
I officially start my new job on the first Monday of March. My fellow copy editor and work friend, Kate, was promoted to news editor, so we will tag team the newsroom in the near future. They are bringing in two new copy editors to replace us, and God forbid Jake will be the senior member of the desk.
The best news of it all is with the new job comes a new schedule. I'm working Sunday to Thursday, still 2-11 for now. That is until the new copy editor is phased into that nighttime role. Then I'll be either Sunday to Thursday, 9-6, or Monday to Friday 9-6.
Brad and I went to the NC Press Association awards banquet in Raleigh Thursday. It was a long drive, especially since I had to go to work the next day. It was nice though. We met many important people, including editors and publishers of newspapers we would eventually like to work for. We also got to cheat on our diets. (Update: Brad is down 15 pounds, I am down 9).
Sorry to focus mainly on work for this entry. It is really about all that is new in my life right now.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Valentine's Day
So yesterday was the day of love. Big whoop.
At least, that's what Brad Norman would have me believe.
I don't mean to sound cynical. In fact, I should clarify that Brad was a darling on Valentine's Day. He had red roses sent to our apartment with a teddy bear. He also gave me a sweet card, complete with a rebuke of the corporate aspect of the day.
I used to be in the same boat as him. It is a corporate holiday designed to sell cards and flowers. In fact, I think a blog post from about five years ago would read something to the effect of: "why show you love someone on specific days instead of every day of the year?"
I am of a different mind now, and I can blame Brad Norman for it.
He is the one that set the bar high for thoughtful, romantic special occasions. (He says it's because in the beginning he was trying to win me over; I say it's because he used all the good ideas too early.)
When you've been with someone long enough, the magic starts to fade. You just get used to having that person around. You forget that you may not have told them how special they are to you, or at least made them feel that way.
Then a day comes around whose soul purpose is to remind you of those special to you. If Valentine's Day didn't exist, I wonder if some people would ever get a heartfelt card confessing love and devotion, or a bouquet of their favorite flowers that (no matter the cost) remind you of something they share.
For some, Valentine's Day is a tough day to swallow because it forces them to see how alone they are. For others, it is "corporate America" force-feeding another onslaught of retail wares down their throat. Then for some it is just sickening to see public displays of affection or to hear how great so-and-so has it because her husband did this or that.
For me, it is an excuse to do something thoughtful for the ones I love but may have forgotten to say it to in a while.
Brad says he thinks it is better to take a loved one for a weekend at the beach to show how much you care, not through cliche Valentine traditions. Does that mean I get to go to the beach? :)
Happy Valentine's Day.
At least, that's what Brad Norman would have me believe.
I don't mean to sound cynical. In fact, I should clarify that Brad was a darling on Valentine's Day. He had red roses sent to our apartment with a teddy bear. He also gave me a sweet card, complete with a rebuke of the corporate aspect of the day.
I used to be in the same boat as him. It is a corporate holiday designed to sell cards and flowers. In fact, I think a blog post from about five years ago would read something to the effect of: "why show you love someone on specific days instead of every day of the year?"
I am of a different mind now, and I can blame Brad Norman for it.
He is the one that set the bar high for thoughtful, romantic special occasions. (He says it's because in the beginning he was trying to win me over; I say it's because he used all the good ideas too early.)
When you've been with someone long enough, the magic starts to fade. You just get used to having that person around. You forget that you may not have told them how special they are to you, or at least made them feel that way.
Then a day comes around whose soul purpose is to remind you of those special to you. If Valentine's Day didn't exist, I wonder if some people would ever get a heartfelt card confessing love and devotion, or a bouquet of their favorite flowers that (no matter the cost) remind you of something they share.
For some, Valentine's Day is a tough day to swallow because it forces them to see how alone they are. For others, it is "corporate America" force-feeding another onslaught of retail wares down their throat. Then for some it is just sickening to see public displays of affection or to hear how great so-and-so has it because her husband did this or that.
For me, it is an excuse to do something thoughtful for the ones I love but may have forgotten to say it to in a while.
Brad says he thinks it is better to take a loved one for a weekend at the beach to show how much you care, not through cliche Valentine traditions. Does that mean I get to go to the beach? :)
Happy Valentine's Day.
Friday, February 02, 2007
It has been posted
Job Title: Interactive Media Content Producer
Property: IMD - Statesville Record & Landmark
Schedule: 10-6 Monday-Friday
Web content producer needed to join newsrooms of Statesville Record & Landmark, Mooresville Tribune and Lake Norman Navigator. Looking for innovative, convergence-based organizer to develop web and newsroom relationship to produce high-quality, interactive web journalism. Should have web production skills (including audio/video experience), and be able to use Adobe and Macromedia products. Needs ability to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, focus on details and work collaboratively. We seek people of high integrity who do quality work, coach effectively, provide excellent customer service and motivate team members to achieve our goals.
Job Skills:
Must be a convergence-based employee who is well organized. Should have journalism background (preferably with online experience); must be able to plan and execute an effective online content strategy; must be comfortable making presentations to newsroom or others who may influence content decisions; must be a strong communicator and presenter; must work well with a variety of individuals and personality types; must be able to train. Should have experience managing and scheduling projects and ability to multi-task.
Education:
bachelor's level degree in journalism, graphic design and/or computer science
Property: IMD - Statesville Record & Landmark
Schedule: 10-6 Monday-Friday
Web content producer needed to join newsrooms of Statesville Record & Landmark, Mooresville Tribune and Lake Norman Navigator. Looking for innovative, convergence-based organizer to develop web and newsroom relationship to produce high-quality, interactive web journalism. Should have web production skills (including audio/video experience), and be able to use Adobe and Macromedia products. Needs ability to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, focus on details and work collaboratively. We seek people of high integrity who do quality work, coach effectively, provide excellent customer service and motivate team members to achieve our goals.
Job Skills:
Must be a convergence-based employee who is well organized. Should have journalism background (preferably with online experience); must be able to plan and execute an effective online content strategy; must be comfortable making presentations to newsroom or others who may influence content decisions; must be a strong communicator and presenter; must work well with a variety of individuals and personality types; must be able to train. Should have experience managing and scheduling projects and ability to multi-task.
Education:
bachelor's level degree in journalism, graphic design and/or computer science
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Great news
The job was approved, and is on its way to public posting.
Unless some insanely qualified person applies for it, it's as good as mine.
To think, I waited at least three months for this and it's finally coming into fruition.
On a separate note...
You've probably seen an e-mail or two from me in the past week or so asking for family histories. It isn't for any large-scale event or anything, just a quaint family tree book I'm making.
I figure when we have children and generations pass, it would be good to try to keep up with what we have while it's still fresh. I think I'm almost done with naming, all I need to do now is dig through old photos.
Unless some insanely qualified person applies for it, it's as good as mine.
To think, I waited at least three months for this and it's finally coming into fruition.
On a separate note...
You've probably seen an e-mail or two from me in the past week or so asking for family histories. It isn't for any large-scale event or anything, just a quaint family tree book I'm making.
I figure when we have children and generations pass, it would be good to try to keep up with what we have while it's still fresh. I think I'm almost done with naming, all I need to do now is dig through old photos.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tick tock
I want to own a house.
That is the first step in becoming a true adult in my book. It is the first step to setting yourself up financially. It gives you roots to begin planting your own family (read: children), and it gives you a lot of perspective on exactly what you want (and where you want to be).
So I want a house.
I've been combing the Remax Web site because it is the best I've found so far if you want to browse photos and listings without obligation.
I don't know what Brad or my next career move will be. I do know that the options are limited in the Charlotte area: for me, CPCC, the Observer and maybe the Gaston Gazette (unless I go into PR); for Brad, take away CPCC, and probably the Gaston Gazette.
I think the next move may be in the Piedmont Triad (don't get too close to Greensboro though, I wouldn't want my parents to think I lived near them). When I think about it, there are two major cities and one semi-major city (duh, triad means three). That means the W-S Journal, the Greensboro News & Record, the High Point Enterprise, several colleges and sports coverage that would go beyond preps.
So as much as I love the shotgun houses in Huntersville, and as much as I would love to live near the Normans, I think our next move will be away from the Queen City. Not to mention the amount of home you can get for the money is WAY better in Winston.
Let me apologize in advance if you do not see or hear from me until around summer 2008. I am scrimping on all expenses to build a nice down payment on my first step to adulthood.
That is the first step in becoming a true adult in my book. It is the first step to setting yourself up financially. It gives you roots to begin planting your own family (read: children), and it gives you a lot of perspective on exactly what you want (and where you want to be).
So I want a house.
I've been combing the Remax Web site because it is the best I've found so far if you want to browse photos and listings without obligation.
I don't know what Brad or my next career move will be. I do know that the options are limited in the Charlotte area: for me, CPCC, the Observer and maybe the Gaston Gazette (unless I go into PR); for Brad, take away CPCC, and probably the Gaston Gazette.
I think the next move may be in the Piedmont Triad (don't get too close to Greensboro though, I wouldn't want my parents to think I lived near them). When I think about it, there are two major cities and one semi-major city (duh, triad means three). That means the W-S Journal, the Greensboro News & Record, the High Point Enterprise, several colleges and sports coverage that would go beyond preps.
So as much as I love the shotgun houses in Huntersville, and as much as I would love to live near the Normans, I think our next move will be away from the Queen City. Not to mention the amount of home you can get for the money is WAY better in Winston.
Let me apologize in advance if you do not see or hear from me until around summer 2008. I am scrimping on all expenses to build a nice down payment on my first step to adulthood.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Baby steps
Not exactly big news, but it made my night. The editor told me he would probably have permission to post the IMD job early next week. For corporate talk, that's pretty big. For reality, it's just a small step. A big step would have been "I've been given permission." So we continue to wait, and hope first quarter numbers don't spook the suits in Richmond into a hiring freeze.
Brad and I are off to Charlotte this weekend for "RENT" at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. I'm excited, although a little sad. Poor Queen is sick and missed her showing tonight. I hope she can exchange her ticket and go with us tomorrow.
That's about all I have for now. Like I said, baby steps.
Brad and I are off to Charlotte this weekend for "RENT" at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. I'm excited, although a little sad. Poor Queen is sick and missed her showing tonight. I hope she can exchange her ticket and go with us tomorrow.
That's about all I have for now. Like I said, baby steps.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Non-update update
So I'm sitting here at work waiting for the press and remembered that I haven't updated my blog in a while.
Then I thought long and hard and realized that I don't really have much to talk about.
The biggest news is the wedding of Amanda and Jake.
It was pretty and cute, but almost the most untraditional thing I've ever witnessed. Let me explain:
1. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just attendants. That meant both sexes on both sides of the aisle (including one girl in a tuxedo).
2. There was no "normal" bridal music. Attendants marched to a song from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and Amanda walked to a Ben Folds song.
3. There was no sign of Christianity anywhere in the ceremony. They did have a Native American poem. No prayers, no blessings.
4. They said vows I think Amanda wrote. The gist of them had something to do with not expecting more than the other could give, etc. etc. Interesting...
5. Amanda didn't throw her bouquet and they didn't have cake at the reception. I was a little sour about that, but when they wheeled out strawberry cheesecake slices I got over it quickly.
After a great boatride around the river, the Normans (sans CJ) were off to the Wilmingtonian for late-night pizza and Balderdash. And fun was had by all, or at least I hope so.
Then I thought long and hard and realized that I don't really have much to talk about.
The biggest news is the wedding of Amanda and Jake.
It was pretty and cute, but almost the most untraditional thing I've ever witnessed. Let me explain:
1. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just attendants. That meant both sexes on both sides of the aisle (including one girl in a tuxedo).
2. There was no "normal" bridal music. Attendants marched to a song from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and Amanda walked to a Ben Folds song.
3. There was no sign of Christianity anywhere in the ceremony. They did have a Native American poem. No prayers, no blessings.
4. They said vows I think Amanda wrote. The gist of them had something to do with not expecting more than the other could give, etc. etc. Interesting...
5. Amanda didn't throw her bouquet and they didn't have cake at the reception. I was a little sour about that, but when they wheeled out strawberry cheesecake slices I got over it quickly.
After a great boatride around the river, the Normans (sans CJ) were off to the Wilmingtonian for late-night pizza and Balderdash. And fun was had by all, or at least I hope so.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Part 2
I get back to Daddy's house (two houses away) to find his car in the driveway, but no sign of human life. I make lunch and sit down in front of an antenna-only TV. Court shows galore. Someone kill me.
Obviously I fell asleep.
I wake up and still haven't seen anyone. I go in their bedroom to find them both asleep. Whatever, I'm leaving. They knew I was going to come down.
I decide I'll hit up a few stores on my way back to Hickory. I hadn't heard from the girls, so I figured our late lunch/dinner plans were off.
But first I have to say bye to Granny.
She's been waiting for me. See, she was afraid to use her little porta-potty she keeps in front of the living room TV without sturdy support nearby (read: not her hired nurse, but me).
I'm sure there are lots of people in this world cut out for this kind of thing. I am not one of them. And if I ever get to the point that I need that sort of assistance, someone pull the plug. I'm being completely serious.
Back to my visit. So I had to assist Granny in ways I will not go into much detail on due to their graphic nature. Just know in my last two visits, this has been my lasting memory. Granddaddy is still at the oncologist (isn't that what cancer doctors are called?), so I don't get to say goodbye to him.
I hit up stores. Nothing like a little retail therapy to cure your ails. Especially when you hit up two craft stores. There's also nothing like a gargantuan overtime check to make it even sweeter.
Obviously I fell asleep.
I wake up and still haven't seen anyone. I go in their bedroom to find them both asleep. Whatever, I'm leaving. They knew I was going to come down.
I decide I'll hit up a few stores on my way back to Hickory. I hadn't heard from the girls, so I figured our late lunch/dinner plans were off.
But first I have to say bye to Granny.
She's been waiting for me. See, she was afraid to use her little porta-potty she keeps in front of the living room TV without sturdy support nearby (read: not her hired nurse, but me).
I'm sure there are lots of people in this world cut out for this kind of thing. I am not one of them. And if I ever get to the point that I need that sort of assistance, someone pull the plug. I'm being completely serious.
Back to my visit. So I had to assist Granny in ways I will not go into much detail on due to their graphic nature. Just know in my last two visits, this has been my lasting memory. Granddaddy is still at the oncologist (isn't that what cancer doctors are called?), so I don't get to say goodbye to him.
I hit up stores. Nothing like a little retail therapy to cure your ails. Especially when you hit up two craft stores. There's also nothing like a gargantuan overtime check to make it even sweeter.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year!
Almost. We did just finish up the Jan. 1, 2007, issue, so excuse me if I think it already happened. HA!
I had a random Friday off and thought I would spend it visiting friends and family I didn't see for Christmas. So off to Greensboro I went after work on Thursday night. I got to Daddy's house around 12:30 a.m.
They knew I was coming. No blanket. No pillows. No friggin heat (they put a cedar chest over the heat vent in my old room so it's as cold as a witch's nipple in there). There is even a big pile of cat crap in the middle of the room (literally, they put an extra litter box in there). What a great welcome.
There were two gifts on my bed from my aunt Susie. One was a super cool ceramic server with a metal stand (sort of like a chafing dish). Then there was a bag with a neat looking candle and a flashlight. I always seem to need a flashlight... I took them off my bed and sitting right in the middle, staring me in the face, was a half-used bottle of KY warming liquid.
I knew where it came from; it was part of a package the girls gave me on the morning of the wedding. What I didn't know is where half of it went, and why it was no longer packed in my other wedding stuff. Eww. I don't want to know.
Sleep.
Woke up to the smell of cinnamon rolls, but no people. I guess the elves baked them for me. I headed up to Granny's for a visit.
Granddaddy was about to leave to go to the cancer doctor to see if his prostate cancer was still in remission (he's a tough old man). "Christine" was going to come over to watch Granny while he was gone. Who is Christine? I asked the same thing. She's the home care nurse...who is crippled (just had knee replacement. How on earth is she supposed to take care of an arthritic old woman when she can hardly support her own weight is beyond me).
"She's colored, but she does a good job."
No, really. Granny said that. Repeatedly.
I've had all I can take. I leave, promising to swing back by on my way out of town.
(more coming shortly...)
I had a random Friday off and thought I would spend it visiting friends and family I didn't see for Christmas. So off to Greensboro I went after work on Thursday night. I got to Daddy's house around 12:30 a.m.
They knew I was coming. No blanket. No pillows. No friggin heat (they put a cedar chest over the heat vent in my old room so it's as cold as a witch's nipple in there). There is even a big pile of cat crap in the middle of the room (literally, they put an extra litter box in there). What a great welcome.
There were two gifts on my bed from my aunt Susie. One was a super cool ceramic server with a metal stand (sort of like a chafing dish). Then there was a bag with a neat looking candle and a flashlight. I always seem to need a flashlight... I took them off my bed and sitting right in the middle, staring me in the face, was a half-used bottle of KY warming liquid.
I knew where it came from; it was part of a package the girls gave me on the morning of the wedding. What I didn't know is where half of it went, and why it was no longer packed in my other wedding stuff. Eww. I don't want to know.
Sleep.
Woke up to the smell of cinnamon rolls, but no people. I guess the elves baked them for me. I headed up to Granny's for a visit.
Granddaddy was about to leave to go to the cancer doctor to see if his prostate cancer was still in remission (he's a tough old man). "Christine" was going to come over to watch Granny while he was gone. Who is Christine? I asked the same thing. She's the home care nurse...who is crippled (just had knee replacement. How on earth is she supposed to take care of an arthritic old woman when she can hardly support her own weight is beyond me).
"She's colored, but she does a good job."
No, really. Granny said that. Repeatedly.
I've had all I can take. I leave, promising to swing back by on my way out of town.
(more coming shortly...)
Thursday, December 28, 2006
IMD update
The head of Interactive Media for North Carolina told our editor he received permission to fill the Statesville IMD position ASAP.
I sent my resume information, and (through Mike) the IMD head was impressed. That's a good sign! If I get it (because it isn't completely in the bag yet), I'll probably move over to IMD in early February.
I sent my resume information, and (through Mike) the IMD head was impressed. That's a good sign! If I get it (because it isn't completely in the bag yet), I'll probably move over to IMD in early February.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
N.C. Press Association
May I have your attention, please...
I won an award. Well, technically I came in third, but still.
I won third place in the N.C. Press Association's 2006 awards for headline writing.
I won an award. Well, technically I came in third, but still.
I won third place in the N.C. Press Association's 2006 awards for headline writing.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Oops
Did I really stop posting on Nov. 29? Oops. My bad.
Let's see...where to start.
I'm working a lot. I'll have a super overtime check rolling in right after Christmas, which I guess is nice.
I'm excited that I get to see Erin and Sarah next Friday. It's also a good time to hit up Gboro to visit my family, since our schedules won't let us do both sides of the family this year for Christmas.
My brother called today to tell me that my mom's mom isn't doing too well in the nursing home. I'm not really upset, I just hope if it is her time that it isn't painful. Brad has never met her, and I don't think I've seen her in years.
As for the washing machine, it's still on the fritz. Apparently they make detergent especially for front loading washers because they are "high efficiency." The detergent we have says it is for HE washers, but it isn't. The repair guy ordered some part related to the drain, and said we had to get new soap. That means we're scrimping by on the clothes we have, and hoping Queen will let us wash the essentials when we come down for Christmas. If it's not fixed soon we may have to find a laundromat. I really thought those days were behind us. It's good to know the repair was needed because I bought the wrong soap, and that our washer wasn't just a dud. I really love that washer.
It's getting really close to the New Years, and since I don't do resolutions I figure I'll just tell you all what my pet projects are for life improvement.
The first is to cut out the cancers. Those would be the things, the places and the people that do nothing but suck life away. Instead of feeling guilty for cutting communication short, or not visiting those people/places/things in my life that do not enrich my life in any way, I'm going to leave them in my past. Most of the cancers drag me down, and life is too short to allow that sort of nonsense. So HAI-YA! (That's the karate chop noise).
The second pet project is to be healthy. I started this one last year and made drastic improvements for the wedding. Now it's just for overall wellness. For those of you who have never visited www.calorie-count.com, it is a great tool for keeping track of what you're doing (and whether it's good or bad). It has food and activity logs, and tracks weight (for those using it for that purpose). It even has grades for foods. For instance, the rice I had with dinner last night was an A-, but the crunch bar I had for dessert was a C.
I've sort of taken up "running." I know there are several ex-marathoner readers, so I use "running" loosely. By running, I mean trying to keep my joints from getting old and rheumatoidy by doing high impact exercises. So instead of the ellyptical at the gym, I am now using the treadmill. Very high speed walking uphill for 30 minutes, with 2 minute running intervals every 10 minutes. It's cool for me because the Hickory gym we use is full of old people walking, so I can feel like a buff kid when I work out.
I'm hoping to increase my "running" to where I can get up to a mile of just running (no walking). A girl can dream, can't she? I couldn't do that even when I played soccer seven days a week in high school. I convinced myself I just wasn't cut out for running long distances. Maybe I just wasn't motivated (and I think not eating in high school may have had something to do with it too).
I'm off to work, one of seven straight this week. The copy desk has a hard time covering shifts for those who take time off for Christmas, and this year I am bearing the brunt. They bore the brunt for our honeymoon in September, so I'm not complaining much.
If I forget to post again, have a very Merry Christmas!
Let's see...where to start.
I'm working a lot. I'll have a super overtime check rolling in right after Christmas, which I guess is nice.
I'm excited that I get to see Erin and Sarah next Friday. It's also a good time to hit up Gboro to visit my family, since our schedules won't let us do both sides of the family this year for Christmas.
My brother called today to tell me that my mom's mom isn't doing too well in the nursing home. I'm not really upset, I just hope if it is her time that it isn't painful. Brad has never met her, and I don't think I've seen her in years.
As for the washing machine, it's still on the fritz. Apparently they make detergent especially for front loading washers because they are "high efficiency." The detergent we have says it is for HE washers, but it isn't. The repair guy ordered some part related to the drain, and said we had to get new soap. That means we're scrimping by on the clothes we have, and hoping Queen will let us wash the essentials when we come down for Christmas. If it's not fixed soon we may have to find a laundromat. I really thought those days were behind us. It's good to know the repair was needed because I bought the wrong soap, and that our washer wasn't just a dud. I really love that washer.
It's getting really close to the New Years, and since I don't do resolutions I figure I'll just tell you all what my pet projects are for life improvement.
The first is to cut out the cancers. Those would be the things, the places and the people that do nothing but suck life away. Instead of feeling guilty for cutting communication short, or not visiting those people/places/things in my life that do not enrich my life in any way, I'm going to leave them in my past. Most of the cancers drag me down, and life is too short to allow that sort of nonsense. So HAI-YA! (That's the karate chop noise).
The second pet project is to be healthy. I started this one last year and made drastic improvements for the wedding. Now it's just for overall wellness. For those of you who have never visited www.calorie-count.com, it is a great tool for keeping track of what you're doing (and whether it's good or bad). It has food and activity logs, and tracks weight (for those using it for that purpose). It even has grades for foods. For instance, the rice I had with dinner last night was an A-, but the crunch bar I had for dessert was a C.
I've sort of taken up "running." I know there are several ex-marathoner readers, so I use "running" loosely. By running, I mean trying to keep my joints from getting old and rheumatoidy by doing high impact exercises. So instead of the ellyptical at the gym, I am now using the treadmill. Very high speed walking uphill for 30 minutes, with 2 minute running intervals every 10 minutes. It's cool for me because the Hickory gym we use is full of old people walking, so I can feel like a buff kid when I work out.
I'm hoping to increase my "running" to where I can get up to a mile of just running (no walking). A girl can dream, can't she? I couldn't do that even when I played soccer seven days a week in high school. I convinced myself I just wasn't cut out for running long distances. Maybe I just wasn't motivated (and I think not eating in high school may have had something to do with it too).
I'm off to work, one of seven straight this week. The copy desk has a hard time covering shifts for those who take time off for Christmas, and this year I am bearing the brunt. They bore the brunt for our honeymoon in September, so I'm not complaining much.
If I forget to post again, have a very Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
IMD?
I had a chat with the editor today. The IMD job is a most-likely in January.
Here's what I know about it.
1. Significant pay increase. We're talking 30 percent.
2. Significant responsibility and authority increase. I would go from a mere copy editor in charge of myself, to IMD coordinator with a hand in management over all the reporters (basically the news editor of the Internet).
3. Constant exposure to video, audio and story creation. The job is basically to maintain Statesville, Lake Norman and Mooresville Web sites with breaking news updates and multimedia. I'm working up a proposal for a way to reach new audiences through a Web-only platform (the audience being young adults, the holy grail of newspapers around the country).
4. Occasional front page designs. The editor wants me to stay sharp in design, so he'd give me 1A every week or so.
5. Lots of travel and training. The one I know of right now is that UNC Multimedia Bootcamp in May. Added bonus: in my free time I can hang with Sarah in Raleigh!
I'll keep you updated. I am extremely excited about the possibilities.
Here's what I know about it.
1. Significant pay increase. We're talking 30 percent.
2. Significant responsibility and authority increase. I would go from a mere copy editor in charge of myself, to IMD coordinator with a hand in management over all the reporters (basically the news editor of the Internet).
3. Constant exposure to video, audio and story creation. The job is basically to maintain Statesville, Lake Norman and Mooresville Web sites with breaking news updates and multimedia. I'm working up a proposal for a way to reach new audiences through a Web-only platform (the audience being young adults, the holy grail of newspapers around the country).
4. Occasional front page designs. The editor wants me to stay sharp in design, so he'd give me 1A every week or so.
5. Lots of travel and training. The one I know of right now is that UNC Multimedia Bootcamp in May. Added bonus: in my free time I can hang with Sarah in Raleigh!
I'll keep you updated. I am extremely excited about the possibilities.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Turkey Day
Thanksgiving was everything it was supposed to be and more! Kitchens collided at the Norman home in Charlotte (meaning the poor Norman slave, Queen, was relieved of daylong kitchen duties as the cooking chore was spread around between her, Bumps and myself).
Did I mention how much I enjoy cooking? I don't get to do it much, especially when I'm married to a carnivore.
After lots of food, a nap, lounging and a little sleep, Queen and I initiated Mission Shop. We synchronized our departure time for 4 a.m. First stop: Carolina Place Mall. Not too crowded, no one visibly grumpy or downtrodden. OK, so maybe there were two exceptions: 1. The line that wrapped around the old-person walking track beside GameStop, where I can only assume people were vying for one of four PS3s sitting in the window. 2. Sears.
Sears opened at 5 a.m., and offered $10 gift cards to the first 200 people. We thought the crowd at the door was hungry for free money. When the chainlink gate refused to open and the crowd saw other people browsing Sears before them, a hysteria began. God forbid!
Some were scrambling to get up the stairs to the second-floor entrance. Queen and I didn't understand: why would they be so upset over $10?
We didn't know where to get our $10, but we figured if we followed the crowd they would lead us to the mother lode. Once the gate opened, two-thirds of the crowd rushed to electronics and the other third darted to tools. Losers.
The gift cards were at the merchandise pick-up entrance. We had to go outside to get in the back of the line. I was #198 and Queen was #199. Woohoo! We made it!
It was a sign of good things to come. Traffic wasn't as bad as last year. Men weren't as grumpy, and there weren't nearly as many small children being dragged by their mothers because their strollers were full of packages.
The second stop was to Dick's Sporting Goods. We considered purchasing another fire pit since last year's got such rave reviews from the recipients. Nah... (I cannot go into great detail of our stop because it may divulge more than I should.)
The third and final shopping stop was to Kohl's. I am a fan of this store. Quality clothes for the boys, cute stuff for the home, and a super sweet $10 for every $50 bonus! The lines once again wrapped entirely around the store, but a woman told us the upstairs lines were considerably quicker. So away we went!
The stop was a complete success, even though I had a run-in with a rude man (who let those creatures out on such a day anyway?)
I just have to tell you about it. Queen ran into one of her friends as we were looking for a Kohl's exclusive near the toy section. This man rolls his shopping bag with wheels next to me and says "oohhhhh K, I need a horn on this thing." He starts to run me over with the thing! I look him right in the eyes and say as coldly as possible "excuse me works too." He just rolls off.
Seriously, it was the only blemish on an otherwise fantastic outing. Once again, women, leave the men folk in bed where they can't get in the way.
We returned, successful in our operation, at 8:30 a.m. Of course, we had to get a super huge breakfast first. It's only proper; we'll call it "debriefing."
It was off to bed for a few hours, then off to work (where I now sit waiting on the press operators to tell me the newspaper is running so I can go home).
Happy Thanksgiving! Remember, your leftovers are only good for three to four days (I learned that today from the advance Sunday health page).
Did I mention how much I enjoy cooking? I don't get to do it much, especially when I'm married to a carnivore.
After lots of food, a nap, lounging and a little sleep, Queen and I initiated Mission Shop. We synchronized our departure time for 4 a.m. First stop: Carolina Place Mall. Not too crowded, no one visibly grumpy or downtrodden. OK, so maybe there were two exceptions: 1. The line that wrapped around the old-person walking track beside GameStop, where I can only assume people were vying for one of four PS3s sitting in the window. 2. Sears.
Sears opened at 5 a.m., and offered $10 gift cards to the first 200 people. We thought the crowd at the door was hungry for free money. When the chainlink gate refused to open and the crowd saw other people browsing Sears before them, a hysteria began. God forbid!
Some were scrambling to get up the stairs to the second-floor entrance. Queen and I didn't understand: why would they be so upset over $10?
We didn't know where to get our $10, but we figured if we followed the crowd they would lead us to the mother lode. Once the gate opened, two-thirds of the crowd rushed to electronics and the other third darted to tools. Losers.
The gift cards were at the merchandise pick-up entrance. We had to go outside to get in the back of the line. I was #198 and Queen was #199. Woohoo! We made it!
It was a sign of good things to come. Traffic wasn't as bad as last year. Men weren't as grumpy, and there weren't nearly as many small children being dragged by their mothers because their strollers were full of packages.
The second stop was to Dick's Sporting Goods. We considered purchasing another fire pit since last year's got such rave reviews from the recipients. Nah... (I cannot go into great detail of our stop because it may divulge more than I should.)
The third and final shopping stop was to Kohl's. I am a fan of this store. Quality clothes for the boys, cute stuff for the home, and a super sweet $10 for every $50 bonus! The lines once again wrapped entirely around the store, but a woman told us the upstairs lines were considerably quicker. So away we went!
The stop was a complete success, even though I had a run-in with a rude man (who let those creatures out on such a day anyway?)
I just have to tell you about it. Queen ran into one of her friends as we were looking for a Kohl's exclusive near the toy section. This man rolls his shopping bag with wheels next to me and says "oohhhhh K, I need a horn on this thing." He starts to run me over with the thing! I look him right in the eyes and say as coldly as possible "excuse me works too." He just rolls off.
Seriously, it was the only blemish on an otherwise fantastic outing. Once again, women, leave the men folk in bed where they can't get in the way.
We returned, successful in our operation, at 8:30 a.m. Of course, we had to get a super huge breakfast first. It's only proper; we'll call it "debriefing."
It was off to bed for a few hours, then off to work (where I now sit waiting on the press operators to tell me the newspaper is running so I can go home).
Happy Thanksgiving! Remember, your leftovers are only good for three to four days (I learned that today from the advance Sunday health page).
Monday, November 20, 2006
On the horizon?
I was told this week that the new Web site position in Statesville was approved through various corporate meetings. I found out because, upon telling the editor about my recent seminar in Richmond, he mentioned trying to get corporate to pay for half of the annual UNC multimedia bootcamp in May. The response? Since the IMD (interactive media division) job would be open in Statesville, and I would probably get it, then they would pay the entire bill to send me.
Of course, what corporate says and what corporate does aren't always the same thing.
I haven't gotten my hopes up quite yet. But the idea of not only a new position with my name written on it AND a weeklong seminar at UNC (home of online journalism in North Carolina) excites me. I will have to get over the whole UNC thing. Eww.
So I haven't ranted in a while, and ... now that I got it out of my system it has been deleted. Sorry!
Of course, what corporate says and what corporate does aren't always the same thing.
I haven't gotten my hopes up quite yet. But the idea of not only a new position with my name written on it AND a weeklong seminar at UNC (home of online journalism in North Carolina) excites me. I will have to get over the whole UNC thing. Eww.
So I haven't ranted in a while, and ... now that I got it out of my system it has been deleted. Sorry!
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