Don't Text While Driving Documentary... set in MO

This made me cry. Seriously. It's compelling on its own, but I was also intrigued because it centers around people in Missouri.

Watch and learn!

I Freaking Love K-Pop...

My sister just showed me this... this is a dance group based in Washington. "Groove Nation" just put on a huge performance featuring K-Pop. I heart them.

Watch the little kids dance! Amazing!

What People in News are Peeing Their Pants About...

This has been sent around our newsroom all this week. I can't get over how funny it is. I'd like to meet the guy who wrote it.

I'm baaaaaaccccckkk!

Sorry for the little break. Not that anyone but my Grandma cares.

Anyway, I have been in North Carolina for 8 days... and it's been really great so far. I try to go to the beach once a week just to put my feet in the sand and remember why I chose to move so far away from home. I also do it because Jim loves the water, and somehow going to the beach makes me feel closer to him while we can't be together.

Today, I had lunch at the beach. It was really windy, but it was so sunny.

I really like my new job. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. My co-anchor is awesome. My first day on-air was Friday, but I was just reporting. Tomorrow (Tues.) is my first day at the anchor desk.

I also ran a 5k at the beach last Saturday... just signed up for another one on New Year's Day... I might as well, but I am so out of shape! It was really cold... and rainy, which made it really uncomfortable for my first day back in the game (laugh.)


No other big news for now... I'll try to find something to write about other than my life pretty soon... still not sure if I'll keep this blog. I may transfer it to another spot.

See ya!

Wednesday's Child Surprise

I know I don't work for KSPR anymore, but I had one piece of business to finish. I hope this story will inspire you to pay it forward!

I received a call from a viewer a couple of weeks ago... he wanted to purchase a computer for one of the kids we featured on Wednesday's Child. This person has grown to be a friend of mine, even though we've only briefly spoken on the phone.

I honestly didn't expect him to come through with his promise because it was such a financial commitment. I shouldn't have underestimated him.

Yesterday morning, my friend and KSPR producer Terra picked up the viewer and took him to Walmart. Mind you, I had only met him briefly at the library once before. He had already put a laptop on hold... and when we all three arrived, we went straight back to the electronics department to pick up the computer.

I bought a card and had him sign the bottom. He didn't want anything in return... he just said he hoped the child grew up to be successful and hoped he would remember where he came from.

This viewer inspired me this week and reminded me how kind people can be. He's a veteran, who on first impression, may seem a little gruff. He's the kind of guy who, at times, seems skeptical of the government--the type of person who calls the TV station after a story airs to share his opinion or argue with the someone over an issue. He does not seem like a hero, but now I realize he is.

I will not be there when the Wednesday's Child gets his computer. It has to go through the proper channels since he lives in residential care. By the way, residential care facilities are great in their intentions, but can you really imagine a child growing up in one? Or a child not having a place to call home? with people he/she trusts? Imagine what it's like during the holidays, when their schoolmates talk about Santa. Many of these kids miss their siblings who have already been adopted. I can't imagine the world these children live in, despite the fact that they have people who genuinely care for them. And remember, these kids are in our backyards, kids who go to our churches, kids who are friends with your kids.

This viewer wants to remain anonymous... yet, he could potentially spark something really great inside this kid. This could be a game changer...what an unassuming superhero.

While we all holiday shop for our families and friends and get wrapped up in the material things, please take the time to think of all of those children who go without.

I am so touched that Don, a person who lives on a fixed income, took the time to not only watch a Wednesday's Child story... but also act on it. Even I could not afford to buy a child a computer, and I feel ashamed of myself... I need to start saving up for one good thing like this a year! Don said something that inspired me--he said he could've been a Wednesday's Child, but luckily for him, he had good grandparents. It got me thinking--I was an orphan, too, and all of us have experienced some sort of unfortunate circumstance...but many of us are lucky enough have it happen to us at an age when we can take care of ourselves. Or have it not be detrimental to our existence. Kids have no choice. We have to remember them!

I hope you'll think of Don this year... and his courage to spark change in someone else! So many of us choose not to get involved, and we should try to change that. Don's kindness-in-action has been the best holiday gift I've had so far for 2010, and it wasn't even meant for me.

YES to Birthland Tours and Adoption Expert Beverlee Einsig

If you're an adoptive family and have ever thought of taking a birthland tour, I'd encourage you to check out this video. Beverlee Einsig is really my adoption hero, and I'm trying to get her to come to Springfield for a workshop. She is so respected in the field, and she's well-known all around the country. Lucky for us, she's in Oklahoma! Check her out: