Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Spring sprung, and time got away from me. Since we last spoke...

Some of my favorite girls and I went to the Masters. In our scarves and gloves. It was fuh-reezing the first several days. The week got warmer, but this was Wednesday and it was cold. But super fun!

the stunning bride in that oh-so-fabulous dress...what a great night!

dancing to Complete Desire...they were awesome.

Dad played papparazzi here...thanks, Dad!

then in june, we surprised jack for his birthday. i LOVE a surprise!!!

some sweet friends (and the newlyweds!) at Yo Pizza

playing at PLAE.

annabeth came to augusta for a visit with the boy and me... love old friends

jack and me in isle of palms for the 4th of July. good sun, good food, good times.

I think we're all caught up now. Hope you're enjoying sweet summertime! I'm kissed by the sun, covered in mosquito bites and glad we're back in the low 90s. Be back soon...

December was a flurry of family, friends, parties, celebrations, good eats, special church services, early morning work, and some much-needed vacation days to relax. I got to catch up with some dear friends (and their babies!) who I don't see nearly enough and spend quality time with so many people I love. What a happy ending to a happy 2008! Here's to an even better '09!

Christmas Angel

It was very cool meeting the governor of aLASka. Like her or hate her, she is a dynamic woman who has a lot of charisma. Ask anyone who was at the "Saxby" rally, SHE stole the show!

We were told early on we wouldn't have an interview opportunity, because she was on such a tight schedule. But I was determined to meet her. SOOoo, my friend Will and I snooped around backstage at the arena and found some cop friends, who happened to be escorting her. I started harrassing them to find out which door Palin was coming in, and they told me she was already inside. Where? Where?! Right then, Will turned around and says, "Oh, crap! There you are!," to Palin. It was hilarious.

I shook her hand and said good morning and then the woman with her whisked her away to get ready for her appearance. It was very brief. But I was the only reporter to meet her, which was cool. There's always a way!

She is very thin and even prettier in person. She was also very nice and well-spoken. And the thousands of people who lined up in the fuh-reezing cold on a Monday morning say they were not disappointed.

After such an exciting, historic election, it was awesome to meet someone directly involved who doesn't seem to be fading from the political landscape anytime soon.

**The pictures aren't great, because I took them on my Blackberry. The top one is from the press risers, in the middle of the arena. The bottom is from the side of the stage, inside the barriers, after "the meeting."**

Everyday I check my work voicemail, expecting to hear from Mailbox Lady. About a month ago now, I smashed her mailbox to the ground. I was driving the big, blue LIVE truck so my photographer could shoot moving video in a neighborhood. He was already hating on me about my driving -- Slow down!, Don’t hit a mailbox!, etc. The latter was barely out of his mouth when, WHAM! The side doors of the LIVE truck were open and I slammed the front one right into the mailbox. We weren't going fast, but the noise was so loud, I was surprised the door didn't come off!

Later that night I hosted a Teacher of the Year banquet and the story came in handy during my greeting. Seems people laugh at bad driver stories. I've got plenty as I've had 10+ run-ins... not all wrecks, mind you, just moving "events."

Needless to say, the homeowner was very kind when I knocked on her door, gave her my business card and told her "we" would take care of repair. She promised to call but hasn't so far... Maybe she's afraid I'll get in trouble if she calls to collect. We shall see.