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Saying Goodbye!
05/20/13
Hope you all had a great weekend! I went home again. The parents on my son's soccer team threw a thank you and goodbye party for my husband. My husband, Charlie, has been the soccer coach of most of the kids for the past five years. He's coached them since they were just three. Back then the kids were more interested in snack and chasing the ball in one big group. But over the years...after lots of practice... many of the kids have matured into really good soccer players, including my son Colby.... I might add.
It was a bit emotional as Charlie said goodbye and made nice comments about each little guy or gal. I know he's going to miss coaching this group of kids... but I know he's going to dive right back into it in the Dayton area. If I may brag... he's a great coach...and any team will be very lucky to have him! If I do say so myself! ;)
BIG NIGHT OUT!
05/17/13
Last night ABC 22 & FOX 45 celebrated our new building and whole new beginning serving the community in the Miami Valley. More than 200 business, leaders, advertisers, law enforcement and other members of the community converged at the station for the BIG NIGHT OUT.
There was fantastic food, drink and entertainment. I couldn't get enough of the sushi...but then I never can. I thought the ice sculpture of the station logo equipped with an endless supply of cosmopolitans was very cool. It was great to relax a little bit and meet other fellow colleagues as well as others living and working in our viewing area. I look forward to getting to know more people in the future! Thanks to Sinclair Corporate for a great event!
A Brave Decision
05/15/13
When I first heard the news Angelina Jolie got a double mastectomy I was first shocked... and then I was both moved and proud she went public with her decision and why.
Her mother died at the young age of 56 from ovarian cancer. She had a mutation of the BRCA1 gene which put her at very high risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Her daughter, Jolie, inherited the gene. Doctors told Jolie she had an 87% risk of breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. So as a preventive measure...she took the very aggressive step and had both breasts removed. As a mother, I'm sure I would do the same thing. The first thing you think of when you hear such stats is your kids. Angelina chose to live for her kids. And many other moms across the country and the world for that matter would do the same thing.
It's obviously not an easy decision. But when you have a loving spouse or partner to support you, as Jolie has in Brad Pitt, it makes that decision easier.
I commend you Angelina for your Brave Decision and bringing more awareness and acceptance to preventative health care. May you enjoy a long life with your kids.
And speaking of kids.. my 5 year old daughter Samantha lost her first tooth today!
Guess the Tooth Fairy will be paying us a visit tonight!!
Happy Mother's Day!
05/13/13
Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day. I got to spend it with my mom and my two children so it was great. My wonderful husband made a great brunch for my me, my kids, my parents and our two friends Carrie and Greg Skinner and their daughter. Mom gave me a beautiful necklace and my ever so thoughtful husband gave me a very nice beaded bracelet. It's pink and silver...and since I wear a lot of pink it's perfect! I gave my mom a set of Fiesta Ware china. Fiesta Ware is made in WV...and what's so ironic now that I have moved out of state...it's the first set of Fiesta Ware dishes I have ever bought. Once our house sells and we get a new house in Dayton...I think I'm going to buy a set..finally! It really is durable and very pretty. It's thick and very good quality...so very little chance of chipping unless you happen to slam it onto the counter.
One interesting note...my husband has been a trooper these last 4 months! Being both MOM & DAD since I have been in Ohio. He's taken the kids to school, put in a full day at work then picked both up at separate places. Then he's cooked dinner, helped with homework and put them to bed. And then did it all over and over since January. Not only that, he has had to put up with teasing and fighting, held sleepovers with buddies and gotten very little exercise himself. So as a tribute to essentially taking on the role of both parents.... I got my hubby a Mother's Day gift.... a nice shirt for his new job... as well as much needed socks (to replace all those holey ones) and some too die for honey/sesame covered almonds from Trader Joe's. You must try if haven't already.
The weekend was sweet but short. It was very hard to say goodbye to my children again. I left my 8 year old crying at school... very sad. But we all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only three more weeks and we will all be together . My husband started his new job today. I will get the lowdown at dinner. Hopefully, all is going well.
Anyway, hope you all had a very nice Mother's Day weekend. It just breaks my heart to see my kids cry when I leave... but I should take video and pictures for posterity when they are ornery teenagers. I'm sure they won't be crying when I leave then! Probably cheering! ;)
Life After The House of Horrors
05/09/13
As a parent it is so heartbreaking to hear the wretched details emerging from the Cleveland girls imprisonment and torture. I can't imagine what life was like for them to live in that House of Horrors. The rapes, the beatings, the miscarriages, the starvation. And there's being separated from family and friends for a decade...wondering if they would ever see them again...and even ultimately survive the horrific ordeal. I simply can't imagine....as I'm sure you and the rest of America can't either. I wonder how emotionally scarred the women are. I pray there wasn't a lapse in police judgment for the sake of the hard working men and women on the force. And I pray those three...now women... Amanda, Gina and Michelle get the much deserved love and support they so desperately need. It's still very sad Amanda will not get to see her mother... who they say died of a broken heart a few years ago. Also sad... Michelle Knight still has not seen or communicated with her mother. Apparently she's still angry with her mom after Michelle lost custody of her son before disappearing. I pray they can reunite so Michelle can heal. As a parent its so frightening to envision your child being snatched away from you. I have faith... but I don't know at this point how I could ever go on. I would pray for strength as Amanda Berry's family did. They held on and held together until Amanda's triumphant return. God Bless all those girls and their families now. May they flourish and prosper and attain the happiness, joy and love in life they so desperately deserve!
Women's Wellness Walk
05/06/13
Several hundred people turned out for the Walk for Women's Wellness on Sunday at Delco Park despite the rainy weather! Blame Jeff Booth for that. But he did redeem himself by serving up hot dogs afterwards. He's really a good guy.
I was happy to be the Honorary Chair and Jeff was a Celebrity Griller. It was great meeting new people and helping out a very worth cause. The event helped to raise about $75,000...which basically provides 7,500 medically under served women in our community free mammograms. The money also pays for breast ultrasounds, prostheses and prosthetic apparel. Special thanks to the Kettering Foundation for all their hard work.
Hope to do it again next year... just with better weather! We'll keep our fingers crossed.
Sci Fi Friday!
05/03/13
Ok... it's Friday... Yah!! So Jack, Nathan, Jeff and I are posting our favorite Sci Fi movies. I am not a HUGE Sci Fi fan...but I have a enjoyed a number of them.
So here goes....
Probably the first one I can remember is
1. "Escape from Planet of the Apes" in 1971. I remember thinking WOW... that was a great movie and so realistic.
2. Soylent Green from 1973 really made an impact on me. The future: An over-crowded hellhole where the populace are choking on greenhouse gases, the old are led to euthanasia clinics, the rich keep women as "furniture," and everyone else is eating green protein wafers.
3. ET... Scary, funny, sad, and uplifting
4. Back to the Future ...Take 1.21 gigawatts of power, a slick-looking car, and three glowing tubes forming a Y-shape and you're off to either negate your own existence or give birth to rock-and-roll!
5. Jurassic Park... those dinosaurs seemed so real in 1993
6. The Terminator... Arnold... "I'll be back"!
7. Star Wars... need I say more.
8. Independence Day... An American military science fiction film about an alien invasion of Earth... Will Smith was fantastic.
9. Minority Report... Love Tom Cruise ...A decade later, the jaw-dropping future tech seen in 2002 seems more commonplace than far-fetched: CNN anchors shove data around on over sized screens every election night, and we do it every day on our phones.
10. Children of Men... This bleaker-than-bleak look at a future where procreation is suddenly impossible forces us to wonder just how secure we would be in case of a cataclysmic event.
Enjoying Spring!
05/02/13
So glad it's finally spring! I mean really spring...temperatures in the 70's and 80's. Went for a 20 mile bike ride Tuesday and a 3.5 mile run today. Nothing like starting your day with exercise. Just makes the rest of the day feel good.
Looking forward to exploring more of the Miami Valley's great bike trails. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. I love riding to and fro new places and sight seeing along the way.
Can't wait to get the kids on their bikes here. Nice flat land...much different than the mountainous terrain in WV!
Good Time with Family & Good Friends
04/30/13
Went home this past weekend. Had a great time with family and friends. Friday night hooked up with my girlfriend Lisa and her boyfriend John. I first met Lisa 14 years ago when I first moved to Charleston, WV. I had been interviewing for the main anchor job at WCHS and WVAH. They came over for dinner and it was just so nice to hang out.
On Sunday my kids and I volunteered at a homeless shelter. We served food. I served chicken, my 5 year old daughter dished up green beans and my 8 year old son scooped up mashed potatoes and gravy. One guy made point to come thru the line three times. My ever so observant daughter pulled me down and whispered in my ear. "Mommy, that man has a fat belly." But then she quickly corrected herself, because we have taught her never to call anybody, "fat". She said, "He doesn't have a fat belly..he just has a big belly."
After that we got some yummy ice cream from a new store called, Sweet Spoon...then we got some much need shoes for my daughter...and new clothes for my son.
In the evening we went over our dear friends Carrie and Greg's house and Greg made this incredible meal, again!! I call him Chef Stonewall. I can't begin to describe everything but it was Mexican theme and truly authentic. Greg is an amazing cook. I've told him if he ever gets out of law he should open up his own restaurant.
Anyway it was a great weekend with good friends... friends I am going to miss once we "officially" move to Dayton. But I am looking forward to making some new great friends here.
Good friends are very special.
Today and Always!
Favorite Sitcoms
04/26/13
We decided to keep Friday Blogs light and Jack asked me, Nathan, and Jeff to list our favorite sitcoms.
So here goes... by all time favorite.
1. I LOVE LUCY
Lucille Ball in my opinion is the best female comedian ever. I used to watch reruns of her show over and over and over again. And to this day they make me crack up. I remember the day she died... and I cried. It was my first real sense of mortality. Lucy can't die... she's immortal! Right mom? Guess not. I was very sad for a while but I always get happy when I flip thru the channels and come across an I Love Lucy Show starring that beloved red head and her Cuban speaking husband, Ricky and lovable neighbors Ethel and Fred.
The rest of my favorite sitcoms come at you in no particular order.
2. The Brady Bunch
3. All in the Family
4. Seinfeld
5. Cheers
6. Friends
7. I Dream of Jeannie
8. Happy Days
9. Mary Tyler Moore
10. M.A.S.H.
Ladies Night
04/25/13
I'm still trying to get know people and make new friends in the Dayton area and tonight a met a very nice group of ladies at the Melting Pot in Centerville. I had been to one years ago, in my youth. They start you off with three different kinds of melted cheese... and you use skewers to dip in bread, apples or veggies. After that you get a gourmet salad. And finally the chocolate! Three pots of hot, melted chocolate. Smores, Bananas Foster and a White/Dark Chocolate combo. And for the dippers.... marshmallows, fudge, bananas, and cheesecake! YUM! I ate way too much. I hated the fact I had to rush and leave early. But it was good food and good company. Looking forward the next time ladies!
A Life of Hard Knocks
04/24/13
One thing that makes it hard being away from my babies is when they get hurt. My 5 year old daughter, Samantha, gashed her head on the playground and the daycare called saying the wound wouldn't stop bleeding and that it would probably need a butterfly stitch. So being 3 hours away, I had to call my husband and tell him he needed to pick her up and take her to the doctor. He did... and good thing. The doc said the wound needed medical attention. They cleaned it out... applied an antibiotic and put on a butterfly stitch. I wish I had been there to hold and comfort her. It's hard being away. But, Samantha is a trooper...she didn't care as long as she didn't get a shot. She is so cute in her pink dress and blue shoes and camo bandage (they were all out of girl band aides). But as hard a she plays and beats up her brother... camo is a good fit!
Would you go to work on your Wedding Day?
04/23/13
This I can appreciate! A Chinese News Anchor reports on an earthquake in her gown on her wedding day! I finished my sweeps story in my hospital bed the day after giving birth to my first child! I had a four part sweeps series on St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. All the parts had been voiced except the last one. My son, Colby, decided to arrive 3 weeks early, during ratings month, no less. Not one to not finish a job... I called my my boss just hours after giving birth and told him the script to the 4th part was written...and to just bring it to the hospital and I would voice the script into the photographer's camera. Which we did! So I had the baby and finished my series all in 24 hours! Wonder Woman! Now check out another Wonder Reporter below!
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/journalist-bride-reports-earthquake-wedding-dress-article-1.1322963
Family Visit!
04/22/13
The hubby and kids came into town this weekend. They met me at the Health and Wellness Fair at Sinclair Community College. It was nice to people so many nice people from the community!
Then we went to Scene 75. The kids played mini golf, jumped on countless inflatables, bumper cars and played video games. My eight year old son Colby could have stayed their all day and night.
We then ate at Piada and called it a night. The next day we went to church and Charlie showed us where he's going to be working.
After that the kids played in the park for 3 hours! They were worn out and so was I! They left this morning... Always hard to say goodbye... I'm ready for the house to sell and for them to officially move to Dayton!
Gone Biking
04/18/13
Today was a great day.... managed to get out and bike around 25 miles. Sunny and 80+ degrees. It was a little windy but it was great just to be outdoors and exercising. Last weekend a met a group of guys with the Dayton Cycling Club. It was my first experience riding the bike trails in the Miami Valley. We started at the gazebo at the Dayton-Xenia stop. I hung with the guys for about 15 minutes and then they took off. They go about 16 miles a hour. I'm more of a 14 mile an hour girl. But it was awesome. I hadn't been on my bike since last fall. I rode about 40 miles to Xenia Station .... then to Yellow Springs and back. So different from biking in West Virginia. There you are literally climbing mountains...it can be a good work out...but very taxing. Here the trails are so well maintained and you feel safe because you are not riding with traffic for the most part.
Anyway... love the trail system in the Miami Valley and looking forward to more great rides!
Terror at the Boston Marathon
04/16/13
So sad about the Boston Marathon explosions... all the hurt, the pain, the panic and the agony. The question is why? Will we ever know? Even if we do find out... it won't help those who have lost loved ones.. those who have lost limbs... those still suffering in pain... writhing in pain. An eight year old little boy died.. Martin Richard... his picture below. I can't imagine his parents grief. I have an eight year old son. That could have been us. I've run in the Marine Corp marathon ..and countless 10k's. It's so sad our country has come to this... I feel like we are becoming more erratic and unstable like many countries in the Middle East... bombings in Boston, New York, Oklahoma, Etc. It scares me now to raise my children in this country...I'm sure as a parent I am not alone. It's wonderful to see so many people, strangers even, pitch in to help the injured. But it shouldn't have happened. It should have been a joyous, triumphant day. Runners train for months and months on end to prepare for the most prestigious marathon in the country. For many it's a dream come true. To cross the finish line in triumph. And for the finish line to end like this...a nightmare filled with carnage and sadness. It shouldn't have happened!
Back from Spring Break!
04/09/13
Just got back from a very enjoyable and relaxing spring break vacation. Got to spend a whole week with my kids, hubby, parents and friends. Spent Easter with my mom and dad...and as usual.. mom hooked us up and prepared her usual feast! Love mom's cooking! Then we drove to Virginia and spent time with Grandma Pilley and did some sightseeing in our nation's capitol. The kids got to walk thru a very cool butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum. We also walked the thru the very eclectic Eastern Market an the kids got run around the D.C. mall and burn off some much needed energy.For those of you who don't know... the the D.C. mall is the very large grassy area outside the U.S. capitol...several football fields long. It was a gorgeous spring day and we all just loved being outside after a long, cold winter! The kids also got to experience their first taxi cab ride. My husband Charlie and I met up with some old friends and went to a "Leg Warmers" concert... the best 80's cover band in D.C. Great fun and so cool to see people from several generations rocking to Madonna, Bon Jovi and Devo. We also went to a good friend's Mexican Fiesta birthday party. All in all, a good time with family during spring break. And oh!!! almost forgot.. my husband, Charlie, got a job offer from AXA Matrix as an Asst. Comptroller! We are both excited. But now it's time to buckle down and get back to work. Hope you all enjoyed your spring break.. let me know what you did for fun!!
Hubby, Brownies & Spring Break!
03/28/13
My hubby came into town for a job interview today. He said it went well and may be having another interview next week. So that's great news. He also stopped by Dorothy Lane Market and got me a Peanut Butter Killer Brownie ...and all I can say is OMG!! They are too die for! I've had a lot of brownies in my day...and that is NO DOUBT... THE BEST... Thank you Dorothy!
Getting ready to go back to WV for spring break. I'm so excited...I haven't seen my kids in two weeks. I plan to surprise them tomorrow by picking them up at school. Hope everyone has a wonder Happy Easter! And great news...we ran a story that chocolate is good for the brain... that's good because I plan to raid my kids Easter basket!
Hooking Up with Hubby
03/27/13
Had a great dinner tonight at Bravo with my husband! Very light... pasta with salmon, asparagus and feta.. one of my favorite combinations. My husband has a job interview tomorrow... praying for a good offer!
Enjoying all Dayton has to offer... love going out to good restaurants with good service. Looking forward to seeing some sun this weekend. We've had way too many cloudy days this winter. Hopefully it will really start feeling like SPRING!!!
Ladies Lunch
03/26/13
Went to a very nice event today... Women in Business Networking. It's a Miami Valley based organization in which women in business encourage one anothers professional growth and success. Members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and key players in business to business services and the non-profit environment. My realtor, Lisa Arzate, invited me. She's going to sell me a home here once my home sells in WV...know anyone looking looking in Charleston??? Have a nice home for sale!
Anyway..I wasn't able to stay long because I had to be at UD for a 1:30 interview. But I was there long enough to meet some very nice women and know I'd like to join their group. Being new to the area it should be a great way to make some new friends, network and get some great story ideas about working women and families. If you have any such ideas please email me at dlinz@sbgtv.com
Weekend Alone
03/25/13
So I spent another weekend alone without my husband and kids. My husband, Charlie and kids, Colby(8) and Samantha Brea(5) were suppose to come into town this weekend. I had a bunch of fun things planned...including a community Easter Egg hunt at Delco Park and then Scene 75. My son could spend all weekend in there without sleeping if I let him. But my husband got the flu at the last minute...so decided once again to go back to WV...however, Mother Nature had other plans. I didn't want to drive back 3 hours during a snowstorm so I decided to stay put and just hang out in Dayton. Fortunately, I found a really nice women's group to join and about 16 of us met at Central Perc in Oakwood for tea, sandwiches and pastries. It was soooo good! My mother and mother in law would love it. Being new here it was nice to meet some nice ladies with common interests. After that I headed to Urban Loft in Miamisburg and got a much needed pedicure. My feet had not been touched since last fall... probably shouldn't say that...but oh well...they look pretty now. ;) They are a bright spring blue with a pink and white flower on the big toes. Thanks Venita! After that bit of luxury....I headed to the Greene and watched "Safe Haven" solo. Very good movie... I enjoyed it. It was only 9:30 at that point but I hadn't eaten dinner. So I headed to "The Tropics" in Kettering and ordered a fried clam appetizer with Thai sauce (Yum) and listened to live music. All in all, it was a great day... would have been better if my family was here.... but when you are in transition.... you have to be patient and take each day as it comes. Fortunately, my kids spring break is in a few days so I will be able to spend an entire week with them! Yeah! Hope you enjoy your spring break....and that you end up somewhere WARM! We deserve it, right!
Buckwild and Gun Control
04/15/13
I'm not a native of West Virginia but I did live there for 13 years... and I have to say I'm happy MTV cancelled that ridiculous show "Buckwild". It was staged, rehearsed and most definitely not an accurate depiction of WV. It's unfortunate one of the cast members died.
Click here for link.
Favorite Movies!
03/22/13
Jack said a viewer wanted a list of our favorite movies. Frankly, I love movies. When I was single, I use to go to matinees by myself and just get engrossed in the films. I loved holding Oscar Parties and giving away prizes to those who guessed the Best Picture or Best Actor category. There are so many great films its hard to narrow it down...but I will do my best.
Starting with the classics....I adore "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "The Sound of Music"
more »
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