Best Tradition Ever!

I had the privilege of following the Bourgeois family as they built their Christmas Eve levee bonfire. This tradition is by far, the neatest thing I've ever seen.

Dozens of fires are lit along the levee on Christmas Eve and people in the area open up their homes to visitors. Basically, all the jambalaya, pastalaya, and gumbo you can eat.

The Bourgeois' have one of the most impressive bonfires, in my opinion. It's 20 feet high and covered in cane reed and firecrackers. The kids light it with roman candles and it is a sight that any description I try to give you, won't do it justice.

Building this bonfires isn't an easy task, especially this year. Thanks to the rain, family members had to trudge through waist deep water to cut down the trees. Rain also kept everyone from building the entire structure in one day. It really is an undertaking. They were out there three separate times.

If you ever have the chance to head down there on Christmas Eve. I would. I followed Bo Billy Bourgeois through the entire process. Towards the end of the night he told me once people see it, they come back. I'd have to agree.

That was a cold run!

Ran my first Louisiana half marathon this past weekend.

It can be summed up in one word....COLD!!!!

I'm from Minnesota and I've never run a race in 30 degree temperatures. There is just something about Louisiana, where it feels colder than it actually is. It must be the humidity.

Emily Turner and I finished in the expected time, two hours, 9 minutes, 20 seconds. I'm so proud of "Turner Time." That was her first half marathon, and she did great.

In fact, she ran better than I did. We probably could have finished earlier if we went at her pace, but my old bones started to ache, and I got a cramp in the last few miles. I do wish they had more water stations available in the last half, but maybe that's something the organizers will consider next year.

Emily's already talking about doing the Mardi Gras halfer, I can't commit until my knees stop hurting.

Did you see the storm?

That was quite a storm last night.

We all know that it rains all the time here in Louisiana. The only reason why I feel the need to comment on the storm is because it woke me up.

I am a heavy sleeper and never, ever, ever, wake up during thunderstorms. When I lived in MN, even if it was a tornado watch/warning situation, I still wouldn't wake up.

All that lightning had me pretty nervous, so I dragged myself out of bed and had to unplug all the electronics. Storms earlier this year, put my cable and internet on the fritz and that can't happen again.

The good news...the weather is about to take a turn for the better. Finally fall!!

Successful 10 miler

I ran a ten mile race this past weekend in Minnesota. The race went wonderfully!

Trust me, it is difficult to wake up at 4 a.m. and prepare to run for an hour and a half. Sometimes I wonder why I do it. It seems crazy right? Why pay around $50 to run, when you can do that for free at home? I will say, it does give you a big sense of accomplishment.

Trust me, there are times when I want to quit during each run. In this race, mile 5-6 were awful! I kept weighing my options about dropping out, knowing I wouldn't, but I definitely thought about walking. I pushed passed it, and the rest of the race was smooth sailing.

I finished in 1:38:42. It was actually about a minute or so faster than I expected. I usually am a consistent 10 minute miler. The next race, is in December here in Baton Rouge. I'm gonna push for a faster time, but we'll see it is 13.1 miles.

Sitting this one out

Tomorrow is the first LSU home football game of the season. I'm sorry to say, I am sitting this one out.

As much as I love college football, I don't enjoy sitting in pouring rain all day. Our morning meteorologist said we could get a couple inches of rain tomorrow.

When my colleagues were talking about tailgating this morning in the newsroom, I did have a moments hesitation about my decision, but I think I'm going to opt for staying indoors.

Here's why, whatever football game I go to this season will be my first LSU game experience. So, I want it to be a good one. Funny how I've lived here a couple of years and haven't donned my purple and gold at a Death Valley.

I'm waiting for sunny skies so I can take in all the fun and food without having to wear rain gear.

Tiger Tailgating

This was my first year at the Taste of Tiger Tailgate. Boy have I been missing out. So much fun and so much food to eat.

For those of you who don't know, it's an event where thousands of tiger fans get together for some drinks, food, and music.

I ate sooo much food, you know where it's painful to breathe? Restaurants from all over the area offered samples, which is great, because I had never even heard of some of the restaurants.

I will definitely be making a trip to Cou-yons and Prejeans.

Now I am geared up for the real tiger tailgating. Games start in a week.

So far, so good!

Was anyone else concerned earlier this week about the hurricane forecast? Over the weekend, meteorologists were talking about three systems in the Atlantic.

Luckily, everything seems to be ok. T.S. Ana appears to have dried up, Claudette stayed east, and it seems that Bill will push up the east coast.

Alright, the "experts" are calling for 10 named storms. Four down, six to go. Let's hope they all stay out of the Gulf!

Talk about inspiration....

Every once in awhile, my job gives me get the privilege to see some really amazing things. Last week, I met a teenager who has more talent than I'll ever have.

This kid, from Beaumont, Texas, is an excellent drummer and he does it all with no arms! He uses sweat bands on his arms to hold the sticks. He's in his high school marching band and plays a mean snare. But, he has another challenge to overcome. He also has a prosthetic leg, yet he marches right along side his bandmates. His director told me, Tre Donte (that's his name) never complains and always pushes others to succeed.

He's definitely had to work for his success. Tre Donte said he practices two hours a night and at first he didn't even know how he'd be able to hang onto the sticks. He tried rope and bandanas, but it never worked.

This story made me think about all the things I've quit, because I thought they were too hard. My guitar is still sitting in my room with dust, same as my key board. My golf career lasted about a week. Maybe it's time I gave it all another go.

Living Green

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July and hopefully everyone stayed cool in that awful heat.

As we move into the dog days of summer, I'm hoping that my electric bill does not hit the $130 mark. My air conditioning is constantly on, this is south Louisiana after all.

I recently did a series of stories on people who've decided to adopt an earth friendly lifestyle.
After seeing their electric bills, I can honestly say that when I become a homeowner, green living will be the way I go.

One woman I spoke to installed solar panels a few months ago. I'm guessing it would typically cost upwards of $180 to run her home each month in the summer. She only paid 70 bucks on her bill. And here's the best part, she won't lose electricity if a storm knocks out power. That's enough to make me a believer! I don't know about you, but I was ready to pack my bags and move to a hotel after five days without power after Gustav.

And then there are the people who live in Louisiana System Built Homes. Basically, these houses are built in a factory, assembly line style. You're probably thinking modular home, but you're wrong! These houses can be built however you like. I'm talking two story, five bedroom, three baths. One homeowner runs his house on $130 bucks and he lives in a 3,300 square foot home! It definitely made me see that there is money to be saved by living green. And wouldn't we all like to have a little extra cash these days?

One Month Later

Has it really been a month since I've last posted? Where has the time gone? So many interesting things have happened and I wish I would have kept up on my blogging.

A quick recap...If you are ever out in Denham Springs, you will see one of the most unique animals on one farm.
A farmer out there breeds miniature longhorns. They look completely normal, just a third the size of a big longhorn and the farmer bred the animals himself. It's pretty neat.

I don't know about any of you, but this heat does not seem normal for this time of year in Louisiana. Triple digit feels like temperatures days in a row is not cool! I nearly pass out every time I take my dog Butters out for a walk.

Thursday, Michael Jackson passed away. It seems like everyone I know has some type of MJ memory. Mine is trying in vain to do the moon walk when I was a kid. I remember seeing him with his white socks and short pants just gliding backwards on stage. I wanted to dance just like him. I got the spin down, still can't do the moonwalk.

Lesson Learned

As I write this blog, I am in pain. Pain like I've never felt before! You may have experienced it once or twice before, or maybe you've dealt with this every summer.

Yes, I am talking about sunburn. The worst sunburn of my life!

My back is one shade lighter than the red shirt I'm wearing. I call it a reminder of Memorial Day weekend 2009.

I went to Pensacola, FL with some friends and had a lovely time at the beach. But, dang those clouds. I didn't even think to put on sunscreen, partly because, I have never burned and partly because, it basically looked like it would rain at any minute.

Lesson learned! From this day forward, I will have that 30 spf with me rain or shine. But just in case, I'll have a nice big bottle of aloe to go along with it.

A sidenote.....I wouldn't be surprised if you saw my colleague, Lauren, writing a similar blog. She's just as red as I am. Misery does love company and at least I'm not suffering alone.

Hurricane Season Already?

Oops. This is my first post in a couple of weeks. Where does the time go?

Lately, we've been running a lot of stories about hurricane preparedness. It struck me this morning, the storm season begins in two weeks. Again, where did the time go?

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday, we were all living in the dark, sweltering in the heat, after Gustav hit? I'm praying for a calm season.

Covering last year's hurricane was exciting for about a day, since I've never lived through a hurricane. Then, reality hit. It's pretty unpleasant when there's no power, you can't drive, because of trees in the road, and you run out of food.

But, should Mother Nature send a storm our way, I'm ready this year. I've "got a game plan," if you will.

I'm not springing for that expensive generator, but you better believe I'm stocked with battery powered lights, and most importantly, battery operated fans.

Where are the cheese curds?

The past two weekends have been busy. From Festival International in Lafayette, to Jazz Fest in New Orleans, it feels like I've been driving all over the state.

I was pleasantly surprised by both events. Great music, great food, and beautiful weather. You can't go wrong, especially when natchitoches meat pies are involved. Those are the best!

But, if I could add one thing to festivals in Louisiana it would be Midwest fair food. I'm talking cheese curds, chocolate chip cookies, pronto pups, homemade french fries, and mini donuts.

Yes, it is a heart attack waiting to happen, but the food is so good, I'm salivating just thinking about it. It's so good, I've been contemplating a trip back to MN, just so I can eat all my favorites at this year's state fair. You can point and laugh now, but don't be surprised if I'm away a few days at the end of August.

Quidditch At LSU

I've never read a Harry Potter book, but I've seen the movies and really liked all of them. I get why people are fanatics about the series. JK Rowling wrote a great story line.

On that note, I know there are fans that have seen the movies 20 times and own all the Harry Potter lunch boxes, action figures, you name it. But never did I think that I'd run into a story quite like the one I covered last weekend.

There is a quidditch team at LSU! Apparently, this is becoming a popular collegiate sport.

Before you judge, I can say, this is not a sport for the weak at heart. I'd call it a combination of rugby, hide and seek, and in a weird way... basketball.

For anyone who's played rugby, its probably the most physical sport. It's football with no pads. I played rugby in college and had my share of bumps and bruises. But quidditch takes it up a notch. The reason...they run around with brooms between their legs!

Imagine having someone twice your size, running at you full speed, ready to cream you. Oh yeah, and there's this broom you're both carrying. It could....I don't know jab you in the rib, break off on your leg, or heaven forbid poke you in the eye! It's intense.

I know you're all dying to see what this looks like. Check it out at http://www.nbc33tv.com/news/quidditch-lsu or just go to the LSU pitch on the weekends. It really is a riot to watch.

Credit Card Crunch

Today is an important day for anyone who owns a credit card. President Obama will meet with 13 executives from the largest banks and credit card companies.

The concern is over, what many are calling, abuses by the credit companies. Many customers, like myself, have had their fees and interest rates increase, even though they are up to date on all payments. (I have never been late, and my interest rate doubled!) At the same time, many of those companies have received bank bailout money.

A credit cardholders bill of rights is moving through Congress, which would put a stop to some of these practices.

As for the banks and credit companies, they say, many people aren't paying and this is a way to protect their bottom line.

We'll have to wait and see.

Tax Day

For the first year ever, I am not sweating the tax deadline. Usually, I'm scrambling to finish crunching the numbers. I've always been that person rushing to the post office at night to get it post marked in time.

I don't know why I filed early this year. Maybe I was hoping for a big return. I didn't get it by the way, if you wanted to know. Maybe I didn't want Uncle Sam to have my money. Whatever the reason, finishing my taxes early is now going to become a yearly ritual, even if I have to pay.

Back to Work

I'm back to the daily grind at work. The trip to Texas was great! Not only did I learn from some of the best journalists in the business, I got to go on some pretty cool stories.

I visited the "Cowboy Capital of the World" in Bandera, TX. A cute little town that really did resemble the old west, at least the old west that I've seen in the movies. The town is supposedly haunted. I'm not necessarily a believer, but i spoke to several people who have had "encounters."

My favorite story took me to a vineyard in Driftwood. The owner, Gary Elliot, had just lost his entire crop. What surprised me was he was so nonchalant about the loss. For him, losing crops just came with the territory. Luckily, he was still doing well because of his winery.

By the way, the wine was excellent! I'm not a big wine drinker, but I loved the Super Texan red. If you're ever in Driftwood, I definitely recommend checking it out.

To Texas I Go

I'm officially on vacation for one week, but this isn't any vacation. I see it as work away from work.

Let me explain. I'm heading to an NPPA conference in San Marcos, TX. Some of the best reporters and photographers in the country will lead this workshop. It will be five days of seminars, critiques, and reporting.

I'm looking forward to this for many reasons. First of all, I believe you can always learn, no matter what stage of the game you're in. Secondly, I haven't reported for quite some time, because of the early morning shift. It'll be good to get back into the swing of things. Also, my mentor and favorite reporter of all time, Boyd Huppert, will be at this workshop. If I can, one day, tell a story half as well as he, I'll be in good shape.

See everyone in a week!

The Verdict is In

I know everyone has been waiting on pins and needles for me to make a decision about my marathon. :) I've decided. Actually, my failing body decided for me. I will run the half marathon.

I've been having hip problems and decided it might not be a good idea to run 26.2 miles. A trip to the doctor is still needed, but frankly, I don't want to pay to have them tell me I'm fine, I just need a little ice.

At the same time, I have this mental picture of me with a replacement hip when I'm in my 40's, because I ignored the pain. If that happens, the good news, there have been great strides in medical technology.

Real Spring Weather

I'll be glad when this rainy weather moves past. I like the rain, but when it comes to severe weather, tornado watches, and straight line winds; NO THANK YOU.

I guess I've always had a fear of tornadoes. Growing up in the midwest, every summer I'd see stories of towns knocked out. Plus, it seems the worst weather always hits in the dead of night when everyone is fast asleep.

Here's the upside, to these spring storms in my mind. In Duluth, MN where I moved here from about 2 years ago, they just had an ice storm earlier this week.

I'll take the warm rain over the cold ice anyday.

When did this happen?!?

Remember when you bought your first cell phone? I do. It was about ten years ago. At some point, that phone has basically become an important part of my life.

I'm sure you've been there. When it's not with you, there's a moment of panic. Frantically searching your purse, phone, or couch, looking for that small piece of equipment that does have the capability of letting a caller leave a message. Heaven forbid you miss that call.

I had the realization this week that I'm beginning to have the same attachment to my laptop computer.

It's in the shop, and these last few days I have definitely been "off." I never realized how often I turn to the internet to pass the time. You don't know how many times I've reached for my laptop, only to realize, it's not there.

Ultimately, it concerns me just how dependant I've become on an electronic to keep me entertained. It makes me think, maybe the "experts" are on to something when they talk about kids and their dependence on computers and video games.

So, I'm going to take my laptop free days as a blessing. I have several books that I need to read. The last time I picked up one of those was, well, right before I got my computer.

March Madness

This is the time of year that I really get into basketball. I love the NCAA tournament! More importantly, I love beating my friends in the brackets.

No, it's not my superb knowledge of college hoops that always puts me at the top, or near the top, of our pool. I rarely follow basketball until March. Actually, I don't, unless the Badgers are on an amazing winning streak and frankly, that hasn't happened since I was a bright-eyed college student.

My unique method of choosing teams is what usually has me in the top three. You see, I choose my teams based on themes. The year I picked the winner based on what team colors I liked better...second place! The year I picked based on which mascot I thought could beat up the other...I was third. For the record, I would have done better that year had I not kept my faith in UW-Wisconsin. Clearly, a gator would beat a badger.

For you die hard sports fans, this may sound silly. I know it is, and I'm the first to laugh at it. But for someone who likes filling out the brackets, but has no idea of any team stats, this has become very entertaining for me.

This year, I think I'm going to stick with my mascot theme. That said, LSU has a good chance. Clearly, a tiger could beat a bulldog, there's Butler in game 1. And, I think a tiger could beat a tarheel as well. That's game 2. I haven't sized up the rest of the competition, but with my method, I doubt there's few mascots that would beat a tiger.

Bring on the Rain

It's been awhile since we've seen a gloomy weekend. To be honest, I was really glad rain and clouds moved in on Friday. Of course, all the parade goers wanted a nice sunny day, and it seems for the most part, the rain stayed away for the majority of the parade. But when the skies opened up in the afternoon, it brought a smile to my face.

Before I get the hate comments; here's why. I am the master of procrastination when it comes to cleaning the house. Rainy weekends are the only time I really roll up my sleeves and get to the dirty work of cleaning the showers, toilets, ect. It usually takes me both days to do a real thorough job. As I write this, there is still dusting, laundry and vacuuming to finish.

Time is of the essence this weekend. My mom will be in town Friday, and my mom is the female version of Mr. Clean. Her house is spick and span, so she would definitely size up my ability to keep the house clean. I don't want to disappoint.

Now the challenge, keeping it that way until she gets here. That is five days away after all.

To Marathon Or Not To Marathon

I'm a runner. I've always enjoyed it, but really turned it into one of my favorite past times within the past 3 years. I have one full and one half marathon under my belt.

I approached my marathons backwards, meaning, most people run a half first and then a full. I decided to go all out and do the 26.2 miles with no real race experience.

I can tell you, I honestly could not walk up stairs for two days and could barely walk the three blocks to my car after the race. My friend who carried me, can back that up. Needless to say, I vowed never to run another full marathon again. I was told I would change my mind and I laughed in their face.

Oh how those words have come back to haunt me. Here I am two years later, committing myself to another full. At least, until I saw the elevation chart. You see, the race I typically run, Grandma's in MN, is fairly flat. At least until mile 20 and there's one large hill, but it's fine. I like to think of myself as Lance Armstrong. That's where I make up my time. I digress....

This new race I signed up for, the Twin Cities Marathon, is a killer from what I hear. Hill after hill, I just don't know. Being unprepared for a marathon takes away any enjoyment or sense of accomplishment you get from that run. Also, I can't train on this course, which will make that run even harder. Louisiana just doesn't offer the running paths you really need to train (if I'm mistaken, please let me know!).

So here I am, wanting to get another race under my belt, but thinking, this just might have to be a half marathon year.
I probably have 3 weeks to decide, which I fully intend to do while sitting on my couch.

Social Networking Sites

Anyone who has known me more than six months, knows that, well, until six months ago I was adamantly opposed to Facebook and all social networking sites. I always thought, don't we fall out of touch with people for a reason? What do I possibly have to say to someone I sat next to in middle school?

It was only when a friend told me that they had reconnected with many former colleagues, that I started to reconsider. So, I signed on.

Now, I can't get enough. I check Facebook like I check my email. Sometimes, I check my email to check my Facebook. Never have I found an easier way to pass the time! Who would have thought that knowing my high school prom date is "sick of the snow" could give me hours on entertainment.

I was having so much fun with Facebook, I checked out Linkedin. Yep, have an account there. That led to Twitter. I've been known to tweet now and again, though I really don't get the point. Does anyone really care that I just finished watching Oprah or walked my dog, Butters?

Regardless, this is quickly becoming the easiest way to get in touch with people, and I am glad I finally jumped on the bandwagon.

My First Blog!!!

This is a BIG day for me at WVLA. I finally have a blog! For the last few months, I've been bugging Jesse, as in Jesse Gunkel, to get this up and running. Today, it is fully functional. Hello 2009! Now, I don't kid myself into thinking anyone besides my mom (Hi mom) and myself will read this on a daily basis, but it is nice to have an outlet to write my thoughts and opinions.

Now comes the pressue to actually write something meaningful. We'll start that tomorrow. Today, lets just enjoy the fact that the news blog is FINALLY up and running.