tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50902845660839718012024-03-08T04:47:34.851-08:00Rachel Slavik's NewsRachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-46974853287606477402010-10-13T17:16:00.000-07:002010-10-13T17:23:22.392-07:00New chapter!It's been awhile since I've blogged. Here's a quick roundup of the last few months. I left WVLA and moved back to Minnesota, without a job, mind you. I made the right decision and got really really lucky!<br /><br />I'm about to start working at WCCO. This fulfills a career goal of making it to the Twin Cities and I guess you could call it a full circle moment. I interned at WCCO back in 2002. So, I hope everyone flips to channel 4 and if you have a good story idea, send it my way!<br /><br />p.s. I took down my reunion rant. Reading it several months later, I realized venting my frustration into cyberspace isn't always the best idea. I probably wrote that when I was deliriously tired from working the early morning shift. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! :DRachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-54761429936313546082010-04-20T06:07:00.000-07:002010-04-20T06:20:24.689-07:00Angola RodeoI got my first taste of a Louisiana rodeo this past weekend. Oh boy! I really don't have any words to describe it.<br /><br />I couldn't believe the kind of pain those prisoners put themselves through. They had this one event where inmates sat around a table and waited for a bull, yes, a BULL, to crash into them.<br />That's just craziness! That, in addition to the wild cow milking and the monkey's rounding up rams, it made for an interesting show to say the least.<br /><br />The Angola Rodeo also features incredible arts and crafts made by the prisoners. The workmanship on some of the wooden rocking chairs is unbelievable.<br /><br />If you've never been, it's worth the visit. Where else are you going to see sane adults actually run at an angry bull?Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-85874521677369053872010-03-25T06:09:00.000-07:002010-03-25T06:14:21.811-07:00Insomnia!Please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors in this blog. I have had a wicked case of insomnia over the past few nights. I'd say I've had about 4 hours of sleep over the last 48 hours.<br /><br />I'm blaming it on the daylight saving time. I go to bed around 5 or 6, because I wake up around midnight. During the winter, it's dark by then. Now that it's spring, falling sleep with the sun shining doesn't seem natural.<br /><br />I'm sure you've had those nights where you just lay in bed, wishing you could sleep. You look at the alarm clock. You realize, if you fell asleep at that minute, you'd get four hours of sleep. Then thinking about falling asleep keeps you up. An,d if you realize you're about to fall asleep, it hits you. "Yes, I'm falling asleep!" That realization then wakes you up again.<br /><br />That's been my cycle the last few nights. Hopefully tonight I will drift off to dreamland with no problems. Fingers crossed!Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-31055104506608231542010-03-22T06:24:00.000-07:002010-03-22T06:29:28.187-07:00Dog attacks Emily TurnerImagine this, it's Friday, you're home for the day and sleeping peacefully during your afternoon nap. Suddenly, your friend calls hysterically crying about a dog bite. You're suddenly wide awake, trying to figure out what to do while on the phone. Do you tell her to call police? How bad is the bite? Can you get to the hospital?<br /><br />Yep, that's the situation I faced last Friday. Emily Turner went out to cover a story about pit bull attacks. Understand this story was probably difficult to cover as she is a pit bull owner and understands fully, that a dog's attitude depends on it's upbringing. Emily is always the one to defend pit bulls when we have reported attacks. So, it was a bit ironic that she ends up getting bit.<br /><br />She's ok, just a little shaken up. The dog punctured her wrist. She went to the hospital. As for the dog, it's in quarantine for 10 days. Standard procedure when a dog does not have it's papers, I'm told. Want to see it happen? We have video on nbc33tv.com.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-64318214984287789472010-03-09T06:25:00.000-08:002010-03-09T06:29:45.080-08:00Grandma's Half MarathonI am in! Come June 19th, I will be running 13.1 miles along the beautiful north shore. The course for Grandma's marathon has to be one of the most beautiful races in the country. It follows the tip of Lake Superior, in Northern Minnesota.<br /><br />I've run this race, both the half and full, for several years now. Every year, it's been HOT! But that is why I love training in Louisiana. Hot for Minnesota, is beautiful spring day for Louisiana.<br /><br />This year, I plan to run for time. I've never done this before and am a little nervous. I'd like to run the race in under 2 hours. I'm a standard 10 minute mile runner and usually finish in about 2 hours 10 minutes. That means I really have to shave some time off each mile. Fingers crossed for my training....Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-28072217696823362012010-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:002010-03-01T14:14:27.420-08:002010 OlympicsThe Vancouver Olympic Games are now over and in my opinion, this year did not disappoint! Would you agree? I love the Winter Olympics to begin with, remember, I grew up in Minnesota. Hockey, ice skating, snowboarding, yes, even curling, all were apart of my upbringing.<br /><br />My favorite sport, snowboarding! Maybe it stems from my dreams of being a pro snowboarder, when I was a kid. I bought the board, boots, bindings, and gear. On the first day, I could not even stand on the hill. It was so bad, a friend who was teaching me, just gave up. He said, "I can't even help you." That was the push I needed. The next time, I was carving down the hill. <br />Problem is, I could never get over my fear of the jumps. Alas, my dreams of Olympic gold were squashed. But, I still love to hit the slopes when I get a chance.<br /><br />I can't talk about the Winter Games without talking about hockey. I really didn't pay attention to the men's USA team until the final game. But when I did, I remembered why I love hockey so much. It's probably the most dramatic sport. I went to a high school where hockey was THE sport. When I watch the olympic games, it reminds me of when my entire school would cheer on our team during the state tournament. Fun! <br /><br />I love the warm weather of Louisiana, but it's times like this that I miss hitting the ice or the slopes for some winter weather fun....Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-41714076081770519612010-02-19T06:11:00.000-08:002010-02-19T06:16:27.274-08:00Love this weather!Is anyone else loving this weather as much as I do?<br /><br />I'm a midwest girl at heart, so any time the temperatures dip, I'm outside. Couple that with the sunshine, and I'm a happy girl!<br /><br />This is perfect running weather. Time to start training for my next half marathon. It's in June, so I have plenty of time, but training on the treadmill is NOT fun!<br /><br />Knowing Louisiana, this is all going to change, it's going to get hot quickly. Then, it's back to the gym treadmill.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-84319936300057346222009-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:002009-12-31T07:13:37.649-08:00Best 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-34464105794072898552009-12-07T03:45:00.000-08:002009-12-07T03:54:00.948-08:00That was a cold run!Ran my first Louisiana half marathon this past weekend.<br /><br />It can be summed up in one word....COLD!!!!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Emily's already talking about doing the Mardi Gras halfer, I can't commit until my knees stop hurting.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-7937452661578766102009-10-16T02:22:00.000-07:002009-10-16T02:27:43.250-07:00Did you see the storm?That was quite a storm last night.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The good news...the weather is about to take a turn for the better. Finally fall!!Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-28013750011745451362009-10-08T11:12:00.000-07:002009-10-08T11:22:07.459-07:00Successful 10 milerI ran a ten mile race this past weekend in Minnesota. The race went wonderfully! <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-27942076697054453492009-09-11T06:54:00.001-07:002009-09-11T06:58:03.856-07:00Sitting this one outTomorrow is the first LSU home football game of the season. I'm sorry to say, I am sitting this one out.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I'm waiting for sunny skies so I can take in all the fun and food without having to wear rain gear.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-64771144467444890832009-08-31T14:33:00.000-07:002009-08-31T14:37:17.096-07:00Tiger TailgatingThis 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />I will definitely be making a trip to Cou-yons and Prejeans. <br /><br />Now I am geared up for the real tiger tailgating. Games start in a week.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-57409098451796213042009-08-19T12:11:00.000-07:002009-08-19T12:15:49.678-07:00So 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Alright, the "experts" are calling for 10 named storms. Four down, six to go. Let's hope they all stay out of the Gulf!Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-33867799588607036002009-07-26T11:31:00.000-07:002009-07-26T11:41:44.477-07:00Talk 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-89468400060633904972009-07-08T13:57:00.000-07:002009-07-08T14:09:02.536-07:00Living GreenHope everyone had a good 4th of July and hopefully everyone stayed cool in that awful heat.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I recently did a series of stories on people who've decided to adopt an earth friendly lifestyle.<br />After seeing their electric bills, I can honestly say that when I become a homeowner, green living will be the way I go. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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?Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-7090135808292927532009-06-28T08:35:00.000-07:002009-06-28T08:42:01.877-07:00One Month LaterHas 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.<br /><br />A quick recap...If you are ever out in Denham Springs, you will see one of the most unique animals on one farm.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-51293844264107945862009-05-26T12:49:00.000-07:002009-05-26T12:57:00.333-07:00Lesson LearnedAs 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.<br /><br />Yes, I am talking about sunburn. The worst sunburn of my life!<br /><br />My back is one shade lighter than the red shirt I'm wearing. I call it a reminder of Memorial Day weekend 2009. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-20568833873067094562009-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:002009-05-20T07:57:18.220-07:00Hurricane Season Already?Oops. This is my first post in a couple of weeks. Where does the time go?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />But, should Mother Nature send a storm our way, I'm ready this year. I've "got a game plan," if you will. <br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-84602528550110445662009-05-05T15:07:00.000-07:002009-05-05T15:18:00.346-07:00Where 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-53142129804552394922009-04-30T15:15:00.000-07:002009-04-30T15:26:50.305-07:00Quidditch At LSUI'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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />There is a quidditch team at LSU! Apparently, this is becoming a popular collegiate sport.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-20287136109717295192009-04-23T05:53:00.000-07:002009-04-23T05:58:45.277-07:00Credit Card CrunchToday 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />A credit cardholders bill of rights is moving through Congress, which would put a stop to some of these practices.<br /><br />As for the banks and credit companies, they say, many people aren't paying and this is a way to protect their bottom line.<br /><br />We'll have to wait and see.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-60298740279091624822009-04-15T05:55:00.001-07:002009-04-15T06:01:04.924-07:00Tax DayFor 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. <br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-5952035550963032009-04-14T05:41:00.000-07:002009-04-14T05:46:19.218-07:00Back to WorkI'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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090284566083971801.post-26189292667151187142009-04-04T11:53:00.000-07:002009-04-04T12:03:11.253-07:00To Texas I GoI'm officially on vacation for one week, but this isn't any vacation. I see it as work away from work.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />See everyone in a week!Rachel Slavikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276767467276216461noreply@blogger.com0