Four major storm systems have slammed Los Angeles this week. I have reported in it for days. From La Canada-Flintridge where mudslides are a threat, to Swift Water Rescues by the LAFD, it’s all unpredictable.
Today I followed firefighters as they searched the rushing waters for two potential victims. It ended up being a false call, but the day was full of action. The fast-moving water that filled the basin was amazing to hear and see up close. Firefighters telling me it was likely flowing at 15 mph. That may not sound like a lot, but he continued by explaining that at 3mph, the water can knock you off your feet. At 8-10mph, it’s like being hit with a baseball, and at 15mph, it’s fight for your life.
I have included personal video of that water today while on scene. It was intense to be around. I have also included a quick “walk and talk” of what would have been my live shot tonight, but we were bumped due to a car pursuit. We missed going live by 2 minutes. Hey, that’s TV. Gotta love it!!!!! I sure do.
As 2009 comes to a close, I realize how grateful I am for my dog and cat. They bring me so much joy including laughter and comfort.
Monkey, my dog and I did a photo shoot yesterday with an amazing photographer named Grace Chon. I am so happy!!! Grace worked with Monkey and me for just an hour, and was able to capture some incredible moments. Some of the pics will appear in Modern Dog Magazinein the Spring. It will be our first time together in a magazine. Yay!!!
Hope you like the pics too. BTW, if you can’t tell, I’m in love with my dog. (Rescued from the South LA Shelter via Best Friends) If you are considering getting a dog, but nervous that it might change your life, GO FOR IT! It WILL change your life, your schedule, & your soul!!!!
Donating a toy at Christmas is nothing new, but this year there’s a twist, at least at one local vet office. My friends at Brent-Air-Animal Hospital are holding a toy drive for the next 14 days. In return they will give your dog a FREE nail trim. If you donate 3 or more toys, they are offering a FREE dog exam. Spread the word!!
It’s easy…and in the spirit of Christmas!!!!
Brent-Air Animal Hospital
11560 W. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-478-0011
Every great face deserves a great picture, even if you’re a dog. It’s the philosophy of Los Angeles based photographer Frank Bruynbroek (pronounced brin-brook) who has photographed hundreds of homeless and rescued dogs. His portraits are often haunting, some funny, while others simple tell a story of a creature who has no voice. Bruynbroek is their voice. Check out his pics
Years ago, the French born photographer was inspired to begin writing a book based around the importance of rescuing animals. He tells me, “The need to contribute more and more became very present for him.” The book, which is still a work in progress includes many interviews with noted celebrities, politicians and musicians. Nothing new there, but what’s so unique about the interviews is they all revolve around dogs, and how they have affected their owners. No celebrity pictures here, just the dogs.
Before he was known as the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan agreed to write the foreword for Bruynbroek’s book. The rest is history. The two men began a working relationship, and now have teamed up for another important project to benefit homeless dogs. The 2010 calendar features 14 months of Bruynbroek’s incredible photographs.
The dogs, several who are owned by actors like Diane Keaton (Red) and Josh Duhamel (Meatloaf) are showcased in an effort to bring attention to the undeniable fact that homeless dogs, and those from the city shelters are amazing. With a flip of each month, you see a dog who might have died a shameless and early death if it weren’t for many kind and wise people who chose to adopt rather than buy.
Bruynbroek tells me the 2010 calendar is a “proud result of a true and passionate collaboration.” Meanwhile, I couldn’t be more excited to know that my dog Monkey who I rescued through Best Friends via the South LA shelter is Mr. November. To read more about the calendar: Click here
Every calendar is a gift, and all proceeds from calendar sales benefit Millan’s Foundation.
For more information on adopting a local animal from the city shelters, Click here
I was one of the judges for the Miss CA USA pageant over the weekend along with actor A.J. Buckley, and dress designer Tony Bowls. It was an exciting time as usual. Over 130 women competed, but only one could win. She represented Sherwood. Her name is Nicole Johnson. She will now represent Miss CA in the Miss USA pageant which will be held in Las Vegas in April.
Here are some of my pictures from the weekend in Palm Springs. Enjoy…
Have you ever had a moment where your heart feels so full of joy it might burst? I felt it just recently at the Jane Goodall Summit. Nearly 70 teenagers from around our state showed up to be a part of a weekend of giving back. Our focus on this day was animal welfare, and the South LA shelter.
It wasn't a huge event. In fact, it was quite intimate and simple in its approach. We gathered outside under the trees at Temescal Park. The students created a huge mural to be hung at the shelter, a place that unfortunately still lacks color and brightness even though the wonderful animals found there are full of color and life. They also painted signs for the cages. The students, part of a group called Roots & Shoots believe the mural and signs will serve as a reminder to visitors that animals have voices too.
If you don’t know already, the Jane Goodall philosphy is all about human welfare, the environment, and animal welfare. Young people involved with her group are encouraged to give back in all areas. The students we met at Saturday’s summit were hungry to hear what they can do next. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke to the them about the importance of service and about ways to make change. Two shelter employees touched on the daily struggles they encounter at the shelters, and encouraged the kids to spread the thought “Don’t Buy. Adopt.” Newly appointed LA Animal Services Commissioner Melanie Ramsayer spoke about finding your passion and putting it to work. Everyone had questions.
In the end, this group of 70 plus students were abuzz with ideas and thoughts on how they too can help at our city shelters. From volunteering, to simply spreading the news of the shelter’s existence, every effort helps. I often get frustrated because the problems can’t get fixed in a day, but for a moment that day I felt like we were making a difference one message at a time. Do you have a message?
Comedian Craig Ferguson pretty much got it right Friday night at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, when he told the folks at the Jane Goodall Institute’s global leadership awards: “It’s nice to be here with people who actually do things rather than just tell jokes on television.” Or who just throw dinners congratulating one another for being so darned swell.
I’ve been to a few dinners at the BW that fit the latter description; the Goodall event fell into the “do things” category, certainly when it came to two particular honorees. They were sitting at my table, and they’re so young that they drank juice while everyone else drank wine.
Shadrach Meshach lives in Tanzania, where Goodall began her seminal work with chimpanzees. In grade school, he joined up with Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program, grassroots work for animals and the environment. Eventually he began bicycling to Tanzania’s refugee camps for Congolese, persuading hunters to stop killing endangered chimpanzees for meat and showing them how to raise chickens and vegetables instead. He has been breaking other cultural norms, too – he’s an African young man, a teenager, trying to improve women’s lot in life in the belief that that that will improve the world. He sat quietly on my right, taking in the plush ballroom and the lavish table settings. He has been out of Tanzania twice, once to Orlando, Fla.,last year, for a Jane Goodall young people’s summit, and now here, to Beverly Hills — not the average visitor’s experience of the United States.
Erica Fernandez came here from Michoacan with her farmworker family when she was a child. Now she’s a full-scholarship sophomore at Stanford; her family still works the fields in Oxnard, she told me, where, as a high school student, she campaigned to keep an LNG facility from being built there. She’s studying matters related to her commitment, environmental justice, and hopes to go to Harvard Law.
Among the grownups honored by Goodall was John Zavalney, already an award-winning LAUSD teacher and science advisor who became a kind of “stand and deliver” hands-on instructor, teaching biology, ecology and environmental science at Foshay Learning Center. Working with wild creatures rescued by animal welfare workers or confiscated as they were being smuggled into the U.S., Zavalney introduced inner-city students who had never even visited the beach to the wider world of forests and jungles and tidelands and savannas, using these living classroom lessons.
Of course, such awards have to feature some celeb names among the winners – in this case, actress and animal lover Betty White and super-green guy and actor Ed Begley Jr., both of whom delivered the kind of funny remarks that everyone counts on to provide a bit of leavening to other speakers’ serious stuff.
The public policy award went to mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, “the greenest mayor” L.A. has ever had, announced Begley, who is a big public transit user. Villaraigosa’s was to have been the evening’s first award, but the mayor evidently arrived late, and it was pushed down to later in the program. [Small-world department: The terrific waiter at my table had been a Cathedral High School classmate of Villaraigosa’s.]
The mayor, as I reported in July, met Goodall on his trip to Africa, accompanied by Lu Parker, his girlfriend, KTLA-TV anchor and former teacher and Miss USA pageant winner. On Friday evening, he arrived solo to accept his award. Parker, he said, wasn’t there because she was working.
If you’ve never been to one of these dinners, the silent auction is a regular pre-dinner fundraiser and curtain-raiser. This time, along with the usual wine and hit-DVD and spa packages being offered, guests bid for artwork by chimpanzees.
Later, once people had been softened up by the wine and the vegetarian meal – Goodall told me a few months ago that cutting back on meat eating is one of the most significant things humans can do to improve the globe’s health and survivability — bidding opened on a one-off item.
For a bid of $25,000, Goodall Institute board member Addison Fischer won the right to name the next primate refugee to arrive at Goodall’s chimpanzee rehab center in Congo. He wasn’t spilling the beans on his choice, but the buzz in the ballroom was weighted heavily in favor of “Jane.”
– Patt Morrison
I am so proud of progress these days when it comes to animal welfare. I know much more is needed not only in our city, but around the country, but today’s announcement makes me happy, because it will shed more light on the senseless acts of pet owners.
It’s a crime to leave an animal locked in a car. I see it all the time on hot days. It blows my mind every time. Please pass on the word, and don’t allow your friends or family to do it. You wouldn’t leave your Mom, Dad or child locked in a hot car, then why your pet? They trust you. They depend on you. Follow through with that promise, and if you see a dog stuck in a car, you should contact your local police. It’s a crime! Thanks for your help.
I work in a business that brings surprises every single day. Today I was assigned a story about Michael Jackson. It was a follow up to reports out of Britain that Jackson may have a 25 year old son. I worked the majority of the day getting interviews, and gathering as much information about my story as possible. Once I wrote it and it was edited, we decided to front the live shot from Jackson’s star on Hollywood Blvd. This is where the surprise comes in.
We arrive at our location. It’s crowded with tourists and locals. The sidewalk is buzzing. My first concern is we won’t get our signal out to make the live shot. The clock is ticking and we are not set up. 20 minutes to go, and then I see him. It’s Jesus. I’m serious. Jesus is standing on the sidewalk next to the live truck. I realize I am now staring. If you’ve been to Hollywood Blvd you know there are people there dressed as stars and characters like Spiderman, The Joker, Marilyn Monroe, even Michael Jackson. Jesus was a first for me.
Luck was on our side tonight. Our signal is clear, and now there is a chance to make my move. I have to meet this guy! We catch eyes and smile. I look away. It’s Jesus. I’m nervous! A few minutes pass, and now Jesus is walking towards the live truck. What will I say? What do you say to Jesus? I get clever and say “Hi, are you Jesus?” Instantly, I felt idiotic. Of course, he’s Jesus! Who else would he be? I don’t remember what he said, because I was still staring at this man not believing how much he resembled the pictures I have seen of Jesus Christ. Soon, we are friends. In fact, Jesus offers to take pictures of me while I do my report.
I have to say that it was a surreal moment to see this man walk around with my camera snapping pictures. I eventually forget he has the camera. In the middle of my story, I look up and he has now moved to a new angle really working to get some good shots. I had to smile to myself. Is this really happening?
After the live shot, I of course had to take a picture with Jesus, whose real name is Kevin Short. Short says he lives around the block, and enjoys interacting with tourists. He gets joy from their reaction. Maybe a reminder that Jesus is around?
My last question for Jesus before we pull away is, “So are you friends with Spiderman?” Jesus replies, “Well, a little. But honestly, he spends too much time in the trash can.”
Classic. Only in Hollywood do you have that conversation. Thanks Kevin Short a.k.a. Jesus for today’s surprise!
I’ve always been a believer in the power of positive thought.
We are what we think and say!
When I talk to students at schools, I often ask them, “Would you rather hang out with positive or negative people?” They always answer positive, and I know they always will. It’s the truth. Positive people are addictive. They are the ones who can find something good even in the midst of hell. However, people who walk around with a negative attitude, and hate in their hearts, breed hate. They create an environment for miserable people to join.
I recently came across an author who addresses the issue, plus many more fascinating topics. His thoughts are right on! I have shared just a part of one of his articles on “Negative Thinking.” See what you think, and please, if you don’t like it, at least fine one positive thing to say. Ha!
By Chuck Gallozzi
Does it seem strange that some people COMPLAIN they don’t have enough TIME to be happy, yet they find enough time to be sad? Not really. You see, their deplorable plight has nothing to do with having sufficient or insufficient time. It has everything to do with complaining. After all, complaining is the negation of happiness. It’s impossible to complain and be happy at the same time.
So, beware of that insidious disease known as ‘negativitis’ (negative thinking). It is as pervasive as the common cold, but far more damaging. It mutilates, cripples, and corrodes the human spirit. Those infected by it are broken men and women aimlessly plodding along. The dark clouds brooding over them obscure their vision and cause them to become confrontational, apathetic, and cynical. Their lives are like flat champagne, without any sizzle.
Beware of the fact that negative people attract other complainers. Because those who live in a world of doom and gloom alienate others, they have no choice but to look for other negative people to associate with. They then feed off one another and get locked in a clique of losers.
Additionally, negative people not only harm themselves; they harm the world. They cease to make a contribution to it. Instead of helping, they spread gloom and misery everywhere. If they insist on infecting others, why not infect them with laughter? If they must carry something contagious, why not carry a smile?
Article from: The College of Charleston Magazine. The college just recently highlighted successful alumni working in the world of News and Entertainment.Lu was named Alumni of the Year for the school in 1994. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English in 1990.
American Beauty
by Paul Allen
photography by Leslie McKellar
It is 6:45 p.m., downtown Los Angeles. While Lu Parker ‘90 and a cameraman cover a story for KTLA TV, they get a call from the station. Major wreck. Get there. During their 20-minute ride, she gathers as much information as possible. They arrive to see the back end of an 18-wheeler protruding from a restaurant, with a five-car pileup on the highway.
American Beauty
She takes a moment to gather herself, then jumps into the fray, ferreting out the who, what, when, why. She returns to her van and writes the story, not in a comfortable computer module, but from the passenger seat, her feet propped on the dash, her tablet in her lap, the clock ticking. Then, camera. She gives the report, the result of thousands of images she has observed and dozens of decisions she has made in order to tell the story coherently. She is in complete control. Frances Louise (Lu) Parker is no stranger to action, to fast breaking news, to finding a center in the midst of chaos. Born in Anderson, S.C., the English major earned her master’s in education at The Citadel and then taught at North Charleston High. It was while teaching in 1994 that she won the Miss South Carolina USA pageant and went on to win the Miss USA contest, the students of North Charleston High cheering her on. She was a top finalist in the Miss Universe pageant. She traveled the world for a year then took a job as a news reporter at WCSC in Charleston. Two years later, she landed the weekend anchor and reporter for San Antonio’s KABB TV.
She has to be in the action.
“As a gal who has been active all my life, I know that once you get out there, you find the high you were looking for,” says Parker, who eventually took a job with KTLA TV and is now considered by her peers to be one of the most respected television journalists in L.A.
What are the stereotypes some might think of when they hear beauty queen? Not only a beauty queen, but one living in California - L.A., no less. Would we think such a woman would be self-centered? Not Lu Parker, who gives time, energy and expertise to individuals and charities. She is an advocate for homeless animals, serves on the board of trustees at Saint Francis Hospital and participates in dozens of charity events annually.
Perhaps she’s a one-trick pony? Not Lu Parker, expert marksman, news reporter, television news anchor, actor, model, author, athlete. She is active in golf, rollerblading, kickboxing, yoga, basketball, softball, swimming, water and snow skiing, pistol shooting and horseback riding. Indeed, in Louise Mandrell’s annual Celebrity Shoot held in Nashville to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, Parker has scored first in several events: Women’s Five Stand, Sporting Clays and Trap. She’s a competitor through and through.
Is the stereotype the one of the ditzy beauty queen? Not this woman, who has received several Emmy Awards for her journalism and reads voraciously. Her blog offers thoughtful advice and insight to her fans. She has written a book, Catching the Crown: The Source for Pageant Competition. Whatever prejudices you may have when you hear beauty queen or California girl, Parker dispels them.
No doubt, she is beautiful, though.
No doubt, she is beautiful, though. Her first modeling picture was taken when she was 13. She has worked with the prestigious Elite Modeling Agency in Paris and Prestige Models in New York City. Her picture has graced the cover of Runner’s World Magazine. She appears in two recent movies: Winged Creatures, with Dakota Fanning and Marshall Allman, and An American Carol, with Trace Adkins, Kevin Farley and Kelsey Grammer. Her television credits include Bones (FOX), Monk (USA), Shark (CBS) and Commander in Chief (ABC). She also co-hosted the Hollywood Christmas Parade for the past two years with Mark Steines of Entertainment Tonight.
But Parker also possesses an internal beauty - a beauty we recognize in people who are self-aware and take proper stock of themselves. She is as quick to quote Ghandi as she is to cite The Grateful Dead. She takes the world in and then gives it back to us with grace and poise.
We see that poise in her honest demeanor. Once, on camera, she apparently spit a little on Bill Cosby’s sunglasses. No one noticed, but Cosby was comfortable enough to riff on it for a while, a routine made possible in part by Parker’s handling of such a “most embarrassing moment.” She laughs, passes some tissue to him, feeds him lines. We laugh with them.
“I really didn’t spit on him,” Parker admits. “He was teaching me, so I played along.”
Only two masters of their respective crafts can finesse such a situation into good entertainment.
We should not be surprised that Parker handles the situation so professionally and yet so personably. She has interviewed numerous luminaries: Kanye West, Matt Damon, Kathy Griffin, Jimmy Kimmel, Fergie, Carlos Mencia, Willie Nelson, Jenny McCartney, Larry King, Deepak Chopra, Bob Hope. And she is as professional in those interviews as she is when interviewing someone enjoying a local book fair or even the son of John Thomas, an alleged serial killer.
Parker’s life and work are not easy, but she makes it all seem easy. Watching her in report after report gives the would-be journalist a master class in appropriate demeanor and professional presentation. Examining Parker’s action-filled life and that unflappable grace under pressure gives all of us a master class in being alive.
What we saw as we got to Jackson's house. Media circus.
Working as a journalist, as in life, you never know what will be thrown your way. Today it was the unexpected death of pop star Michael Jackson. While driving into work this afternoon, I assumed we would be covering extensively the death of Farrah Fawcett since she had passed away earlier in the day. No sooner than I thought that, I heard over the radio that Jackson had been rushed to UCLA Medical Center –Cardiac Arrest.
Minutes later I was in the KTLA newsroom which was already buzzing with activity. Reports were coming in from everywhere that Jackson’s condition was not good, and soon it was apparent he wouldn’t make it. Many media outlets began to confirm the news including the LA Times. Los Angeles Times
I was assigned to Jackson’s rented estate near Bel Air. It was the location where the 911 call came from. Media, fans, tourists, and even neighbors were gathering. On the way there, I landed an interview with a Los Angeles Fire Captain who said he could talk on camera. We quickly redirected and headed downtown to City Hall. Fire Captain Steve Ruda told me paramedics made it to Jackson’s home within 3 minutes of the 911 call.
After that interview, I was sent to a press conference held by a former Public Relations Rep who knew Jackson and said he wasn’t surprise by today’s shocking news. He told the press he saw the downward spiral coming for years. Once that interview was complete, I was again sent to the home near Bel Air where Jackson has been living for some time. When my crew and I arrived, it was a media circus. The enclosed picture doesn’t do the scene justice, but between local, national and international news crews to the paparazzi, and even the noticeable presence of LAPD, it was intense!
It was now time to write my story and get it edited. Two hours later, I went live from outside the gates (which still had Christmas wreaths hanging from them?) at 10pm, and again at 10:40pm.
Afterwards, I was approached by a journalist who reports for a German television station called Focus TV. She and her crew (local freelancers) interviewed me about being an American Journalist on such a big story. Again, another twist to an already weird day. I found it strange to hear my account of the day’s activities, but realized as I was talking that I truly love what I do. If you work, or have ever worked in the media, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the rush we all get on big breaking stories. It’s the off-the-cuff reporting, the unknown that makes you realize why you love to tell a story.
But then as the night wrapped up, and I was on my way home, I couldn’t help but reflect on Michael’s legacy, music, and influence. As his music played over and over again on my car radio, I realized once again, life is fragile and fast. Do what you love, and do it well. Michael sure did!
Crew that interviewed me for German TV.
Inside the live truck. Photographer Michael and I choosing clips from our interview.
Today I was reminded how cruel our world can sometimes be. Often when I question life, I turn to quotes. The following are three of my long time favorites that I believe speak volumes with only a few words.
“To hate and to fear is to be psychologically ill. It is, in fact, the consuming illness of our time.” H.A. Overstreet
“Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.” Emerson
“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”Longfellow
This blog is by no means about me, and at first I was reluctant to write about this topic. Soon, I realized I should share it, because it has a powerful message.
I received an email from a girlfriend of mine that I have known since at least 7th grade. We don’t see each other often. We live in different worlds. She has a family and lives in a small town in South Carolina. I live in Los Angeles with no children, but we love each other and share our life experiences with each other no matter how far apart.
My friend has two sons. She wrote to tell me about her son Frank’s day at school. I have included it for you to read, not because it’s about me, but because it affected me so much. It’s a powerful lesson in how we as individuals can influence other people younger or older by what we do, and what we say.
I sometimes forget that someone is always looking to me for either guidance, advice, even perspective. It’s the same with you especially if you have children. They are watching you. They are learning from you. What are you teaching them? What messages are you sending? It’s the same for your friends and family. They are watching too. What type of lesson are they learning from your words and actions?
I grew up in a very small town in South Carolina. The young girl talked about in the following email is growing up right now in a small town, and she’s got BIG dreams. I did too. I feel truly blessed to be a part of her journey even though we have never met.
Here’s the email from my friend….. I just had to share a story with you. This past week the Seniors at Frank’s school had Class day where they do this slideshow of them growin up….their wills…..and they also do prophecies. During the prophecies….this one girl came out and they predicted that she would be crowned Ms. USA….and win all these pageants and so on. While she was on stage I noticed she was holding a book….that looked very familiar. I zoomed in on the book with my camera and noticed she was holding your book, Catching the Crown. I about died. Afterwards I went up to her and told her about my friendship with you…the author of the book. She was excited!!! She had heard that you and I were really close growing up. I just thought…what a small world. So, just know…and I’m sure you already do….that your book is being read all over…even in little towns like Kingstree.
I’m attaching a picture of the kids on stage…notice the girl with the crown on…and the book in her hand.
“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be gottten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”
~Fr. Alfred D’Souza
You may have seen this, but it was a first for me. A friend of mine sent an email to me yesterday that literally stopped me in my tracks. I was fascinated by a little gal named Faith. The following excerpt is what the email said with pictures. I have added some of my own thoughts. This is by far one of the most powerful things I have ever seen. Even without a perfect body you can have a perfect soul. She has the faith.
Her name is Faith. This dog was born on Christmas Eve in 2002. She was born with 3 legs - 2 healthy hind legs and 1 abnormal front leg which had to be amputated. She could not walk. Even her mother did not want her. Her first owner also did not think that she could survive. Soon Jude Stringfellow met her and wanted to take care of her. She was determined to teach and train this dog to walk by herself.
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surf board to let her feel the movements of the water. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and to reward her for standing up and jumping around. Even the other dogs at home helped to encourage her to walk. Amazingly, after only 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on her 2 hind legs and jumped to move forward. After further training in the snow, she can now walk like a human being.
His owner Jude Stringfellow has given up her teaching job and plans to take her around the world to preach, that ‘even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul.’
In life there are always undesirable things. Perhaps one will feel better if one changes the point of view from another direction. Faith\'s Story on Video
Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler and I sat down yesterday for a brief interview. Shanna was tired, but in a good mood. I like her.
In the interview Shanna said she was frustrated with Miss CA USA Carrie Prejean not because of her on-stage answer, and not because of her semi-nude pictures, but because she feels Carrie is pointing fingers at everyone else but herself. Shanna wants, at the least, for Carrie to say “Hey, I took the pictures. I made a mistake. I’m sorry.” Seems simple enough, or is it? My interview with Shanna (They forgot to turn on the studio lights.)
Ever since the debacle over Carrie Prejean’s controversial answer at the Miss USA pageant, I have sort of sat back and watched wondering, like many,what would happen. At times, I have felt bad for her, and at times I have been less understanding of her actions. Today, I realized now I am officially frustrated not just with her, but also with Donald Trump.
The California state pageant officials recommended yesterday that Trump take the title from her, not because she answered a question about gay marriage the way she did, but because she lied about posing semi-nude. She has also skipped scheduled events as Miss California to promote her own agenda.
Even when state officials announced that suggestion yesterday, I felt bad for Carrie. I thought, okay, maybe that’s too strict. She made a simple mistake, BUT now that Donald has made the official decision to let her stay, despite the controversial pictures, MORE SEMI-NUDE PICTURES have emerged. The pictures are racy. Another Carrie lie. New Topless Pics
This is where the buck stops for me, because by Donald Trump saying she’s just “modeling,” he is saying to all the young girls out there who aspire to be beauty queens/models/actresses that it’s okay to take your clothes off. He’s saying it’s okay to lie. Break the rules. We won’t judge you. I think the whole thing is sad.
If you are a young girl reading this, please don’t look to Carrie as a role model. You can do so much better than that.
I talked about it for months, but finally took my dog Monkey (the scruffy one) to see the beach for the first time last week. One of my best friends brought her dog Laker along too. (black one) We also had Rusty, my neighbor’s dog with us. It was an adventure to say the least. We loaded them up in her SUV and headed north to Malibu. The beach was empty, and we were stoked. None of the dogs had ever seen the deep blue sea so it was thrilling to see them pounce onto the sand with eager anticipation. We let them off leash (not sure if that is legal), and they all simultaneously began to run full speed in one direction. For a moment we thought we had lost them, but they turned and sprinted back to us. Hilarious. Pure exhilaration for them. Not sure how to compare it to us when we get excited seeing something new, but all I can say is it brought a huge smile to my face and filled my heart.
Monkey, who I thought would be the most active and jump right in, surprised me. He was afraid of the water, and would run to the edge and slam on the brakes. Rusty and Laker dove straight ahead into the breaking waves. After 40 minutes of running and throwing ball, a beach volunteer/security found us. Oops! Dogs aren’t suppose to be off-leash. The fun was over in a flash. We packed up, and headed home.
I have to say it was like having a perfect day getaway. Driving along Pacific Coast Hwy. with the beach in full view, and your buddy and dog along for the ride. It doesn’t get much better than that! California Rules!
My story tonight centered around the FDA’s announcement to stop taking the product Hydroxycut. I went to a gym in Hollywood and interviewed several people about the product, and was surprised when at least three of them told me they will continue to use it. They even said, “We will get it from overseas if need be.” These people weren’t muscle-heads. In fact, one was an average female, the other a male trainer.
What are people thinking? The FDA says the product likely causes liver damage, and a 19 year old likely died from using it. I guess it’s the same reason people smoke cigarettes, do drugs, drink alcohol in excess, and expose themselves to other risk factors without thinking of the consequences. Even worse, they think about the consequences, but don’t care. (Myself not excluded here.)
It makes me wonder what makes someone think their liver, yes, I said liver, is better than the next? My new thoughts about our bodies is this: It’s the only one we get. It’s a powerful machine, yet delicate in many ways. Why not fill it with good stuff? Why not treat it with more respect? Why not challenge it to get stronger? I’m really trying harder these days. How about you? More Info on the FDA Announcement
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Unit arrested whom they suspect may become LA’s “Most Prolific” serial killer in the city’s history. I covered the story last night, and spoke exclusively to the alledged killer’s son. It was a crazy night of hunting down those who knew him, and doing a live shot in what many would consider a unsafe area of Los Angeles.
It fascinates me how someone can kill. John Thomas lived in Los Angeles, in and out of jail for years, but was an active participant in life. People say they saw him come and go, but never knew him. A reminder that we should always look over our shoulder?
Just went to DISNEYLAND for the first time! I felt like I was 12 years old. It was super cool! We rode all the big fast rides, the silly rides, and the wet ones. Yours truly in the front row of Splash Mountain left with soaking wet pants.
We also watched an animated bug show with 3-D glasses on. At one point, I even found myself skipping along in enjoyment. I was really skipping, and the great part about it, no one looked at me like I was strange. It’s accepted at Disneyland. Just part of the fun there. Still, I was a Goober! (It was sort of humiliating for my friend. Ha)
Time passes quickly when you are in the land of happiness, and so does your flat stomach after ice cream, coffee, candy, and mexican food. And oh yea, champagne. Geeezzzz, can’t we live like we are at Disneyland every day?
Did you see the Miss USA pageant last night? While Miss NC took home the crown, Miss CA learned a very important lesson after answering a question that got boos from the crowd.
While I have to say I don’t know that much about Perez Hilton, he has a valid point especially when he talks about uniting people. Gay marriage is a matter of religious belief, and our government should not be able to discriminate against anyone. (That’s all Miss CA had to say.)
Today Hilton apologized for calling Miss CA such harsh words. He says he was angry. After a good night’s rest, he says he’d now love to take Miss CA out for coffee and “talk.” Oh, that would be interesting.
And the Executive Director of the of the Miss CA USA pageant released this statement today:
“As co-executive director of Miss CA USA and one of the leaders of the Miss CA family, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss CA USA 2009 believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman. Although I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit, I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone. Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family.”
Lesson learned here? At least we are talking about it.
So, how do you feel about it all? Some advice to you out there who want to freak out: Before you answer with heated emotion, take some deep breaths.
There’s a heat wave coming through Los Angeles, with tomorrow being the hottest day so far this year. Ugh. I prefer cooler temps and lots of sunshine, but why not enjoy a taste of summer? You could see people taking it all in today. Many were at the beach, others at the park, or just chillin at an outdoor bar. I wasn’t able to do any of it because I worked today, but I did do something that made me unexpectedly happy.
Since I have been out of town, my new car was a dusty mess. I couldn’t stand it anymore, but was running late for work, so I decided to stop by one of those “do it yourself” car washes. You know, the spray down type. $3 in quarters gets you four minutes with a soapy hose. I figured I could rush in and out, and be done in less than five.
If you’ve ever done this, you know it’s not messy proof. Once I got over the fear of showing up at work with wet clothes, I realized within one minute I was paying attention to things I’ve never seen. I started to notice the grill on the front of the car, and how cool it looks. I began to see the rims on my tires, and how sporty they are. I took notice of something I spend time in every single day. I was appreciating my car up close and personal.
That thought got me thinking of something else we spend a lot of time with…ourselves. Do we pay attention to the cool things about ourselves? Do you take time each day to appreciate you? Maybe pat yourself on the back for a job well done? What about telling yourself you are important? It’s not something we are taught to do, rather it’s easier to tell ourselves what we are doing wrong. Why is that?
Instead of judging yourself today, and possibly beating yourself up for something you did or didn’t do, or if you ate too much, or didn’t get the job promotion, or you did call the ex when you said you wouldn’t…just stop and say “It’s okay. I’m doing the best I can at this moment. I don’t judge myself anymore.” From this point on, move forward with your thoughts. Find something you did do right, or something you do like about yourself. Say it outloud!
This subject comes up more often than not, and always feels strange to talk about, but it’s true for many of us. With one simple acknowledgement to our SELF that we are making strides, that we DO have something to add to this amazing universe… maybe then, our SELF won’t feel so bad all the time. Try it. You and your self might even like it. Power of Positive Thought
If you ever get the chance to see this exhibit, go!
It’s so fascinating that the young emperor had thousands of soldiers made for his tomb protection. Believe it or not, the statues were all 6ft plus. They sat silent and hidden for nearly 2000 years. There was much more underground including horses, mercury rivers, and weapons.
If you know me, you know my dog. His name is Monkey and today he turned 2 years old.
I don’t know where Monkey was born, or what he did for his first 6 months of life. What I do know is, we found each other in September of 2007. It was love at first site for me. When I first met him, he weighed 18 pounds, was malnourished, had worms, and had just been saved from death row at the local animal shelter. An organization called Best Friends rescued Monkey weeks before, and was now trying to find him a home.
Physically, he did not look good. He had been run over by a car weeks earlier, so he was extremely skinny. Because of the injuries, the doctors had shaved parts on his head, and back hip. To say the least, he looked a little pathetic, but I could see in his eyes that he was a good little soul.
Nearly 2 years later, I don’t remember life without him. He has grown from an extremely skinny puppy to a 51 pound dog. 51 pounds of pure love and joy! There’s not much that I do without him.
I hate leaving him when I go to work, but I have to say, I cherish our bonding time each night when I return. It’s often late, and he is asleep. But when I open the door, Monkey comes over to me and sits. He waits patiently as I drop all my bags, my purse and my worries of the day. We both know what’s coming next. I squat down to his level and we have a moment. Face to face. Human to dog. Mom to son. Friend to friend. It’s always such a powerful, gentle moment. Without a doubt, each time, it melts my heart.
So today, I say Happy Birthday to you Monkey. A dozen reasons why I adore you…
Your soul
The way you look at me and know everything.
Our naps
Your excitement to go hiking, biking, running, shopping, and anything else I want to do.
Your annoying whine
The way you carry your football around
The way you treat others no matter big, small, human or animal.
Your underbite
How you wait to eat until I get home.
How you sleep with my shoe but don’t chew it.
Your sleepy face and red eyes.
Your undying friendship.
___________________________________________________ If you are thinking of getting a pet, please seriously consider adopting from a shelter or rescue group. There are thousands of amazing animals living in cages who need your help and love.
The last two nights I’ve spent my time at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. A huge memorial has been set up there made by hundreds of Angels fans who showed up to pay their respects to rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart.
He was killed in a car accident after a drunk driver ran a red light. It happened just hours after he pitched the game of his career Wednesday night. He was only 22 years old.
The picture above was taken during my live shot for the 10pm newscast on Thursday night by still photographer Bryan Frank. Check out Bryan\'s other pics
I am unaware that the picture is being taken. Standing to my right are several fans who were engrossed in the memorial as well as my live shot. My photographer Jason Roberts is behind the camera in front of me.
We did two live shots that night. One for Los Angeles, the other for Sacramento. Hundreds of people showed up during the day and night.
Tonight, the players were back on the field and we got a chance to be there too. It was thrilling for me to be so close to it all. Click here to see my story
One coach summed it up best by saying, While life goes on and it’s tough…the game of baseball, at least for few hours, helps you take your mind off the pain.
I saw this somewhere the other day and thought it was so cool. The first thing it made me think was “Be Different.” But now tonight looking at it, I think “Be Happy.” What do you see? What message does it share?
As a journalist, I have seen a lot of bad things up close and personal. I have been on the scene of deadly shootings, and I’ve witnessed bodies covered in white sheets just a few feet away. I have had to run from flames at a fire, and have even been threatened by angry protesters on live shots, but last night stopped me in my tracks for a bit.
I had been assigned a story near downtown Los Angeles, but got a call from our news desk around 6:45pm that there had been a major accident involving a big rig truck. I needed to relocate. My photographer, Carlos Cortes and I quickly jumped in the news van and headed to the scene. It took us about 20 minutes to get there. While driving, I gathered as much information as possible. What I knew was a big rig had lost control and had slammed into a bookstore/coffeshop. One person may be dead, others injured. On our truck radio, I could hear our station helicopter pilot stating that cars were strewn all around the intersection.
It’s a typical scenario. I am used to having just a small amount of information prior to arriving. It’s breaking news, but it’s then my job to gather additional information from witnesses and police once we arrive.
Carlos and I jump out of the van and walk towards to crowds of people and fire trucks. We could see the trucks, and hear the sirens. We push through the crowds of people, and find our way to the yellow tape. As we approach, I miss looking to the left where the truck had hit the building. Carlos yells to me, “there it is.” As I turn, it looked like a set for an action movie. Something unreal. The entire big rig was INSIDE the coffee shop with only the back tires visible. That’s when I turn to look at the intersection and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. At least five cars were there. One small red car was split in two, another flipped on it’s side. I was about 15 feet from the red car, and couldn’t even tell the make of the vehicle because it was so messed up.
There were firefighters everywhere. Some were working on the people inside the car, others near the coffeeshop and big rig. Even though there was noise everywhere, I heard silence. Just for a moment, I had to walk up the sidewalk and collect my thoughts. This was bad!
Moments later, we were interviewing a firefighter. I also found two witnesses. One man told me the truck flew past his car going 50 mph. He was lucky. Another woman, who was in the coffeehouse when the truck slammed into it, told KTLA she was in shock.
We were the lead story for the 10pm news. My Story We left around 11pm, but I took this story with me. It’s rare for me to hold onto a story in my head and heart. As journalists, we often say, “let it go. Don’t get emotionally involved.” This morning, I learned a father and his 12 year old daughter were in that red mangled car. My worst nightmare.
Prayers go out to their family. Another reminder to live each day like it’s your last…xo
Nothing big has ever happened to me on April 1st, but each year the date reminds me of me. My mom says it was the day the doctors told her I would be born. My young parents expected me on that April 1st so many years ago, but I didn’t show up. Nor did I show up the next day or the next. It would ultimately take me over 2 weeks to decide to come into this world.
The date helps me confirm each year that we make decisions and choices in our own time. I have never, or at least I have tried really hard not to to conform to the rules society often sets for us.
It’s a beautiful path for many, including several of my closest friends. I adore and respect their choices, but I think I may be on a different path. I have always been just behind the learning curve of what everyone else is doing. It’s always taken me a little longer to do what society expects. Maybe it’s the rebellious spirit I captured from my Dad, or possibly the focus on career instilled by my Mom, but either way I am clearly on a side path trying to merge with the big highway of life.
People often ask me, why haven’t you married? Do you want kids? Why Los Angeles? And I’ve even had one guy say to me, “Don’t wait too long, beauty doesn’t last forever.” I liked that one particularly the most because I think the person who said it was completely wrong. He is the one who is still stuck on what society deems important, not the individual. Beauty shouldn’t get you a husband, or help you cultivate a family. Beauty shouldn’t define your popularity in life. Beauty is a matter of choice. For instance, the way we treat our family, the way we react in negative situations, or the way we interact with the homeless. Beauty is something we can’t define. It just is.
I often, as I’m sure you do, think about the choices I’ve made and ultimately not made in life. Have we said yes because we thought we SHOULD or someone else thought we SHOULD? I would have to say yes to some things, but overall, I’ve tried to listen to my gut and do things the way I want them done, in my own time.
These days when I am faced with a question I can’t answer, I ask myself, “Why am I doing this and for whom? Me or society?” And I realize that in the end, the choice CAN be what I want, if I wait. Time won’t kill me. Doesn’t it just make us more wise in our ways? Now, that’s beauty!
P.S. Try taking the word SHOULD out of your vocabulary. It’s a word that makes you feel guilt, even if you don’t realize it. I’ll try and write about that this week. The writer Louise Hay has some interesting thoughts about it.
As I look at my pathetic NCAA bracket, I realize I only have UCONN left to cheer for. The rest of my picks are done. Sort of a bummer, but at the same time, I’m stoked about a random email I got this morning from a guy from SC. He says he was the basketball coach for the opposing school that I played against for JV and Varsity in high school. He remembers me, and says he has tape of me hoopin’ it up years ago. OMG! It made me so happy to read his words.
It also got me thinking about how quickly the choices we make in life can affect our path. Back in the day, when I was teaching 9th graders in the public school system in South Carolina, I was thrilled when the head basketball coach approached me about an opportunity. He asked me if I would be interested in coaching the Girl’s JV basketball team. YES! It was, and still is a fantasy of mine.
But with that said,I had just committed to competing in the Miss SC USA pageant, and didn’t want to bail on the team, if I were to win the pageant. In the end, I chose to wait on the coaching gig. I won the pageant, and ultimately moved away. It makes me wonder if I had not won the pageant, chances are I would have continued teaching and hopefully would have been a basketball coach.
Life is such a journey that ebbs and flows, doesn’t it? I’m sure you have had things happen to you that made you say, “Just think if I had….” It’s fun to reflect back on it all. The lucky part for me is one of my best friends is a teacher and basketball coach, so I have been able to live vicariously through her all these years…
Ever wish you could reach out and help someone? Why not Mother Nature? It’s simple, fun, and will make you feel great about yourself, and this beautiful planet we live on.
April 22nd is less than one month away. Plan now to get involved. It doesn’t mean you have to take time from work, or even change your schedule. You could do something easy like:
Recycle your plastic bottles. (You’d be surprised at how many people throw them away.) Carpool for one day.
Plant a tree.
Take your own bag to the grocery store.
Eat vegetarian for a day. Don’t smoke for a day.
Those are just a couple of ideas I thought of as I typed. I’m sure there are hundreds more creative ones we could all do. Please share with me if you have an idea? As a group, we can do big things!
If you want to take it a step further. You can: Participate in a beach clean-up, or organize your own beach clean-up.
Pick up trash in a park.
Attend an event.
Donate to a great cause.
EARTH DAY is Wednesday, April 22nd. I found a site that has some cool information on it. Earth Day Info Once you click on, there is a section to the left where you can find events in your area.
If you have more ideas, please share here on the blog or at My Facebook Page
Working in the news business, I see story after story about people losing jobs. My friends have lost jobs. Friends of friends have been laid off. I can’t imagine. If it happened to me, I would be devastated like many are probably feeling, but I also know that we have to pick ourselves up sometimes and carry on. Brush it off, and know there is something better out there. A new challenge. A creative environment. A fresh set of co-workers.
If you’ve lost your job, you aren’t alone. You will find another one. Maybe even a BETTER one! Job Hunting Tips
Not sure if it will help, but had to share.
There are days when I feel like I have to stop for a second and re-evaluate. Often times, I turn to some of my favorite quotes to remind me of the positives in life, and the power of the journey. Today, as I was looking around at new quotes,I found the enclosed one spoken by Ghandi. It’s what I needed to hear today. Sometimes something simple can bring a change in our attitude, and our movement.
If you get a chance today, take a second to pick out a quote that speaks to you, Click Here to pick a quote or remember one of your favorites. Say it out loud.
It’s a beautiful cool, clear sky day here in California. I am blessed to live in such an amazing place. I will spend my day appreciating that. How about you?
I just started to blog this year. Now all of a sudden I am also on Facebook and Twitter
It makes me a little nervous, but why not? It’s fun. I wonder if it’s a waste of time, or really keeps you in touch with people? Guess I will give it some time and see how things go.
Funny how years ago, we simply had a single email account. Now there’s Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Websites, other email accounts, blah blah blah. How did it come to this? Meanwhile, we still choose who we decide to communicate with..ha.
Fan or not, you can’t help but feel the energy of March Madness all around you. It’s a time when the best of the best hit the court to fight it out. As a fan, I love the sounds of the games on my television. I love the faces on the players: the struggle, the smiles, the tears…I feel the pain when a team loses, but I also delight when a team wins, and the guys run around like little kids with big fat grins on their faces. It’s pure joy.
Every year, the games remind me that win or lose, the point is, you play. Lace up your sneakers. Put on your game face, and play your heart out. Isn’t that what life is all about?
I wanted to share a few quotes that I found the other day. They hit home for me. Today I feel sort of like I’m on a treadmill and can’t jump off. I’m not a big fan of that feeling, and I hope to turn the machine off tomorrow for a little rest and relaxation. Hope you find some time too. Have a beautiful day!
“What you are is a question only you can answer.”The Warrior’s Apprentice
“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” Andrew Carnegie
I am happy to report that Kristy Mclean walked away the winner of $225,000 this past weekend! I blogged about her last week after reporting on her incredible journey of losing 90 pounds. Kristy dropped from a dress size 20 to a size 8 in eighteen months!
Proud of you Kristy! You are an inspiration to all that if we focus, and put our mind to something, it can have incredible results!
I love my job for many reasons, but one is that I get the chance to meet such interesting people. Good and bad. Last week I interviewed Kristy McLean. Kristy could win $225,000 this Saturday night after losing nearly 90 pounds.
Kristy tells me she has struggled with her weight all her life. Even as a child, she was aware of her weight. After getting pregnant for the second time, she reached 235 pounds. Kristy is only 5′5″. She explained to me that when you are big, you begin to ignore yourself. You stop looking in the mirror. You hate getting ready in the morning for work,or for anything else.
Things changed one day. She realized she couldn’t take her kids to the pool, because she couldn’t imagine putting on a swimsuit. She realized at that moment that something had to change! She began working out to videos at her house. She dieted. The weight started to come off. But as we all know, it comes off slower than it seems to go on. Kristy stuck with it. She then entered an online contest showing her progress. She won. Her prize was $10,000. Now she had even more motivation.
Kristy didn’t give up. She pushed for more. She started teaching kickboxing to others. She tells me that way she was accountable to others. She had to be there for them. Her body was changing. Now Kristy is ripped, and she is one of four contestants from around the country who are up for $225,000. The winner will be announced this Saturday in Hollywood.
Kristy says her journey has been amazing. She is stronger, happier, and healthier. While she has made incredible progress,she says it’s a daily struggle, but a new lifestyle. Yes, she cheats and eats pizza sometimes, but gets right back on her regime.
When I left her house that night, I was inspired to take my workouts to the next level. Why not push it a little harder?
Look at her body! Look at what she did, even after 2 kids. Anything is possible! Here’s to you Kristy for kicking butt and looking fabulous!
Could these tough economic times really be good for us? Well, yes, according to one woman who blogged about that exact topic today.
Her argument was that times like these force us to get back to the basics: family, friends, food, shelter, health and love. We are moving away from solitude, waste, and frivolousness. We have an opportunity to build a new foundation, and fix what is broken.
Her thoughts really made an impact on me. I thought about that philosophy a lot today. It’s true, at least for me. I feel myself leaning on family and friends more, and appreciating the small things that I may have taken for granted these last few years. Lately, I’ve actually enjoyed finding ways to cut back, and conserve. We, as a nation, have so many luxuries. It’s nice to keep it simple. It seems more peaceful that way.
Amy Applebaum is a life coach in Los Angeles. Her site is pretty cool. Check it out….
I first wrote about this story when I had to cover it for my job. Now I am happy to report that the man who stabbed Azure, an 8 month old puppy for doing NOTHING has been sentenced to jail. It’s about time that people are held accountable for abusing animals. I think he deserves more, but at least there is some justice in this case. I met Azure a few days after she was stabbed 7 times with a sword. I still remember how sweet she was even in all her pain. For more information on what happened, you can read the press release below, or my blog entitled “Disturbing News.”
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March 5, 2009
MISSION VIEJO — A man who stabbed a pit bull puppy with a sword seven times during a fight with his girlfriend has been sentenced to a year in jail.
26 year old Justin Carrafield pleaded guilty Wednesday in Orange County Superior Court to animal cruelty and cultivating marijuana. A felony charge of possessing of a dagger was dismissed as part of a plea bargain.
The 8 month old pit bull puppy named Azure was stabbed by Carrafield after he got into a fight with his girlfriend and allegedly choked her, according to prosecutors.
Sheriff’s deputies were called to an apartment on La Almeda in Mission Viejo in January on reports of a domestic violence altercation.
Neighbors reported that 26-year-old Justin Carrafield had stabbed the dog and gone back into the apartment, threatening to kill himself.
The bleeding dog was found in the parking lot, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Bernardi.
The pit bull was taken to a Mission Viejo animal hospital where she underwent surgery after being stabbed between the eyes, in the abdomen and other places on her body, including one that extended into the dog’s liver, according to Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.
Despite some liver damage, the puppy is doing well and expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery.
During a search of the apartment, officials said they found marijuana being grown in a closet.
Carrafield, a Web designer, also has a record that includes burglaries, thefts and assaults, according to court documents
The internet amazes me more and more each day. I bought a Mac computer about 4 months ago, and since then I have been getting more involved with what can be done via the world wide web. I love it!
The host Valerie Hayes and I discussed my involvement in pageants, my career, Donald Trump, and much more. The interview was done on the phone, and you can listen to it right here on this blog. I just think that’s cool! It makes me want to learn more about how it all works.
During the interview, we discuss the above picture. Funny stuff. The year I competed in the Miss Universe pageant, the contestants wore a costume representing their country. I wore a NASA Space suit representing 25 years since man first walked on the moon. It was not my idea, but it was quite sexy, huh?
I’ve been described by friends as a hippie. I don’t disagree. In my soul, I am pretty free-spirited and open-minded. So here goes, this is my hippie blog entry.
It’s a cool site. Today they asked me to write five things down on a piece of paper that I like about myself. I haven’t done it yet. Like most of you, I thought it was sort of silly, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I will write those five things when I’m done with this blog. Really, I will.
It reminded me of something I read the other day about how we have a voice inside our head that constantly talks to us. I’m sure you hear yours too. It may say “You’re not good enough,” or “You’re fat,” or “You’ll never get that promotion.” Whatever it is, become aware of it, and stop agreeing with it! Why do we allow ourselves to say negative things to ourselves all day long, day after day? What if we tried the opposite? What if we started to say positive things to ourselves? Would it really be that bad? Would it be that difficult? Well, yes, sort of. I tried it the other day and felt really silly. “Lu, your great. You are a super cool person. You have an amazing family and friends. You can do anything. You are strong.”
Whatever, right? Yea, sure. But I think I might start trying to say those silly things, instead of the all the negatives. I’m tired of hearing the same thing over and over and over again.
I guess I can say I now know what it feels like to be a movie star. Well, sort of, minus the millions of dollars, the entourage, the size 2 dress, and the glamorous life.
Today I spent entirely too much time alone in a trailer on a television movie set. In fact, it was me with me for close to 5 hours. So what did I do? Here’s a sample: rehearsed my lines, stared in the mirror, paced, took a nap, ate a snack, cooed over a baby rabbit outside my trailer (see pic below), talked on the phone, texted, made a list of things I need to do, did some of those things, cleaned out my wallet, and oh yea, rehearsed my lines some more.
In Hollywood, I’ve always heard the phrase “Hurry up and wait.” I guess it’s what you do when you are an actor. I got to the set of a t.v. movie called Mega Storm at 1pm, and was rushed to wardrobe and makeup. I was playing a tv reporter named Cynthia Choo who would be reporting from a huge car pileup in the fog.
I was prepared, and ready to go at 2pm. Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Lunch break at 3pm. Tick Tock, Tick Tock: Seriously, at this point, I was learning the art of patience all over again. At 6:30pm, they came to get me to go to set. Finally! It was my big moment!
The assistant and I walk in the dark, for nearly 200 yards in a parking lot, and then we turn the corner. Wow! The waiting was worth it! There were people everywhere. Lights on! Crashed cars, and sirens. Cameras, and directors, and backdrops! You could feel the energy instantly, and in that moment those last 5 hours of complete boredom were history. I was alive, and I FORGOT to bring my camera to this part….UGH. So, you will have to just imagine it all.
We took several takes to get cameras and lighting right. It was so weird, because it was my voice with like 40 people all watching a t.v. screen to see if I got it right. NO PRESSURE! Luckily, I nailed my lines, and was thrilled that I had rehearsed for so long. It was a wrap before I knew it. Day complete. No paparazzi. No driver to take me home. Just little ole’ me, the working gal from South Carolina trying to make a buck in Hollywood, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything…. except maybe, Halle Berry’s body.
I have always prided myself on being able to say that I have Cherokee Native American blood running through my veins. My great great Grandmother (as I’ve been told via family members) was Cherokee. I find their culture fascinating, and their wisdom calms me down.
One of my best friends reminded me last week of the following story. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and it has truly helped me as I sometimes struggle to keep things straight in my head and heart. I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The smallest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”
Have you ever had one of the those days? Not bad, rather really good? Today was that day for me. No particular reason, and it wasn’t like it was amazing, but things just flowed. Once I got to work around 3pm, I was assigned a story about a house that was flooded by a mudslide. We had most of the video shot from the morning show, but for my 10pm story, I needed the homeowner, who up to this point, had refused to be interviewed by anyone. My photographer Matt and I jump in our news van, and head to the location.
It’s always weird once you get to your location, because you never know how you will be treated. I’ve been told to get the “bleep bleep bleep” off the property, while other times, the people you meet are open to you being there. Tonight we weren’t sure. The home was at the top of a long private driveway. It was one way in, one way out. As we approach, what we thought was the home, someone came out fussing about us being there. We apologized, but continued up the driveway to the next home. From the van I can see workers cleaning in the driveway. I get out, still a little nervous from the prior homeowner, and ask if the family is home. They point to a man and his daughter who are walking in the yard. I take a deep breath and approach. It was my lucky day. The man says to me, “I’m tired, but maybe my daughter will help you out. She wants to eventually do what you do.” The rest is history. We spent nearly 5 hours at their home shooting the aftermath of the mudflow, and eventually went live from their muddy back patio.
I always believe we meet people, and cross paths for a reason. Today, I was suppose to meet the Jones family. They were so cool, and come to find out, their daughter Christina not only wants to be a journalist, she is also interested in pageants. She was once Miss Whittier Teen. At 16, she reminded me of me when I was her age: Big eyed, and seeing the world as a playground full of new and exciting stuff. I’m much older now, and I still like to look at the world that way, but I sometimes forget. Today I was reminded.
I’m serious. Jesus is standing on the sidewalk next to the live truck. I realize I am now staring. If you’ve been to Hollywood Blvd you know there are people there dressed as stars and characters like Spiderman, The Joker, Marilyn Monroe, even Michael Jackson. Jesus was a first for me.
Short says he lives around the block, and enjoys interacting with tourists. He gets joy from their reaction. Maybe a reminder that Jesus is around? 
Even without a perfect body you can have a perfect soul. She has the faith.
None of the dogs had ever seen the deep blue sea so it was thrilling to see them pounce onto the sand with eager anticipation. We let them off leash (not sure if that is legal), and they all simultaneously began to run full speed in one direction. For a moment we thought we had lost them, but they turned and sprinted back to us. Hilarious. Pure exhilaration for them. Not sure how to compare it to us when we get excited seeing something new, but all I can say is it brought a huge smile to my face and filled my heart.
Nothing big has ever happened to me on April 1st, but each year the date reminds me of me. My mom says it was the day the doctors told her I would be born. My young parents expected me on that April 1st so many years ago, but I didn’t show up. Nor did I show up the next day or the next. It would ultimately take me over 2 weeks to decide to come into this world. 
As I look at my pathetic NCAA bracket, I realize I only have UCONN left to cheer for. The rest of my picks are done. Sort of a bummer, but at the same time, I’m stoked about a random email I got this morning from a guy from SC. He says he was the basketball coach for the opposing school that I played against for JV and Varsity in high school. He remembers me, and says he has tape of me hoopin’ it up years ago. OMG! It made me so happy to read his words. 
Today’s blog will be short and sweet.
I am happy to report that Kristy Mclean walked away the winner of $225,000 this past weekend! I blogged about her last week after reporting on her incredible journey of losing 90 pounds. Kristy dropped from a dress size 20 to a size 8 in eighteen months!
