I don't know how I did it this morning. I managed to get about six hours of sleep and feel completely awake so early in the morning. It helped that Blake woke up right around 7AM and he was active and vocal inside his little crib. I thought I heard him in his room earlier, but I dozed off and went right back to sleep.
I got up for good sometime after 7:15AM and got Blake up first. He always wakes up before Ben does. Blake always needs a new diaper when he wakes up, so I was the one to take care of that for him. Blake likes to crawl around in the living room right after a diaper change. Just as I get Blake's bottle ready for him to drink from, he is crawling all over the place. He gets so close to the kitchen, I have to redirect him back to the living room so that he doesn't spill cat food and water everywhere. Once I shook up his bottle, I get it to him so that he can drink. Feeding Blake is no doubt one of my favorite jobs.
One of the toughest jobs I have is saying NO to Ben or NO BEN. He makes me do that to him when he messes with the light switches when I tell him not to. He's just as bad when he hits Blake when they play together.
I caught up on some cartoons and movies on the DVR while I was babysitting my boys early in the day.
After lunch, I took them both to their respective cribs while I showered and dressed for work. Ben is getting better at not messing around and letting me work. Blake is getting better in sitting in his pack and play when I'm putting the finishing touches on my professional appearance.
I don't remember much about work today other than the fact I edited a Top 5 and wrote four stories for the 11PM newscast. I wish I could be out in the newsroom more.
I snuck in some Michael Savage on Youtube to get me through the rest of the shift. I needed some of his anger as I was stuck in the middle of a traffic nightmare on I-75 Northbound near Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road. I had to dump off at Chastain Road to get away from that mess.
Once I got home, I finished off "Entourage" the movie on my DVR. I'm at about 15% free space there and my goal is a bit ambitious, and that is to get to 50% free space by the end of May. I'll be back again in the morning.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Journal Entry for April 26, 2016
After merely getting six hours of sleep last night, I felt wide awake this morning. I heard the usual noise of the morning from the kitcken. I heard the sounds of the microwave, Blake in his booster seat, and Ben in his high chair for breakfast. I felt good that I got a chance to sleep in a little bit. I felt better that I was not forced to wake up so soon.
I had to make a mad dash to the kitchen and Ben's room so that I could get him ready for school. I dressed him up as best I could and combed his hair so that he would look spiffy.
I drove Ben to preschool and got him to listen to some Glenn Beck and SiriusXM First Wave with me on the ride to AUMC. We didn't speak to each other for some reason. I didn't have much to say to him in the car. I wish he would say something to me while we're driving around. Maybe one day I'll keep the radio off while we drive together.
Kelly, Blake, and I had some fun once I got back from the preschool. I had a good time watching Blake try to get around by trying to walk at first and then crawl like he always does. Blake is happy most of the time and I try to make sure that he has the right environment to where he's happy. Kelly and Ben got some quality bonding time outside around our neighborhood, and I vacuumed the inside of our house. While I swept up the living room, dining room, and the hallway, I got to listen to substitute radio host Bruce Jacobs do a talk show on a Tucson, AZ station using my iHeartRadio app.
Kelly got back inside before I finished vacuuming, so I had them play in the baby's room while I vacuumed our main bedroom. I think Blake was oblivious to the noise I made with the vacuum next door. The room got clean and I got cleaned up to get my day going. Before I picked Ben up from preschool, I got us some sodas and a lottery ticket. I drank some Pepsi Max and saved my wife's Coke Zero in the Rogue while I was getting Ben ready to go. I had a quick bite to eat once I got inside the house. I packed up the Rogue and headed off to work for the day.
When I got to work, I edited, took in feeds, and made sure everything looked right before I pushed it over for air. I didn't do anything super spectacular here at work this afternoon. I did enough to make sure I didn't embarrass the station.
After the 6PM newscast, I made sure that I scratched my $2 lottery ticket that I purchased from the RaceTrac. I won $10!!!!! I wanted to win more, but a win is a win is a win. I have some ideas for it later on.
I watched some NBA playoff basketball between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. For the first 18 minutes of the game, it looked ugly. Then, suddenly, the Hawks couldn't miss. Before you knew it, a 10 point deficit turned into a 20 point lead, and the Hawks blitzed the Celtics in Philips Arena. It was one of the best games I watched on TV in a long time. I hope Thursday's game six is just as exciting. Time for me to go now. I'll be back tomorrow.
I had to make a mad dash to the kitchen and Ben's room so that I could get him ready for school. I dressed him up as best I could and combed his hair so that he would look spiffy.
I drove Ben to preschool and got him to listen to some Glenn Beck and SiriusXM First Wave with me on the ride to AUMC. We didn't speak to each other for some reason. I didn't have much to say to him in the car. I wish he would say something to me while we're driving around. Maybe one day I'll keep the radio off while we drive together.
Kelly, Blake, and I had some fun once I got back from the preschool. I had a good time watching Blake try to get around by trying to walk at first and then crawl like he always does. Blake is happy most of the time and I try to make sure that he has the right environment to where he's happy. Kelly and Ben got some quality bonding time outside around our neighborhood, and I vacuumed the inside of our house. While I swept up the living room, dining room, and the hallway, I got to listen to substitute radio host Bruce Jacobs do a talk show on a Tucson, AZ station using my iHeartRadio app.
Kelly got back inside before I finished vacuuming, so I had them play in the baby's room while I vacuumed our main bedroom. I think Blake was oblivious to the noise I made with the vacuum next door. The room got clean and I got cleaned up to get my day going. Before I picked Ben up from preschool, I got us some sodas and a lottery ticket. I drank some Pepsi Max and saved my wife's Coke Zero in the Rogue while I was getting Ben ready to go. I had a quick bite to eat once I got inside the house. I packed up the Rogue and headed off to work for the day.
When I got to work, I edited, took in feeds, and made sure everything looked right before I pushed it over for air. I didn't do anything super spectacular here at work this afternoon. I did enough to make sure I didn't embarrass the station.
After the 6PM newscast, I made sure that I scratched my $2 lottery ticket that I purchased from the RaceTrac. I won $10!!!!! I wanted to win more, but a win is a win is a win. I have some ideas for it later on.
I watched some NBA playoff basketball between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. For the first 18 minutes of the game, it looked ugly. Then, suddenly, the Hawks couldn't miss. Before you knew it, a 10 point deficit turned into a 20 point lead, and the Hawks blitzed the Celtics in Philips Arena. It was one of the best games I watched on TV in a long time. I hope Thursday's game six is just as exciting. Time for me to go now. I'll be back tomorrow.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Journal entry for April 25, 2016
I got eight hours of sleep last night, and they felt great. I woke up in the middle of the night only once, and it was for no apparent reason. The one thing that got me up for good was that I had a duty to get my boys out of bed.
Ben was still asleep, but Blake was wide awake. As soon as I got him up, whew-whee. Blake P had a messy diaper on him. It was so bad, it soaked his PJs. I found his Falcons jammies that were clean and ready to be put on him. I pretty much stripped Blake down in order to get him cleaned up.
Ben and Blake enjoyed cartoons while I got them both ready for breakfast. I made sausage and cereal for Ben while Blake got a cup of infant yogurt. Ben ate most of his meal and he was ready to jump out of his high chair. I spoon fed Blake his yogurt for a long time. I fed him long after Ben was done and playing out in the living room.
I caught up on some old movies and old TV shows for a while. In addition to that, I showed Ben about four full episodes of "Peppa Pig." That show is starting to grow on me. I like the fact that Ben is saying 'peppa pig.'
I felt bad that I waited a long time to give Ben a snack and Blake a bottle after breakfast. I gave ben some goldfish and cheesy poofs while I got Blake some oatmeal and blueberry squeezy pouch in a bowl. I also cooked up some chicken nuggets in the mini-oven for Ben's main meal. Ben enjoyed his 'bak-bak' and I snuck him a piece of one of the new Garlic Parmesan chicken anytizers. I think he likes them; I know I do.
I got a good shower in after I put Ben back in his crib the second time around. Blake was pretty cooperative in his Pack and Play. He liked to walk around in it while I was getting cleaned and getting my teeth brushed. I got a little worried that I hadn't seen or heard Ben in a while. He turned out to do good for me as he stayed in his crib.
I arrived to work early enough and did a good job editing and putting in packages from the feeds in time for the 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm shows. I can proudly report that I had no errors to speak of in the afternoon.
I love my family and I miss them dearly when I'm here at work. I made a video of me singing Peppa Pig. I love to do that for Ben. Kelly said that he loved my video.
Here at work, I saw the Oklahoma City Thunder finish off the Dallas Mavericks and the St. Louis Blues on the verge of eliminating the Defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
I didn't get around to doing any writing samples this evening. I didn't read enough and I was not interested in doing so today. Maybe tomorrow or later in the week I'll get my groove back. Until then, I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
Ben was still asleep, but Blake was wide awake. As soon as I got him up, whew-whee. Blake P had a messy diaper on him. It was so bad, it soaked his PJs. I found his Falcons jammies that were clean and ready to be put on him. I pretty much stripped Blake down in order to get him cleaned up.
Ben and Blake enjoyed cartoons while I got them both ready for breakfast. I made sausage and cereal for Ben while Blake got a cup of infant yogurt. Ben ate most of his meal and he was ready to jump out of his high chair. I spoon fed Blake his yogurt for a long time. I fed him long after Ben was done and playing out in the living room.
I caught up on some old movies and old TV shows for a while. In addition to that, I showed Ben about four full episodes of "Peppa Pig." That show is starting to grow on me. I like the fact that Ben is saying 'peppa pig.'
I felt bad that I waited a long time to give Ben a snack and Blake a bottle after breakfast. I gave ben some goldfish and cheesy poofs while I got Blake some oatmeal and blueberry squeezy pouch in a bowl. I also cooked up some chicken nuggets in the mini-oven for Ben's main meal. Ben enjoyed his 'bak-bak' and I snuck him a piece of one of the new Garlic Parmesan chicken anytizers. I think he likes them; I know I do.
I got a good shower in after I put Ben back in his crib the second time around. Blake was pretty cooperative in his Pack and Play. He liked to walk around in it while I was getting cleaned and getting my teeth brushed. I got a little worried that I hadn't seen or heard Ben in a while. He turned out to do good for me as he stayed in his crib.
I arrived to work early enough and did a good job editing and putting in packages from the feeds in time for the 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm shows. I can proudly report that I had no errors to speak of in the afternoon.
I love my family and I miss them dearly when I'm here at work. I made a video of me singing Peppa Pig. I love to do that for Ben. Kelly said that he loved my video.
Here at work, I saw the Oklahoma City Thunder finish off the Dallas Mavericks and the St. Louis Blues on the verge of eliminating the Defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
I didn't get around to doing any writing samples this evening. I didn't read enough and I was not interested in doing so today. Maybe tomorrow or later in the week I'll get my groove back. Until then, I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
Journal entry for the weekend of April 23, 2016
Finally, the weekend is here!!!!!
I woke up just late enough to feel like I got a good night's sleep after the tough week of work that I had. Mistakes galore were the day(s) for me for the afternoon newscasts. Nobody in management made fun of me or called me out on them, so that made me feel good.
The whole family and I got to go to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw to go out and have a good time. Ben got to go play on the playground and I got to play with him some. Ben ran on the toys where the slides were and I made sure that he was safe all the way through.
I met up with one of the nursery workers at my church and saw her with one of her children. It's neat that we get to see some familiar faces around our community. I like it.
We all worked up a sweat after we walked around the trail at the park. I felt better after walking around. I thank my wife for pushing the stroller for our boys. Ben wanted to take a ride along with Blake. They were both good. The only thing they did was drop their respective sippy cups on the ground.
Later that same night, Ben got to be outside with me as I was getting ready to get the grill going. I cleaned the grill and emptied out the grease trap inside. I saw grease and rainwater in the trap. my wife had to get a napkin to soak in the water before we dumped the grease trap out.
As Ben was out to play, I was putting all the chicken on the grill. Since two of the three burners work, one side of the grill was considerably hotter than the other. After grilling one side of the meat for five minutes, I flipped all the pieces over and then I rotated them from one side to the other.
The one lesson I learned and re-learned again was that I really need to grease the grills before cooking. I found that a couple of pieces of my chicken broke off (one of them fell out of the top of the grill and into a pit). Sometimes I get scared that my grill is too greasy. I don't feel that way about it anymore. I'm going to go all greasy and oily on my grill from now on.
After we grilled our chicken, we threw on some corn onto the grill to complete our feast. Our chicken and our corn turned out better than we dreamed. We had to wait to enjoy our meal for a while. We had to get Ben to bed before we indulged in our feast. Boy it was good. The chicken was moist and hot. The corn was warm and sweet. Kelly's butter that went onto the corn was delicious.
It was a good night. We had some celebratory beers before, during, and after dinner. That was the best way to go to bed that night.
Sunday was a bit challenging. We were unsure that we were even going to make it into church on time. I admit I was a little nervous and worried that we weren't going to make it. I had to make sure I was O.K. with not being able to take a shower before we would go.
Suddenly everything came together. Kelly got better, I was feeling better, and the boys were more than cooperative with us in getting ready to go to church and the nursery.
We heard the preacher's sermon about sin and how we miss the mark. I sin a lot, and I am glad that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I'm glad that I have a redeemer for the things I did bad and for the things I did not do good.
After church, we went out to RaceTrac to get our drinks and newspapers with coupons. Once we got back to go home, we had a great lunch from our harvest from last night. Ben got to eat the chicken we grilled for the first time. I think he liked it. Blake is still too young to eat the chicken. He has the teeth, but not the experience. I hate to leave him out of our family feasts. I would go on to do that again at dinnertime when we got Pizza Hut for dinner.
Since delivery time took an hour, it was my idea to get Ben a bath earlier than usual. I got to listen to some Dokken on my iPhone to get him going. Ben was less interested in letting me shampoo his hair and more interested in playing in a shallow bathtub. He would go on to whack me a few times before I got him in his PJs.
I love my family so much. I can't imagine life without them. It tires me out sometimes, but being a father is truly the best job I've ever had. I need to continue to act like it is and be grateful for all the opportunities I have in being the best daddy I can be.
I'll be back for more on Monday.
I woke up just late enough to feel like I got a good night's sleep after the tough week of work that I had. Mistakes galore were the day(s) for me for the afternoon newscasts. Nobody in management made fun of me or called me out on them, so that made me feel good.
The whole family and I got to go to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw to go out and have a good time. Ben got to go play on the playground and I got to play with him some. Ben ran on the toys where the slides were and I made sure that he was safe all the way through.
I met up with one of the nursery workers at my church and saw her with one of her children. It's neat that we get to see some familiar faces around our community. I like it.
We all worked up a sweat after we walked around the trail at the park. I felt better after walking around. I thank my wife for pushing the stroller for our boys. Ben wanted to take a ride along with Blake. They were both good. The only thing they did was drop their respective sippy cups on the ground.
Later that same night, Ben got to be outside with me as I was getting ready to get the grill going. I cleaned the grill and emptied out the grease trap inside. I saw grease and rainwater in the trap. my wife had to get a napkin to soak in the water before we dumped the grease trap out.
As Ben was out to play, I was putting all the chicken on the grill. Since two of the three burners work, one side of the grill was considerably hotter than the other. After grilling one side of the meat for five minutes, I flipped all the pieces over and then I rotated them from one side to the other.
The one lesson I learned and re-learned again was that I really need to grease the grills before cooking. I found that a couple of pieces of my chicken broke off (one of them fell out of the top of the grill and into a pit). Sometimes I get scared that my grill is too greasy. I don't feel that way about it anymore. I'm going to go all greasy and oily on my grill from now on.
After we grilled our chicken, we threw on some corn onto the grill to complete our feast. Our chicken and our corn turned out better than we dreamed. We had to wait to enjoy our meal for a while. We had to get Ben to bed before we indulged in our feast. Boy it was good. The chicken was moist and hot. The corn was warm and sweet. Kelly's butter that went onto the corn was delicious.
It was a good night. We had some celebratory beers before, during, and after dinner. That was the best way to go to bed that night.
Sunday was a bit challenging. We were unsure that we were even going to make it into church on time. I admit I was a little nervous and worried that we weren't going to make it. I had to make sure I was O.K. with not being able to take a shower before we would go.
Suddenly everything came together. Kelly got better, I was feeling better, and the boys were more than cooperative with us in getting ready to go to church and the nursery.
We heard the preacher's sermon about sin and how we miss the mark. I sin a lot, and I am glad that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I'm glad that I have a redeemer for the things I did bad and for the things I did not do good.
After church, we went out to RaceTrac to get our drinks and newspapers with coupons. Once we got back to go home, we had a great lunch from our harvest from last night. Ben got to eat the chicken we grilled for the first time. I think he liked it. Blake is still too young to eat the chicken. He has the teeth, but not the experience. I hate to leave him out of our family feasts. I would go on to do that again at dinnertime when we got Pizza Hut for dinner.
Since delivery time took an hour, it was my idea to get Ben a bath earlier than usual. I got to listen to some Dokken on my iPhone to get him going. Ben was less interested in letting me shampoo his hair and more interested in playing in a shallow bathtub. He would go on to whack me a few times before I got him in his PJs.
I love my family so much. I can't imagine life without them. It tires me out sometimes, but being a father is truly the best job I've ever had. I need to continue to act like it is and be grateful for all the opportunities I have in being the best daddy I can be.
I'll be back for more on Monday.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Journal entry for April 22, 2016
I'm thankful for my wife for letting me sleep in a little bit this morning. Sleep is good and I take it for granted.
Blake woke up before I did and I woke up Ben a short time later. I got Ben a diaper and some milk to start his day. I saved up some Coke Zero for Kelly. I got a free item at the RaceTrac in Acworth late last night.
I made both Ben and Blake a quick and hearty breakfast around 9AM. I spoonfed my baby while Ben had some fun eating cereal and yogurt on his own. I love to watch my boys eat. I snagged a quick granola bar and some coffee to keep me going.
I love to hear the sound of my sons laughing at each other. It wasn't always that way this morning. Ben bit Blake and pushed him a few times. I had to spank Ben for biting one too many times.
Don't get me wrong. I love to see Ben give Blake some lovins and vice versa. I worry that Ben gets too rough with his little brother. I dream of both of them being able to ride majestically into the sunset (or at least play nice together).
Before leaving for work today, I am slowly catching up on 3 games that happened on my birthday. I am watching Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech, Texas A&M vs. Georgia, and Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks.
I had to rush out the door today in order to get to work on time. I did all that without taking a shower this afternoon. There are days like today where just a change of clothes would have to do. I didn't even put on much deodorant.
Once I got into work, I knew that I would be in for yet another long day. I wanted to close out the workweek strong, but it would not happen for me.
I had a few assignments go bad on me again tonight, but I persevered through it all. My goal is to go out a winner tonight and come back stronger next week.
Peace out.
Blake woke up before I did and I woke up Ben a short time later. I got Ben a diaper and some milk to start his day. I saved up some Coke Zero for Kelly. I got a free item at the RaceTrac in Acworth late last night.
I made both Ben and Blake a quick and hearty breakfast around 9AM. I spoonfed my baby while Ben had some fun eating cereal and yogurt on his own. I love to watch my boys eat. I snagged a quick granola bar and some coffee to keep me going.
I love to hear the sound of my sons laughing at each other. It wasn't always that way this morning. Ben bit Blake and pushed him a few times. I had to spank Ben for biting one too many times.
Don't get me wrong. I love to see Ben give Blake some lovins and vice versa. I worry that Ben gets too rough with his little brother. I dream of both of them being able to ride majestically into the sunset (or at least play nice together).
Before leaving for work today, I am slowly catching up on 3 games that happened on my birthday. I am watching Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech, Texas A&M vs. Georgia, and Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks.
Once I got into work, I knew that I would be in for yet another long day. I wanted to close out the workweek strong, but it would not happen for me.
I had a few assignments go bad on me again tonight, but I persevered through it all. My goal is to go out a winner tonight and come back stronger next week.
Peace out.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Journal Entry for April 21, 2016
I got to sleep in a little bit this morning. Actually, Ben greeted me in our room while I was still in bed. I was in the middle of my rest while Ben came in and climbed into my bed. Ben wanted to watch cartoons with his daddy. I was happy.
Yesterday, I couldn't help but be proud (not mad) that Ben climbed out of his crib and came into our bathroom next to where Blake was hanging out in his pack and play. Ben makes me smile, and I want everyone to know that.
Kelly got our boys ready for the day. Last night, I got Ben's lunch for preschool ready to go. I packed it up into his green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lunchbox. I got him some ritz crackers, strawberries, cheese, applesauce go go squeeze, and some fruit snacks.
I had the honor of taking Ben to preschool in the ROGUE. Ben and I listened to Glenn Beck, Paul Simon, and some more 80's music on SiriusXM 80's on 8. I turned out to be one of the last parents to drop off a child at AUMC Preschool today. After Ben went to school, I went to the local RaceTrac to get a coffee for me and a Coke Zero for my wife. It was caffeine well earned.
I got to work just after 2:30PM and hit the ground running. The Death of Prince took up most of my time, most of my effort, and most of the afternoon newscast today. I couldn't believe that he died so soon. There were tributes and lots of purple flashing in honor of the late Prince Rogers Nelson.
I messed up a few times in getting video right and getting video on time today. I felt down on myself for a while, but I picked myself back up in time for the 11PM news tonight.
The best piece of encouragement I got today was I have a chance to get some freelance work back at The Weather Channel sometime later this year. I want to sprinkle my availability so that I can get some quality time with my family on the weekends. If I get back into the Weather Channel, I can return and 'go back home' again.
I have to go home now, but I'll be back again tomorrow.
Yesterday, I couldn't help but be proud (not mad) that Ben climbed out of his crib and came into our bathroom next to where Blake was hanging out in his pack and play. Ben makes me smile, and I want everyone to know that.
Kelly got our boys ready for the day. Last night, I got Ben's lunch for preschool ready to go. I packed it up into his green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lunchbox. I got him some ritz crackers, strawberries, cheese, applesauce go go squeeze, and some fruit snacks.
I had the honor of taking Ben to preschool in the ROGUE. Ben and I listened to Glenn Beck, Paul Simon, and some more 80's music on SiriusXM 80's on 8. I turned out to be one of the last parents to drop off a child at AUMC Preschool today. After Ben went to school, I went to the local RaceTrac to get a coffee for me and a Coke Zero for my wife. It was caffeine well earned.
I got to work just after 2:30PM and hit the ground running. The Death of Prince took up most of my time, most of my effort, and most of the afternoon newscast today. I couldn't believe that he died so soon. There were tributes and lots of purple flashing in honor of the late Prince Rogers Nelson.
I messed up a few times in getting video right and getting video on time today. I felt down on myself for a while, but I picked myself back up in time for the 11PM news tonight.
The best piece of encouragement I got today was I have a chance to get some freelance work back at The Weather Channel sometime later this year. I want to sprinkle my availability so that I can get some quality time with my family on the weekends. If I get back into the Weather Channel, I can return and 'go back home' again.
I have to go home now, but I'll be back again tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Journal Entry for April 20, 2016
I got a good six hours of sleep last night. I heard the sounds of Blake starting to creep into my ear early after 7AM this morning. I finally woke up for good around 7:15AM. When I saw Blake awake, Ben was awake too. I was amazed that both boys got up as early as they did. I had to act fast to get them going and get them up and running.
I was able to make Blake his bottle and feed him. I caught up on watching "Good Morning America" and some baby shows on Baby First TV. Ben was up and running after my wife made his cup of milk for him.
Ben, Blake, and I spent the rest of the morning and the early part of the afternoon together. I didn't cook or microwave any breakfast for him today. Instead, I cut up some "Cake" for Ben and fed that to him along with some cereal and bananas. Blake got a go go squeeze along with some oatmeal for his meal later on.
Ben bit me numerous times today and I had to give him a spanking. I didn't really want to, but I had to do the fatherly thing of discipline for his own good. Again I don't like to spank my boys at all.
I just picked up a good cup of coffee just now here at work. I'm feeling much better about tackling the rest of the afternoon's editing assignments and package feeds for the shows.
I got to work just after 2:30 and got into editing. I taught a small session about deleting media and I backed up some video for a future story.
Finally, I got to write and edit two stories for the 11PM show tonight. I felt better about what I wrote. I also edited and put in a few more videos so that I would feel like a contributor within my group.
I have to come back in for more tomorrow. Have fun tonight and I'll see you again soon.
I was able to make Blake his bottle and feed him. I caught up on watching "Good Morning America" and some baby shows on Baby First TV. Ben was up and running after my wife made his cup of milk for him.
Ben, Blake, and I spent the rest of the morning and the early part of the afternoon together. I didn't cook or microwave any breakfast for him today. Instead, I cut up some "Cake" for Ben and fed that to him along with some cereal and bananas. Blake got a go go squeeze along with some oatmeal for his meal later on.
Ben bit me numerous times today and I had to give him a spanking. I didn't really want to, but I had to do the fatherly thing of discipline for his own good. Again I don't like to spank my boys at all.
I just picked up a good cup of coffee just now here at work. I'm feeling much better about tackling the rest of the afternoon's editing assignments and package feeds for the shows.
I got to work just after 2:30 and got into editing. I taught a small session about deleting media and I backed up some video for a future story.
Finally, I got to write and edit two stories for the 11PM show tonight. I felt better about what I wrote. I also edited and put in a few more videos so that I would feel like a contributor within my group.
I have to come back in for more tomorrow. Have fun tonight and I'll see you again soon.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Journal entry for April 19, 2016
This morning I got up a little earlier than usual. I did good with getting a little more than five hours of sleep.
What woke me up was a whom. It was my baby son Blake. He was crying here and there, and taht was enough for me to get up and start my day.
I changed his poopy diaper. Whoo Whee!!!! Blake P! Blake got a shiny new clean diaper and soon he would get a brand new bottle from me.
Ben got some milk for his breakfast. My wife got him up and running, and she got him a clean diaper. I got Ben his lunch ready for school the night before after I got home.
My wife had to go into work early today, so I had to step up to the plate and take the boys with me to Ben's preschool. I dropped off Ben at AUMC Preschool while I kept Blake with me the whole morning and early afternoon. I had to make a pit stop at the local Wendy's for some breakfast. I had a BOGO coupon for a Bacon and Egg panini, and I took advantage of it.
I got to play with Blake some, give him his breathing treatment, feed him more baby food and another bottle, let him crawl around me, watch cartoons with him, and sleep on me.
I should have put him in our room at the time I put him down for a nap. In the event that Ben went to sleep, I didn't want him to wake up Blake. Like I said, I should have thought of that.
I have to work on my emotions and temper a little more. After I had a couple of mishaps for the 5PM show, I snapped. I blurted out something over the PL that I shouldn't have. I regret that now. I need help.
The moments of redemption came for me tonight when I edited Fred Kalil's sports highlights and post-game sound from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round series against the Boston Celtics. I also worked with what I had for the Dodgers/Braves Highlights that came down from CNN NewSource.
The bigger moment of redemption: I got to upload and send an audio reel to a friend of mine to see what he thinks. I have to make a better audition reel in the coming days so that I can do better than I'm doing now.
Time for me to leave the building now. I'll be back tomorrow.
What woke me up was a whom. It was my baby son Blake. He was crying here and there, and taht was enough for me to get up and start my day.
I changed his poopy diaper. Whoo Whee!!!! Blake P! Blake got a shiny new clean diaper and soon he would get a brand new bottle from me.
Ben got some milk for his breakfast. My wife got him up and running, and she got him a clean diaper. I got Ben his lunch ready for school the night before after I got home.
My wife had to go into work early today, so I had to step up to the plate and take the boys with me to Ben's preschool. I dropped off Ben at AUMC Preschool while I kept Blake with me the whole morning and early afternoon. I had to make a pit stop at the local Wendy's for some breakfast. I had a BOGO coupon for a Bacon and Egg panini, and I took advantage of it.
I got to play with Blake some, give him his breathing treatment, feed him more baby food and another bottle, let him crawl around me, watch cartoons with him, and sleep on me.
I should have put him in our room at the time I put him down for a nap. In the event that Ben went to sleep, I didn't want him to wake up Blake. Like I said, I should have thought of that.
I have to work on my emotions and temper a little more. After I had a couple of mishaps for the 5PM show, I snapped. I blurted out something over the PL that I shouldn't have. I regret that now. I need help.
The moments of redemption came for me tonight when I edited Fred Kalil's sports highlights and post-game sound from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round series against the Boston Celtics. I also worked with what I had for the Dodgers/Braves Highlights that came down from CNN NewSource.
Time for me to leave the building now. I'll be back tomorrow.
SPORTS Writing Sample for April 19, 2016
THE ATLANTA HAWKS LOOK FOR THEIR SECOND WIN IN TWO GAMES AS THEY FACE THE BOSTON CELTICS IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE N-B-A PLAYOFFS.
THE HAWKS HOST THE CELTICS IN GAME TWO AS THE HAWKS LOOK FOR A COMMANDING TWO-ZIP LEAD WHILE THE CELTICS LOOK TO STEAL ONE FROM THE HOME TEAM AND EVEN THE SERIES.
CELTICS WILL HAVE TO DO IT WITHOUT POINT GUARD AVERY BRADLEY AS HE'S OUT FOR THE SERIES WITH AN INJURED HAMSTRING.
TIP OFF IS AT SEVEN.
THE MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES BATTLE THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS IN A MUST WIN FOR THEM.
GRIZZLIES BLEW OUT THE SPURS IN GAME ONE OVER THE WEEKEND.
TIP OFF IS SET FOR 9:30.
AND NIKE DUMPS FORMER BROWNS QUARTERBACK JOHNNY MANZIEL. THIS HAPPENED THE SAME DAY HIS FORMER AGENT DREW ROSENHAUS DUMPED THE FORMER HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER. DESPITE HIS DEMONS, MANZIEL SAYS HE HOPES TO PLAY IN THE N-F-L AGAIN THIS YEAR.
THE HAWKS HOST THE CELTICS IN GAME TWO AS THE HAWKS LOOK FOR A COMMANDING TWO-ZIP LEAD WHILE THE CELTICS LOOK TO STEAL ONE FROM THE HOME TEAM AND EVEN THE SERIES.
CELTICS WILL HAVE TO DO IT WITHOUT POINT GUARD AVERY BRADLEY AS HE'S OUT FOR THE SERIES WITH AN INJURED HAMSTRING.
TIP OFF IS AT SEVEN.
THE MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES BATTLE THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS IN A MUST WIN FOR THEM.
GRIZZLIES BLEW OUT THE SPURS IN GAME ONE OVER THE WEEKEND.
TIP OFF IS SET FOR 9:30.
AND NIKE DUMPS FORMER BROWNS QUARTERBACK JOHNNY MANZIEL. THIS HAPPENED THE SAME DAY HIS FORMER AGENT DREW ROSENHAUS DUMPED THE FORMER HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER. DESPITE HIS DEMONS, MANZIEL SAYS HE HOPES TO PLAY IN THE N-F-L AGAIN THIS YEAR.
Dreaming of working for CNN once again
Sometime before I woke up, I had this dream where I was back at CNN again. I was on the 5th floor of the CNN Center and I was back working in Media Operations.
In my dream, I went back to 'work' for the first time in nearly five years there. I had both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the rundown that I was going to work from. I was in the area where tape circulation was as I remembered it. In reality, I have not been on the fifth floor of the CNN Center in nearly five years.
In the dream, when I set foot inside the working halls of the CNN building, I was overcome with joy. I felt a sense of pride that I have not felt in quite some time. I felt like I won something like the grand prize. I won something big that I wouldn't know how to feel anymore. In reality, I haven't won anything big since my two sons were born. Those have been my grand prizes if you will.
I also had a dream where New York Mayor Bill De Blasio was sleeping under my bed. I have no idea what he was doing there. Was he hiding from something? Was he going to hold an impromptu news conferece? I don't know. It just seemed weird. He's a New Yorker and I'm a Georgian.
I can't remember what else I was dreaming about specifically. My final dream of my sleep cycle had me traveling out west with my dad. I don't remember exactly where we were going. I think it was back to Arizona (or California) and I had regret about the move ever since.
In reality: My son Blake woke me up. I have no intention of working at CNN again. I've given it the college try many times and I can't do it to myself anymore. I have to do better here at my current job with CBS46 and I have to get my poise and maturity back. I feel that I have failed on both counts there today.
In my dream, I went back to 'work' for the first time in nearly five years there. I had both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the rundown that I was going to work from. I was in the area where tape circulation was as I remembered it. In reality, I have not been on the fifth floor of the CNN Center in nearly five years.
In the dream, when I set foot inside the working halls of the CNN building, I was overcome with joy. I felt a sense of pride that I have not felt in quite some time. I felt like I won something like the grand prize. I won something big that I wouldn't know how to feel anymore. In reality, I haven't won anything big since my two sons were born. Those have been my grand prizes if you will.
I also had a dream where New York Mayor Bill De Blasio was sleeping under my bed. I have no idea what he was doing there. Was he hiding from something? Was he going to hold an impromptu news conferece? I don't know. It just seemed weird. He's a New Yorker and I'm a Georgian.
I can't remember what else I was dreaming about specifically. My final dream of my sleep cycle had me traveling out west with my dad. I don't remember exactly where we were going. I think it was back to Arizona (or California) and I had regret about the move ever since.
In reality: My son Blake woke me up. I have no intention of working at CNN again. I've given it the college try many times and I can't do it to myself anymore. I have to do better here at my current job with CBS46 and I have to get my poise and maturity back. I feel that I have failed on both counts there today.
Journal Entry for April 18, 2016
Today started out pretty well for me. My wife got up early for the both of us. I got to sleep in until about 8AM. I slept a good 8.5 hours last night.
This morning, I had another dream about returning to CNN and working there on a part-time basis. In reality, I'm never working there again.
We all got to stay home for a while because Kelly's work day was moved to Tuesday. We made the best of the day. I got a good cup of coffee in me, and both the boys got a high quality breakfast. Blake got his ba-ba (bottle) of formula. Ben had a good breakfast of strawberries, muffins, and cereal. Ben tore up those strawberries at the table. I hope they don't tear him up later on.
We went to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw for some family fun. We even walked around the park on the trail with the two boys. I got to chase Ben on the big kid playground and hold Blake another time.
We did so good, we drank water and resisted the urge to go out and get a fizzy. We did good today.
I'm proud of Ben eating his lunch. All of it. O.K. so it was some chicken nuggets with some veggies.
I did good in eating beef leftovers and giving Blake some of my potatoes and carrots.
I had to get ready for work and I figured it would be a long day since it is a Monday after all.
I had a viewer (a former co-worker) point out the error of my ways in a video that I allowed to go on the air. I wanted to play the blame game on the people out in the field for them editing and putting an 'error' on there. I made a boo-boo in doing that and I regret it now.
There's no way I can be a good manager if I have to come down on people for the work they do. I knew we all work very hard to get a good product out there. I'll do better in the future as well.
Have fun tonight and I'll see you all again soon.
This morning, I had another dream about returning to CNN and working there on a part-time basis. In reality, I'm never working there again.
We all got to stay home for a while because Kelly's work day was moved to Tuesday. We made the best of the day. I got a good cup of coffee in me, and both the boys got a high quality breakfast. Blake got his ba-ba (bottle) of formula. Ben had a good breakfast of strawberries, muffins, and cereal. Ben tore up those strawberries at the table. I hope they don't tear him up later on.
We went to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw for some family fun. We even walked around the park on the trail with the two boys. I got to chase Ben on the big kid playground and hold Blake another time.
We did so good, we drank water and resisted the urge to go out and get a fizzy. We did good today.
I'm proud of Ben eating his lunch. All of it. O.K. so it was some chicken nuggets with some veggies.
I did good in eating beef leftovers and giving Blake some of my potatoes and carrots.
I had to get ready for work and I figured it would be a long day since it is a Monday after all.
I had a viewer (a former co-worker) point out the error of my ways in a video that I allowed to go on the air. I wanted to play the blame game on the people out in the field for them editing and putting an 'error' on there. I made a boo-boo in doing that and I regret it now.
There's no way I can be a good manager if I have to come down on people for the work they do. I knew we all work very hard to get a good product out there. I'll do better in the future as well.
Have fun tonight and I'll see you all again soon.
Journal Entry for April 16 and 17, 2016
I got up a little late on Saturday and a bit early on Sunday. Saturday was a do anything kind of a Satruday. Sunday was a get ready for church Sunday and hope to get ready for Sunday School.
I got to watch both of the boys Saturday while my wife picked up some supplies and goodies from Walmart. We at the house watched some cartoons and I caught up on some documentaries that I saved on my DVR.
I got to watch Ben and Blake play together with their cars and toys. For the most part, they played pretty well together. The times where They rough-housed, mainly where Ben was grabbing hard at Blake, I got worried. I got concerned that he was going to hurt Blake. I felt that I had to play referee between the two (mostly Ben).
After both of the boys got their naps going, I went to Goodwill to donate two boxes worth of old stuff. I went to the Acworth location only ti find it closed off for me because it was full of donations. I have never heard of anything like it before. I later went to the Kennesaw Goodwill donation center, and I almost got hit by a car. I did a left turn only to find that I really couldn't see very well and a car almost came at me.
Ben, Blake, and I had some quality fun time at the park in Acworth. I got to chase Ben around the park. He didn't take to sliding down like I thought he would. I hope I didn't traumatize him in any way there.
After we all got our naps in for the afternoon, we took the whole family out for dinner at Stoner Burger. I got a mac and cheese burger with some yummy sides. See!
It looks messy, but it tastes good. Poor Ben though. He had a good time snacking on some goodies we brought and the chicken we ordered, but he barfed (liquidy) twice, so we went home. Ben had a fun bathtime and we got him ready for bed.
Sunday we skipped Sunday School and went straight to church. We had a good time hearing the sermon about Faith overcoming fear. I'll have to apply it in my life sometime.
I hope we all can learn from church and I'll become a more patient parent, especially when Ben wants to turn the lights on and off wherever we go.
Have fun and I'll be back soon.
I got to watch both of the boys Saturday while my wife picked up some supplies and goodies from Walmart. We at the house watched some cartoons and I caught up on some documentaries that I saved on my DVR.
I got to watch Ben and Blake play together with their cars and toys. For the most part, they played pretty well together. The times where They rough-housed, mainly where Ben was grabbing hard at Blake, I got worried. I got concerned that he was going to hurt Blake. I felt that I had to play referee between the two (mostly Ben).
After both of the boys got their naps going, I went to Goodwill to donate two boxes worth of old stuff. I went to the Acworth location only ti find it closed off for me because it was full of donations. I have never heard of anything like it before. I later went to the Kennesaw Goodwill donation center, and I almost got hit by a car. I did a left turn only to find that I really couldn't see very well and a car almost came at me.
Ben, Blake, and I had some quality fun time at the park in Acworth. I got to chase Ben around the park. He didn't take to sliding down like I thought he would. I hope I didn't traumatize him in any way there.
After we all got our naps in for the afternoon, we took the whole family out for dinner at Stoner Burger. I got a mac and cheese burger with some yummy sides. See!
It looks messy, but it tastes good. Poor Ben though. He had a good time snacking on some goodies we brought and the chicken we ordered, but he barfed (liquidy) twice, so we went home. Ben had a fun bathtime and we got him ready for bed.
Sunday we skipped Sunday School and went straight to church. We had a good time hearing the sermon about Faith overcoming fear. I'll have to apply it in my life sometime.
I hope we all can learn from church and I'll become a more patient parent, especially when Ben wants to turn the lights on and off wherever we go.
Have fun and I'll be back soon.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Writing Samples for April 14, 2016
(DDR/NEW TONIGHT)
NEW TONIGHT, ONE MAN IS RECOVERING AFTER A HORRIFIC CRASH LAST MONTH.
(VO)
IT HAPPENED IN ROSWELL ON MARCH 17TH WHEN THE DRIVER OF THIS SILVER CAR CRASHED INTO A MARTA BUS STOP.
THE ACCIDENT KILLED TWO PEOPLE AND INJURED ONE MAN, ELFREGO SOLANO.
TERESA FITZSIMMONS IS FACING TWO COUNTS OF HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE AMONG OTHER CHARGES.
AN ATLANTA ATTORNEY SAYS HE'S FOCUSING HIS THOUGHTS ON THE SURVIVOR.
(SOT)
(Steve Goldman/Attorney)[9:52:51 "Our main concern is, is getting him taken care of. I think the charges, I think it's very sad that she was charged and and with such serious crimes. This is a no win for anyone." 9:53:04]
(VO)
SOLANO FACES A LONG ROAD OF REHABILITATION.
HIS COWORKER ARE SETTING UP A GOFUNDME PAGE TO HELP HIM PAY HIS MEDICAL BILLS.
NEW TONIGHT, ONE MAN IS RECOVERING AFTER A HORRIFIC CRASH LAST MONTH.
(VO)
IT HAPPENED IN ROSWELL ON MARCH 17TH WHEN THE DRIVER OF THIS SILVER CAR CRASHED INTO A MARTA BUS STOP.
THE ACCIDENT KILLED TWO PEOPLE AND INJURED ONE MAN, ELFREGO SOLANO.
TERESA FITZSIMMONS IS FACING TWO COUNTS OF HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE AMONG OTHER CHARGES.
AN ATLANTA ATTORNEY SAYS HE'S FOCUSING HIS THOUGHTS ON THE SURVIVOR.
(SOT)
(Steve Goldman/Attorney)[9:52:51 "Our main concern is, is getting him taken care of. I think the charges, I think it's very sad that she was charged and and with such serious crimes. This is a no win for anyone." 9:53:04]
(VO)
SOLANO FACES A LONG ROAD OF REHABILITATION.
HIS COWORKER ARE SETTING UP A GOFUNDME PAGE TO HELP HIM PAY HIS MEDICAL BILLS.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Journal Entry for April 14, 2016
This morning started off better for me. I work up briefly just after 7AM and for good just after 8AM. I did not have any remarkable dreams like I did yesterday morning. My wife fed Ben his opening bottle as she did for Blake. Ben also got his breakfast from my wife before I started to function. She even made me breakfast full of waffles and sausage too.
Ben and Blake both had a special day for today. They would get to go to Zoo Atlanta. They would get to see their special friend Ava as they did for her 2nd birthday party on Sunday. I would have liked to have gone to the zoo, but I had to be here at work by 2:30PM. I did not want to go to the zoo and rush off to work so suddenly.
After my family left home, I read a couple of articles from The Washington Post, The New England Journal of Medicine, and I vacuumed the entire house all before leaving the house by 1:30PM. I felt bad that I didn't spend any quality time with Gandalf when I was alone with him. I'll do better for him tonight. I promise. I'll spend more time with him and stay off my iPhone to pay more attention to him. I'll love on him a little more.
After I left home, I went to the local RaceTrac and got some free stuff. I got a free cup of coffee and a free soda to take with me to work. I went the usual speed on I-75 and I did not have to rush here to work today. I had my sips of soda, coffee, and water as I was listening to The Kimmer, CBS NEWS, and Dave Ramsey all while driving on the freeway.
I got some writing samples done, for sports. I will voice one of those again soon. I promise.
I did pretty good for the most part editing my videos and putting them in for CBS46 news tonight. I want to do better tomorrow to close out the week.
I met up with an old CNN colleague as I was walking into work today. It was a pleasant conversation and I felt better about wanting to work with him again. I admit I didn't have the best relationship with him during my days at CNN. Looking back on it, I didn't work hard for him all the time. That attitude must change.
I'm going to catch up on some TV watching on my DVR right now. It's a must. Sorry about my bad franetic writing for the late night. I'll be more organized tomorrow. Until then, peace out everyone.
Ben and Blake both had a special day for today. They would get to go to Zoo Atlanta. They would get to see their special friend Ava as they did for her 2nd birthday party on Sunday. I would have liked to have gone to the zoo, but I had to be here at work by 2:30PM. I did not want to go to the zoo and rush off to work so suddenly.
After my family left home, I read a couple of articles from The Washington Post, The New England Journal of Medicine, and I vacuumed the entire house all before leaving the house by 1:30PM. I felt bad that I didn't spend any quality time with Gandalf when I was alone with him. I'll do better for him tonight. I promise. I'll spend more time with him and stay off my iPhone to pay more attention to him. I'll love on him a little more.
After I left home, I went to the local RaceTrac and got some free stuff. I got a free cup of coffee and a free soda to take with me to work. I went the usual speed on I-75 and I did not have to rush here to work today. I had my sips of soda, coffee, and water as I was listening to The Kimmer, CBS NEWS, and Dave Ramsey all while driving on the freeway.
I got some writing samples done, for sports. I will voice one of those again soon. I promise.
I did pretty good for the most part editing my videos and putting them in for CBS46 news tonight. I want to do better tomorrow to close out the week.
I met up with an old CNN colleague as I was walking into work today. It was a pleasant conversation and I felt better about wanting to work with him again. I admit I didn't have the best relationship with him during my days at CNN. Looking back on it, I didn't work hard for him all the time. That attitude must change.
I'm going to catch up on some TV watching on my DVR right now. It's a must. Sorry about my bad franetic writing for the late night. I'll be more organized tomorrow. Until then, peace out everyone.
Sports Writing Samples for April 14, 2016
THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS FINISH OFF THE ATLANTA BRAVES. I'M ZACH IRWIN WITH YOUR SPORTS FIX.
BRYCE HARPER'S GRAND SLAM OFF JULIO TEHRAN IN THE THIRD PUT WASHINGTON UP FOR GOOD AS THE NATIONALS BEAT THE BRAVES 6-2, SWEEPING THE BRAVES IN THE FOUR GAMES SERIES. ATLANTA STARTS THE SEASON 0-9 AND BEGINS A THREE-GAME SERIES WITH THE MIAMI MARLINS TOMORROW NIGHT.
THE N-F-L SCHEDULE CAME OUT TONIGHT, AND THE ATLANTA FALCONS OPEN THE SEASON AT HOME AGAINST THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS ON SEPTEMBER 11TH. THIS WILL BE THE FINAL SEASON THE FALCONS PLAY AT THE GEORGIA DOME BEFORE MOVING INTO THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM NEXT YEAR. THE FALCONS HAVE THE TOUGHEST SCHEDULE IN THE N-F-L FOR 2016.
THE N-B-A PLAYOFFS START THIS WEEKEND. THE ATLANTA HAWKS START THEIR SERIES WITH THE BOSTON CELTICS SATURDAY NIGHT AT PHILIPS ARENA. GAME ONE IS SET FOR SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7PM.
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUE WITH FOUR NEW SERIES TONIGHT.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS BEAT THE FLORIDA PANTHERS 5-4, ISLES LEAD SERIES 1-0.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS BLANK THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 2-0. CAPS LEAD 1-0.
IN THE 3RD PERIOD, THE DALLAS STARS LEAD THE MINNESOTA WILD 2-0 IN BIG D.
AND THE SHARKS AND KINGS ARE TIED AT 1 IN THE SECOND PERIOD.
BRYCE HARPER'S GRAND SLAM OFF JULIO TEHRAN IN THE THIRD PUT WASHINGTON UP FOR GOOD AS THE NATIONALS BEAT THE BRAVES 6-2, SWEEPING THE BRAVES IN THE FOUR GAMES SERIES. ATLANTA STARTS THE SEASON 0-9 AND BEGINS A THREE-GAME SERIES WITH THE MIAMI MARLINS TOMORROW NIGHT.
THE N-F-L SCHEDULE CAME OUT TONIGHT, AND THE ATLANTA FALCONS OPEN THE SEASON AT HOME AGAINST THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS ON SEPTEMBER 11TH. THIS WILL BE THE FINAL SEASON THE FALCONS PLAY AT THE GEORGIA DOME BEFORE MOVING INTO THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM NEXT YEAR. THE FALCONS HAVE THE TOUGHEST SCHEDULE IN THE N-F-L FOR 2016.
THE N-B-A PLAYOFFS START THIS WEEKEND. THE ATLANTA HAWKS START THEIR SERIES WITH THE BOSTON CELTICS SATURDAY NIGHT AT PHILIPS ARENA. GAME ONE IS SET FOR SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7PM.
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUE WITH FOUR NEW SERIES TONIGHT.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS BEAT THE FLORIDA PANTHERS 5-4, ISLES LEAD SERIES 1-0.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS BLANK THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 2-0. CAPS LEAD 1-0.
IN THE 3RD PERIOD, THE DALLAS STARS LEAD THE MINNESOTA WILD 2-0 IN BIG D.
AND THE SHARKS AND KINGS ARE TIED AT 1 IN THE SECOND PERIOD.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Sports Writing Samples for April 13, 2016
ATLANTA AT WASHINGTON TONIGHT. I'M ZACH IRWIN WITH YOUR SPORTS FIX.
THE BRAVES HOPE TO SNAP A SEVEN-GAME LOSING STREAK TO START THE SEASON AS THEY TAKE ON THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS. BRAVES HAVE LOST ALL FOUR MEETINGS SO FAR THIS SEASON. MATT WISTLER TAKES THE MOUND FOR THE BRAVES AGAINST LATE ADD TANNER ROARK. SCHEDULED STARTED STEPHEN STRASBERG IS A LATE SCRATCH DUE TO ILLNESS. FIRST PITCH IS AT 7.
THE HITS KEEP COMING OFF THE FIELD. OUTFIELDER HECTOR OLIVERA WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER REPORTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. THIS ALLEGEDLY HAPPENED AT THE BRAVES TEAM HOTEL AT THE RITZ-CARLTON IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA. OLIVERA IS PUT ON THE M-L-B'S ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE LIST PENDING CHARGES.
THE HAWKS CLOSE OUT THE REGULAR SEASON AGAINST THE WASHINGTON WIZARDS. ATLANTA HAS THE SAME 49-32 RECORD AS THE MIAMI HEAT WHO WILL BATTLE THE BOSTON CELTICS. BOTH THOSE GAMES TIP OFF AT 8.
THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS LOOK TO MAKE HISTORY TONIGHT AS THEY HOST THE MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. WITH A WIN, THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS WILL SUPPLANT THE 1995-96 CHICAGO BULLS AS THE N-B-A'S WINNINGEST SINGLE SEASON TEAM WITH 73 OF THEM. TIP OFF IS AT 10:30 EASTERN IN OAKLAND.
ALSO AT 10:30 EASTERN, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS HOST THE UTAH JAZZ IN KOBE BRYANT'S FINAL N-B-A GAME. KOBE PLAYED ALL 20 OF HIS N-B-A SEASONS IN A LAKER UNIFORM AND WILL LEAVE THE GAME THIRD ON THE ALL-TIME CAREER POINTS LIST.
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS GET UNDERWAY TONIGHT.
THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS BATTLE THE NEW YORK RANGERS.
THE DEFENDING EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPION TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOST THE DETROIT RED WINGS.
THE DEFENDING STANLEY CUP CHAMPION CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS OPEN THEIR DEFENSE OF THE CUP ON THE ROAD VERSUS THE ST. LOUIS BLUES.
AND THE N-F-L RELEASES ITS 2016 SCHEDULE TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8PM EASTERN. YOU'LL KNOW WHO YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IS PLAYING AND WHEN.
THAT'S IT. THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON IN SPORTS NEWS ON A WEDNESDAY. I'M ZACH IRWIN.
THE BRAVES HOPE TO SNAP A SEVEN-GAME LOSING STREAK TO START THE SEASON AS THEY TAKE ON THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS. BRAVES HAVE LOST ALL FOUR MEETINGS SO FAR THIS SEASON. MATT WISTLER TAKES THE MOUND FOR THE BRAVES AGAINST LATE ADD TANNER ROARK. SCHEDULED STARTED STEPHEN STRASBERG IS A LATE SCRATCH DUE TO ILLNESS. FIRST PITCH IS AT 7.
THE HITS KEEP COMING OFF THE FIELD. OUTFIELDER HECTOR OLIVERA WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER REPORTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. THIS ALLEGEDLY HAPPENED AT THE BRAVES TEAM HOTEL AT THE RITZ-CARLTON IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA. OLIVERA IS PUT ON THE M-L-B'S ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE LIST PENDING CHARGES.
THE HAWKS CLOSE OUT THE REGULAR SEASON AGAINST THE WASHINGTON WIZARDS. ATLANTA HAS THE SAME 49-32 RECORD AS THE MIAMI HEAT WHO WILL BATTLE THE BOSTON CELTICS. BOTH THOSE GAMES TIP OFF AT 8.
THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS LOOK TO MAKE HISTORY TONIGHT AS THEY HOST THE MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. WITH A WIN, THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS WILL SUPPLANT THE 1995-96 CHICAGO BULLS AS THE N-B-A'S WINNINGEST SINGLE SEASON TEAM WITH 73 OF THEM. TIP OFF IS AT 10:30 EASTERN IN OAKLAND.
ALSO AT 10:30 EASTERN, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS HOST THE UTAH JAZZ IN KOBE BRYANT'S FINAL N-B-A GAME. KOBE PLAYED ALL 20 OF HIS N-B-A SEASONS IN A LAKER UNIFORM AND WILL LEAVE THE GAME THIRD ON THE ALL-TIME CAREER POINTS LIST.
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS GET UNDERWAY TONIGHT.
THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS BATTLE THE NEW YORK RANGERS.
THE DEFENDING EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPION TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOST THE DETROIT RED WINGS.
THE DEFENDING STANLEY CUP CHAMPION CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS OPEN THEIR DEFENSE OF THE CUP ON THE ROAD VERSUS THE ST. LOUIS BLUES.
AND THE N-F-L RELEASES ITS 2016 SCHEDULE TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8PM EASTERN. YOU'LL KNOW WHO YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IS PLAYING AND WHEN.
THAT'S IT. THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON IN SPORTS NEWS ON A WEDNESDAY. I'M ZACH IRWIN.
Dreaming of winning a job
I had this dream where I was working hard to earn a new job. My new job was to become a newspaper reporter for the Toronto Sun. The newspaper as I remembered it in the dream had a blue logo on it instead of a red one.
I was going to work for a guy named Larry. He was my future boss, and that's all I knew about him. I didn't know what he did or what his role was for the paper. All I knew was that I could be working for him.
I was all excited about doing this great thing. Of course there would be a catch to me wanting to take the job. The catch was that I had to start my new gig on Christmas Day. The harder part was to tell my dad who was alive in the dream that I wanted to work for this paper and that I would be willing to start on a holiday.
I was working on a story as an audition for my future job. I was working on a crime story where there was a suspect on a rooftop and I was listening to a news conference conducted by a cop at the same time. I was taking good notes on my reporter's notebook. Now I don't remember what the cop said in my dream.
Near the end of my dream, I was at a local Buffalo Wild Wings to celebrate my impending job offer from the newspaper. I was watching so much sports on so many TVs and eating wings at the same time. I was doing what I did best, sports and eating.
Finally, some good news. "Larry" offered me the job and I accepted. I was hugging him in celebration of my huge victory. I couldn't have been happier.
In reality, I woke up to the sound of my two sons. I still work as an editor and an aspiring producer for CBS46 here in Atlanta. I'm trying to do my best work so that I can achieve victory at the end of my hard work.
I haven't felt really good about things for a while now. I mask my true feelings in the best of ways.
One day, I hope to claim victory in my carer. When I do, I will be able to shout it up on the rooftops wherever they'll have me.
I was going to work for a guy named Larry. He was my future boss, and that's all I knew about him. I didn't know what he did or what his role was for the paper. All I knew was that I could be working for him.
I was all excited about doing this great thing. Of course there would be a catch to me wanting to take the job. The catch was that I had to start my new gig on Christmas Day. The harder part was to tell my dad who was alive in the dream that I wanted to work for this paper and that I would be willing to start on a holiday.
I was working on a story as an audition for my future job. I was working on a crime story where there was a suspect on a rooftop and I was listening to a news conference conducted by a cop at the same time. I was taking good notes on my reporter's notebook. Now I don't remember what the cop said in my dream.
Near the end of my dream, I was at a local Buffalo Wild Wings to celebrate my impending job offer from the newspaper. I was watching so much sports on so many TVs and eating wings at the same time. I was doing what I did best, sports and eating.
Finally, some good news. "Larry" offered me the job and I accepted. I was hugging him in celebration of my huge victory. I couldn't have been happier.
In reality, I woke up to the sound of my two sons. I still work as an editor and an aspiring producer for CBS46 here in Atlanta. I'm trying to do my best work so that I can achieve victory at the end of my hard work.
I haven't felt really good about things for a while now. I mask my true feelings in the best of ways.
One day, I hope to claim victory in my carer. When I do, I will be able to shout it up on the rooftops wherever they'll have me.
Journal Entry for April 13, 2016
I did it again. I stayed up to watch TV and read until 2AM after I got home from work last night. I wanted to enjoy myself and clear up some space on my DVR. Of course I added to it when I recorded an E60 special on Arizona State Basketball Coach (and former Duke Blue Devil) Bobby Hurley.
I got about six hours of sleep before I woke up for both Blake and Ben. My wife had to go to work this morning. So it was my day to do the right things and take good care of both my boys. I would like to think I did a good job today.
I gave Blake his bottle of formula and made Ben his cup of milk. Both boys were happy to see me. Ben said to me 'turn on the light.' He'd go on to say 'turn the fan off' later on.
I had to get on to Ben for playing with the lights too much again today. I'm having a hard time telling Ben to stop without me getting mad at him. I did away with time out, but I gave him more than a slap on the wrist for what he did today.
I made it to work early enough with a bit of time to spare. I didn't come to work with lunch/dinner in hand because I did not prepare for one at any time. I didn't prepare one last night when I had the chance and I let my boys take up my time and resources when I had them during the day. That's on me there.
When I arrived at CBS46, I had to buy chips and a candy bar because I was feeling the hunger pains inside me. They hurt me pretty bad. A payday and some chick-fil-a potato chips got me through the afternoon. I love payday anytime.
After the afternoon newscasts, I got to show my co-worker how to delete media and free up some space on AVID for future editing. I felt good about showing him what to do for down the road. I'll have a few more opportunities to teach him before I leave for vacation in late May/early June.
Before that, I went to Subway to claim my free dinner. I found the Subway near CBS46 to my liking. I want to thank Subway for making something right for me. They checked my card a few times to make sure I had points like I knew I had, and they awarded me my free footlong roast beef sandwich. Boy that was good.
After dinner, I deleted media and wrote two stores for the 11PM newscast. I proofread a script for the sports tease. I fixed the part where 'the Braves started 0-6.' It was 0-7 (later 0-8 after the Braves lost again tonight).
I learned that one of my former producers moved on to Tampa. I was discusted by the sight of her. She was mean to me for the two years we worked together. I put 'worked together' very loosely. She hated me. She didn't like talking to me no matter what I did. I hope to never see her face again. I'm sick of her.
I'm sorry, but I feel down right now. I feel tired, and I'm ready for this day to end.
I'll be back to do this again tomorrow.
I got about six hours of sleep before I woke up for both Blake and Ben. My wife had to go to work this morning. So it was my day to do the right things and take good care of both my boys. I would like to think I did a good job today.
I gave Blake his bottle of formula and made Ben his cup of milk. Both boys were happy to see me. Ben said to me 'turn on the light.' He'd go on to say 'turn the fan off' later on.
I had to get on to Ben for playing with the lights too much again today. I'm having a hard time telling Ben to stop without me getting mad at him. I did away with time out, but I gave him more than a slap on the wrist for what he did today.
I made it to work early enough with a bit of time to spare. I didn't come to work with lunch/dinner in hand because I did not prepare for one at any time. I didn't prepare one last night when I had the chance and I let my boys take up my time and resources when I had them during the day. That's on me there.
When I arrived at CBS46, I had to buy chips and a candy bar because I was feeling the hunger pains inside me. They hurt me pretty bad. A payday and some chick-fil-a potato chips got me through the afternoon. I love payday anytime.
After the afternoon newscasts, I got to show my co-worker how to delete media and free up some space on AVID for future editing. I felt good about showing him what to do for down the road. I'll have a few more opportunities to teach him before I leave for vacation in late May/early June.
Before that, I went to Subway to claim my free dinner. I found the Subway near CBS46 to my liking. I want to thank Subway for making something right for me. They checked my card a few times to make sure I had points like I knew I had, and they awarded me my free footlong roast beef sandwich. Boy that was good.
After dinner, I deleted media and wrote two stores for the 11PM newscast. I proofread a script for the sports tease. I fixed the part where 'the Braves started 0-6.' It was 0-7 (later 0-8 after the Braves lost again tonight).
I learned that one of my former producers moved on to Tampa. I was discusted by the sight of her. She was mean to me for the two years we worked together. I put 'worked together' very loosely. She hated me. She didn't like talking to me no matter what I did. I hope to never see her face again. I'm sick of her.
I'm sorry, but I feel down right now. I feel tired, and I'm ready for this day to end.
I'll be back to do this again tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dreaming of Las Vegas (Again)
I had a dream over the weekend where I was meeting with an old friend and former CNN colleague at a Las Vegas restaurant. I hadn't seen my friend in nearly a decade and it was so awesome to catch up with him.
In the dream, I remember eating some Prime Rib, Roast Beef, and drinking a lot of Pepsi. I had a lot to consume that day, but it was worth it.
Later on in the dream, I won a free appetizer at a local Las Vegas Casino. In order to claim my prize, I had to traverse a maze throughout the casino and make a lot of windy turns in order to get to the restaurant.
My wife as getting a little impatient that I would get involved in such a scheme just for a little free food. I felt bad about all the trouble it was taking to get a free something or another, but I thought it would be worth it in the end.
In the midpoint of the journey, I got into a room full of stuffed animals. That would hardly be the thing I would see at a casino. I would never expect to see teddy bears and stuffed dogs in a building that size.
In reality: I woke up.
I woke up in my bed at home getting ready for my weekend trip to Middle Georgia.
I have not been to Vegas in nearly a decade. I don't have any plans to go back there anytime soon. I'll have a better shot eating an all you can eat affair than going out West.
Not to worry though, I'll be heading out west to Oklahoma to see my family. I will have a chance to visit a casino near Tulsa, and I will want to hit up an all you can eat buffet. This time, I will treat my family to the feast.
In the dream, I remember eating some Prime Rib, Roast Beef, and drinking a lot of Pepsi. I had a lot to consume that day, but it was worth it.
Later on in the dream, I won a free appetizer at a local Las Vegas Casino. In order to claim my prize, I had to traverse a maze throughout the casino and make a lot of windy turns in order to get to the restaurant.
My wife as getting a little impatient that I would get involved in such a scheme just for a little free food. I felt bad about all the trouble it was taking to get a free something or another, but I thought it would be worth it in the end.
In the midpoint of the journey, I got into a room full of stuffed animals. That would hardly be the thing I would see at a casino. I would never expect to see teddy bears and stuffed dogs in a building that size.
In reality: I woke up.
I woke up in my bed at home getting ready for my weekend trip to Middle Georgia.
I have not been to Vegas in nearly a decade. I don't have any plans to go back there anytime soon. I'll have a better shot eating an all you can eat affair than going out West.
Not to worry though, I'll be heading out west to Oklahoma to see my family. I will have a chance to visit a casino near Tulsa, and I will want to hit up an all you can eat buffet. This time, I will treat my family to the feast.
Journal Entry for April 12, 2016
I woke up fairly early this morning. Sort of. I got up just after 8AM to get Ben's bottle of milk ready to go. Ben drank most of his milk and he was happy to see me for whatever reason. Thank God.
Blake woke up much later (a half-hour) as he was still sleeping. We had to make sure he was breathing and stuff. Thankfully he was. I have proof on some of my clothes earlier this morning.
I took care of Blake for most of the morning while Kelly took Ben to preschool today. Blake and I caught up on some cartoons, I caught up on a book here and there, and I got to read some stuff on my Facebook feed.
Blake took advantage of his breathing treatment for a while. I caught up on some e-mail while he was taking in his meds. I even snuck in some coffee while he was getting better. I did some good things for him like feeding him and letting him nap on me. I forgot to change his diaper though. My bad.
Kelly made me a nice little lunch today. She made some pork tacos while I was getting ready for work today. I cut up some cheese and scooped up some avocado for my feast. I was hungry more for the pork than anything.
After I picked up Ben from school, I let him turn on the light and I had to put him in the car seat before we went home. Ben got to see Doggy greet him in the ROGUE. I love Doggy.
Ben got his milk before I left for work. I had no idea what would be in store for me once I got in. I got a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich and some fruit and caramel as my editing shift started.
I got to do some good things here at CBS46 today. I caught up on a couple of sections from the AJC. I did that at home before I came in too. I'll have a piece of paper to add to my new notebook again.
I'm finishing up a video for "Public Affairs on Peach" and I'm going to try to finish Fred Kalil's Top 5 Kobe Bryant rejected retirement gifts piece.
I saw the Braves lose again tonight. I saw the Braves go 0-7 for the first time in my life. How disappointing. I think my Padres lost tonight too. Drats.
Once I get home, I'll catch up on some DVR programming, sports, and documentaries. I can't wait to get home after the show is over.
One more thing: I can't wait for the NHL and NBA Playoffs to start. Those unfortunately won't include my Arizona Coyotes and Phoenix Suns. They'll include a series of my B teams: The Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashvile Predators, NY Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks.
Let the fun begin.
Blake woke up much later (a half-hour) as he was still sleeping. We had to make sure he was breathing and stuff. Thankfully he was. I have proof on some of my clothes earlier this morning.
I took care of Blake for most of the morning while Kelly took Ben to preschool today. Blake and I caught up on some cartoons, I caught up on a book here and there, and I got to read some stuff on my Facebook feed.
Blake took advantage of his breathing treatment for a while. I caught up on some e-mail while he was taking in his meds. I even snuck in some coffee while he was getting better. I did some good things for him like feeding him and letting him nap on me. I forgot to change his diaper though. My bad.
Kelly made me a nice little lunch today. She made some pork tacos while I was getting ready for work today. I cut up some cheese and scooped up some avocado for my feast. I was hungry more for the pork than anything.
After I picked up Ben from school, I let him turn on the light and I had to put him in the car seat before we went home. Ben got to see Doggy greet him in the ROGUE. I love Doggy.
Ben got his milk before I left for work. I had no idea what would be in store for me once I got in. I got a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich and some fruit and caramel as my editing shift started.
I got to do some good things here at CBS46 today. I caught up on a couple of sections from the AJC. I did that at home before I came in too. I'll have a piece of paper to add to my new notebook again.
I'm finishing up a video for "Public Affairs on Peach" and I'm going to try to finish Fred Kalil's Top 5 Kobe Bryant rejected retirement gifts piece.
I saw the Braves lose again tonight. I saw the Braves go 0-7 for the first time in my life. How disappointing. I think my Padres lost tonight too. Drats.
Once I get home, I'll catch up on some DVR programming, sports, and documentaries. I can't wait to get home after the show is over.
One more thing: I can't wait for the NHL and NBA Playoffs to start. Those unfortunately won't include my Arizona Coyotes and Phoenix Suns. They'll include a series of my B teams: The Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashvile Predators, NY Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks.
Let the fun begin.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Journal Entry for April 11, 2016
Today was a good start to the day. I got to sleep in for a little while longer than I'm used to. My wife got to work from home today, so that was a bonus. Yayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ben and Blake woke up at the same time. I did nothing, not one thing, to get their day started. I feel bad about that. I hope to do better when I'm working solo for the boys on Wednesday.
Ben did a lot of turning on and off the lights earlier today. I thought it was cute at first as I always do. After a while, it got annoying. I had to spank him for disobeying me and not listening to me. I hate to do it to Ben. He needs to learn to listen to me. That's all I want from him at this time. Things got busy and tiring, I needed to get my wife and I a couple of fizzies. We needed them at the right time of the day around 11AM.
My day didn't get much better once I left for work. I got denied my June 24th day off request because someone else claimed it and I was disappointed to learn I couldn't get July 27th off because someone else claimed it during sweeps. I'm having trouble getting along with one of the managers here because it might have been something I said in the past or that he simply doesn't like me. I hate being just a lowly editor. It does nothing for my long term prospects for my career.
If there is a bright side to all this, I'll get to write some more stories for the 11PM news for CBS46 on Wednesday Night. I have to push harder in order to provide the support for my family I so desperately need to do.
I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
Peace.
Ben did a lot of turning on and off the lights earlier today. I thought it was cute at first as I always do. After a while, it got annoying. I had to spank him for disobeying me and not listening to me. I hate to do it to Ben. He needs to learn to listen to me. That's all I want from him at this time. Things got busy and tiring, I needed to get my wife and I a couple of fizzies. We needed them at the right time of the day around 11AM.
My day didn't get much better once I left for work. I got denied my June 24th day off request because someone else claimed it and I was disappointed to learn I couldn't get July 27th off because someone else claimed it during sweeps. I'm having trouble getting along with one of the managers here because it might have been something I said in the past or that he simply doesn't like me. I hate being just a lowly editor. It does nothing for my long term prospects for my career.
If there is a bright side to all this, I'll get to write some more stories for the 11PM news for CBS46 on Wednesday Night. I have to push harder in order to provide the support for my family I so desperately need to do.
I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
Peace.
Journal Entry for the weekend of April 9, 2016
This weekend started out well. I got to sleep in and we all did not have to rush out the door to see our family. All means me, Kelly, and Blake. Ben got to stay with his grandma in Middle Georgia all week long. Truth be told, we all missed Ben.
Before we hit the road, I had to make a pit stop at the local Walgreens for some meds, birthday presents for our little friend Ava, and some fizzies for Kelly and I. After that, we made a stop at Mickey D's for some biscuits and hash browns for the drive down I-75.
Blake did really really well on the way to Sandersville. He might have cried just a little bit on the way down, but he held up extremely well. I helped Blake by getting his little shark toy back to him after it got away from him. I forgot to bring Ned bear with me for him, but he didn't mind. Along the way, we listened to the BIG40 countdown on SiriusXM8 for the countdown for this week in 1980. We heard some gems there.
We got to Kelly's mama's house by 1:30PM. Ben didn't wake up until just after 3PM. I think he was excited to see us. He cried when we all showed up. He didn't know how to react. At least I think he was happy to see us. Him crying was his way to say he was happy to see us. I missed Ben and I gave him one of the biggest hugs I ever gave him. I love my son.
We all got together as a family to do spaghetti, salad, bread, and play on Saturday Night. It was a busy time and I had to do quite a bit just for my boys. I gave Ben a stern talking to about him wanting to 'turn on the lights and fan.' Blake got a breathing treatment in the midst of the kid chaos in and around the kitchen.
After everyone left for the night, I watched "America's Funniest Videos" and some "The Bold and the Beautiful." After those shows were over, I wanted to read my newspaper and a couple of books, but I fell asleep on the reclining chair and the guest bedroom.
Sunday was pretty busy. We got ready to go to Ava's birthday party. I can't believe she's two years old already. I kept track of Ben and Blake throughout the party. Blake got some ice cream, icing, and some ranch dressing. Blake made faces about the ranch dressing. He smiled about the sweet goodies.
After the birthday party and visiting Kelly's dad, we went back home. We took the nighttime drive onto I-20, I-285, and I-75. We survived a mini-scare on the 285 to 75 transition ramp when a Ford SUV cut us off and slammed on the brakes. Blake cried a bit on the way back. Other than that, life was good. We got the whole family back home.
I'll be back for more in Monday's edition of the journal.
Before we hit the road, I had to make a pit stop at the local Walgreens for some meds, birthday presents for our little friend Ava, and some fizzies for Kelly and I. After that, we made a stop at Mickey D's for some biscuits and hash browns for the drive down I-75.
Blake did really really well on the way to Sandersville. He might have cried just a little bit on the way down, but he held up extremely well. I helped Blake by getting his little shark toy back to him after it got away from him. I forgot to bring Ned bear with me for him, but he didn't mind. Along the way, we listened to the BIG40 countdown on SiriusXM8 for the countdown for this week in 1980. We heard some gems there.
We got to Kelly's mama's house by 1:30PM. Ben didn't wake up until just after 3PM. I think he was excited to see us. He cried when we all showed up. He didn't know how to react. At least I think he was happy to see us. Him crying was his way to say he was happy to see us. I missed Ben and I gave him one of the biggest hugs I ever gave him. I love my son.
We all got together as a family to do spaghetti, salad, bread, and play on Saturday Night. It was a busy time and I had to do quite a bit just for my boys. I gave Ben a stern talking to about him wanting to 'turn on the lights and fan.' Blake got a breathing treatment in the midst of the kid chaos in and around the kitchen.
After everyone left for the night, I watched "America's Funniest Videos" and some "The Bold and the Beautiful." After those shows were over, I wanted to read my newspaper and a couple of books, but I fell asleep on the reclining chair and the guest bedroom.
Sunday was pretty busy. We got ready to go to Ava's birthday party. I can't believe she's two years old already. I kept track of Ben and Blake throughout the party. Blake got some ice cream, icing, and some ranch dressing. Blake made faces about the ranch dressing. He smiled about the sweet goodies.
After the birthday party and visiting Kelly's dad, we went back home. We took the nighttime drive onto I-20, I-285, and I-75. We survived a mini-scare on the 285 to 75 transition ramp when a Ford SUV cut us off and slammed on the brakes. Blake cried a bit on the way back. Other than that, life was good. We got the whole family back home.
I'll be back for more in Monday's edition of the journal.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Journal Entry for April 8, 2016
I got 6 hours of sleep last night. Before I went to bed, I caught up on some DVR TV watching. I finished up "The Seven Five" and watched a little bit more on the old TV.
Blake woke me up, and I'm glad I did. Beginning on Monday, I'll be waking up to both of my boys next week. It'll be so good to see my baby Ben once again. I can't wait. For old time's sake, he should tell me to "Turn the light on."
I got to see Blake be as active as ever on the floor. He got to play around on the floor while I was catching up on some things. Don't worry, I kept a good eye on him. I always do.
I fed Blake two bottles of formula, a half-jar of baby food, and some puffs. I worry about Blake eating those Gerber Puffs because those have not dissovled smoothly down his throat. I worry that he's gonna choke on one and there will be nothing I can do about it. I'm gonna be sure he either he eats it or I take it out of him.
One of my jobs that I get better at is giving Blake his breathing treatment. I catch up on a little bit of reading while I administer the meds into his nose. Don't worry, it's only steam. Blake does not cry nearly as much when I give it to him. I'll tell Sammy the Seal to treat him well when it comes to making Blake better.
Kelly's new part time job is going extremely well so far. I'm proud of her and I'm proud that she's happy where she is. I'm also glad to have her with me during the day a couple of days a week (Monday-Friday) and on Weekends. Kelly is a great mom and does very well for our boys. She takes the utmost pride in her work for Ben and Blake.
I did some good things here at work tonight.
I edited a re-track package on Campaign 2016. I took in a lot of feeds, and I edited a breaking news story that happened two miles from my house.
I wrote a news sample script and I wrote a ton of sports sample scrips and voiced a sports update.
The bad thing I did on Monday was not pay good enough attention to detail on a feed and I put it on a timeline to where I transferred it to playback for air. It looked ugly and my manager let me know about it. I told him I'll do better and pay more attention next time.
No more excuses for me. I'll do better.
Happy Friday and I'll be back for more soon.
Blake woke me up, and I'm glad I did. Beginning on Monday, I'll be waking up to both of my boys next week. It'll be so good to see my baby Ben once again. I can't wait. For old time's sake, he should tell me to "Turn the light on."
I got to see Blake be as active as ever on the floor. He got to play around on the floor while I was catching up on some things. Don't worry, I kept a good eye on him. I always do.
I fed Blake two bottles of formula, a half-jar of baby food, and some puffs. I worry about Blake eating those Gerber Puffs because those have not dissovled smoothly down his throat. I worry that he's gonna choke on one and there will be nothing I can do about it. I'm gonna be sure he either he eats it or I take it out of him.
One of my jobs that I get better at is giving Blake his breathing treatment. I catch up on a little bit of reading while I administer the meds into his nose. Don't worry, it's only steam. Blake does not cry nearly as much when I give it to him. I'll tell Sammy the Seal to treat him well when it comes to making Blake better.
Kelly's new part time job is going extremely well so far. I'm proud of her and I'm proud that she's happy where she is. I'm also glad to have her with me during the day a couple of days a week (Monday-Friday) and on Weekends. Kelly is a great mom and does very well for our boys. She takes the utmost pride in her work for Ben and Blake.
I did some good things here at work tonight.
I edited a re-track package on Campaign 2016. I took in a lot of feeds, and I edited a breaking news story that happened two miles from my house.
I wrote a news sample script and I wrote a ton of sports sample scrips and voiced a sports update.
The bad thing I did on Monday was not pay good enough attention to detail on a feed and I put it on a timeline to where I transferred it to playback for air. It looked ugly and my manager let me know about it. I told him I'll do better and pay more attention next time.
No more excuses for me. I'll do better.
Happy Friday and I'll be back for more soon.
Writing Sample for April 8, 2016
NEW FROM OVERNIGHT.
AN AMBULANCE TAKES AN ATLANTA POLICE OFFICER TO GRADY.
THIS HAPPENED AFTER AFTER SOMEONE RAN A STOP SIGN AND SLAMMED INTO HIM.
POLICE SAY A MAN DRIVING THIS DARK COLORED SEDAN RAN THE STOP SIGN AND HIT THE OFFICER NEAR THE DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR AND UNIVERSITY AVENUE.
BOTH THE OFFICER AND THE OTHER DRIVER ARE EXPECTED TO RECOVER.
Sports Writing Samples for April 8, 2016
JORDAN SPIETH IS YOUR LEADER AFTER TWO ROUNDS OF THE MASTERS.
THIS DESPITE SHOOTING A 74 ON THE DAY, GOING TWO OVER PAR FOR FRIDAY.
HE HAS A ONE SHOT LEAD OVER RORY MCILROY.
TWO TIME CHAMPION BUBBA WATSON MADE THE CUT AT SIX OVER AFTER TWO.
PHIL MICKELSON SHOT A 79 TODAY, MISSING THE CUT RIGHT AT SEVEN OVER FOR THE TOURNAMENT.
GEORGIA TECH INTRODUCED FORMER UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS HEAD COACH JOSH PASTNER TO BECOME ITS NEXT HEAD COACH.
PASTNER COMES OVER TO THE FLATS AFTER SEVEN SEASONS WITH MEMPHIS AND FOUR TRIPS TO THE N-C-DOUBLE-A TOURNAMENT.
PASTNER COMES AT A TIME THE YELLOW JACKETS HAVE MISSED OUT ON THE BIG DANCE SINCE 2010.
HE REPLACES BRIAN GREGORY WHO WAS FIRED AFTER LEADING TECH TO 21 WINS AND A TRIP TO THE N-I-T QUARTERFINALS THIS PAST SEASON.
ST. LOUIS CARDINAL PINCH HITTERS WENT A MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD 3 FOR 3 WITH THREE HOME RUNS TO PROPEL THEM TO A 7-4 WIN OVER THE ATLANTA BRAVES ON FRIDAY NIGHT.
BRAVES FALL TO 0-3 ON THE SEASON. CARDS AND BRAVES HOOK UP AGAIN SATURDAY NIGHT AT TURNER FIELD.
JULIO TEHRAN TAKES THE MOUND FOR THE BRAVES AGAINST CARLOS MARTINEZ FOR THE REDBIRDS.
TREVOR STORY HOMERS TWICE AGAINST THE SAN DIEGO PADRES IN HIS COORS FIELD DEBUT. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH AS THE SAN DIEGO PADRES SCORE THEIR FIRST RUNS OF THE SEASON IN 13-6 BEATING OF THE COLORADO ROCKIES.
STORY IS THE FIRST PLAYER IN BIG LEAGUE HISTORY TO HIT A HOME RUN IN HIS FIRST FOUR BIG LEAGUE GAMES. HE HAS SIX ALREADY.
BAD NEWS FOR CUBS FANS. OUTFIELDER KYLE SCHWARBER IS OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH A TORN ACL. HE SUFFERED THE GRUESOME INJURY ON THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER COLLIDING WITH DEXTER FOWLER IN THE OUTFIELD. CUBS BEAT THE DIAMONDBACKS 14-6 ON THURSDAY AND NOW LEAD THE D-BACKS 2-1 AFTER SIX.
THE ATLANTA HAWKS CAN WRAP UP THE THIRD SEED IN THE EAST. THEY HOST THE BOSTON CELTICS TOMORROW NIGHT AT PHILIPS ARENA AT 7:30.
THIS DESPITE SHOOTING A 74 ON THE DAY, GOING TWO OVER PAR FOR FRIDAY.
HE HAS A ONE SHOT LEAD OVER RORY MCILROY.
TWO TIME CHAMPION BUBBA WATSON MADE THE CUT AT SIX OVER AFTER TWO.
PHIL MICKELSON SHOT A 79 TODAY, MISSING THE CUT RIGHT AT SEVEN OVER FOR THE TOURNAMENT.
GEORGIA TECH INTRODUCED FORMER UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS HEAD COACH JOSH PASTNER TO BECOME ITS NEXT HEAD COACH.
PASTNER COMES OVER TO THE FLATS AFTER SEVEN SEASONS WITH MEMPHIS AND FOUR TRIPS TO THE N-C-DOUBLE-A TOURNAMENT.
PASTNER COMES AT A TIME THE YELLOW JACKETS HAVE MISSED OUT ON THE BIG DANCE SINCE 2010.
HE REPLACES BRIAN GREGORY WHO WAS FIRED AFTER LEADING TECH TO 21 WINS AND A TRIP TO THE N-I-T QUARTERFINALS THIS PAST SEASON.
ST. LOUIS CARDINAL PINCH HITTERS WENT A MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD 3 FOR 3 WITH THREE HOME RUNS TO PROPEL THEM TO A 7-4 WIN OVER THE ATLANTA BRAVES ON FRIDAY NIGHT.
BRAVES FALL TO 0-3 ON THE SEASON. CARDS AND BRAVES HOOK UP AGAIN SATURDAY NIGHT AT TURNER FIELD.
JULIO TEHRAN TAKES THE MOUND FOR THE BRAVES AGAINST CARLOS MARTINEZ FOR THE REDBIRDS.
TREVOR STORY HOMERS TWICE AGAINST THE SAN DIEGO PADRES IN HIS COORS FIELD DEBUT. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH AS THE SAN DIEGO PADRES SCORE THEIR FIRST RUNS OF THE SEASON IN 13-6 BEATING OF THE COLORADO ROCKIES.
STORY IS THE FIRST PLAYER IN BIG LEAGUE HISTORY TO HIT A HOME RUN IN HIS FIRST FOUR BIG LEAGUE GAMES. HE HAS SIX ALREADY.
BAD NEWS FOR CUBS FANS. OUTFIELDER KYLE SCHWARBER IS OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH A TORN ACL. HE SUFFERED THE GRUESOME INJURY ON THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER COLLIDING WITH DEXTER FOWLER IN THE OUTFIELD. CUBS BEAT THE DIAMONDBACKS 14-6 ON THURSDAY AND NOW LEAD THE D-BACKS 2-1 AFTER SIX.
THE ATLANTA HAWKS CAN WRAP UP THE THIRD SEED IN THE EAST. THEY HOST THE BOSTON CELTICS TOMORROW NIGHT AT PHILIPS ARENA AT 7:30.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Sports Writing Samples for April 7, 2016
THE ATLANTA HAWKS LOOK TO SALVAGE A GAME IN THE SEASON SERIES FROM THE TORONTO RAPTORS TONIGHT AT PHILIPS ARENA. ATLANTA HAS LOST ALL THREE GAMES AGAINST TORONTO THIS YEAR. THE HAWKS STILL HAVE A HOLD ON 3RD IN THE EAST. TIP OFF IS SET FOR 8PM.
Writing Samples for April 7, 2016
We're getting new video out of Southest Atlanta.
Take a look at this downed tree across Memorial Drive near East Lake Park.
Heavy rains and winds took out some trees in this neighborhood.
The metro area dealth with severe weather throughout the night.
RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS HAVE ALL LEFT THE CITY.
THE STORM SYSTEM THAT PRODUCED ALL THAT PRECIPITATION THROUGH THE AREA IS HEADED EASTBOUND.
RAIN, HAIL, AND STRONG WINDS AFFECTED DRIVERS HEADING NORTHBOUND ON AREA FREEWAYS.
THERE IS STILL A SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IN THE SOUTH METRO AREA FOR THE NEXT HOUR.
UP NEXT, AN ATLANTA AREA FATHER SHOWS US DISTURBING NEW VIDEO OF WHAT WENTON INSIDE A DAY CARE.
A STUDENT IS ARRESTED A WEEK AFTER THREATENING THE SAFETY OF A DOUGLAS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL.CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BRITTNEY BOEHNE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR MAKING A BOMBTHREAT AND POSTING IT ON A BATHROOM WALL AT THE SCHOOL.DOUGLAS COUNTY OFFICIALS EVACUATED THE SCHOOL AND OTHER AGENCIES SEARCHED FOR EXPLOSIVEDEVICES.NONE WERE FOUND.SHE CONFESSED TO MAKING THE TREAT AND GOT BOOKED ON CHARGES OF FELONY TERRORISTIC THREATSAND A DISRUPTING A PUBLIC SCHOOL.UP NEXT IN SPORTS, THE HAWKS LOOK FOR REVENGE AGAINST THE RAPTORS,
DAY ONE OF THE MASTERS IS IN THE BOOKS ,AND THE N-C-DOUBLE-A FROZEN
FOUR GETS SETTLED DOWN IN TAMPA.
Journal Entry for April 7, 2016
Last night on my way home, I got scared as I was driving up I-75. There were some bad storms once I got deep into Cobb County. I saw hard rain, sideways rain, blinding rain, and lightning as I was going home Northbound on the freeway.
I was worried for my safety. I was holding on to the steering wheel really tight. I was holding on for dear life at one point. I was worried about other cars splashing me too hard as I was slowing down and as they were speeding up. I wanted nothing more than to go home safely, which I did.
Once I got home, I cuddled up near Gandalf P. Cat and watched some TV on my old DVR. I finished off "QUIZ SHOW" and watched another SHOWTIME documentary 'The Seven Five.' It was about a New York police precinct that had some corrupt cops there.
Blake and I had some fun together today. We played, laughed, ate, and read. Well, I did all the reading. Blake was becoming my little destructor on the book 'Penguin says please.'
Kelly and Blake had fun together before I had to go to work today.
Hours before I left for work, I vacuumed the house and got it clean for Blake. I'm amazed how bad the floor is when you don't vacuum for a week or more.
Have fun tonight and I'll be back for more again on Friday.
I was worried for my safety. I was holding on to the steering wheel really tight. I was holding on for dear life at one point. I was worried about other cars splashing me too hard as I was slowing down and as they were speeding up. I wanted nothing more than to go home safely, which I did.
Once I got home, I cuddled up near Gandalf P. Cat and watched some TV on my old DVR. I finished off "QUIZ SHOW" and watched another SHOWTIME documentary 'The Seven Five.' It was about a New York police precinct that had some corrupt cops there.
Blake and I had some fun together today. We played, laughed, ate, and read. Well, I did all the reading. Blake was becoming my little destructor on the book 'Penguin says please.'
Kelly and Blake had fun together before I had to go to work today.
Hours before I left for work, I vacuumed the house and got it clean for Blake. I'm amazed how bad the floor is when you don't vacuum for a week or more.
Have fun tonight and I'll be back for more again on Friday.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Journal Entry for April 6, 2016
I got to sleep in a little early this morning. I heard Blake stirring in his crib next door, but it turned out to be nothing. Instead of picking him up and getting him ready, I let him sleep in. I slept in too.
I got to spend some quality time alone with my baby Blake as he was getting going in the morning. I fed him from his bottle and changed his poopy diaper. Blake was on the move as he was crawling around on the living room floor. He even tried to grab some of my things. He's good at finding stuff when he sees it. He was going after my newspapers, my cell phone, and my remote control.
I had to give Blake his breathing treatment after we had breakfast. He was good about breathing it in for the most part. He didn't really cry hardly at all. He was most cooperative and was very patient about sitting down in the high chair in the kitchen.
I caught up on a Hallmark Channel movie and almost finished "Quiz Show" on my DVR. I'll make room for some cartoons and things for Blake tomorrow. I am not so sure that he really watches cartoons just yet. I think it's good background noise for him.
As of this moment, 7:30PM, I'm going to start writing some news stories for the 11PM show tonight on CBS46 News. I'm a little nervous about going into the newsroom, but I have to do it. I have to go out there for the good of my family and for the future of my family.
I have to make this a little short because it's go time in ten minutes. I wrote 5 stories for CBS46 News at 11PM tonight, I edited my own stories (except for one), and My Padres still haven't scored a run in 2016 as of 11:24PM Eastern Time.
I'm burning the last available aircheck disc from CBS46 AM this morning and noon.
Have fun tonight and I'll be back tomorrow.
I got to spend some quality time alone with my baby Blake as he was getting going in the morning. I fed him from his bottle and changed his poopy diaper. Blake was on the move as he was crawling around on the living room floor. He even tried to grab some of my things. He's good at finding stuff when he sees it. He was going after my newspapers, my cell phone, and my remote control.
I had to give Blake his breathing treatment after we had breakfast. He was good about breathing it in for the most part. He didn't really cry hardly at all. He was most cooperative and was very patient about sitting down in the high chair in the kitchen.
I caught up on a Hallmark Channel movie and almost finished "Quiz Show" on my DVR. I'll make room for some cartoons and things for Blake tomorrow. I am not so sure that he really watches cartoons just yet. I think it's good background noise for him.
As of this moment, 7:30PM, I'm going to start writing some news stories for the 11PM show tonight on CBS46 News. I'm a little nervous about going into the newsroom, but I have to do it. I have to go out there for the good of my family and for the future of my family.
I have to make this a little short because it's go time in ten minutes. I wrote 5 stories for CBS46 News at 11PM tonight, I edited my own stories (except for one), and My Padres still haven't scored a run in 2016 as of 11:24PM Eastern Time.
I'm burning the last available aircheck disc from CBS46 AM this morning and noon.
Have fun tonight and I'll be back tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
WRITING SAMPLES FOR APRIL 5, 2016
THE ATLANTA HAWKS JOIN FORCES WITH EMORY UNIVERSITY FOR A GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP.
THE TEAM ANNOUNCED IT WILL BUILD A NEW PRACTICE AND TRAINING FACILITY ALONG WITH THE HEALTHCARE GIANT.
BOTH GROUPS GAME TOGETHER AT PHILIPS ARENA BEFORE TONIGHT'S HAWKS GAME AGAINST THE PHOENIX SUNS.
THE 90-THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT COMPLEX WILL BE BUILT IN BROOKHAVEN ON EXECUTIVE PARK DRIVE.
TEAM OFFICIALS SAY IT WILL HELP THEM BRING IN TALENT AND KEEP THEM SHARP FOR THE LONG N-B-A SEASON.
TWITTER IS NOW IN THE N-F-L BUSINESS.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA GIANT OUTBID FACEBOOK, AMAZON, AND YAHOO AMONG OTHERS TO STREAM TEN THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES BEGINNING THIS SEASON.
THE 800-MILLION MEMBER SITE WANTS TO SCORE EVEN MORE MEMBERS BY STREAMING LIVE GAMES.
TWITTER OFFICIALS SAY IT WILL NOW BECOME THE PREMIERE DESTINATION FOR LIVE VIDEO STREAMING.
TWITTER TRAILS FACEBOOK IN TERMS OF TOTAL MEMBERSHIP.
UP NEXT IN SPORTS, THE HAWKS LOOK TO SET THE SUNS STRAIGHT, AND THE BRAVES HAVE SOME WORK TO DO TO EVEN THEIR RECORD.
Sports Update Writing Samples for April 5, 2016
THE ATLANTA HAWKS GET BACK ON THE COURT AGAINST THE PHOENIX SUNS AT PHILIPS ARENA. HAWKS LOOK TO EXACT SOME REVENGE ON THE SUNS WHO BEAT THEM ON A LAST SECOND JUMPER BY ARCHIE GOODWIN ON JANUARY 23RD. HAWKS STILL HOLD THE 3RD SPOT IN THE EAST. TIP-OFF IS SET FOR 8 P-M EASTERN TIME.
THE HOUSTON ASTROS AND NEW YORK YANKEES FINALLY GOT THEIR OPENING DAY TODAY AT YANKEE STADIUM, A DAY AFTER THEIR GAME WAS RAINED OUT. CARLOS CORREA'S DRIBBLER SCORED JOSE ALTUVE AS THE ASTROS RALLY FOR THREE IN THE 8TH TO BEAT THE YANKEES FIVE TO THREE.
A DAY AFTER VILLANOVA BEAT U-N-C 77-74 TO WIN THE N-C-A-A CHAMPIONSHIP, VEGAS HAS DUKE AS THE FAVORITE TO WIN THE 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN THE FINAL FOUR COMES TO PHOENIX.
AND A DAY AFTER THE MEN HAD THE SPOTLIGHT, IT WAS THE WOMEN'S TURN AS U-CONN STEAMROLLED SYRACUSE 82-51. THE HUSKIES WIN THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT NATIONAL TITLE, THEIR 75TH STRAIGHT GAME ALL IN DOUBLE FIGURES,AND NOW GENO AURIEMMA PASSES JOHN WOODEN FOR MOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COLLEGE HOOPS WITH HIS 11TH TITLE.
TWITTER WILL START STREAMING THURSDAY NIGHT N-F-L GAMES THIS COMING SEASON. RE/CODE SAYS TWITTER OUTBID RIVALS FACEBOOK, YAHOO, AND VERIZON TO THE TUNE OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR FOR THE RIGHTS OFFICIALS FROM N-B-C AND C-B-S SAYS IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AND TWITTER EXECUTIVES SAY IT WILL HELP IT GROW THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND WITH NEW USERS.
THE ATLANTA HAWKS CAME BACK FROM A 56-44 DEFICIT TO OUTSCORE THE PHOENIX SUNS 59-34 IN THE 2ND HALF AND BEAT THE SUNS 103-90. THE HAWKS MOVE TO 46-32 AND KEEP THEIR GRIP ON 3RD PLACE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE. JEFF TEAGUE WITH A TEAM HIGH 20 FOR THE HAWKS. DEVIN BOOKER NOTCHED A CAREER-HIGH TYING 34 IN THE LOSING EFFORT. HAWKS WILL HOST TORONTO AT PHILIPS ARENA ON THURSDAY NIGHT.
THE HOUSTON ASTROS AND NEW YORK YANKEES FINALLY GOT THEIR OPENING DAY TODAY AT YANKEE STADIUM, A DAY AFTER THEIR GAME WAS RAINED OUT. CARLOS CORREA'S DRIBBLER SCORED JOSE ALTUVE AS THE ASTROS RALLY FOR THREE IN THE 8TH TO BEAT THE YANKEES FIVE TO THREE.
A DAY AFTER VILLANOVA BEAT U-N-C 77-74 TO WIN THE N-C-A-A CHAMPIONSHIP, VEGAS HAS DUKE AS THE FAVORITE TO WIN THE 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN THE FINAL FOUR COMES TO PHOENIX.
AND A DAY AFTER THE MEN HAD THE SPOTLIGHT, IT WAS THE WOMEN'S TURN AS U-CONN STEAMROLLED SYRACUSE 82-51. THE HUSKIES WIN THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT NATIONAL TITLE, THEIR 75TH STRAIGHT GAME ALL IN DOUBLE FIGURES,AND NOW GENO AURIEMMA PASSES JOHN WOODEN FOR MOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COLLEGE HOOPS WITH HIS 11TH TITLE.
TWITTER WILL START STREAMING THURSDAY NIGHT N-F-L GAMES THIS COMING SEASON. RE/CODE SAYS TWITTER OUTBID RIVALS FACEBOOK, YAHOO, AND VERIZON TO THE TUNE OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR FOR THE RIGHTS OFFICIALS FROM N-B-C AND C-B-S SAYS IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AND TWITTER EXECUTIVES SAY IT WILL HELP IT GROW THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND WITH NEW USERS.
THE ATLANTA HAWKS CAME BACK FROM A 56-44 DEFICIT TO OUTSCORE THE PHOENIX SUNS 59-34 IN THE 2ND HALF AND BEAT THE SUNS 103-90. THE HAWKS MOVE TO 46-32 AND KEEP THEIR GRIP ON 3RD PLACE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE. JEFF TEAGUE WITH A TEAM HIGH 20 FOR THE HAWKS. DEVIN BOOKER NOTCHED A CAREER-HIGH TYING 34 IN THE LOSING EFFORT. HAWKS WILL HOST TORONTO AT PHILIPS ARENA ON THURSDAY NIGHT.
Journal Entry for April 5, 2016
Today started off pretty well. I got to sleep in until 8AM this morning. I heard the sounds of baby Blake as he was getting his day going. My wife did great for him by making his baba (Bottle) of formula. I got to play with him, watch "Good Morning America" with him, and make funny faces at him.
We all got ready for a fun-filled day in Woodstock. I had to take care of the oil change on the ROGUE after a fun weekend on Tybee Island. After I dropped the car off, we headed up to Woodstock to the outlet mall for some clothes shopping for the boys.
Kelly and I took Blake to the Gymboree, OshKosh BGosh, and the Carter's stores and found some incredible bargains for them. I saw some things I thought the guys would like. Kelly found some goodies for the boys too. They'll out cute me with their wardrobe in no time.
One down note of our trip was when the Nissan service center called and told us that we needed some additional (not too urgent repairs on our vehicle). I was annoyed about how much money it would cost to take care of such things. Truthfully, I wasn't prepared for that at all. I have to get prepared fast or I'll drive off a financial cliff in a hurry.
I had a pretty good day at work this afternoon. I edited a lot of video, helped put together a Reality Check segment, and answered a lot of phone calls from microwave.
I had a piece of humble pie for dinner. Actually, it was two peanut butter sandwiches and some fruit. Those sandwiches filled me up. If that's the case over and over, I'll keep bringing them to work each day.
I'm wrapping up the FX series "The People vs. O.J." I sort of relived my life from back in 1995. I realized how happy and how messed up I was back then. I will always wonder if Ben and Blake wonder what life was like back in 1995.
I wrote a couple of news story samples in my blog. I'm most proud of the sports stories I'm putting in my blog for tonight.
I wish I could let go of some things that are holding me back in my life. I'll explain more about that in detail later on. I promise I will.
It's time for me to go now. I'm ready to go home and get some good sleep. I'll be back tomorrow.
We all got ready for a fun-filled day in Woodstock. I had to take care of the oil change on the ROGUE after a fun weekend on Tybee Island. After I dropped the car off, we headed up to Woodstock to the outlet mall for some clothes shopping for the boys.
Kelly and I took Blake to the Gymboree, OshKosh BGosh, and the Carter's stores and found some incredible bargains for them. I saw some things I thought the guys would like. Kelly found some goodies for the boys too. They'll out cute me with their wardrobe in no time.
One down note of our trip was when the Nissan service center called and told us that we needed some additional (not too urgent repairs on our vehicle). I was annoyed about how much money it would cost to take care of such things. Truthfully, I wasn't prepared for that at all. I have to get prepared fast or I'll drive off a financial cliff in a hurry.
I had a pretty good day at work this afternoon. I edited a lot of video, helped put together a Reality Check segment, and answered a lot of phone calls from microwave.
I had a piece of humble pie for dinner. Actually, it was two peanut butter sandwiches and some fruit. Those sandwiches filled me up. If that's the case over and over, I'll keep bringing them to work each day.
I'm wrapping up the FX series "The People vs. O.J." I sort of relived my life from back in 1995. I realized how happy and how messed up I was back then. I will always wonder if Ben and Blake wonder what life was like back in 1995.
I wrote a couple of news story samples in my blog. I'm most proud of the sports stories I'm putting in my blog for tonight.
I wish I could let go of some things that are holding me back in my life. I'll explain more about that in detail later on. I promise I will.
It's time for me to go now. I'm ready to go home and get some good sleep. I'll be back tomorrow.
Journal Entry for April 4, 2016
Today was a good morning. I woke up to a coughing, crying baby Blake. I felt bad for him, I really did. At the same time, I was caught in a dream where I could wake up from. I imagined in my dream that a media personality was crying in an audio booth while my cat Gandalf was meowing and clawing at the door.
I got to spend a lot of quality time with my baby boy Blake. I got to see him crawl around so much in the living room and throughout the grounds of the house. He got as far as the kitchen tile, the litter box area, and toward Ben's room. I was so tempted to let Blake play in Ben's room. I didn't let him this time. I think I'll let him when I'm alone with him again on Wednesday.
Blake slept in my arms twice before I got ready for work. He's such a good sleeper with me, I couldn't bear to put him down in the crib all by himself. I may do that on Wednesday so that I can properly get cleaned and dressed.
Today was a smooth day at work except for one thing: I put in a video that had a black hole in it because I didn't pay attention to the work I was doing. I didn't fess up that it was my mistake, but I knew it was mine. I'm sure it will come back to me in another way soon.
Some better news: I'm going to get more writing and producer training time in the newsroom on Wednesday. Some of my work will go on the air (in addition to my already busy editing workload here in the edit bay).
It was a bad sports day for me.
1. My B team, the Atlanta Braves, lost 4-3 in 10 innings to NL EAST rival the Washington Nationals.
2. My A team, the San Diego Padres, got humiliated by their NL WEST rival the Los Angeles Dodgers 15-0 in SAN DIEGO. DODGER FANS WERE CHEERING AT PETCO PARK.
3. Last and worst for me, Villanova beat North Carolina 77-74 in the NCAA CHampionship on a last-second 3-pointer, putting me out of the money in my NCAA Tourney Pool here at work.
Time to lick my wounds and go home now.
I got to spend a lot of quality time with my baby boy Blake. I got to see him crawl around so much in the living room and throughout the grounds of the house. He got as far as the kitchen tile, the litter box area, and toward Ben's room. I was so tempted to let Blake play in Ben's room. I didn't let him this time. I think I'll let him when I'm alone with him again on Wednesday.
Blake slept in my arms twice before I got ready for work. He's such a good sleeper with me, I couldn't bear to put him down in the crib all by himself. I may do that on Wednesday so that I can properly get cleaned and dressed.
Today was a smooth day at work except for one thing: I put in a video that had a black hole in it because I didn't pay attention to the work I was doing. I didn't fess up that it was my mistake, but I knew it was mine. I'm sure it will come back to me in another way soon.
Some better news: I'm going to get more writing and producer training time in the newsroom on Wednesday. Some of my work will go on the air (in addition to my already busy editing workload here in the edit bay).
It was a bad sports day for me.
1. My B team, the Atlanta Braves, lost 4-3 in 10 innings to NL EAST rival the Washington Nationals.
2. My A team, the San Diego Padres, got humiliated by their NL WEST rival the Los Angeles Dodgers 15-0 in SAN DIEGO. DODGER FANS WERE CHEERING AT PETCO PARK.
3. Last and worst for me, Villanova beat North Carolina 77-74 in the NCAA CHampionship on a last-second 3-pointer, putting me out of the money in my NCAA Tourney Pool here at work.
Time to lick my wounds and go home now.
Journal Entry for April 2, 2016
This was the second consecutive weekend my whole family went out of town. This time, we gook a much needed trip down to Tybee Island for our anniversary.
I can't believe it (but I really can). My wife and I celebrated five years of marriage. We've had a lot of good times and some challenging times in the five years since our wedding cruise in Jacksonville that warm beautiful North Florida Saturday in 2011.
We all loaded the family ROGUE before taking off for I-75 and beyond. Everything was going smoothly. We all got another sneak peek at SunTrust Park heading down I-75 near I-285 in Cobb County. I like the progress the construction of the ballpark is making.
There was a bump in the road on our way to the beach. We were all stuck in some really bad traffic on the Southbound I-75 before and after the I-675 merge. We were moving about 10 miles an hour on the freeway. The electronic message board said there was road construction and it would take 34-36 minutes to get 5 more miles. That was insane. It got to a point to where we had to make an exit while we were still in the Metro Atlanta Area.
We all decided to do lunch at McDonald's in McDonough. It was between a Chick-Fil-A and a McDonald's. McDonald's won out because it had a playground for Ben.
We had a ball that afternoon. Both Ben and Blake had their first beach days in their lives. Ben would have another beach day on Sunday while I stayed with Blake to make sure he was healthy and not coughing. The weather was too cold for Blake to go outside. Afterward, we had a pizza dinner (and some chicken and fries for Ben). I had two beers while I waited and gave my wife an anniversary beer for dinner.
Sunday was an important travel day. We went out to lunch at the Crab Shack. Ben had the Mac and Cheese. Kelly and I had the admiral's sampler platter. The food was pretty good. Ben is not quite a fan of seafood yet.
We were getting tired and hot and we were itching to get back into the car. Ben wanted to see grandma. Ben always associated a long car drive eastbound to grandma's house. Son, we will soon associate eastbound drives to the beach too.
We will be back to the beach someday soon. Until then, it's back to the grind for me.
I can't believe it (but I really can). My wife and I celebrated five years of marriage. We've had a lot of good times and some challenging times in the five years since our wedding cruise in Jacksonville that warm beautiful North Florida Saturday in 2011.
We all loaded the family ROGUE before taking off for I-75 and beyond. Everything was going smoothly. We all got another sneak peek at SunTrust Park heading down I-75 near I-285 in Cobb County. I like the progress the construction of the ballpark is making.
There was a bump in the road on our way to the beach. We were all stuck in some really bad traffic on the Southbound I-75 before and after the I-675 merge. We were moving about 10 miles an hour on the freeway. The electronic message board said there was road construction and it would take 34-36 minutes to get 5 more miles. That was insane. It got to a point to where we had to make an exit while we were still in the Metro Atlanta Area.
We all decided to do lunch at McDonald's in McDonough. It was between a Chick-Fil-A and a McDonald's. McDonald's won out because it had a playground for Ben.
The fun was still to come. After traveling down I-75 to I-16 and then onto U.S. 80, we hit our hotel on Tybee Island. We made our destination as soon as we were able to. After we unloaded the family truckster, we hit the beach!!!
Sunday was an important travel day. We went out to lunch at the Crab Shack. Ben had the Mac and Cheese. Kelly and I had the admiral's sampler platter. The food was pretty good. Ben is not quite a fan of seafood yet.
We were getting tired and hot and we were itching to get back into the car. Ben wanted to see grandma. Ben always associated a long car drive eastbound to grandma's house. Son, we will soon associate eastbound drives to the beach too.
We will be back to the beach someday soon. Until then, it's back to the grind for me.
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