Epidemic come to life

Today --- like much of the media --- my story focused on swine flu. When I was reporting in Trenton, NJ, I remember endless press conferences and practice drills dealing with avian flu. Back then I had a hard time imagining a flu epidemic sweeping the country in this day and age. It seems like with all of the safety measures and medicine available in the United States, the disease would be stamped out before it began. But now, seeing the reports and hearing the death tolls from Mexico, it's a wake-up call. Even more disconcerting, the idea that this particular strain of flu seems to kill people between the ages of 20 to 40 more than any other age group. That's my generation and often times, I tend to think we're bullet proof. It's just a good reminder that the unexpected can happen at any time.

Animals out of control

Since I've been reporting in Louisiana, I've done a number of stories revolving around either dangerous or unwanted animals. Some of them have been exciting (pets matched up with owners) others devastating (doing a story on the high number of animals euthanized in shelters and stumbling upon a group of dogs being put down). I'm a big animal lover and that story on euthanizing is something I'll never forget --- though I wish I could.

Today's story focused around new laws for vicious dogs. I think it's an issue that seems important not just for those who have children or who worry about being attacked. It also applies to those who love animals. Perhaps there wouldn't be so many animals euthanized (dozens a day just in one parish) and animals without a home if there were more rules to keep the animals responsibly.

Summer in the spring

Looking at the weather over the next few days, you can't help but feel that summer is on its way. That's always a little tough for me to take. I love the spring, the fall, and the winter in Louisiana, but the hot, humid summers have to be one of my least favorite things about living down here. For all you summer fans, in my defense, I'm originally from Pennsylvania. Growing up in northeast, I can remember actually begging my mom to let me wear shorts in May, despite the 60 degree temperatures. We actually had a rule in our house --- no shorts until it hits 70 degrees. In Louisiana, that could happen in almost any month --- in Pennsylvania you're lucky if it happens even once before June. So maybe this year as I'm attempting to handle the sweltering weather, I'll try to remember the freezing cold, wet winters up north and be thankful for a chance to wear my shorts, no matter the season.

A little library praise

It's finally back to business as usual today. The end of last week was a bit of a wash as I got back into the groove after my vacation. But today, the weather was beautiful and my story focused on one of my favorite places --- the library. Feel free to snicker or label me a nerd --- I already got teased a little by my co-workers. The thing is, the library is one of the few places where you can find endless possibilities even if you don't have any money. They have DVDs, books, magazines, and more in almost any topic imaginable. Even better, they'll let you use their belongings, even take the materials home. You don't give them anything in exchange, only a promise that you'll bring the items back. I can't think of too many other places anywhere in the country with that type of trust.

Ready for some magic

Starting tomorrow, right after the morning show, I will be heading out to Disney World for some time off. When I tell people about my trip, generally I get two types of responses -- the people who are excited for me and those who wonder if I'm a little old for a trip to Disney World (my husband and I don't have any kids so it's just the two of us going).

A few years ago I might have agreed that there's a certain age when the parks just aren't fun anymore; but that was before my husband and I went on the trip in our mid 20's. I had more fun at Disney World as an adult than ever. You just can't take yourself too seriously. We usually go early in the morning, come back to the hotel and relax and then stay out late. That way you beat the crowds. I love Epcot and all the different countries. I get to try food that I probably wouldn't have eaten as a kid or a teen. Plus I have a whole new appreciation for a lot of the work and engineering that goes on behind the scenes for the rides. And while I have to admit, my ideal vacation is probably still sitting on the beach with good weather and a book, I'm really excited to get my few moments of at the happiest place on earth.

Manning the morning desk

For those of you who visit my blog from time to time, I have to apologize for being away these last two days. Right now I'm filling in for Rachel Slavik as the morning anchor. That means I don't necessarily have the stories to tell you about from the field each day, but there's still plenty going on. I've always loved doing the morning show --- there's something about the idea of helping people to start their day on the right note and I feel very privileged when people let me into their lives for those precious morning hours. The only downside has to be the crazy schedule. To produce the show I wake up at midnight, then go into work and finish up a little after 9 a.m. When I step out the door as most people are going to work, it's a cool thing to have your whole day ahead of you like that. The problem is, as soon as I reach my house, I fall asleep. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, I always end up waking up hours later, disoriented. That inevitably leads to no sleep at night and feeling a bit like a walking zombie. But luckily, I'm blessed with a ready supply of caffeine whenever I need it. A few cups of tea or coffee and I'm back to my old, perky self.

Breaking News Fridays

As I come into work most Friday mornings, I always have a mix of emotions. Like most people out there, there's joy that the weekend is about to arrive. But then there's also a morbid curiosity lying just under the surface. That's because it seems like if there's going to be a particularly violent, gruesome or just plain gut-wrenching story, it's bound to break on a Friday. They're the type of stories that hit you when you least expect them --- late in the day or once you already have a great story in the works. If you make plans early on a Friday evening, it's a near guarantee that breaking news in on the way.

So today as I walked into relative quiet of the newsroom, there was cautious optimism. I got a chance to report on an issue that I believe is vital to our area --- health care and making sure we have the funding for those who can't afford to foot the bill. Next to education, I believe it's one of the keys to a successful nation. But now the story is finished and will air in just a few short minutes. I'm wrapping up my day, looking for future stories, and holding my breath. In a job where I thrive on breaking news and the unexpected (that keeps things interesting), today I'm looking forward to a little less dramatic end to the day.

Learning to Save Themselves

Today I found myself doing another water related story. I seem to be reporting near some form of liquid a lot lately, whether it's a fishing story, information on flooding pumps, or alligators in the bayou. But this was some of the most unusual video I've seen in a long time --- infants actually holding their breath under water and being able to float. You can check it out in my story tonight.

It's part of a program called Infant Swimming Resource. Instructors with the company teach young children how to flip over onto their backs and float just in case they would fall into the water. They hope to prevent drowning, which is the number one accidental cause of death among kids under 4.

We saw several students who had completed most of the program. I have to admit, it was hard to watch these tiny babies in the water as they work to roll over, but in each case, the instructor was right there and the children did just fine. It just shows again the amazing capacity kids could have --- learning to save themselves before they can even walk.