NFL--stands for Not For Long??

After working in television news for 8 years, I've certainly dealt with people not liking me. I once had an Indianapolis woman e-mail me, saying she hated the sweater I was wearing, and therefore, she would never watch me again. Perhaps a little dramatic?

But nothing in television ever compared to the hatred dealt by NFL fans. There's a campaign going on in Chicago right now to fire Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith. Fans are raising money and even put up a billboard, saying "Fire Lovie Smith!" Ouch.

I guess they've forgotten he's the Bears 3rd most winningest coach behind Mike Ditka and some other guy. I guess they also forget he took the Bears to the Super Bowl just a couple of years ago. And I guess they forget that he's the only nice person on that team (according to local reporters I know, the players are jerks).

I told Mike how disgusted I was with this, and he said that's why it's the NFL, it's known as the "Not For Long" league. My point is this: you'll have good years, and you'll have bad years. The sign of decent and loyal person is sticking by someone through the bad years, knowing things will get better.

So to you Lovie--congrats on your amazing win the other night! You deserve to rub that in everyone's faces!

Congrats to my Pops

I just have to give a shout out to my Pops. He has been confirmed as Wyoming's next U.S. Attorney.

Pops-I've always looked up to you and been so proud. I know you're the best, and now the nation knows it too.
Love you!

Senate Confirms Crofts As US Attorney In Wyoming
BEN NEARY, Associated Press Writer
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) ― The U.S. Senate has confirmed Christopher A. "Kip" Crofts to serve as U.S. Attorney for Wyoming.

The Senate confirmed Crofts on Christmas Eve. He had been nominated by President Barack Obama after Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal submitted Crofts' name to the White House earlier this year.

Crofts, 67, currently serves as counsel to Freudenthal in the governor's office. Crofts formerly served in the U.S. attorney's office and as director of the state's Division of Criminal Investigation.

Crofts said Monday he will take office once Obama takes formal action on his appointment, which Crofts said he expects in the next week or two.

Crofts said he enjoys working with Freudenthal, himself a former U.S. attorney, and the rest of the governor's staff and has mixed feelings about leaving.

"But on the other hand, I'm looking forward to new challenges and going back into an office where I used to work, and there are some great people there, too," Crofts said. "So it's kind of a bittersweet thing, I guess. New challenges, new direction, that's always stimulating."

The U.S. Attorney's Office for Wyoming represents the federal government in criminal and civil court action in the state. Crofts said he doesn't anticipate making policy or personnel changes in the office.

"I think there is sometimes a little bit of prosecutorial discretion here and there, but I don't plan on making any big policy changes or things like that," Crofts said. "I don't have either the inclination or the authority to do that. Just enforce the law."

Speaking of the existing staff, Crofts said, "There's a cadre of professional lawyers and I know most of them and they're all good people. They used to kind of change everybody and nothing would happen in the office for six months until they got everybody staffed up again. That obviously wouldn't work in today's world."

Wyoming Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both Republicans, have supported Crofts' nomination.

"I'm sure he will do an excellent job in this new role," Enzi said. "His accomplishments while practicing law in Wyoming and while serving in the military showcase the qualifications we need in a U.S. attorney."

"His confirmation is good news for the people of Wyoming," Barrasso said. "Kip is a solid choice and will do an excellent job as U.S. Attorney.

According to Freudenthal's Web site, Crofts was born and raised in Lander and graduated from UW in 1965. He served four years as an officer in the U.S. Army and saw service in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic before his discharge as a captain in 1969.

Crofts taught English and social studies at Laramie Jr. High School for two years, and then attended law school at UW, graduating in 1974.

Crofts served as a justice of the peace in Fremont County for four years. He then started working with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, becoming director in 1981, a position he held until 1990. He worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Casper and Lander until 2005. He then worked for the U.S. Justice Department as a legal adviser on a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Iraq, serving in both Baghdad, and Basra before joining Freudenthal's staff.


(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Here's to 2010!

As 2009 comes to an end, it's time to reflect on the past year and wow, what a strange one it was! I started in Indianapolis, moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and ended up in Chicago. That's a lot of packing!

Exactly one year ago I was working at a television station in Indianapolis, but I knew my contract wasn't getting renewed. So on January 20th, the same day President Barack Obama was inaugurated and starting his new position, I lost mine.

I then went home to Cheyenne to figure out my next move, and ended up getting a main anchor position. Things were going well, but then the financial bottom fell out at the station.

So finally I moved to Chicago, and after four long years apart, Mike and I ended up in the same city. And before 2009 was even over, I found out that I got into a Master's program and I got a new job. Phew!

All in all, 2009 saw a lot of change, tears and uncertainty. But I realize now, no matter how low things seem to get, there's another door that's about to open.

Here's to 2010. I'll be starting a new job, getting married, and starting a life with Mike. Perhaps there's even a new Chihuahua in our future.

I wish you all the best in 2010 too! Maybe a new job, new relationship, or a new grandchild is in your future. No matter what, a positive attitude will help make it a great year.

On the first day of Christmas...

Christmas has come and gone, and I say, thank goodness! I started out the holiday with my mom and stepdad visiting Chicago, then I went to Wyoming for a week for early Christmas celebrations, and then I went to Ohio to see Mike's family. On Christmas day, his family squeezes in as much as they can. I need to thank coffee and Cabernet for getting me through!
All that traveling reminds me of the Twelve Days of Christmas--Jeannie style. Enjoy!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

Twelve nights sleeping away from home
Eleven upset bellies
Ten slick roads
Nine gifts to re-gift
Eight relatives complaining about my expensive wedding
Seven busy interstates
Six holiday celebrations
Five hours of sleep
Four sneezing and sniffling kids
Three pounds of food eaten
Two times I thought about not having children
And a carsick Chi-hua-hua!

Are you singing it? It's better that way.

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT!

Are you sitting down? Please sit before you hear this news.

I GOT A JOB!!

I'm still in shock. After 5 months of unemployment, two interviews, hundreds of job postings, and applying for 60 positions, I finally got a job.

I'M GOING TO GET A PAYCHECK AGAIN!

Are you still sitting? Please don't pass out!

This is going to be a great Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I'm heading to Ohio, so I'll be off-line for a few days. Chat soon!

A fate worse than death?

The holidays are upon us, and just like tradition, airports across the country are preparing for delays. Just like clockwork, ice and snow are on the way across most of the Mid-West and Rockies.

I flew back home to Chicago yesterday, and even though it was before the big rush, it was still awful. When I sat in my cramped seat that wouldn't recline, therefore I was practically eating the hair of the passenger in front of me, all I could think was, "Why do we do this?" Is mom's turkey that good?

Nowadays, you practically have to undress to get through security, and it takes 4 bins to hold all my stuff. My potentially dangerous Sweet Pea lotion must be less than 3 ounces, in it's own plastic bag, in it's own separate bin. Then there's ALWAYS someone behind me who's in a big rush, and pushes their bins into mine, thinking that will speed things up. What they don't know is that makes me go slower! (Insert a witch's cackle)

Then I get behind an old man who was exploring his "inner pirate". He has big, gold hoop earrings, and apparently metal in every pocket. So does he remove all the metal the first time he beeps? Of course not!!! It takes three more times!

Also, why do airport bathrooms always stink?
Why do people wait to eat their onion/poop sandwich when we get on the plane?
And why does the guy next to me always have bad breath but insists on talking the whole time?

I'd better go, I need to pack for Ohio!

What were they thinking?

Are you ready for a fun game of who looks more ridiculous? Ladies and gentleman, may I present a Wiener dog wearing a Snuggie, and football player Chad Ochocinco in a Snuggie. I just can't decide which one makes me laugh harder.

Let's break it down....

Each one looks incredibly uncomfortable.

Each one goes by a stupid name. I mean, a Wiener dog. Really? And Ochocinco? He loved his football number that much?

And each one is going to have a difficult time peeing. Is there an opening in those suckers?

C'mon, who other than my 1-year old nephews wants to wear a onesie? I get hot in just a bathrobe! We probably all agree the snuggie is a silly idea, but I'm guessing the creator is laughing all the way to the bank.

But the twist is....

There is the strangest story on CNN Headline News. A little boy stole his mom's beer, drank it, broke into the next door neighbor's house, stole several gifts, opened one that was a little girl's dress, and then put the dress on. He apparently did all this so he could go to jail just like his dad. The anchor described all the craziness of the story, and then said, "But the twist? He's only 4 years old!"

Okay, I agree that's young, but when you hear this story, is his age really the twist? Not the fact that he's drinking a Keystone Light and cross-dressing?

230 channels and nothing on

Have you watched TLC lately? They have certainly found their niche. If you have a litter of kids or are a small person, bamn, you have a show.

I watched "18 Kids and Counting" today. I wanted to be annoyed that they have a show just because they have a lot of kids, but the family is so darn cute. And the parents? So patient! How in the world do they do it? The kids are much better behaved than many families I've been around with just two or three kiddos. But if you have 18 kids, aren't the chances that you'll have a black sheep in the family so much greater?

Now I'm watching "Little People Big World." It's about two little people who are married and have three kids. Again, they are the cutest family and you can't help but watch.

But I'm drawing the line. I will not watch "Table for 12", "Little Couple", or "Little Chocolatiers." Seriously? They have a show because they are small and make chocolate?? Strange.

1988 was a great year!

If you've gone through the day today without feeling old, let me change that for you. When I went to the liquor store last night, there's a handy sign that lets workers know who they can and cannot sell alcohol too. The sign said, "You must be born before on or before December 16th, 1988 to buy alcohol."
1988???
Sheesh! I think I was wearing makeup and driving by them!

Good news to report!

I've only been out of Chicago since Saturday, but a lot has happened since then. I'm excited to report I got accepted into DePaul University's Masters of Education program. I have a job interview on Monday. (Finally!) And, drum roll please....I'm a finalist in Publisher's Clearing House drawing to win a million dollars. Wouldn't winning that solve all my problems? Wish me luck!

The season for giving (and cutting you down to size)

The holidays are a time for counting your blessings and spending time with family. It's also the perfect time for your family to put you in your place. Take this conversation with my brother, for example.

Me: "Thanks for reading my blog."

Shane: "Yea. It kind of reminds me of Seinfeld."

Me (excited): "Really? That's so cool!"

Shane: "Yea, you know how Seinfeld was the show about nothing? Well your blog is kind of like the blog about nothing."

Back home in Wyoming

I don't think I'm so old that many of my stories begin with, "Do you remember when...?" But as I was flying back home to Wyoming last night, I thought, "Do you remember when people dressed nicely when they flew?" Now it's like a contest to see how disheveled you can be!

As a little girl, I'm not sure if my mom told me I had to, but I also wore a dress when we flew to Kentucky to visit my grandmother. Now, I see young girls and tweeners in their pajamas! I even saw one still in her slippers and holding a pillow. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?? I wouldn't even wear gloves when I was her age.

I also love seeing the different outfit ensembles people put together. Last night I saw a man in a cowboy hat (Awe, back home again!), green sweat pants, white socks, and brown sandals. Wowsers! I'm assuming even if he doesn't own a mirror, he had to at least seen his reflection sometime.

And I saw a 60's-ish woman with curlers in her hair. Okay, so if you decide to leave curlers in when you go out in public, what is the special occasion for which you want curly hair? Staying in??

Are they still enjoying this?

I tell Mike when we get older, there's no way we'll want to live in the city. I say the suburbs will be perfect when we have kids and an increased need for space. He insists we'll always want the sights, sounds and excitement of the city. But by the older people I've seen here, I'm guessing the "excitement" gets old.

Case in point: I almost had my eye poked out by a cane-wielding woman who wants to be Luke Skywalker in her next life. A car tried to turn while she was crossing the street, so she hit the hood of his car with her cane, twisting and turning it like a great swordsman. She then turned her moves on the crowd, and I had to pull out my best Matrix back arch so I wouldn't get hit.

At the grocery store, people in their 70's and 80's look like they are simply worn out. They're no longer in the mood for pleasantries like apologizing when they run over my toe with their cart. At the checkout, the cashier tells them, "Oh wait, you forgot a bag!" They grunt, roll their eyes, and hesitantly grab the bag. I'm thinking, you bought the stuff, so why are you so cranky?

Pack Your Patience!

Speaking from personal experience, television stations get crazy when there's snow coming, or even when there's just a chance for snow. In Indianapolis, I once had to do 6 live shots for the morning show, saying "It may be clear now, but we're expected to get snow later!" We finally did get some about 9 a.m., and it wasn't more than a dusting.

Yesterday and today, the Chicago news stations are full of reporters at the airport, near traffic, and on interstate overpasses, showing us "all the angles" of the storm. As Mayor Daley put it, "I'm pretty sure Chicago has gotten snow before."
One reporter talked about the increased sales of snow blowers, and had a customer on who exclaimed, "The bigger it is, and the more gas it takes, the more fun it is!" (He may have inhaled too many fumes.)

And the station put up a graphic so the anchor could read these important safety tips:
* Give yourself extra time in the morning. (Hmmm, in a city of millions, that's good advice!)
* Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. (Not going to happen here.)
* And if you're heading to the airport, pack your patience! (People who work at the airport must take a vow they will use this saying early and often.) But wait, I can pack patience, but no liquid over 3 ounces??

Here's where I think the problem is...there isn't a need for 27 newscasts, per station, everyday. Sometimes there just isn't much going on! This is my opinion...instead of filling time with "important safety tips", just show reruns of The Golden Girls.

He lived 29 years on his own?

When Mike and I were looking for apartments, several of them didn't have a washer and a dryer. What? That's like not having heat. So I told him if we got a w/d, I'd do all his laundry--forever.
Look at what I found in his pile the other day. It's the shirt and vest he wore on Thanksgiving day. It appears he just unbuttoned the top button, and somehow squeezed himself out so the shirt and vest are still in one piece. C'mon, he wouldn't want to waste time unbuttoning the whole thing!
I also find that ALL his socks are inside out, presumably because he pulls them off as quickly as he can. And on more than one occasion, I've washed gum, receipts and Kleenex left in his pockets. I ask him, "Do you ever check your pockets?" "Nope." "Even when you did your own laundry?" "Nope."
I don't mind doing his laundry because I have a nice washer and dryer as part of the bargain. But here's my question...how do they live without us?

My worst fear comes true

At the risk of using an overused news term, my worst fear has come true. When people asked me if I was worried about moving in with Mike, I told them I had just one concern--only having one bathroom. What if we both have to go at the same time? What if my Chinese food doesn't agree with me? What if I have to number two?
I never guessed we'd have this problem. For some reason, our bathroom door won't shut anymore. The fact that we have wind gusts from the lake ripping through the elevator shafts and through our apartment probably isn't helping. Last night, I couldn't hold it anymore, so I finally went. Mike thought it would be funny to sit on the couch and wave to me the whole time, letting me know he could see every move.
I exclaimed, "What am I going to do when I really have to go?"
He laughed and said, "Well, since you're not working, you can go anytime during the day."
Phew! One upside to unemployment.

Serenity now!

Big girls don't cry, but big boys apparently do. Did you see this sad face yesterday? It's Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the University of Florida. The team lost their game and therefore, their chances of winning a National Championship. I understand it's your senior year, but really Tim? Crying on national television? One blog is naming him the "2009 Crysmen Winner."

This makes me wonder why men take sports so seriously. When I watch the Buckeyes with Mike, he paces back and forth, screams until the dogs are hiding under the bed, counts to 10 to relieve his anxiety, and constantly repeats to himself, "Serenity now! Serenity now!"

I try to relate to his love of sports by comparing it to my love of shopping. But I can't make sense of it all. Here are some scenarios I'm imagining...
Salesman: "Unfortunately we don't have that in size 8."
Me: "No!" (begin wailing)

Macy's salesman: "I'm sorry ma'am, use can't use that coupon for clothes, shoes or purses.
Me: "No! Serenity now! Serenity now!"

Or when I discover the escalator isn't working in the 8-story Macy's.
Me: "Oh my god, what am I going to do?? Why does it have to be so hard? All I need is a new puffer jacket!!"

So really Tim Tebow, are you regretting the tears?

Don't do it!

My heart is racing. My palms are sweating. A big part of me is saying, "Don't do it!"
Is all of this angst for a job interview? Nope. (unfortunately.) A first date? (That would be a hard one to explain to Mike.) A presentation I have to give? (Again, no job interview indicates no job.)

No my friends, I am having a panic attack about shopping on Michigan Avenue in December. I have to get our niece something at the Disney Store which will be a hot mess of stressed parents, excited kids, confused tourists, and people dressed like Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.

Why, oh why didn't I buy the gift when I was at the tame mall in Canton, Ohio? Nope, I let my future sister-in-law convince me it would go on sale.

But most people love Michigan Avenue, right? You do until you live here. Then it becomes blatantly obvious that no one walks as quickly as you do. Families of 10 like to re-group about their shopping strategies in the middle of the sidewalk. And tourists just love stopping and taking pictures every couple of steps. Can you imagine when they get home? "Look, here's a picture of Nordstroms!" "And look, here's a picture of a homeless guy in front of Nordstroms!"

Wish me luck. If I'm not back in two hours, I'll likely be at the doctor's office getting a prescription for Xanax.

Is that a rat?

When I go on walks with my 4-pound black Chihuahua, Bailey, I get a lot of stares. Sometimes I think people believe I'm walking a cat. Or at night, I admit it, she might be mistaken for a rat. Especially in a city where rats are more common than Uggs. But do you think I want to hear that?
Several times, I've heard people snicker, and say, "Look, she's walking a rat!" Perhaps they don't think I can hear them, but I can.
This may seem funny to you, but for me, that's my child, so essentially you're saying my daughter looks like a rodent.
So Chihuahua owners all over the world, let's join together and demand respect for our little dogs! As they say in Beverly Hills Chihuahua, "They Might Be Tiny, But They Are Mighty!!

Burn, Baby Burn!

Have you ever put Hydrogen Peroxide in your eye? I did about 30 minutes ago, and trust me, you don't want to do it.
I've been having trouble with my current contact lens solution, so I tried another one that is better at removing proteins. Well, apparently I didn't read the fine print very well...

The first warning says, "Do not use a regular contact lens case with this solution. Use only the one provided." (Okay, I'm thinking it's just clever marketing to get me to use their product.)

The second warning says, "Do not remove lenses from case until at least 6 hours later." (No problem, I sleep for 10 hours these days!)

And the final warning says, "Do not rinse lenses with Clear Care prior to inserting lenses in your eyes." (Oops, guess I didn't read that far!)

So after screaming, thrashing around, and pulling the towel rack out of the wall, I finally got my contact out. But now with bloodshot eyes, I look like a drug user. Sheesh, you'd think it was a Monday.

Plee to Potential Employers

Dear Potential Employers,
I spent a lot of time and effort on my resume, so when you ask me to re-type all of my work experience, references and education, you're wasting my time. Maybe we could end this recession if we do more working, and less filling out useless information.
Thank you,
Jeannie

Tiger, what in the world is going on?

Have you followed this strange story involving Tiger Woods and his wife? He got into a car accident outside of his Florida home early Friday morning, and his wife smashed the back window to supposedly get him out. This came just a couple of days after a story came out that Tiger is having an affair. So far, he's remained pretty hush-hush, which I can assure you is the WRONG thing to do.
So Tiger, here's some free advice from a former media gal.

* First of all, don't lie to us. You think we're dumb enough to believe your wife was so worried about you, she smashed out the BACK window to get you out of the FRONT? There wasn't even enough damage to make the airbags deploy.

* Secondly, don't remain quiet about this. You're right, it's none of our business, but when you make millions every year because of us, you pretty much give up your right to remain silent. Harsh, but true. You can take solace in your Hawaiian mansion.

* Third, just fess up. We only want to know because you won't tell us. I remember trying to do a story on the city council which was not at all interesting. Then the city councilman avoided me and wouldn't return my calls, so suddenly all I wanted was that city council story. If the councilman had called me back, chances are I wouldn't have even done the story.

So Tiger, if you just admit what happened, we can all move on. And I guarantee by tomorrow, we'll be focused on Britney Spears.