Saying farewell to familiar faces

I’ve enjoyed watching NBC4 for years. It’s the only local news station that I watch just about every day and because I’ve watched it for so long, I feel as though I personally know many of the on-air personalities. Unfortunately, NBC4 has decided that it's time to bring new blood into the mix and has begun to restructure the station. This restructuring has resulted in the laying off of many of the personalities that I have enjoyed watching over so many years. Some of the lay offs have already occurred while others will not go into effect until their contracts expire in March. My favorites, Jim Vance and Doreen Gentzler, are safe (for now), but I’ll miss the folks who have informed and entertained me over the years.

So long:

Susan Kidd – I had the pleasure of meeting you at an NBC4 sponsored Health and Fitness Expo many, many years ago. I remember that you looked slimmer and prettier in person. I’m sorry to see you go. You will be missed.

Arch Campbell – Hey Arch! I remember hearing your whacky laughter during the movie "Primal Fear". Even though I thought you were laughing during parts of the movie that were NOT funny, I was so excited that YOU were in the movie audience with me. Afterwards I went straight home to see your review, expecting it to air that night. (Yeah, I was young and dumb and the time). I caught your review a few days later. Anyway, I think you’re the best. I will definitely miss you.

George Michael – George! What am I going to do without my Jim Vance, Doreen Gentzler, and George Michael team? I read that you chose to leave instead of seeing members of your sports staff get the boot. I respect that. I’m glad that I will still get to see you do the Redskins Report.

Other familiar faces who are leaving or who have left include:

I.J. Hudson - Technology Reporter
Wally Bruckner - Sportscaster
Clay Anderson - Weatherman

Happy Birthday, Dad

The studly man in this picture is my dad at about 20 years of age. He hasn't changed much in 39 years. Still handsome and studly as ever!

Happy 59th Birthday, Dad!

Getting my Valentine's Day plans in early

I'm definitely reserving part of my Valentine's Day weekend to see this!

Maybe snoring really isn't so bad

A couple weeks ago I made my second trip to the sleep center to undergo another sleep study. This second study was different from the first. My first test was done to see if my loud snoring is caused by sleep apnea. I had slept at the center overnight hooked up to a bunch of electrodes that were connected to my head, face, chest, finger and legs. Following the test it was determined that I had mild sleep apnea. The second test was performed to determine how much air pressure would be needed to correct the sleep apnea. This test was called a CPAP (or continuous positive airway pressure) titration. Like the test before, I had to sleep overnight at the center while connected to a bunch of electrodes. However, what was different this time was that I had a mask over my nose that was connected to a hose and a machine that blew a steady stream of air into my nose, sort of like a vacuum in reverse (see image).

NOW, PEOPLE, IMAGINE BREATHING IN AND OUT THROUGH YOUR NOSE WHILE AIR IS BLOWING INTO YOUR NOSE (with a mask attached to your face and electrodes connected all over your body). NOW TRY TO IMAGINE SLEEPING LIKE THIS. NOW TRY TO IMAGINE THE EVIL TECHNICIAN IN THE NEXT ROOM SLOWLY INCREASING THE AIR PRESSURE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT WHILE YOUR TRYING TO SLEEP LIKE THIS. Can you imagine this? I can because that was my reality and let me tell you, folks, I'd rather snore because I've just discovered a new form of torture.

Ok, I'm exaggerating... a little.

But it was one of the worst night's sleep I've ever had and I did at one point during the night wake up gasping for breath and feeling as though I couldn't breathe. The technician immediately stopped the air, gave me a chance to get myself together (because I was freaked!), and then started the process over again... Fun, fun.

I learned later that reactions to this test vary widely. Some patients get headaches, some get nasal congestion (I got this too), some get nauseous, and some have to stop the test altogether because they're too uncomfortable. The unlucky folks who can't finish the test have to get a prescription for a sedative and come back later to take the test. My test results were a little fuzzy after my freaking out episode, so I may be one of those unlucky people who have to come back and take the test again. I pray this doesn't happen because I might have to tell my doctor that I'll just continue to snore... Just kidding.

Oh yeah, Derrick told me a few days after my test that he had had his BEST night of sleep while I was in the hospital having my WORST night of sleep. Ain't that something?! My snoring is out of control! Wait until he finds out I have to sleep every night with that contraption on my face. He'll REALLY lose sleep then.

So not sexy!

Why I'm a fan of Gilmore Girls

It's Tuesday night and I'm spending it how I often do, in front of the television watching the Gilmore Girls (tonight's a rerun). Derrick absolutely hates this show and can't understand how I can relate to the lily white mother/daughter team from Connecticut. He immediately leaves the room as soon as the show comes on. I guess I like it because it reminds me of my one semester domestic exchange experience at Wellesley College many moons ago. But you know what? I don't care if he doesn't like it. I still like to watch the show, even though I must admit it's taken a nose dive lately ever since Lorelai decided to break off her engagement with Luke. I'm also not a big fan of Logan (Rory, he's a CHEATER!!) but I've still managed to remain a fan of the show.

When I watch this show, I can't help but wonder if one day I'll have a daughter and we'll have as close a relationship as the one the characters portray on this show (although it's probably highly unlikely seeing as how I'll be an old mama [I'm 34!], and the mom on the show became a mom at 16, and oh yeah, the story is FICTION!!!).

Sigh...

Anyway, am I the only black woman on the planet (other than my mother) who actually likes this show? I know I can't be the only one. Can I?