Thank you Big Country

So here's the scoop. The big Country never ceases to amaze me. Our state and our nation is going through one of the most difficult economic times in recent memories, yet people got in their cars, braved the cold weather, to make a difference for people in need. Thanks to all of you we raised close to half a million pounds of food for The Food Bank of West Central Texas. So from all of us at Krbc thank you for making this the best Share Your Christmas ever! Because of your charity there will be less people in the Big Country wondering where their next meal will come from.

Big Country, We Need You

Let me take you back to this past Thursday. It's Thanksgiving, a couple of hours before the turkey comes out, and your belly starts to grumble. You simply can't wait until someone carves the thing and it ends up on your plate. Now take the feeling of hunger, couple it with intense fear and worry, and try and relive it, every single day. That's not just a once a year, two hours before the turkey timer goes off kind of thing for an astounding amount of people in are area. Hunger has become a dangerous reality.

To me one of the most disturbing aspects of life is the persistence of hunger. According to our local food banks website, around 50,000 people live in poverty and miss meals or experience hunger right here in the big country. That number was shocking to me.

But there is something so simple that we can do. On December 9th, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., come by the KRBC studios, and bring us a can of food. If you don't have one or can't find one, bring us a dollar. Whatever you can do to help those in need in the Big Country, please do it. There are too many families worried about where their next bite comes from, instead of where they will eat their Christmas ham.

Black Friday Deals

Black Friday is finally here! I listed some websites that preview the best holiday deals. Happy shopping.

Blackfriday.info
Bfads.net
black-friday.net
SlickDeals.net
FatWallet.com
SundaySaver.com
salesCircular.com
TGIBlackFriday.com
PriceSpider.com
BargainShare.com
Shipgooder.com
CouponCabin.com

Popcorn Was Flying Everywhere

So here's the scoop, Black Friday came a bit early for me this year. You know how you see those videos of people trampling each other going into stores to get the best deals? Well I didn't go shopping Sunday, and it wasn't the day after Thanksgiving. But there was almost a small riot at Century Theatres. Me, my mom, and one of our friends decided to go see the next chapter of the Twilight saga, "New Moon". We were probably about 25 people or so from the front of the line, so I wasn't really worried about finding a good seat. Come to find out, my mom was. As soon as they opened the doors to the theatre, the people in front of us casually moved their way inside to find seats. But once Patti Harris made her way in, she was on a mission. Next thing I knew, I heard my mom screaming at the top of her lungs, "GO LEFT? GO RIGHT? WHERE DO YOU WANT ME TO GO?" And our friend nervously said, "Uhhh, GO LEFT!" Then, my mom bolted for our chairs, popcorn flying everywhere, people looking on in fear. This sent the rest of the crowd into a panicked state. You should have seen all the "tweens" climbing over each other to get seats. My mom, all 5 foot of her, almost created a mob scene in Abilene. Say what you want, but we had the best seats in the house, and the movie was awesome. Post a comment and let me know what you guys thought of "New Moon". I am very excited to see "Eclipse".

It's My Bread and Butter

So here's the scoop. I can't dance. Not a lick. I've been to some clubs and dance halls in my day, and boy can I clear a room. You see most people think that all girls have rhythm, or at least know how to fake it. I have neither of those abilities. But there is one thing I can do to try and level the playing field on the dance floor. It's my move. It's my bread and butter. I'm talking about a move that changed the world of dancing forever. It's name...The Robot. I believe that The Robot needs to make a comeback. It's a dance craze that inspired a generation. And now I am doing my part, to pass on this epic move to a new generation. I am giving it to a new class, a new bunch that will bring The Robot back to the national spotlight. Take a look...

My nieces have got some pretty good moves, huh? I hope this could make you smile!

Casinos, Flames, and Fake Babies

So here’s the scoop…

I spent the weekend in Little Rock. My cousin was getting married, so my family and I decided to make the 8 hour drive to the Natural State. Well, it was supposed to be an 8 hour drive.

We left at 4 in the morning. My sister-in-law and I decided to take the first shift of driving, so Rob and my brother decided to catch up on some sleep. We figured it’s a pretty straight shot, so no one worried about getting there. A couple of hours later, the boys wake up, and take over the wheel. We pulled into a big city that we figured was Texarkana, except there was something peculiar about where we were. I think my brother summed it up best when he said, “I didn’t know there were casinos in Arkansas!” After purchasing three maps and some candy, we made our way from Shreveport, Louisiana to Little Rock, Arkansas. So we figured the wildness was behind us right? I mean, weddings are supposed to be calm and peaceful.

That’s when it happened. My grandma is the sweetest, most caring woman I know. She wouldn’t hurt a fly. She looks a lot younger than she really is. She also has great hair ladies. She takes great pride in it, and that’s why this next part is a little sad. The wedding was a beautiful ceremony, and was well lit with candles. To make a long story short, my grandma got too close to one of them. A section of her hair on the back of her head went up in flames! My aunt’s husband Jessie was quick to respond, and extinguished the fire quickly. She was fine, and in fact, was surprised that a young man was smacking the back of her head! So my grandma survives a hair fire, smooth sailing the rest of the way right?

That’s when it happened. My poor cousin is taking a high school home-economics class, and he was given the assignment of taking care of a baby doll that is supposed to simulate what being a teen parent is all about. I mean this baby doll was intense. It would cry if it needed changing, needed to be rocked, you name it. So there we are at the wedding, sitting close to the front of the church, next to a fake baby. But it wouldn’t be a big deal right?

Wrong. The baby cries in the middle of the vows. My cousin has to take the fake baby out of the church to rock it, and give it a bottle.

These stories are what make my family great. You never know what to expect, but you do know that it will make lasting memories.

Boo at the Zoo

I want to use "The Scoop" this week to send a quick thank you to all the parents of Abilene. I was very impressed with the turn out at Boo at the Zoo. Now by turn out I don't mean how many people were there (there were a ton, which was great!), I mean the costumes that I saw. Now it is certainly possible that a child can come with the idea to turn themselves into Mac N' Cheese, and then create a masterpiece of a costume by combining a yellow jumpsuit with giant noodles that stick to them. But my gut tells me that great parents were behind the fabulous costumes at Boo at the Zoo. Not to mention, the kids were so well behaved! On paper, the idea of handing out candy to kids at about 2 dozen locations among wild animals seems not only insane, but dangerous as well. But it was so much fun to see all the smiling faces, and watch the kids just let loose and have a great time. Boo at the Zoo is a great idea. It's safe, it's clean, it's really well run, and I know for a fact that all the people who volunteer their time to help with the event get much more in return than what they give. So thanks for making it another great year at the Zoo, and thanks to the parents for making it happen.

Farm livin' is the life for me

So here's the scoop, I just spent the weekend in Houston with some of my family and they suggested that we take the kids to a farm near their house. The Merkel girl inside of me who grew up in the country immediately thought of tractors, cows, and hay fields. But when we got there, I was completely shocked. The place was called Dewberry Farm. It was far more amusement park than West Texas farm. This place had it all. Pumpkin patches, pig races, hay rides, rubber duck races, petting zoos, corn cannons, pvc pipe slides (as uncomfortable as they sound), corn train rides, and even a zip line! As if you couldn't tell from the pictures, the kiddos had a phenominal time. If you are ever in a bad mood, or having a rough day, seeing a joyful kid will do the trick. It was awesome to see my nieces and nephews without a care in the world. They seemed so happy and free. I learned that we all need to find our "Dewberry Farm" in life. Whether it's cooking, shopping, reading a book, taking a walk, whatever it may be. Find what makes you feel like a kid again.

Gummy Bears and Windshields

So here's the scoop, have you ever had one of those days where you just can't seem to get it together? You know, those days where you tear up the entire house in search of a pencil when the darn thing was behind your ear the whole time. I seem to have days like that more often than not.

My most recent moment was when I was leaving Hobby Lobby on my dinner break. I was in my zone, I just found some great deals, I was munching on a bag of gummy bears and when I walked to the parking lot, I noticed something was wrong with my car. I put the candy on the ground and went to inspect. I had a crack in the windshield. Not really a big deal but I couldn't remember ever seeing it before.

Now, my windshield was a little dirty and the sunlight was hitting the window just right so I thought just maybe it was a dirt streak and I could clean it.
So I took my hand and gave it a go, to no avail. I picked up the gummy bear bag and slid it across the glass, again nothing. So without even thinking twice, I licked my hand and tried to clean the window. Gross I know. I think I even said that immediately after doing it. But I think we all have these little moments where we do things that we immediately say afterward, "not a good idea."

In the end, I should have just let it go and hopped in the car, and that is exactly what I did next. I hit the unlock button and went to open the door, but for some reason the door wouldn't open.

Come to find out...I was trying (and failing) to commit grand theft auto. It wasn't my car! I called my husband (again, not a good idea), and he hasn't stopped teasing me about it. One of those days I guess. At any rate, my windshield is fine. My dignity...not so much.

Downing Bolls

I just wanted to take some time to honor a co-worker who made me a better journalist, anchor, and person.

It has been an honor to work with Downing for the past four years at KRBC. With Downing what you see is what you get. The same person you have grown to love and welcomed into your home for over 20 years is the same guy we see whistling in the halls at work everyday. He has brought a level of professionalism and responsibility to this station that has made everyone around him strive to be better at what they do.

On a personal level, I know I wouldn't be a news anchor without Downing. I started working at KRBC when I was younger, and always wanted to deliver the news to Abilene and the Big Country. Downing took me under his wing, gave me the guidance and push I needed to make my dream a reality. Downing would of course never take the credit for helping me, so I wanted to say thank you here.

Downing, thanks for the laughs. Thanks for being the walking encyclopedia. Thanks for making sure that all of us were happy. Thanks for being our guide, and our friend. But most importantly, thanks for being you.

Dog + Vinyl Interior = Big Trouble!

So here's the scoop, I got a new car recently. I love it. I try not to even let my husband ride in it if I can help it (just kidding honey). So when I took my dog Maggie for a ride in it, I took all the necessary precautions to avoid catastrophe. I brought a towel for her to sit on in the passenger seat. I even loaded up on paper towels and cleaning supplies in case of emergency. It was all for naught.
I went shopping and found some fantastic deals (can I hear it from all the clearance rack ladies out there?). And so when I got back, I had an arm full of clothes to bring in. I called Rob to come out to the car and help me unload everything, and that's when it all went down.
I could see it in Maggie's eyes. It was a combination of fear, and maybe a little bit of rebellion. As you can see from the picture, our puppy has a flat out mean streak. To make a long story short, she had an accident and now I need help getting it out of my upholstery. Can anybody help out there?

Welcome to the Scoop

So here's the scoop, for those that don't know me just yet I want to give you a better insight as to who I am. I have been with the KRBC family for almost four years now and I have worked in a number of positions. You may have seen me in the mornings on Abilene Today, or for the last few months on First At Five with Randy Turner. Now I'm taking on a new challenge and moving to the evening shift and I couldn't be more excited! I have always been a night owl so this new shift fits me perfectly. (I'm the type of person who is still sitting on the couch with a chocolate bar well after Conan goes off the air). I don't know why but since I was little, I always enjoyed staying up late. My husband on the other hand is the complete opposite.I will be carrying on a conversation with him and the second the dude hits the pillow he is out like a light! If he snored, we would have a major problem.

Speaking of my husband, if you start following my blog you are going to hear a lot about him. There are a few ways that I would describe him..laid back, always puts his family first, loves sports and is a Disney fanatic! It's strange when we go to Disneyland and he stumps the park employees with Disneyland trivia. I can't decide if it is cute or completely embarrassing. Yep, that pretty much sums him up in a nut shell. He is actually on the couch right now watching Sunday night football. I made it through the first five hours but I pretty much zoned out after the Cowboys game finished. Whenever he says, "Honey, I am going to watch the game...", I always think he means just that one game. I think that if you are married to a big sports fan you know that they mean all day and night! It was a good run from January until now, but my husband is MIA until the Superbowl.

As for a little more about me, I grew up in the area. I went to school fifteen minutes from here and lived out in the country with my parents and brother. He is married and has a little boy. One of my favorite things to do is babysit my nephew. (he's the cute one in the picture playing in the water) And one of his favorite things is when I bring him the latest Lightning McQueen toys. My family is very important to me, and we have always been a very tight knit bunch.

Abilene is my home and I am so proud to be representing the viewers of the Big Country for KRBC. We will continue to bring the most cutting edge newscast to you each and every night, and I will always bring you the latest "scoop" in my life in this blog. If by "scoop" you mean things like: who I want to win the "Biggest Loser"(whoever Jillian trains), or what my favorite fried food is at the fair (fried Oreos), or why my husband refuses to take out the trash in a timely manner (because he loves to play what he calls "Trash Jenga"). This blog is going to be a lot of fun for me and I hope it is for you too.