Kitty Hawk, NC

Today we went to the beach.. it was quite chilly!
Very windy and cloudy.


Dave/Matty/TG

The boys attempted to surf


After a while we headed out for lunch…



TG/Dave/Matty/Bettes (in front)

TG and I dropped the boys off at the hotel and then went to Wal Mart. We needed to find sweatshirts because we were freezing! I hate “destination” clothing, but all they had in my size was neon colored “OUTER BANKS” sweatshirts. Ugh!

We all took naps in the afternoon.

That evening we were all scheduled to go to a party at Boo’s family beach house. When we met up in the hotel hall, Dave and Bettes were wearing the same outfit.


Took another cab to Boo/Bank’s beach house. There was tons of food and drink for all!


The Rev! (Matty)


TG


Matty/Bettes/Dave

We mainly sat out on the patio, but inside, there was quite a show going on.


When we got back to the hotel, we sat out on the patio for a while enjoying the ocean breeze.

Columbus > Kitty Hawk, NC

Boo/Banks Wedding Weekend - OBX

Didn’t get home until around midnight – still had to finish packing before I went to bed.

Slept for about 4 hours and got up to load up the Tahoe that we rented.
Also made Matty, Dave and I several samich’s for the trip. Dave had a “no stopping” rule in effect, so I had the entire day of menus planned out. (no liquids!)

On my way over to Dave’s, I had to stop to pick up a few things; including coffee for us.
I was about 10 mins ahead of schedule, so I decided to fuel up.

Dave and I had gotten the Tahoe in Dayton on Monday – only because the National Car Rental in Columbus sucks! They do not have any SUVs or mini-vans in their fleet.

So I was down about ¼ a tank, so why not top ‘er off before embarking on our 10 hour drive?

I stopped at a gas station in Grandview… panic ensued in mere seconds…

What the hell does that mean?
Is E85 mandatory or an option?

I called Dave and explained the snag in our perfect plan. Asked him to “Google” E85 to see what this all meant.

Made one more stop in Clintonville, hoping for E85… nope!

So I made my way over to Dave’s. When I walked in, I asked Matty what the verdict on E85 was? He had no idea what I was talking about.

Apparently, Dave didn’t ask Matty to ‘Google’ it as I had requested. So I may (or may not) of gotten a little cranky at this point.

Matty then “googled” it on his Blackberry and after a few minutes of research we concluded it was “optional”. Whew!

Loaded up their crap and we were ready to roll!


Seriously? 3 adults, 5 days and we fill up an entire Tahoe?

Well, I must admit, I tend to over pack. But everyone is always happy when I do. There were 9 custom made turkey samich’s, 9 chocolate muffins, 9 blueberry muffins, a loaf of punkin’ bread, loaf of banana bread, a bucket of fresh cut pineapple, apples, another bucket of grapes (from wrath), Baked Lays, and various other snacks.

Not to mention the case of Miller Lite on ice… and numerous other hotel room snacks (cut cheese, crackers, carrots, celery, peppers, veggie dip, chips, salsa…….)

Back to the trip….
“Linda”, my (sometimes) trusty GPS had us going on an unexpected route. Hmm… we got out the atlas to confirm she was not insane… Yah, I guess that way will work.


We were still inside Columbus city limits – on the south side – when I stated my first, “I hate you guys!”

I don’t even remember what prompted it – but believe me, I had earned it in matter of moments!


I think the stadium was in West Virginia – but I don’t remember what school it was.

Matty had made us several mix CDs…
As each song ended, we were giddy with anticipation to hear what the next classic hit would be….
“Teddy Bear” & “Phantom 309” by Red Sovine were some of the most obscure
“Eastbound and Down” and “Convoy” seemed really mainstream compared to the rest.

About 5 hours in, sleep deprived and giddy, I spotted a bumper sticker that was so stupid, I couldn’t stop laughing. I was giggling so hard, I couldn’t speak. Matty & Dave were to the point of being mad at me because I couldn’t explain why I was laughing. Every time I started to tell them, I would giggle more, cry and almost pee my pants!

Eventually, I was able to spit it out… “it’s a bra…. Of the confederate flag… and it says “Dixie Cups!”

They were like? Really? That is what you have been hyperventilating about for 15 minutes??!!

Because it was too stupid to be true, Dave swerved over to the right lane.. determined to slow down enough for the truck to pass us… took a few minutes, but we got the photo!


Yah… not worth it!

It was just one of those times where you are so delirious from sleep depravation and stress, that the stupidest thing becomes the most hilarious thing ever!

The boys encouraged me to snooze, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. The past week had been so stressful, I just couldn’t relax!

I tried taking in the sights of the scenery. Found some redeeming factors of West Virginia… smooth roads and beautiful landscapes…




Eventually made it into Virginia – wow – they have some nice rest areas!
It was my turn to drive… this did NOT go over well!
I could do NOTHING right!

After a couple hours, it was Matty’s turn. We spent a while in traffic – but the sights were nice…


We arrived to the hotel – about 11 hours into the trip. Not bad considering it was 10.5 hours of driving time!

Got all the stuff up to the room.

Grrr!!! Of course, I was not happy with the room.
Hilton Garden Inn’s are all the same. Mid-size fridge, decent microwave, couple of cabinets, large bathroom, decent size guest room. Not here!!
Everything was MUCH smaller!
I could tell, they compromised the size of the rooms to make room for more rooms on the beach.

Oh well – it is what it is!

Dave and I went out on the balcony for an ice cold beer. Matty had some other business to attend to…

Then he emerged!


I guess 11 hours in the car with Dave and I can do that to ya.

After all the mocking of my over packing – I was quickly vindicated once the boys cracked open the ICE COLD Miller Lite!

We got settled… Even though I had made all those samich's, I hadn’t really eaten all day, so I ordered room service. (I tend to not like what I packed)

Moments later, Bettes & TG called, they were in the house!

We went to their room and then I remembered I had ordered room service – so I bolted back to the room – where the server was waiting for me. I ate half my burger and then went back to their room. We eventually made it back to our room for beverages and snacks… and Bettes ended up finishing my dinner.



He also told us all about filling in for Roker on the Today Show. He had some really cool behind the scenes stories. The budget alone on that show is mind boggling!

Boo/Banks got in touch with us and wanted us to meet them and several others at some bar. We did, but only after I enforced my rule of taking a cab.

I am a stickler for NO DRINKING & DRIVING!
My friends find me a pain in the ass about this – but it is something I care about very much. To the point that I will pay for the cab if it ensures no one ends up in jail or dead.

While waiting for the cab, Dave & TG posed for their (now annual) Christmas card photo.


We met up with everyone at The Port of Call.



There was this super creepy guy that was leaning up against the wall the entire time… watching people dance. He was freaking us out!

I decided to take a photo of him to sell to Dateline NBC since it would only be a matter of time before they would need evidence of him stalking his prey.


On our way back to the hotel, Dave discovered our cab driver grew up in Columbus in a neighbordhood close to his. So he share lots of stories on how the area has since changed.

Long, but great day!

Columbus

Today I worked on the World Feed for CONCACAF Soccer.

It proved to be an interesting day as the entire production team spoke Spanish. They also set up the truck very differently that we do in the United States. So it was interesting to say the least.

I felt really bad for the camera guys though because the Director called their cameras in Spanish. Even though we all know 1-10 in Spanish, it still had to be hard for them.

Needless to say there was a bit of a language barrier all day – but for the most part, I think we got the job done.

They even had authentic Mexican catering. Ugh!

Worthington

Shhhh! Don’t tell Smokey, we celebrated his 1st birthday a day late.
Yesterday was his actual birthday, but with all the festivities surrounding the wedding, we decided to wait until today.

Auntie Nic got Smokey a new play perch… but neither he or Claude were very impressed.


They did however enjoy the birthday dinner – rotisserie chicken! They both go nuts as soon as you bring one into the house.


The cake was a big hit as well!



Can’t believe our kitten is all grown up!

Worthington

For the past several years, on the morning of July 4th, a group of us participated in the Colonial Hills 5K. It is the neighborhood where Dave and Melfi/Jess live. After the race, we gather at Dave’s house for a cookout and viewing of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Easting Contest on ESPN. After that, everyone leaves and it is nap time until whatever evening festivities we come up with. It has become a tradition.

However, this year, July 4th was Melf & Jess’ wedding day!

Dave was in the wedding so he headed over to the church early.

I met up with Roger & Matty at Dave’s house and the three of us went to the wedding together.





Jess looked amazing!
I have never seen anyone look so happy and not stop smiling for even a millisecond!



At the reception, I forgot to take photos of the coolest thing ever – grr!! I hate when I do that! Anyway, instead of having a cake there were cookies. Tons and tons of cookies. It is a tradition in the Melfi family. All the ladies of the family spend endless hours baking the most exquisite cookies imaginable for the wedding. I don’t’ remember the exact amount, but it was something like 120 dozen! There were even little bags for you to take some home. Such a neat idea and tradition!




Yes, I had issues with staying in my dress.

A great time was had by all! It was a very lovely reception and I am still amazed how Jess never stopped smiling!

Matty, Roger, Dave and I had a post reception gathering at Dave's. The boys watched episodes of "Cannon", I promptly fell asleep!

"WHO THREW OUT MY WINE??!"
That became quite the joke as when I woke up, someone had poured my wine down the drain. I was quite upset!

Another quote of the night...
"So he shot himself in the head twice and then his girlfriend?"

Columbus

Today is always a long day…. Have to be at Ch. 4 around noon to catch the shuttle downtown to Red, White & Boom!

Before we know it – “Boom Central” is kickin!






There is 2 hours of coverage leading up to “Boom” – which is a lot like a news show or even a pre-game show.

The most stressful part of the entire event it getting my “open” animation to sync up with the audio coming from the radio station. The music for “Boom” comes from a radio station, not the tv truck. So I am having to rely on our clocks matching their clocks so I can ‘roll’ the open of our show at exactly 10:00pm. If I am off by a second in either direction, my graphics don’t match the audio – which is bad.

And I nailed it for the third straight year :)

During the fireworks, there are no graphics. So I get to go outside and watch the fireworks and the freak show of people!


Then after the fireworks, we are back with a ‘post-game’ of sorts to talk about how awesome the fireworks were.


Around 11:45p or so, I ride on the bus with the talent back to the station. It typically takes an hour or so to make the 10 mile drive. Traffic is such a nightmare.

So that’s it. RWB is over for another year. Looking forward to the challenges that lie year for RWB 2010!


What did I miss….
The Melfi Pre-Wedding Cookout. Melf & Jess had their rehearsal dinner and out of town guests over tonight for a catered cook out. Am pretty bummed I missed that, but thankfully, I will be there for the big day tomorrow!

Columbus

Flew back to Columbus yesterday.
Was a quick turn around back to reality!

Today I had my “Red White & Boom” set day in downtown Columbus.

Red, White & Boom is the annual fireworks show in Columbus on July 3rd. It has been televised on the local NBC affiliate for many years now.

This is my 3rd year working on this project. I typically begin working on it in April and it builds up to these final days.

This project is very stressful for me, however, it also has become one of my most favorite! It brings me back to my “roots” – TV News and ultimately, Lyon Video. Without either I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Today – the area where “Boom Central” is set up looks like any other day for the area behind COSI.


But as the day progresses, so does the set up.


Here is a photo of one of my all-time favorite EIC’s… “Murdock”
(EIC = Engineer in Charge; the technician who runs the TV truck, repairs it, etc)


He has been a staple in my freelance career as I believe he was there on my first ever gig down at Ohio University.

Murdock is one of the best out there. He lives, breathes, and loves our industry.
He believes in me and that is something that is hard to find in our world.

Something about the life of a freelancer is whose number you have in your cell phone. When you have a problem with gear or a program, you rely on those friends and clients who can help you out in a pinch….. I always answer when Murdock calls…. And he does the same for me.

You bring him (or any EIC for that matter) a bucket of Starbucks coffee once in a while, and they know you care & appreciate them.

The EIC and E2 [ or maintenance person] (the EIC’s assistant) are the 2 most important and 2 most abused people on any show. They get nothing but complaints on what is NOT working,… never compliments on what IS working. And when you take step back and look at all a TV trick is –it’s amazing that it even can drive down the interstate, let alone put on a telecast!

On this show – there was also Doug – he is a genius in the making! Yes, he is a Full Sail grad, so there is some bias – but truly – he is a local Ohio boy and just ROCKS! There is no problem that he can not solve!

I met him while he was working at Nationwide Arena – and from there, he has become a legend!

Fort DeSoto, FL

An update on the Direct TV dish…
Uncle Hugh did get a signal on Friday night by placing the dish on the neighbor’s picnic table. However, someone moved into that site on Saturday, so we had to take it down. No more TV.

Since the weather was still bad, we had breakfast and packed it all up.

Before leaving, I took a few photos of the area at the back of our site.

To many, it just looks like a swamp.... to us, it is beautiful and hard to find anymore in The Sunshine State.

“Old Florida” as we like to call it….





At any moment a gator or moccasin could rise up and snatch your baby (or dog)! But thankfully, we didn’t have any babies and our dogs survived!

All-in-all, a disappointing trip as we didn’t get to do what we set out for – dive or snorkel!

However, we had a lot of quality time together as a family.

And got to share moments with Madison and Rizon that were precious. Rizon truly enjoyed this trip!

He is not in good health – so every day is bonus day with him. And it is rare that he is ever awake and knows what is going on around him…

This weekend – it was as if he was 2 years old again!

The whole time I kept saying, “It’s like Rizon is going to die next week… we will have this great weekend with him and have these memories to stick with us forever”

Fort DeSoto, FL

The boys again had middle of the night potty breaks which totally sucked! I know, they are more restless that usual due to the unknown noises of the campground, so I tried to be patient.

Again, bad weather.
We started out towards the boat and just as we were loading up, a storm rolled in. We decided to go back to the RV. A wise choice as it ended up being a nasty storm!

Very disappointed as today was really our last big day to go out to the reefs. Granted, they are artificial reefs, but we had never gone out to dive/snorkel on this coast. It was something we wanted to check out. We knew the sites were not going to be as fabulous as they are in the Keys, but, it was something new.

Instead, we spent the better part of the day cooped up in the RV playing “Apples to Apples”. Nothing like 5 adults and 2 dogs in a 10x10 square foot area for 6 hours!

In the late afternoon, we were able to get on the water. However, it was only in the back bay.


Shel – Nic - Ed

That evening we had a traditional camping dinner of burgers & dawgs!

Again, Madison & Rizon were angels while having to spend time outside being “one with nature”


Rizon


Madison

Later that night, we watched one of the Austin Powers movies. I don’t know which one it was… it was the first one I have ever seen (sad, but true)

Madison decided that the bed was for him – not grammy & grandpa. (my mom & dad)