Ok guys sooo I don’t want to do the scary story anymore, because lately my mind has been playing tricks on me. I do believe in evil spirits, so I’ll stay away from that story for a while..

But here’s a new story, I wrote this a LONG time ago, so are you ready?? I’ll post a new page every Friday.  This story is called “Torn” by Sharia Davis..

Chapter 1: The Wedding

Finally it’s my wedding day.  I never thought this day would happen and I never thought I would be this nervous, I hope I’m doing the right thing.  I checked my reflection in the mirror, making sure everything fit just the way it was supposed to. The pure silk of the gown enhanced my complexion perfectly, its flattering pearl-scattered cowl neck flowing round to a v-shaped back. The pearl bodice was cut across my chest giving a seductive hint at the bounty they concealed, the capped sleeves flowed in smooth folds down my arms where they tapered off into my kid skin gloves. The body of the dress ran in smooth lines down my body, hugging in just the right places, no one would be able to tell just by looking that I had to send it back three times for alterations, which was risky on its own since it was a classic Christiana Couture shipped specially from England.

“Lee you look beautiful,” my best friend noticed.

“Thanks Paula.”

I can always trust Paula’s opinions.  She’s always blatantly honest with them and never seems to censor them, which at times is a blessing and curse. We’ve been good friends since high school, being a couple of months older than I am, her appearance would suggest otherwise. Married with four little ones of her own, she has a spunk and personality that’s rife with humor. I suppose it has to be given the man she’s married to.

“Lee, see I told you it would happen and you never believed me.  Remember, patience is a virtue,” she said with a smirk, while fastening her bridesmaid dress.

I smiled at her humor.

“I’m glad you finally came around on the dress,” I said looking at her in the mirror.

Paula looked down at herself and grimaced.

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That’s it.. see ya next week!

You can be part of a volunteer nationwide precipitation observing network. Volunteers are wanted for CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. As part of the network, you will report rain, snow and even hail.

Weather buffs of all ages and backgrounds can join a rapidly growing network of volunteer weather observers across the country. No experience is necessary. By joining and participating, you will play an active role in meteorological reporting and research. The only equipment necessary is a rain gage in your backyard. If you want to measure snow, you will need is a yardstick.

All correspondence, data collection and training will be done on-line through the CoCoRaHS web site – www.cocorahs.org. Tables and maps of the precipitation in each state are available for all to view online.

The only equipment needed is a 4″ cylindrical rain gauge available from the network. In order for reports to be consistent, the use of a 4″ rain gage is mandatory. A gage can be purchased for about $25 (plus shipping) through the web site. Many commercial weather supply companies also sell the 4″ rain gage.  A yardstick should be used to measure snow depth. If you have questions, you can email your regional coordinator.

TRAINING
All training should be done on-line click here but in addition there is live local training scheduled. Come meet other CoCoRaHS observers and see some demonstrations and training slides and instructions!

Northwest Ohio, Thursday, November 5th at 7 PM.
Perrysburg Township Fire Department
26609 Lime City Road
Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
From I-75, head east on Fremont Pike, U.S. Route 20/23. After about 2 miles turn
left onto Lime City Road. After about a quarter mile, the station is on the left.

Northeast Ohio, Monday, November 9th at 7 PM.
Brecksville Community Center
1 Community Drive
Brecksville, Ohio 44141-2326
From I-77, exit onto Route 82 east. Turn right (south) onto Brecksville Road,
Route 21, then after about 0.3 miles turn left onto Community Drive.

Click here to be a CoCoRaHS Observer.

Click here to view to CoCoRaHS Page of Ohio.

With my husband decided to open a restaurant October 1st, I feel like our family has missed out on Fall.  I love taking part in all the activities of the season, like hitting up the apple orchard, going to the fall festivals around town and taking my daughter to Boo at the Zoo.

We did get to one fall festival in Whitehouse, and this weekend we went to Levis Commons so my daughter could trick-or-treat and take a hay ride.  I’m glad we could do a couple things and there is always next year.  

Here are a few pictures I snapped this weekend at Levis Commons Fall Festival.

My how the time flies. I cannot believe it is already the end of October. It seems like yesterday we were filling up the baby pool and creating a backyard oasis and now, suddenly, I’m in the market for a winter coat.

Despite my constant craving for sun, I’m actually excited for the onset of colder temperatures and (maybe) a little snow. Yes, I know I’ve been known to complain about being bombarded by holidays months before they arrive – but I am really starting to get excited for Christmas.

I purchased my first two gifts over the weekend. (Thank you Disney Store.) I plan to do much more in November when I spend the weekend in Columbus. My husband will be in continuing education classes at the State Chiropractic Convention which means I will be free to wander store to store and burn up my credit cards.

Of course, I will always have a couple of people who are impossible to shop for. I can usually count on local artists or unique boutiques for those gifts. If you have any suggests, be sure to pass them along. Any ideas I get I’ll be sure to post right here.

Okay Toledo. Tears are no stranger to me these past few weeks. It’s very hard to leave FOX Toledo…I have enjoyed my two years here so much! Thank you to everyone who supported me; I felt love all over this town. I made a video documenting some of my favorite moments as the Face…I hope you enjoy it!

I will miss you more than you know!!!!

Another day, another fantasy sport.

Yea, as if there wasn’t already enough, right?  Baseball just finished.  Football’s a beast.  Hockey just started.  And now, basketball is upon us.

Honestly, this was the first year I didn’t have the time to do a pre-ranking for my two drafts, and then one of them autodrafted and for the other one, my computer bugged out enough that it pretty much autodrafted too.

So now’s the time to give up, right?  Not so fast.  Now’s the time to REALLY scour the stats and take advantage of some undrafted gems. (more…)

Maybe you’re a natural in knowing what to wear and how to accessorize. If so, feel fortunate.

Most, including me, are not.

That’s why you need a clothing buddy. A close friend, relative or spouse who’s allowed to tell you, “Those pants are not flattering.” or “You really should wear the coral, not the pastel green.”

You have to have enough trust in this person to know that they know what they’re talking about, and snipping at them with a defensive comment is not allowed. It’ll make them hesitant to tell you the truth next time. You don’t want that.

One of my clothing buddies is a fellow female reporter here at Fox Toledo. She’s always ready with an honest opinion. She’s stopped me from buying some things that probably would have been fashion mistakes. She’s told me when I look my best, so I can learn from those choices and try to repeat what’s good.

I have an event to go to Sunday, a fundraiser for the Anne Grady Center, a home in Lucas County for people who are developmentally disabled. It’s a fairly dressy event. I’m planning to wear a long black velvet dress, but had no solid idea what to do with shoes and jewelry. Just a few minutes ago I showed a picture of the dress to my clothing buddy. She had instant suggestions of items already in my wardrobe which would work.

Thank you clothing buddy. You’re so much better that those high-priced Hollywood stylists. And Buddy, keep wearing the jewel tones, they flatter your hair and skin.

Check out my day at the Toledo Zoo!!!

Matiffa=my mom’s nickname for me=”my-tiffa”

son=like daniel son from the Karate Kid

WHOSA=kick butt!

(more…)

It’s been awhile since I last blogged. There’s been so much going on.

Nick and I came back from a short trip to Arizona this week. His twin brother lives there. It was so nice to get away for awhile and soak up some 80 degree weather for a bit! It was hard to leave our two-year old behind with her grandparents, but at the same time, that might be the last time we’re able to get away for awhile with another one on the way!

Speaking of the new one on the way, Nick and I nervously went for an ultrasound Friday afternoon. Of course our first concern was that the baby was healthy and growing appropriately, but our next hope was that the ultrasound would show a boy. Now, we didn’t find out for our daughter, but that was torture for Nick not knowing the first time around, so I let him have his way this time.

I was worried that finding out might take some of the “magic” away from finding out at the time of birth, but finding out this time at the ultrasound, with our daughter right there with us, was still very “magical.” When the nurse quickly said boy, Nick shot up from his chair, while I asked, “How sure are you?”  When she confirmed she was very sure, Nick and I burst into tears!

We feel unbelievably blessed to have our precious little girl, and now a handsome little guy still growing healthy and happy inside. With about four months to go until his arrival, the nesting phase has officially begun. Nick kindly bought me a new Hoover vacuum to assist! I love it! I’ve been battling dirt like a warrior… I feel like Rambo as I switch from one vac attachment to the next… breaking no cleaning stride. Bugs, cobwebs, dust, and dirt, you have not a chance against me and my new Hoover!!!

As I sit here in my office, I’m noticing all the cleaning that I can accomplish in here! Hope I’ve caught you up! Now it’s time to put the cleaning war paint back on and switch on the Hoover…