"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:50:00 GMT

I love fall.  I love the colors, the crispness in the air, the clarity of the sky, the "golden light" in the late afternoon.  I love fall break from classes when my boys are home and the family is together.  I love that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

We are fortunate enough to have a cabin in the North Georgia Mountains, that we get to as often as possible (particularly at this time of the year).  One of the most precious parts of our life up there is the pace.  Of course, there's not much traffic, or work to deal with.  But when we're there, we take time to just "be."  I read out on the porch a lot, or just sit there looking at the leaves blowing in the trees, or the stars---the stars at night---at least a million of them.  It's amazing.

When Sunday afternoon comes around, I must admit, it's sometimes hard to get in the car and come back to our real home and our real life.  But then I realize that all of our regular life is part of the plan.  Let's be honest... it helps pay for our mountain home.  But it also makes us appreciate the good jobs that my husband and I have had---jobs that we have loved for a long time, in a city we've called home for 27 years.  

I like to think i count my blessings regularly.  But I must admit...it's even easier in the fall.

"To Whom Much is Given...."

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:10:00 GMT

   "To whom much is given, much is expected...."   You've probably heard that phrase or something like it.  It is the saying by which my friend, Chris Glavine, lives her life.  She is the host of the "Tribute to Our Quiet Heroes" luncheon, and she is the wife of Braves Pitcher Tom Glavine.  She is also a crusader in the fight against childhood cancer.  The "Quiet Heroes" luncheon was her idea----an afternoon to honor the moms of kids who have or had cancer.  Chris has four beautiful, healthy children.  But she knows moms who have lost their children to cancer, and Chris simply can't stand by and do nothing.  Over the four years of this event, more than a million dollars has been raised for pediatric cancer research.  Chris fully believes childhood cancer can be cured in our lifetime.  She has made believers of so many of us---myself included.  

An Amazing Saturday Afternoon

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:38:00 GMT

   I spent an amazing afternoon this past Saturday with 530 of my closest friends.  It was the annual "Tribute to Our Heroes" luncheon, which honors the moms of children who have or had cancer.  It's a fundraiser for CURE Childhood Cancer, and it has become one of my favorite days of the entire year.

   For those of you who don't know, our son, Matt, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three.  He's now 21, a senior in college, and thankfully, very healthy.  So many people were tremendous helps along our journey through childhood cancer.  One of the ways I have pledged to "give back" is to help other moms, the way they helped me.  Just having someone to talk with, someone else in a similar situation, made such a difference.

   I met Kristin Connor when her son Brandon was diagnosed with cancer.  Brandon had a somewhat miraculous recovery from a devastating form of cancer.  Kristin then left her job as an attorney and went to work full time for CURE.  She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met, and she is the reason that CURE and this luncheon have my heart.

   There are so many amazing stories and women associated with this event.  More blogs to come in the next few days.

   Thanks for checking in.

    Jill

Curious about what really matters to me...

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:01:00 GMT

   If I'm fortunate enough to have had you as a viewer over the 27 years I've lived and worked in Atlanta, you have no doubt heard me talk about my family.  Both our boys were born here---here are some pictures of the gang to go along with my stories.

 Our oldest son, Greg, graduated from Troy University in May of this year, with a degree in Journalism.  He's working as sports editor at the Dekalb Neighbor Newspaper.  He just turned 23, and is enjoying being back in the big city after four years (albeit good ones) in the tiny town of Troy, Alabama.

   Matt is 21, and entering his senior year at Appalachian State University.  He's majoring in Music Industry, is a member of the classical guitar ensemble and the bass player in a band called "do it to julia."  They signed earlier this year with Split Rail Records and have a CD coming out this month.

   Our German Shepherd is Jessie....10 years old and smart and sweet as can be.  The picture shows her in younger days---no jumping left in her, but a great old dog.

   My sweet husband, John and I have been married 27 years.  What a catch I made all those years ago.  I call him my gift from God.  Actually, I could say that about everyone described above.

   So this is what's really important to me.  I'm really curious to know what's important to you---especially when it comes to our morning newscasts.  Drop a line when you can. 

I'm not blog worthy!!!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:29:00 GMT

Hello again.  It's been a while since I blogged.  Truth is, I seldom feel the subjects that come to mind for me to blog about would be of much interest to you all out there.  My kids tell me I'm missing the point---I don't have to save the world with my blog...so here goes.  A couple of things....We've moved from our old newsroom into a new one in a new building, and in spite of my many years in this business, I find it remarkably invigorating and challenging, in a good way.  I heartily suggest that if you are feeling set in your ways, you do something to "mix it up."  It's good for the mental state.

One other thing....the other morning on 11Alive news today, my co anchor, Karyn and I, showed up in the same very bright yellow.  It was purely by chance....sometimes those things happen.  In fact, it happened again today! (Fushia this time).  Several folks commented by email, objecting to us coordinating outfits.  Believe me when I say, that's not the case.  We talk about a lot of things, but not what we're going to wear the next day.  

That's it for now----I'll write again soon(er)...