In Search Of Sunshine

Portland woke up to grey skies and drizzle Monday morning. Great timing for everyone who has a normal work schedule-bad timing for me. Monday is my Saturday! It was time to seek out some vitamin D-and I found just what I was looking for on Mt. Hood.

My first air show!

About three weeks ago, my boss approached me and asked if I'd be willing to go up in a fighter jet for a story. My initial response was-SURE! Then, I remembered I can't even stomach a rollercoaster ride :) So...to prevent a TV story filled with gagging, barfing and an unconscious reporter-our weekend sports anchor flew with The Patriot Jet Team at The Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro- I watched from the ground. Man, did they put on an impressive show!
The picture above is me, Bruce Sussman (chief meteorologist), Carly Kennelly (morning traffic reporter) and Ken Boddie (weekend anchor) at the air show's Koin booth.

Thank you so much!

I am so lucky to have the support of my family. Moving is never easy. At first, everything seems foreign and at times scary-but these four people have always been there. Thanks, guys!

Exploring the Columbia River Gorge

People have told me over and over again-the best thing about Portland is how close it is to everything-the coast, the mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. Two weekends ago, I decided it was time to explore the Gorge!

My little slice of heaven

Is there anywhere more relaxing than the Oregon Coast? I've been to Cannon Beach two times in the past month. My mom came with me the second time. From walking the beach, to shopping and eating out-it is a little slice of heaven. I have a few recommendations-Crepe Neptune (incredible! melt in your mouth savory crepes) and Purple Moon Boutique (they serve wine, beer and mixed drinks as you shop-and they have darling clothes to boot!)

Fabio swept me off my feet!

I had no idea this would happen when I walked into work earlier this month! HA! Fabio was at KOIN for a promotional shoot in early August. Here's a link to his weather forecast-gotta love the wind in his hair-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrfiPm9JM4A
After he shot that forecast he came out into the newsroom. I walked up and asked if I could have a picture with him and he said (with his little accent) "I can do you one better," and with that he literally swept me off my feet. What a riot. It got a little awkward when my coworker couldn't figure out how to use my camera-so I just sat there, in his arms, getting a good whiff of Old Spice.

A summer of big changes

Goodbye Spokane, Hello Portland! In May, I was thrilled to accept a job at KOIN in Portland. When I started in the TV business about seven years ago, Portland and Seattle were the markets I dreamed of one day working in-it's unbelievable to me that this day has come. I feel so blessed. Even though the move is exciting-I left wonderful friends and incredible memories in Spokane (the picture above is my last day at KXLY). Having spent three years there, I finally felt settled and truly happy. I think that's one of the hardest parts about the TV business-moving. It was hard moving from college to my first job in Idaho Falls (KIFI). It was even harder moving from Idaho Falls to Spokane (KXLY). I started at KOIN on July 5th. So far, Portland has been great-but it's been a whirlwind--Learning new weather equipment, newsroom software, finding a hair dresser, a doctor, a dentist, a gym, oh and of course-a social life! One thing that I really enjoy is exploring. I get in my car and drive. It helps me decompress and relax-and I love to know firsthand about the cities I'm forecasting for and reporting on. I've never been very good about blogging-but I hope to keep this one up to date with my adventures around Oregon. So bare with me-and thanks for reading!