Happy Monday!

I love your comments about nicknames and the reasons for yours. Very funny. Thanks for posting and emailing!

I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do after being away from work for a week. I'll save you the details of my time off and instead share about some fun from the past few days.


Friday night Michael and I had the honor of acting as Masters of Ceremonies for an event organized by the Iowa Historical Foundation. The featured speaker was Barry Landau, author of "The President's Table." Here's what Harper Collins writes about him:

"Barry H. Landau is a presidential historian and one of the foremost
collectors of presidential memorabilia and artifacts. He has served eight
Presidents and worked with every White House since Lyndon Johnson's planning
historic events. The late Arthur Schlesinger, quoted on Landau's recent book,
The President's Table, said that “Landau weaves these previously missing links
of Presidential history, into a fascinating tapestry and narrative of
Presidential lore. The Washington Post wrote, Landau's “connections that bridge
the world of politics, entertainment and theatre”….and built a network of the
powerful and famous, creating a niche as a liaison between the world of politics
and entertainment.”

Barry is a fascinating guy and we had a ball at the event, which featured the favorite foods and drinks of past President's, and a wonderful crowd including Iowa Governors Ray, Branstad and Vilsack and their wives.
For more information on Barry and his book visit www.barrylandau.com. For more information on the Historical Foundation click www.iowahistory.org.

Saturday was a pretty laid back day. Football in the morning, some shopping (for me) in the afternoon, an early dinner and movie watching at night. Perfect. Plus, my Huskers won again!

The highlight of Sunday was Michael making chili. Yuuuuuum. What's your favorite food on a cold, blustery day? In addition to chili I love any kind of soup, mac & cheese, and tator tot casserole. I have to admit, I'm not looking forward to winter after last year, but I do love the changing of the seasons and what each one brings. Here's to comfort food!Finally, today is our anniversary. Seven years. It's flown by so fast, I can hardly believe it. Everyone keeps joking to Michael and me about one of two things. The first being the seven year itch, the other that once you've made it to the seven year mark, you're home free. I don't know anything about either, but I feel lucky. I hope you do to - for the good things in your life.


Have a great week!

EEK

Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

A Random Thoughts Edition

Happy Monday!

I have nothing to report about my weekend. Frankly, that's kind of nice. It was relaxing and included quality time with Michael so it's all good.

Since I don't have any "happenings" to blog about, I've decided to clean out some of the random stuff rolling around in my brain.

I am trying desperately to keep the faith when it comes to my Huskers. I have no idea what will happen this Saturday when we face Iowa State. I just hope both teams play well. At this point, that's quite a bit to ask for!

Do you have a nickname? I've had several. Zeke, Ernie, Moody, MooBar, Goof, EEK, Kiernie. What's yours? How did you get it? Do you like it?

I keep thinking I should be keeping a journal. I did years ago, but haven't written in one for ages. I tried starting up again a few months ago but I felt like so much time had passed that it was futile.

I got my hair cut on Saturday. I always fall asleep in the chair. In my opinion, having someone else wash, cut and style your hair is one of the most relaxing things on the planet. I guess it also speaks to my absolute faith in my stylist!

Happy babies and toddlers are some of the best therapy on the planet. A few months ago Sonya found a site with videos of laughing babies. We sat here in the newsroom cracking up for at least thirty minutes. Do a search on You Tube, I guarantee you'll find some laughing baby videos. You'll be laughing, and you'll feel a lot better about the world.

I keep entering the Publishers Clearinghouse drawing. I don't know why. I started getting the emails years ago and now I'm practically addicted to following the prompts and submitting my entry. Every time I move my cursor toward "delete" I think, "What if?" What would you do with millions of dollars? How would you react if that dude showed up at your door with the flowers and balloons and a gigantic check? I'm a dance around and scream my head off kind of girl.

Since I haven't had Publishers Clearinghouse show up at my door, I need to get my rear in gear and work on 10 o'clock scripts.

Have a great week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

NAMI... A beautiful day ... Good times at The Greenwood

Happy Monday blog readers!
I hope you had a good weekend.
Mine was great, starting with NAMI Walks on Saturday morning.

The first walkers started arriving at Water Works park bright and early. I know I can speak for the organizers of any event like this when I tell you that the hours right before the start are extremely unnerving. You worry that all the details aren't ironed out, that you've forgotten something terribly important, that people won't show up. It's a lot of work and a lot of worry!

I'm happy to report that everything was PERFECT, thanks to Walk Manager Jay Brewer (he's on the right, looking like a manager with that clipboard). Also on hand to welcome walkers - my hubby and his city council colleague, Christine Hensley. If you couldn't join us on Saturday, but you'd like to get involved, visit www.namiiowa.com. And if you'd like to see the really nice story Dan Winters did on Saturday check out the WHO-TV homepage and click "Walk for Mental Illness" in the video player.

What a gorgeous day we had on Saturday! It prompted Sonya and me to make a date for some patio time that afternoon. Here we are at Star Bar. Sigh. I think we all agree that these days of warmth and sunshine are precious because we know they are numbered. Thinking about winter makes me feel sick. So, let's not. Both Steve and Michael joined us for our outing, one that lasted a lot longer than any of us anticipated.

We are blaming The Greenwood for our long night. The place was celebrating its 70th anniversary and we couldn't miss such a milestone! Steve and Sonya are feeling the love...

While Sonya's threatening Michael with pain. Don't ... mess ... with ... Sonya!

We had a blast, and though this picture might imply otherwise, no one got hurt. :)

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

EEK

Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com