Laughing so hard you cry... Ouch!... Never was a baller

Happy Tuesday - what glorious weather! I didn't have a chance to get out and enjoy it the way I would've liked, but I hope you did.

Laughing so hard you cry (or pee)
I've been thinking a lot about the power of laughter after last Friday. Sonya and I were positively goofy by the time the five o'clock news rolled around and we had various bouts of laughing so hard we were literally crying (not good when you have to wear as much makeup as we do for work) and almost peeing. It was fantastic. Here's what an article on WebMD has to say about the benefits of laughing:

We change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues.
People who believe in the benefits of laughter say it can be like a mild workout -- and may offer some of the same advantages as a workout.
"The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar," says Wilson. "Combining laughter and movement, like waving your arms, is a great way to boost your heart rate."
One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took ten minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter.

Here's the article in it's entirety, in case you're interested:
http://women.webmd.com/guide/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter

Ouch!!!!
It makes sense to me that the effects of laughter and exercise are similar. Before our bouts of hilarity, we'd spent about two hours working out with personal trainer Angie Gallagher. She always comes up with unique ways to push us to our limits (wait until you see the Dixie cup workout!) and we leave feeling absolutely spent. We also leave feeling energized. Friday we left with our quads and biceps burning, which continued through the weekend! If you're interested in trying a workout with Angie, check out her website:
http://www.fitnesswithangie.net/

Never was a baller
We're in the thick of tournament time. As I watched the high school girls last week I was remembering how terrible I was at basketball. Frankly, I wasn't really great at any sports. The only reason I ever saw playing time is because I grew up in a small town. If I'd attended schools the size of Ankeny or Southeast Polk I would have been the water girl or statistician. Anyway - back to basketball. I tried playing and I tried to make myself like it. A lot of my friends played, loved it and were good at it. The breaking point for me came my freshman year. My mom tells this story better than I do, but the short version is that there was a very tall, very athletic, very stinky girl on one of the opposing teams. We were playing zone and I swear I spent the bulk of the game with my face in this girl's armpit. I didn't really care for all the contact of this sport anyway (which is why volleyball and softball were more my speed) and I finally decided I just wasn't cut out for it. I think the coach was relieved when I quit. I mean really - who wants someone on the team who says, "Sorry!" every time she boxes out?

That's all for now...have a great night!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

Who was your favorite teacher - and why?

Who was your favorite teacher?

Tonight Dave Price brings us another report on education in Iowa - we hope you'll tune in at 10.

In the meantime, let us know what you think makes a teacher great.

I freely admit I was a geeky kid. I always liked school (and most of my teachers). Here are a few of my favorites from elementary school...




Mrs. Piercy (4th grade), Mrs. Zahm (1st grade) and Mrs. Schumacher (2nd grade). This picture was taken several years ago at my folks house in Chadron when we held a 40th anniversary/going away party for them before they moved to Arizona.

What I remember about each of these women is that they made learning fun and as a kid you could feel how much they cared. They encouraged me in the subjects in which I excelled (reading and writing) and were patient and helpful in the subjects in which I struggled (math and science).

My list of favorite teachers (from kindergarten all the way through college and beyond) is long. I was also blessed to have two great teachers at home. My mom and dad made it clear that learning and doing well in school were priorities and they led by example. When I hit third grade and thought my head was going to explode learning multiplication tables my mom started setting the kitchen timer and drilling me with flashcards. Not fun - but I learned the material. My dad's mode of teaching was more practical. We counted money and I saw him balancing the checkbook. Also not fun (to me) - but effective. It's funny, the only joy I ever got out of math was when I started waiting tables my freshman year in high school. I LOVED counting my tips and eventually had an odd affection toward the ancient cash register that required you to make change in your own brain.

Sound off here about the various proposals to reform education in Iowa, and tune in tonight!

EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

A boost... A bummer... And bony arms

Hello everyone!

Once again I find myself apologizing for a long absence. Even though I haven't been "gone" - I just haven't been blogging. I seem to have gotten my self buried in work and volunteer-related things and writing here has taken a backseat.

I've been in a little bit of a funk off and on lately because of a string of bad luck. My mood got a boost today - from a fourth grader. For years I've participated in the "Everybody Wins" reading program. Every week you spend one lunch hour visiting and reading with a student. For several years I read with a wonderful kid named Majid, and now I read with his adorable little brother Faruk. I love this program but it seems like most weeks I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get to the school on time and then rushing to get to work afterward. Some weeks the kids just don't seem that in to it and ask to leave early so they can go outside and play. I get it. I want to go outside and play, too! I've wondered if this sliver of time even matters. Today Faruk showed me that it does. First of all - he was reading an encyclopedia when I showed up! Then he told me that he missed me last week (we didn't have reading). Finally, when we got out "Goosebumps: The Haunted School" I almost fell out of my seat. Everything about Faruk's reading is improved - especially word recognition and inflection. I stopped him after the first page and told him what a great job he was doing and he said, "I've been practicing like you asked me to and I actually like reading now." I almost started crying! This is proof that making a difference doesn't require a ton of money or time or brains or influence ... just showing up can have a impact.

I often let little (negative) things have far too much impact on my outlook. An example - this email.

Message: I would encourage the news team and Erin because of tonight's use to research the correct usage of the word further. Further only sounds sophisticated when used correctly.

It was sent yesterday and I spent way too much time obsessing over it... the rolling narrative in my head went something like this, "Did I say the word 'further'? Did I use it incorrectly? If so, how embarrassing. People must think I'm dumb. This guy obviously thinks I'm dumb. Beyond that, he thinks I'm trying to sound "sophisticated". Why does he think that? I'm not trying to sound like anything, I'm just telling people what happened today...oh geesh, and I tripped over my tongue during that DHS script...and that lady sent that nasty email last week about my bangs hanging in my eyes..." See what I mean?

I'm considering sharing an email, letter, and/or voice mail of the day on my facebook page. What do you think? We get some doozies.

Finally, how do you think Angelina Jolie looked at the Oscars? Sonya and I gasped and then screamed at the TV when Jolie came out to present the award for best adapted screenplay. We think she looked skeletal and sickly. One of our (male) colleagues disagrees. Disclaimer - Sonya and I were in my kitchen eating macaroni & cheese and fried chicken that Michael made for Sunday dinner - this may've influenced the way we felt about Angie's bony frame. :)

EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

Old Favorites... Tater Tot Casserole... Girl Scout Cookies

Hello and Happy Monday, gang!


OLD FAVORITES



I know I should probably get rid of this sweater. Every time the weather is snowy and freezing I drag it out. It is ancient. I mean really old. Like older than some of our interns. What do you think ... should this be tossed? How old is the oldest piece of clothing in your closest?

TATER TOT CASSEROLE



Who knew this old favorite would stir up such a reaction ("stir up" ... get it? hahaha....)?!?!?
When I posted a simple question about Tater Tot Casserole on my facebook page, folks went bonkers! If you missed the debate and want to chime in, my page is ekiernan.


GIRL SCOUT COOKIES



Could you say no to this face? I mean, really. Be honest. Factor in that this is the daughter of one of my best friends and you know I am buying Girl Scout Cookies. I hate that they sell these things in January. I mean - who on earth thought that was a good idea?!?! I have 10+ pounds to lose from Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years and you want me to buy cookies?!?! Honestly. Another reason I can't say no to Myka is that she left me voice mail messages, so it's not as if the request came in some mass email that I can ignore. Plus, I love the fact that my friend Brenda is making Myka do the selling herself. Good Mommy. :)

All this writing about casseroles and cookies is making me hungry ... have a great week!

EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whtov.com

Stress... Fighting... Food

Hello and Happy Monday, gang!

It's something of a miracle - I'm posting a blog for the second week in a row, and getting it done while it is still technically Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was filled with downtime with my hubby and doing much needed tasks related to cleaning up around the house. I don't know about you, but I always feel better when my toilets are clean and the laundry is put away!

STRESS
It's taken me several years to acknowledge the toll stress can take on various aspects of life. I've always thrived in high-pressure situations and thought I managed them pretty well. Here's what the Mayo Clinic has to say about stress:

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the culprit.

Indeed, stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress that's left unchecked can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Of course, if you're not sure if stress is the cause or if you've taken steps to control your stress but your symptoms continue, see your doctor. Your doctor may want to check for other potential causes.

Also, if you have chest pain, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, get emergency help immediately. These may be warning of a heart attack and not simply stress symptoms.

Common effects of stress ...
* On your body
Headache
Muscle tension or pain
Chest pain
Fatigue
Change in sex drive
Stomach upset
Sleep problems
* On your mood
Anxiety
Restlessness
Lack of motivation or focus
Irritability or anger
Sadness or depression
* On your behavior
Overeating or undereating
Angry outbursts
Drug or alcohol abuse
Tobacco use
Social withdrawal

FIGHTING
I wouldn't recommend fighting as a way to reduce stress, but I would recommend exercise. In tomorrow's "Workout of the Week" a professional fighter who runs a gym in the metro puts Sonya and me through the paces. We got to hit things, and it was fun. On the topic of MMA fighting, have you seen "The Warrior"? Michael and I watched it last night. It's fairly predictable, but a good rental.


FOOD

In the past week Michael has prepared pot roast, ribs, ham & bean soup and chicken tortilla soup for dinner. He is a great cook, and yes - I am spoiled. He hasn't tried this recipe yet, but my folks fixed this when we were in Arizona last month and it was delicious, and perfect for cold weather nights. My mom emailed me the recipe so I could share it with you. Enjoy!

White Bean and Kielbasa Stew

1 pound dried white beans (rinsed)
(such as great Northern or navy)
14 oz kielbasa, halved
lengthwise and sliced ½ in thick
4 C low-sodium chicken broth
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (I used fire-roasted)
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 C water
Serve over
5 oz baby spinach (6 cups)

Combine all ingredients except spinach in slow cooker. Cover and cook until the beans are tender - low for 7 to 8 hours or on high 5 to 6 hours.

Just before serving stir in the spinach, or put the spinach in bowls and ladle soup over. Serve with crusty country bread. Yummmmm.

I used Andouille sausage instead of the kielbasa

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

IN THE NEWS...FACEBOOK NEWS....HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Hello strangers! It's been nearly a month since my last blog. Shame on me!

IN THE NEWS...

If you're a regular reader, you know I don't focus too much on the stories we're covering. However, right now I cannot get this woman out of my mind...


Moreover, I cannot stop thinking about 22-year-old Jackie Burkle's babies. Last Saturday Huxley police were called to Burkle's apartment. When officers got there they learned she'd given birth to twin girls. Twin girls officers say were dead and in the trunk of Burkle's car. We learned tonight that Burkle has been arrested and charged with two counts of first degree murder. According to the Division of Criminal Investigation Burkle confessed to killing her newborn babies, but the cause of death is not being released.

This is the sort of thing that makes me sick to my stomach. It makes my heart hurt and when I'm at home and I see a story like this on TV I usually cry. It also makes me angry. I can't wrap my head around it.

FACEBOOK NEWS....

I'll make this brief...
For quite a while I've been thinking about changing my facebook page. I hit the maximum number of friends several months ago and found out you can't have the limit lifted (I'm not sure why). Channel 13 web producer Alisa Link helped me switch my page from "personal" to "public figure" last night. There are some things I don't like about the different format, but I'm hoping you'll all go to www.facebook.com/ekiernan and click "like" so I can keep you in the loop!


HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, or whatever holiday you observe. Michael and went to Arizona for a pre-Christmas celebration.



We had a full-blown holiday dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn casserole, rolls, cranberries ... it was delicious. I also indulged in way to many treats. My mom does a lot of baking every year and I couldn't resist. The snug fit of my pants is the result.



Ever since Dad "woke up" after his brain surgery he's been cold, so I bought him and Mom these Nebraska Cornhusker themed Snuggies.



Michael hates having his picture taken so I'm sharing this little moment with you. Trust me, he doesn't always resist my affection. :)

I hope the rest of your week is wonderful!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com