Well, it’s New Year’s Eve.  It’s a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to a new year.

During this morning’s show, I asked Dan if he planned to make any resolutions.  He said he probably would.  Paul said he makes resolutions on a daily basis.  I can kind of relate.  Every morning, I reflect on the day ahead and set little goals for myself.  I used to make a list of resolutions every New Year’s Day.  I would then spend the month of February beating myself up for not keeping any of them.  Tom says he’s been making New Year’s resolutions since 2005.  This year his list is pretty upbeat.  He wants to learn how to play an instrument.  He’s interested in the piano and guitar.  Knowing Tom, he’ll no doubt be a one-man-band by the summer.  Stay tuned.

I hope all of you have a safe and happy celebration tonight.  Dan has plans with his friends and his sister, who is coming in from Chicago.  He will be off tomorrow, but returns to work on Friday.  Tom is also off tomorrow, but will return on Friday.  Paul is actually going to the Carlos Diaz Party in Greenwood tonight.  I believe the event sold out days ago.  At any rate, Paul is working tomorrow morning.  If you’re planning to sleep in, as most people are, it might be worth it to record tomorrow’s show.  Paul has promised to wear his tux.

I will also stay awake to ring in the New Year.  There’s no Noon Show tomorrow, so I think I can stay alert long enough to anchor GMI.  In addition, Rafael will be here so I won’t have to do all that reading by myself.

As we get ready to begin 2009, I want to thank all of you who have supported the GMI team in 2008.  Your calls, comments and emails are always appreciated.  You have a choice when it comes to who you watch on t-v.  Being invited into your home every morning is a privilege and an honor.  Thanks again and we’ll see you next year!

Even though you’ve worked side by side with someone for a decade, there are still things you may not know about that person.

For example, this morning Paul was asking me if I took the kids out with the stroller yesterday.  Well… I had to remind Paul that my kids are almost 7, 5 and 2 1/2.  My daughter was climbing out of the stroller by her first birthday.  Dan then told Paul that it probably wouldn’t be too much longer before he was pushing a stroller.  I then took it upon myself to remind our viewers that Paul’s son just got married.  In the next few years or so, Paul could become a grandfather.  When I referred to Paul as Grandpa, I was quickly told that Paul doesn’t want to be called grandpa.  I felt bad because I really didn’t know.  Personally, I think Paul will change his mind.  Every new grandparent I’ve ever met has just gushed from day one.  I know Paul will be an excellent grandfather someday, regardless of what his grandchild decides to call him.  There are, after all, many endearing names for a grandfather.  I used to call my maternal grandfather Pop Pop.  I didn’t know my paternal grandfather very well.  He passed away when I was pretty young.

My kids call my husband’s father, Pop.  They call my dad Grandpa Norris.  Few things are sweeter than seeing a grandfather with his little granddaughter.  I have a feeling my daughter could have a brand new car by the time she turns 16.  All she would have to do is smile at one of her endearing grandfathers.

As we get closer to the end of 2008, I hope father time is kind to us and gives us many wonderful moments with our parents, grandparents, siblings, children, spouses and friends in the new year.

Happy Monday!  I hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

The Good Morning Indiana team had a great holiday.  Paul worked quite a few days last week, but he did find time to travel to Huntington to visit his family.  Dan was off Thursday and Friday which gave him a chance to travel to Ohio to visit his family.  It sounds like he had a great time, as well.  Tom is finally back in the driver’s seat of our traffic department after taking a trip to Florida.  He and his hard-working wife rarely take time off, so I was thrilled when I heard they were getting away for some much needed R and R.  Tom reports he is refreshed and ready to report on road conditions once again.

I also enjoyed my time off.  I think I had a nice balance of playing with the kids, visiting family, resting and getting some things done around the house.  For example, I’m all caught up on the kids’ scrapbooks.  This is, of course, until I develop the pictures from Christmas.  Needless to say, the best part of Christmas was seeing the kids’ faces when they opened their presents.  My daughter came downstairs and quickly declared, “a Dora balloon!”  Believe it or not, that’s all she asked for this year.  When I told her she actually got more than a balloon, she seemed a bit shocked.  My son Christian was thrilled when he saw his digital bookmark.  He’s an excellent reader and he also loves numbers.  I was fortunate enough to find a way to combine two of his favorites.  My son Nicholas was thrilled beyond belief when he opened his Colts scoreboard alarm clock.  You see, we spotted it weeks ago in the store and I told him he couldn’t have it.  He was heartbroken.  Even though it wasn’t on my original list, I hated to see him so sad.  So, Santa added one more gift to his sack and Nicholas was beside himself.  The kids also loved their Colts shirts from Aunt Nicki and the air hockey table from Aunt Betsy.  Talk about a huge hit!  Now if I could just convince my daughter that her Dora doll might get a black eye if she hangs out too long on the hockey table….

Well, even with all the gifts and great food, I’m reminded once again that the best gift of all is time.  Time spent with family… time spent with your spouse… time spent around the dinner table toasting the holidays and wishing Baby Jesus a happy birthday. 

I hope all of you were able to find time to be with your loved ones recently.  And I pray all of you have a safe and happy New Year!

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the newsroom…. most of my belongings are packed away nicely… I’m ready to zoom.

My candy canes and Christmas cards have been delivered with care… but when it comes to Christmas Eve, I still need something to wear.

I’m off all next week and I can’t wait to rest.  It’s important when we go to church and celebrate Christmas, I’m at my best.

I’ll miss my co-workers and my faithful viewers and fans.  I’m ready to spend time with my family, though.  We practically have our own band.

One son plays the violin, the other likes to sing.  My daughter likes to play instruments and dance around.  She often does her own thing.

I pray that all of you have a blessed holiday and your celebrations are within reason.  After all, Baby Jesus is who it’s all about this beautiful, special season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I’ll see you again December 29th.

Well, I knew it would happen.  All we had to do was let our viewers know the desperate need for more toys to help needy children, and our viewers would come through for us.  While we won’t know the final numbers until tomorrow, the response to our donation drop-off on Monument Circle yesterday was incredible.  By 3-o-clock yesterday afternoon, we had already doubled our Monument Circle donations from last year.  Thank you, thank you. 

I went out to the circle yesterday morning to greet viewers and help collect toys.  It was really cold, but everyone’s generous spirit helped warm my heart.  People drove up with trunk loads and back seat loads of toys.  We had pens and other little freebies to give those who dropped something off.  One lady simply told me, “No thank you, dear.  As long as the kids have toys, that’s all I need.”  Beautiful, simply beautiful.   

I also got an opportunity to meet one of our loyal viewers and blog readers.  It was great to meet you, Renee!  I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

As a matter of fact, I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season.  Yesterday was such a beautiful day… even though the weather was cold and cloudy.  From the giving people who dropped off toys, to the kids who did a tremendous job in the holiday program last night (great job, Nicholas and Rachel!  Mommy is so proud of you!)… I’m more convinced than ever that even when times get tough, it’s a wonderful life.