After the newscast today, I checked my email.  I received a very disturbing email from a viewer.  I won’t repeat all of it.  Apparently this viewer is not very happy about Barack Obama getting the Democratic nomination for President.  The person wrote that “all of us who have enjoyed the benefits of affirmative action must be very excited.”  Well, needless to say, I was hurt and a little angry.  I have worked very hard to get where I am and I’d like to think I have a little more to offer to my employer than the color of my skin. 

When I was working in Texas, my news director decided to launch a morning newscast.  There were many people, black and white, who wanted the job.  For whatever reason, my news director decided I would be the best person for the job. (Thank you, David Lowell.)  After a few years, I got the job here in Indianapolis.  When I left Texas, David Lowell did not try to find another black female to replace me.  He gave the job to a white man.  So much for trying to keep up with a so-called quota.  David looked for the best person for the job.  That’s what made him (and continues to make him) a great leader. 

I hope my current boss doesn’t mind me saying this… but I think most station managers only care about one color… green.  If they thought someone with pink skin and purple hair could bring in high ratings, they would hire that person.

My husband, as well as Paul and Tom agreed that I shouldn’t give such an ugly email a second thought.  It did make me think, however, about the fact that being a public figure means anyone can contact me at any time and say whatever they want.  It’s o-k, though.  We have freedom of speech in this country.  I chose to believe that most people are kind and chose to judge people on the content of their character.

And as we get ready to elect a new president, I chose to believe our leader will do his best for all people… black, white and all of the beautiful shades in between.

Paul made it quite clear that he has no desire to check out the ride.  He says he doesn’t like rollercoasters or anything that whips him around or tosses him about in a small seat.   I think being a part of a live newscast five days a week is enough of a “thrill” for him.

Dan wasn’t too excited about the new ride, either.  He doesn’t mind rollercoasters, but he doesn’t like water rides because then you’re all wet for the rest of the afternoon.  As Tom and I pointed out, it’s usually hot enough for you to dry off pretty quickly.

Oh, well.  If there’s ever a GMI road trip to an amusement park, it looks like Tom and I would be the only ones to dive into some water-related fun.  Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, so hopefully you and your family can find a way to make a splash and have a little fun.

As I mentioned yesterday, Paul attended the Colts game Sunday night.  Rather than drive all the way home, he decided it would wise to just sleep at the station.  Apparently he slept upstairs on a nice cozy couch.  At least, it seemed cozy at first.  Paul says he had some strange dreams and finally decided to get up after maybe two hours of shut-eye.  Paul was in the process of getting “pretty” for t-v, when he discovered his head wouldn’t quite fit in the bathroom sink.  (I know, I know.  Insert joke about t-v types having big heads.)  At any rate, Paul says his hair was a bit of a mess, so he decided to go to Plan B.  He put a little shampoo in his hair, went to the station’s backyard, and rinsed his hair with a garden hose.  Oh… if only I would have arrived at work a little earlier Monday morning!  I could have taken pictures with my cellphone!  At any rate, I missed a golden opportunity.  I must say that Paul did a fantastic job.  I don’t think anyone could tell that he had hose hair.  I think it’s safe to say that Paul has a lock on finding creative ways to get ready to face the cameras.

My husband and I finally saw The Dark Knight.  Of course, when I told Rafael that Joe and I were going to see the new Batman movie he said, “Wow… there’s another one out?”  Yes… I know The Dark Knight has been out for awhile, but my husband and I are usually running about 2 months or more behind people with normal schedules.  At any rate, I really enjoyed the film.  It was disturbing on many levels, but it was well shot and the actors did a fabulous job. 

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came to town this weekend.  It was great to see them.  They had a ball with the kids and of course, the kids had fun too.  My sister-in-law is one of those angels on earth.  She is one of those people who jumps in and helps out without having to be asked.  She is great with kids and always seems to have the right response or action to maintain peace.  During her visits, she always encourages me to take a nap or do something for myself while she plays with the kids.  Before she can say… “Grace, why don’t you…”  I’m already up stairs with the sheets over my head.  Yesterday my husband and I even went out to brunch by ourselves.  Imagine… three dates in less than a week.  It’s almost like we’re a young couple again.

I did pass on one fun opportunity this weekend.  WRTV-6 had a suite at the Colts game last night.  It sounded like fun, but I knew if I went to an 8-o-clock football game, I’d be behind the 8 ball all week.  Hopefully I’ll have another opportunity to see Lucas Oil Stadium in the future.  Dan and Paul joined other members of the RTV-6 staff for the first half and had a great time.  They both agreed it was a great way to kick off the week.

I hope all of you had a ball this weekend.  I hope you can join the Good Morning Indiana crew again tomorrow.  I’m sure by then Paul and Dan will be well rested.

My husband and I are finally going to see the new Batman movie tonight.  I have yet to hear one bad review.  The other members of the Good Morning Indiana crew who have seen the movie really enjoyed it.

Tom and his wife have another busy weekend ahead of them.  Needless to say, campaigning is hard work.  (As many of you know, Tom’s wife is running for judge.)  Good luck to Tammy and Tom… and hang in there.  November will be here before you know it.

I believe Dan and Paul are joining some others from the station and attending the Colts game Sunday night.  That should be so much fun.  I have yet to see the inside of Lucas Oil Stadium.  I have driven by and it is quite a sight.  Good luck to the high school teams competing in the Peyback Classic and good luck to the Colts.  I hope our hometown team has a season as impressive as their new stadium.

I received a letter from the mom of one of my son’s friends.  She told me that last year, my son often came to the defense of her son.  She just learned about this recently.  Apparently another boy was bullying her son and my little Nicholas would stick up for her son… even if it meant Nicholas would get teased too.  As you can imagine, I’m so proud of my son.  I try so hard to teach my children to be loving, compassionate and caring.  Like most parents, though, I often wonder if my children are really learning what I’m trying to teach them… or if my words are just going in one ear and right out the other.

I feel sad for her son and other children who are the victims of a bully.  As parents, what are we supposed to do to stop the problem?  My son is only in pre-school.  The children seem so young to be dealing with that kind of behavior.  I don’t remember bully behavior in kindergarten or elementary school.  I do remember, however, that by the time I hit 6th grade, I would often witness bully behavior.  There was one girl in particular who made it her mission to try and make me miserable at least twice a year.  Times have changed, though.  Thanks to technology, bully behavior can escalate quickly and make a child feel incredibly sad and lonely.

I’ve often thought that maybe I should step in and talk to a child when I see him/her being mean or ugly.  I have to admit, however, that there’s a part of me that fears some parent will step out of the wings and knock me to the ground.  I can just see trying to explain to my boss that I can’t be on the air for awhile because some soccer mom or dad  gave me a black eye on the playground.  Now there’s a ratings grabber!

Seriously, though, I think parents and caregivers have a responsibility to talk to children and find out what’s going on in their lives.  If your child is being a bully, find out why.  Try to nip the problem in the bud before the child gets older.  If your child is a victim, don’t be afraid to be an advocate for your child.  Talk to teachers, the bully’s parents and perhaps even a pastor or counselor.  And finally, if your child is on the sidelines… like my Nicholas… try to teach him/her that by doing nothing, they still are making a choice.  The better choice is to step in and try to help.  And yes, I’ll set my fears aside and step in to right a wrong when I see it.  So, if you ever see me with a black eye, you’ll know why.

Someone who is always sunny is my friend and co-worker Julie Pursley.  Today she sent me a wonderful email that I think everyone will enjoy, especially those of you who have children in your lives.  Please read and enjoy.

There is plenty of information out there to help you get started and continue a fitness program that will help you achieve life-long wellness. You will have to find the time for exercise and stay motivated to keep up with your program—but with these helpful programs by your side, you will feel strong and healthy in no time!

Go-To Websites
www.webmd.com This is a truly trusted website for everything healthy. Their Daily and Weekly Newsletters are great!
www.revolutionhealth.com I visit this site often for great health and wellness articles!
www.yogatoday.com Free Yoga exercises every day.
www.iTunes.com Fitness Podcasts you can take wherever you go!
www.google.com/health Manage your health information online and get plenty of resources! (plus search for doctors)
www.fitday.com Free diet and exercise tracking with great information analyzers.
www.bioweblogic.com Another software that helps you track your diet and exercise.

On-line Magazines
www.womenshealthmag.com Women’s Health Magazine is great!
www.prevention.com One of the FIRST health and wellness magazines!

Help from the USA!
http://www.cdc.gov/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention make it their mission to give you trusted health information.
www.fitness.gov President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports

Free Fitness tools:
http://exercise.about.com/od/fitnesstoolscalculators/Fitness_Tools_Calculators.htm A variety of health and fitness tools and calculators!
http://www.prevention.com/mywalkingmaps/ MAP YOUR WALKS!!
www.mapmyrun.com MAP YOUR RUNS AND WALKS!!
http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/ Take the Adult Fitness Test! See where you stand.

Local FREE Fitness
http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/home.htm Indy Parks Programs
http://www.indymca.org/ YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

I will continue to add to this list as often as I can. Feel free to email me at erin@rtv6blogs.com if you know of any programs or sites that should be included! J

My husband and I were flying high yesterday.  We finally have all three children in school.    We enjoyed a nice breakfast date for the first time in about six or seven years.  Even with our new found freedom, I couldn’t wait to give my children a big hug after school and ask them about their day.  They’re growing, learning, making friends and making me very proud.

Dan also has a reason to be proud.  He spent his long weekend watching his mom get her Ph.D.  Isn’t that exciting?  As Dan was sharing his good news with me, I couldn’t help but think about those old commercials touting Dr. Mom.  Congratulations to Dan’s mom!  She raised two successful children and now she has a doctorate degree to round out the resume.

And so this August the GMI crew celebrates the beginning of school for children and the wonderful educational accomplishments of parents.  I also want to congratulate our very own Rafael Sanchez for winning this weekend’s dance competition.  He may not have a degree in dance, but Rafael has proven he can rumba with the best of them.  Way to go!

In addition to the dance competition, Sunday is Rafael’s birthday.  Yesterday while I was shopping, I spotted an adorable wand that I just couldn’t resist.  I know Rafael is hoping to work his magic on the dance floor tomorrow night, so I decided the wand would make a great early birthday/good luck gift.  I presented it to him on the air this morning.  Needless to say, the wand made more appearances than Julie did during the show.  Of course, it had sound effects which added to wand’s appeal.  So, if you were watching the news this morning and suddenly thought you were watching the Disney Channel, don’t worry.  You were watching a network owned by the Disney company, and an anchor team that can sometimes act like their kids again.

I certainly wish old Twinkle Toes, aka Rafael, the best of luck Saturday night.  I have no doubt a mirrored ball trophy would be the best birthday present he could ever receive.