It’s been so many months since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. But the need is still as critical. Thankfully, some locals are organizing their efforts to help the cause!

If you’re not doing anything this Sunday, you many want to check out the “Hope for Haiti” Fundraiser, a Benefit for the Children. It’s sponsored by Stay at Home Senior Care in Linthicum, and will take place at Snyder’s Willow Grove Restaurant. It’s an afternoon of entertainment and socializing, with door prizes, a silent auction, raffle, and cash bar. Loose Canon Trio will perform!

Stay at Home Senior Care is also accepting donations for the children, that will be delivered to Haiti directly. Their wish list includes: baby clothes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, tooth brushes, coloring books, construction paper, crayons and magic markers, stuffed animals, and ponytail holders and headbands for girls. If you’d like to donate, call 410-707-2403.

Have a great day!

Sandra

I saw an interview recently on the Today Show with a financial expert who recommended trying a “financial fast”.  For 21 days you only buy what is absolutely necessary for your household.  No take out.  No Starbucks.  No perusing the sale rack at Old Navy.  Not so much as a bottle of water from the break room vending machine. 

I figured we needed this ”budget cleansing” after the holidays and my Vegas birthday celebration.  (My plan to win big at the roulette wheel did not pan out). 

My hubby agreed that this was a good idea, so we were all set to start this Friday.  Then the questions started. “Does our regular weekend wine purchase count as essential?”  We debated that for a while and decided, yes indeed a bottle of wine is essential. What about beer?  Hmmm. Another tough call.

So Jon came up with a great idea.  Let’s start our financial fast Monday.  That’ll give us this weekend the buy wine and beer, order pizza, and do some on-line shopping while we figure it all out!

Wish us luck,

Mindy Basara

I just got back from my trip to Vegas and I am still recovering!  We had a blast.  It’s one of those places you just have to experience to understand.

We stayed at the Bellagio…HUGE, beautifully ornate, the service top-notch.  The room was a suite – just gorgeous with a breathtaking view of the mountains.

I absolutely loved the shows (“Blue Man Group” one night, “O” the next), the spa, and the restaurants.  I did not, however, love gambling.  I lost 50 bucks in a matter of 10 minutes and that was it for me.  I did enjoy watching others play.  My hubby was into Black Jack – was up a couple hundred at one point, but ended up breaking even, which was certainly better than losing!

The only downer was that I got pretty airsick on the way out, and the way back…in fact I still feel like I’m moving. But I’m sure it will go away after a few days.

And of course we were so excited to get home to the kiddies.  Missed them terribly. Overall, it was a great trip – I’m so glad we went!

Tell me your Vegas stories (if you can – this is a family blog!)

Mindy Basara

But this year has been different.  I really haven’t let the cold weather get me down.  It could be that my husband and I are expecting our first child, but I actually think it’s because we’ve been so busy.  Every weekend it seems we have plans.  I’m learning January is a great month to catch up with old friends, and dinner is a perfect way to do that.  We’ve also had our share of birthday parties and showers to attend.  And when we do get a break, I’m finding it’s a perfect time to cuddle up in bed or by the fire with a good book.

So I think I’ve finally figured it out.. the key to fighting seasonal depression is to keep busy!  Before I know it’ll be spring and time to welcome our little one to the world.

How are you fighting seasonal depression?  Send us your thoughts…

Stacey Wright

Executive Producer

Go RAVENS!!!

This is THE PURPLE FRIDAY of them all so far! And it all began this morning early at Miss Shirley’s downtown with the Ravens Cheerleaders and Poe—chirping for our hometown heroes! The cheerleading crew(btw), will be yelling strong until 10:45 tonight—all around town!

Add to that a good sign…a forecast high today of 52–RAY LEWIS’S number! Good sign! This week has been one to remember in Baltimore after we spanked the Patriots on their home turf last weekend. Purple is everywhere…..from the sidewalks…to the night skies. The momentum is rolling….like Ray Rice on a drive! Plus, this is personal….the Colts with their Baltimore history.  I could go on and on…but bottom line—we’re bleeding purple this weekend! Hope you have a great one! Go Ravens:-)!!!

Sandra

Hope everyone had a nice holiday.  Ours was special. My brother, his wife and their  four daughters came up from Florida. We all had a great time.

I’m normally not big on New Year’s resolutions.  I don’t like making promises I can’t keep.  But this year I decided to make a fun resolution (much more likely to keep that kind) I’ve decided 2010 will be the year I try different experiences – eating new foods, going to new places, just branching out.  I’m already off to a good start. I went to a bull riding competition.  It was interesting.  Don’t know if I’d go again, but it was fun.   We also took the kids duck pin bowling. I’ve lived in Baltimore for 12 years now and have never been. It was a blast and definitely something we’ll do again as a family soon.

I’ve never been to Las Vegas - so my husband is taking me there for my 40th birthday.  I never had any interest to go before because I don’t like to gamble.  But there are so many other things to there – I’m excited to check it out.

So from now on the next time an opportunity comes my way – even if  I think it’s not “my thing”,  I’m going to try it anyway.  You only live once!

Happy New Year!

Mindy Basara

Trust me when I say this was no small task.

For 3 months now, they’ve heard “No Belts…back line please” “Yes Sir!!” they reply scurrying to the back of the class, often tripping over one another to get there in time.  The back line’s a lonely place as the new kids muddle through counting in Korean, various kicks and punches….and the Student Creed. Oh, the Student Creed. If it doesn’t kill us, here’s hoping it makes us stronger.

For those of you who have never had the Tae Kwon Do experience, the Student Creed consists of three very important vows that the students are expected to live by.

“I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health”

“I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others”

“I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively and never be abusive or offensive”

Perhaps now you understand why it was a group effort memorizing these and why it took several months for an 8 and 5-year-old to do so.

Well, long story short, their big day finally came. Belt Testing. The long-awaited graduation from “No Belt” to “White Belt”. It went very well..aside from my little one vowing to use what he learned “destructively” and to be “offensive”. A minor technicality in the grand scheme of things.

So, they’ve moved up to the next line in Tae Kwon Do…but more importantly achieved something they worked very hard for. A very proud moment for all!

Sarah Caldwell

Incredible…and rather daunting if it’s a prelude of things to come.

Well, what could have been a miserable weekend turned out quite positive as I look back on everything that transpired here at the station. The crew here did an AMAZING job turning out many long hours of extended snow coverage all day long on Saturday. I witnessed such a wonderful display of camaraderie from the folks braving the extreme conditions outside, to the people shuttling those of us who couldn’t make the drive back and forth. The ones providing food, to those answering phones and guiding us through our coverage, to the many people making sure we got on the air in the first place.

It was a phenomenal undertaking and truly a group effort! It made me incredibly proud to be part of such a talented and professional bunch.

We can all breath a sigh of relief now that the snow has ended…and the Ravens were victorious!! I hope you managed to enjoy the snow over the weekend, despite the way if may have impacted your plans. I certainly enjoyed watching all the sledding and snowman making!!

Sarah Caldwell

“Mom, where’s heaven?” my older son asks.

I take a deep breath and tell him “I’m not sure but some people believe it’s the beautiful place where you go after you die”

“Oh, so is Ella Fitgerald there?…and Louis Armstrong?” “Yes, I think they are” I say.

“How ’bout Ray Charles?” My 5-year-old pipes in. “Yes, he’s probably there too, honey”

“Is Michael Jackson there?” My 8-year-old inquires. “Yup” I reply.

“Oh thank goodness!” he exclaims. “I thought I’d have to go all the way to LA!!”

Needless to say, I almost drove off the road I was laughing so hard. Neither child understood why I thought it was so funny. I’m sure you have some stories like this too. You know, the ones that fall into the “kids say the darndest things” category? Please pass them along because I can’t get enough!

Have a great week and keep laughing!

Sarah Caldwell

Hope you’re dressed for the cold! Windchills this morning dipped into the single digits in Carroll County! In Baltimore we sat at a 12 degree windchill for much of the morning. There’s more coming our way tonight and tomorrow morning. Plus, we may even see another bit of a wintry mix for Sunday! ‘Tis the season!

Unfortunately–my power is out! Yikes! I went home to get breakfast…and the whole back half of my building is in the frigidity! Please cross your fingers for me–or I may just come in frozen for my morning duties tomorrow! It does, however, make you appreciate the norms of life for many of us! I will be SO HAPPY when that juice comes back on!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Sandra