Want to see the "Pet of the Week" pictures that that didn't make it on the website? Click Here to see them...you'll see why I didn't choose photography for a career! *****************************
My Bio
Starting at a small station in Rensselaer, Indiana, some 20 years ago, it's still hard to believe that I'm doing what I love after all this time!I actually started off as the part time news reporter/station mascott. That cat suit I wore sure was warm...too bad I always had to wear it in the dead of summer! I planned on going to college to major in communications...I never did get there, but I landed in the line of work that I always dreamed of...I guess sometimes, things work out how they should.
I grew up in Northwest Indiana, and I still live there. I drive in every day from Porter County...I know, it's a lot of miles, but with 3 girls, it's the most quiet time I get during the day! My oldest, Aly, is 17 and is my driver. Aly is the social shopper of the family. Chael is 14 (not driving yet!), and she's into Theatre. She also ,like Aly , enjoys shopping. Grace ,13, is a vollyball nut. She also enjoys being in student goverment, spell bowl and playing basketball. So how does the lone guy in the house survive? My husband, Mike says he's not completely alone....3 of our 4 dogs are male! Yes, 4 dogs, an English Mastiff, a Jack Russell Terrier, a West Highland Terrier, and a Cairn Terrier. Add to that 3 cats, and now you see why I live in the country...I need a little extra room!
So, what do I do for fun? Between the kids and dogs, I don't have TONS of spare time, but when I get a chance, I love to garden! There's nothing better than dirt under my nails :) My latest passions are Japanese Hydrangeas and Tree Peonies. I also love to read...although, with so little time to read, sometimes it will take me several months to get through just one book!
I really am blessed...I start my day looking at the sun coming up over the corn field in my back yard, and then within an hour or so, I'm on Lake Shore Drive, in awe of the skyline...life is good!
Favorite Links
Listener Dave sent this web link to me, it's PERFECT for those of us who want to help the troops in Iraq, it's www.treatsfortroops.com.
One other website I visit often is www.petfinder.com. It's an awesome site, with links to local shelters and rescues. You can check in with your local shelter, or you can search by breed.
Every year, I always make it a point to join the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's benefit walk, the "Break the Silence:Walk for Ovarian Cancer" Walk. Click here for a link to their site.
Planning a trip soon? Click here to find out how long it will take to get there...just type in where you're heading to, and you'll know in an instant!
Need to see if school is delayed or cancelled? Click here to check on the school in your town. Need help with the cost of spaying or neutering your pet? Why not take advantage of low cost wellness and vaccine clinics from the National Animal Welfare Society (NAWS). They have a clinic in Mokena, and they work with many local shelters to transport animals to the clinic, too. Want to find out more? Click here
Ok, so I told you that I planned on actually joining the RUNNERS for this years Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure here in Chicago...and that's still my plan, but man, oh man, I've been doing a lousy job of training lately. Just to re-motivate myself, I found the blog of a first time 5K runner and how she trained (she also "fell off the wagon" a few times, so I guess I'm not alone). Click here to read her daily experiences in training. She mentions the training schedule as listed on Cool Running.com, so if you want to check it out, you can by clicking here.
Want to join Team WLIT for the Race For A Cure? Click here.
Pet Patrol
Thursday 08-21-2008 11:31am CT
Years ago when I worked at my first radio station in Rensselaer, Indiana, they had a program called "Pet Patrol". It was a way of helping people find their lost dogs and cats. I've had a couple of emails from local folks looking for help finding their pets, so I thought I'd start my own "pet patrol" online....have you seen these pets??
Mojo is a male cat. He has been missing since Sat., 8/2 evening. He is brown, tan and gray with black leopard spots. He is neutered and his front paws are declawed. He has kidney problems and needs his meds ASAP. Owners live in Villa Park, near Ardmore and St. Charles.
Jen & Mark O'Brien
(630) 834-4439 home (630) 290-4439 cell
Next, a lost dog.
This is Emmie. Emmie was lost last night in Palos Park. She weighs 5lbs and is a Papillon. She's white and brown and very timid.If you've seen her, please contact Kerri Bulthuis at (312) 540-2235.
Addressing those annoying habits...
Wednesday 08-20-2008 11:09am CT
One of the most annoying habits my teenage girls have developed lately is CONSTANTLY popping and snapping their gum...yikes, I can't stand to hear that...and it's so rude! Isn't it really annnoying to hear it in a restaurant or movie theatre or heaven forbid, at work, too? Wouldn't you love to send an anonymous message to the person with the annoying habit? Here's how you can. Click here to send an anonymous, "helpful" email to whoever needs it.
Pet of the week
Tuesday 08-19-2008 11:28am CT
It's all dogs for pet of the week this week! Ladies first...this is Ella.
Ella is just a young lady, she's just a year old and is a Collie mix.
Next, meet Troy...
Troy is a male Chow mix. He's just one year old. For more information on Troy and Ella, contact
the Humane Society Northwest Indiana 6100 Melton Rd. Gary, In.46403 1-219-938-3339
The Humane Society NWIN will be holding a Summertime Paws -n- Party at the historic Aquatorium in Miller Beach on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Live music by Sticks and Keys. Dancing, hors d'oeurves, and more. $50.00 per person. RSVP to Freida at 219-938-3339 or Viktoria at 219-464-8124 This fun filled evening will benefit homeless animals cared for by the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana. This is a smoke free event.
The Humane Society of Northwest Indiana in conjunction with the Humane Society Calumet Area, Inc will be holding The First Annual Fashion Show 2008 for men and women at Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville, In on Sunday, October 12th 2008 starting at 2 pm. Tickets are $75.00.
The Humane Society NWIN has a low cost spay/neuter day coming up on Monday, September 8th. The price for dogs is $70.00 for under 80 lbs and $90.00 for dogs over 80 lbs and cats are $40.00 for male and $50.00 for female. All animals must be current on their Rabies vaccine, if they are not, then there is a $15.00 additional fee for the vaccine. Space fills up fast, so don't delay. To make an appointment, please call: 219-938-3339
Help for us parents
Tuesday 08-19-2008 11:14am CT
I have nightmares about my kids asking for help with their high school math...I absolutely STINK at math. Lucky for me, there's a website that'll help me when they need help. It's called mathway.com. I love that it will actually walk you through step by step to help solve the problem. Might want to make mathway.com one of your favorites on your computer (you'll be glad you did when your kid wants to know what the answer is to -3y+3x= -7(x+3)
Do you have a letter for the big day?
Monday 08-18-2008 11:37am CT
Big things are happening this week...lots of milestones. My nephew, Nick, is now officially a big boy in kindergarten...our morning newsguy, Rick Zurick, sends his oldest daughter off to college....my step-daughter, Maria, begins a new school year in a new school. It's the perfect chance for us parents to write a letter to our kids to commemorate extra special moments like this....imagine how many times they'll re-read the letter, and how much it will mean to them years down the road. Need help on writing one? Here are a few tips from Real Simple magazine...
Getting Started Experiencing writer’s block? Try these tips from Lilia Fallgatter.
Create a list of shared memories and admirable qualities of the person. These can make up the bulk of your letter.
Find the right place and the right time to write. If you’re not in the mood, don’t force it; something will inspire you eventually.
Try writing a draft or two of the letter before you commit it to your good stationery.
If the words don’t come flooding out, short and sweet is fine. Written by Melinda Page and Elizabeth Wells
Hummingbirds!
Wednesday 08-13-2008 1:19pm CT
Despite the efforts of my cat, Rosie, I'm seeing LOTS of hummingbirds near my home in Northwest Indiana. They sure love my Bee Balm! Do you need to make more nectar for your hummingbird feeder? Click here to get a recipe and some other great tips to keeps the birds happy!
Back to school shopping...at the consignment shop!
Tuesday 08-12-2008 11:49am CT
This weekend, I'm planning on finishing back to school shopping, and I'll do what I always do. I give each girl a set amount, and let them decide what they spend it on. With that in mind, it's no wonder they've come to LOVE places like Plato's Closet. Ever shopped there? They have all of the expensive brands the girls love, for MUCH less...yay!! There are several Plato's Closet locations around the area, and you can click here to check for one near you.
Another cool place for consignment clothes for kids is The Second Child in Lincoln Park. They not only have kids name brand clothes but also toys and maternity clothes. Click here for more.
Another great place with locations all over the Chicagoland area....Once upon a child. They sell and buy kids clothes (newborn up to 16). Find a store close to you by clicking here.
And of course, one of my favorites...the Goodwill Store! There are probably MANY great locally owned resale shops in your town, so be sure to check them out....they sure will appreciate you shopping locally! Let me know about your favorite resale place!
Back to band camp
Monday 08-11-2008 11:43am CT
Today marks the first day of band camp for my high school girls. My step-daughter, Maria, is new to our school district and band (she's an awesome player!). I think she's a little nervous about what to expect with a new school and director...but as long as none of these things happen, I think it'll all be ok.....
© 2008