It's the week before Christmas and all through the office...everyone's busily trying to get things done before the end of the year. Whew! Time has just flown by this year. I can't believe there is less than two weeks before 2007! These are my catch up weeks to try and accomplish everything I've put off until I have time to do them (yeah, right!) I actually like this time. Things do slow down just a little bit and I can stop and take a breath. We all need times like that. To just stop, slow down, take a look around, and just give thanks for our family and friends and the little blessings we receive every now and then, that we don't stop to think about and realize that they are blessings.

It's a time of giving to others, although to me, we should be doing that year round. Why wait until it's cold out or a holiday to give to people in need. Instead of garage sales, give your stuff to someone who needs it. There are plenty of groups out there that take in items to give to someone in need. When you do your spring cleaning and find out you have more stuff than can actually fit into your dresser, give a lot of it away. If you haven't worn it in a year, you either forgot about it (and didn't miss it) or you've outgrown it and don't need it anyway. We tend to be pack rats so instead, let's think about others while making room in our homes to just be able to breathe.

Merry Christmas!
Alisa

Whew! Made it past Thanksgiving without stretching my waistline but I still have Christmas to go. It's been hard with the weather turning cold to stay away from sweets and carbs. I'm finding new ways to make my favorite desserts sugar-free and so far, I've succeeded. Splenda is a wonderful product. It's acutally made from sugar so to substitute it for sugar you just use the same amount that you would sugar. Now that's easy.

I think if more people ate like they were diabetic, we would have a lot less diabetics (at least those who eat themselves there). It's really not a bad way to eat. My only problem is I'm finicky when it comes to food. I don't like a lot of fruits and vegetables so I find myself eating the same stuff over and over and sometimes that gets a little blah! I know, I know, try new foods and I have a little but it's a slow process.

Be careful over the next several weeks, watch what you eat, exercise more, and try to kick those nasty habits before New Years. That way you can set youself an easier resolution.
Alisa

Well this week we launched our new website and hopefully you will like it (www.okhorizon.com). We've tried to update it to look more like a television website and I think we accomplished that. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank Robert Breisch and Tom Phillippe who helped redesign the look and feel of our website. Thanks guys.

And with Thanksgiving coming up I also wanted to take a moment and let you know what I'm thankful for.

1) I thank God for my family who have all been so supportive of me even during those times when I have to miss something that's going on with my children because I'm on the road.
2) I'm thankful that I live in a country where I can practice my religion without being persecuted (at least currently but that's one to watch).
3) I'm thankful that I have the freedom to tell y'all what I think without being censored.
4) I'm thankful that we live in a time where even if you don't agree with the war, you still agree to support the troops who are just doing their jobs and standing between us and harm's way.
5) I'm thankful that we can have free elections without causing civil war because the side I chose didn't win.
6) and lastly, I'm thankful that you are watching our show because without you, the viewer, we wouldn't be here.

So thank you for your support. Have a safe and family-filled Thanksgiving!
Alisa

Oklahoma's Centennial kick-off begins this month, November 9th through the 19th, in Tulsa but in really kinda started last Thanksgiving at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade where Oklahoma had our very own float. You can see what all the hoopla is about this week coming up on Oklahoma Horizon. Rob McClendon takes us to New York to see the float and what a float it was. It represented many aspects of Oklahoma and all Oklahomans should be proud. I know I am.

I hope each of you has as much pride in our state as I do. There was a time when I didn't live here (a very short time) and I missed it tremendously. When someone asked my why I would want to return to Oklahoma, I replied that it was the perfect place to raise my children. Lots of open spaces, clean air, and low crime rate. The people are warm and friendly and truly care about each other. You can't say that in a lot of places but in Oklahoma that is a true fact. We know how to help our neighbors even before they ask and in a time where people tend to ignore each other and say "that's not my problem," Oklahomans are different. We pitch in and let our neighbors know that your problem is my problem and I'll be there for you in a pinch. Life is at a slower pace, too, and that's just fine by me. There's something to be said for taking a step back, breathing in a clean breath of air, and watching the sun set instead of hurrying everywhere you go and not even noticing what's going on around you. You miss things that way.

So this month as our one hundred year birthday approaches, take the time to smell the autumn air, watch a sun set (or rise through the fog), and remember, we're all in this together. Help your neighbor when you can and let them help you when they can and attend one of the many, many festivals near you coming up over the next several months and help us celebrate one hundred years with this warm, friendly state. Happy Birthday, Oklahoma!

Alisa

Well, things are sure hopping in Oklahoma, especially in the Panhandle. They have a new company moving in that will bring about 3,500 jobs to the area around Hooker. Now that's big considering the town only has approximately 1,700 people! But believe it of not, not everyone is thrilled about it. Some people in the small town don't want it, although most do. Coming from a small town, I can understand not wanting your town to grow very much (I happen to like my small town and want it to stay fairly small at least until my kids are grown because there's a lot fewer concerns in a small town like crime but I would hate to see my town dry up.) but walking downtown Hooker, it's clear the town is drying up. Many businesses have closed or left town. It's really kinda sad but there's hope. With the Smithfield Beef Group building a beef processing plant a few miles outside of town, this small town should start to see a lot of growth and that means other new businesses, more people, and the ability for those who grow up in Hooker to actually have the opportunity to stay there and raise their families close to home. I would think that would be the most important aspect of this new business. Hopefully, the people who don't want it will come around and see that it will benefit Hooker and maybe even them.

I love small towns. Where everyone knows everyone and looks out for each other. If you've never lived in a small town, you might not understand how good it feels to know that even if I can't watch my kids every move, there's probably someone else who will see and let me know. Boy, does that just irritate my son to no end but I think it's great!

Keep watching the show and let me know what you think.
Alisa

Wow! I can't believe so much time has gone by. Between vacation and being on the road, the last several months have just flown by. I'm such a bad blogger but I'll try to do better. Things have really been hopping for us at Oklahoma Horizon. Jessica, Brian, and I have been on the road a lot lately so that means some really good stories for your viewing pleasure.

One sad note, we said goodbye to our director, Perry Thoele, in October. He decided to retire and while we are happy for him, it was really hard for me. See, he has been my mentor for the last several years and has taught me almost everything I know about videography. But he's also been my good friend. We've traveled the road together many times and he has always offered me great advice and support. So I will sorely miss him even though I know he's just a phone call away it's not the same as seeing him in the office next door. Farewell Perry, you will be missed!

On a happier side, we've got some really great shows coming up in November and December. There's the Centennial Kick-off that begins in November and then with Christmas just around the corner, you might want to watch for the Made in Oklahoma segments coming up and perhaps find something unique for your loved ones.

If you've missed an episode, not to worry. You can find each story on our website at www.okhorizon.com/programs. And for those of you living in the Northeast corner of Oklahoma, we are now in syndication each night of the week at 7 p.m. on KRSC. Life is good!

Well, I've got to start editing now so I'll chatatcha next time and don't be afraid to write. I'd love to hear from you our viewer!

Alisa

Our health challenge is going well and each of us is starting to obtain our goals. Rob's weight is coming down, Jessica's blood pressure is coming down, and my blood suger level is coming down. We are working out at least three times a week and recently Rob signed us up for a Fitness Boot Camp. Oh my! That has been very challenging for us. We go twice a week and its kinda like football camp at the beginning of the season. I'm enjoying it though. The only drawback is that instead of losing more weight, I'm actually gaining weight due to muscle building and while I don't mind a little more muscle, I really need to buckle down and eat a little bit less than what I am to try and start losing again (I still have about 30 lbs to go to get to my goal). More on that later!

I would challenge each of our viewers to make a health plan to eat right and get into shape just like we are. Let me know if you do and how you are doing.

Alisa

Hi there! My name is Alisa and I am one of the segment producers on the Oklahoma Horizon TV show. I started this blog because I was curious if anyone out there watchs our show and if so, what they thought of it. It's always nice to get feedback and I thought this would be the easiest way.

I've enjoyed reporting for the show and am always excited when I go on the road and meet new people and discover interesting stories that I can share with the rest of Oklahoma and beyond.

You can also visit our website at www.okhorizon.org (under programs--where our weekly segments are located) or find our podcast/vodcast on iTunes (we're under the category of Business and then the subcategory of Careers).

If you haven't seen us yet, download our vodcast and tell me what you think. I hope someone is watching!