My First Week at WUSA 9
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There’s a line in the movie Up Close and Personal that describes my first week perfectly. Warren Justice (played by Robert Redford ) is in Panama doing a story about the canal. He talks to his anochor wife, Tally Atwater (played by Michelle Pfeiffer ) over a satellite phone. He says, “I’m having fun.” Well… I’m having lots of fun.
Photography has always been my secret passion. My first job– at age 15– was at a black and white photography studio. I developed film and pictures, toned photos, and experimented with dark room chemicals to create the best process. When I wasn’t working, I was shooting photos and developing them in my high school’s dark room. In college, I learned how to shoot video and edit on tape-to-tape. While at WSIL , I grew even further and learned non-linear editing. Now, I’m taking my skills further. I’ve already learned a great deal from the photographers, editors, and other reporters. Everyone has a little trick to share, and it’s making the transition easier. I’ve still got a lot to learn, and I’m plenty busy. And I’m having fun.
My stories:
TUESDAY: Stay in the Lincoln Bedroom The Madison Loews Hotel on 15th St NW re-did one of its room to look like the Lincoln Bedroom . There’s even an exact replica of the bed and a replica of a rocking chair from the Ford’s theatre . It costs over $800 a night to stay there, and It’s already booked for the Inauguration.
WEDNESDAY: Local Lottery Winner Thinks of Economy Three people in Northern Virginia won $1 Million playing the Lottery . I expected them to be smiling, jumping up and down, and braggin. There was none of that. In fact, no one looked genuinely happy. Because of the horrible economy, the winners want to save the money and pay off debts. One winner is hoping to catch up on medical bills. 
THURSDAY: Local Designer Creates Line of Obama Jewelry You’ve probably seen some of Ann Hand ‘s jewelry on First Ladies, Presidents, and even Miss America. She creates patriotic-themed jewelry that looks like no other. Some are made out of gold, with crystals and diamonds. Now, she’s got an entire Obama line that includes sunglasses, coffee mugs, and dog tags.
FRIDAY: From Virginia to DC: Inaguration Walk The Secret Service won’t let anyone drive from Virginia to DC for the Inauguration. But they are letting people walk over the Memorial Bridge. We thought it would be a great idea to try out the route beforehand, so people will know what to expect. A taxi dropped me off at the Rossyln Metro Station . (There are parking garages around that part of town, but I imagine they’ll fill up fast.) I did a live shot at the Iwo Jima Memorial at 5 p.m. Then I walked to 3rd St, which is right in front of the US Capitol. I called in and Twittered during my walk. The entire 4.7 mile trip took me an 1 hour 45 minutes. It may be easier to walk on Inauguration Day, since there won’t be any traffic. But with security, it could actually take longer. All I can say is “Good Luck” to those who decide to walk. (I feel your pain.) I just hope they put some benches and port-a-potties on the bridge. That would make the journey much easier.
