Lindsey Mastis

Overall– I had a crazy week. There were tons of shootings (including a couple stories I worked on that never made it to air); smart people who think social networking makes you dumb (I think you should decide); and a weirdo that likes to cuddle with sleeping women.

Sunday, February 22: What a crazy day. It was all about shootings. First, I talked with police about a possible road rage incident that left one man dead. He apparently got lost, made a U-turn, accidently cut someone off, and then got shot in the head. I handed off this story to another reporter. Then I covered the Fatal Shooting at a Silver Spring Church. This is where a woman was gunned down by her husband in middle of services.

Monday, February 23: I drove all around Ashburn today for a story about Loudoun County Foreclosures. I talked with a real estate agent who says the market is getting better. I believe him. My sister and dad are real estate agents and both have had better luck since the new year. I also went around to some foreclosed homes to take video. I met a contractor who was hired by the bank to fix up the house. This is unusual for foreclosed homes, but this is an unusual time. Banks just have too many properties and they are anxious to get them sold.

Tuesday, February 24: My friend Kristin Fisher suggested a story she saw on Drudge. It’s some scientists who think Social Networking Rots Your Brain. Of course, there’s no evidence that it does and it’s very possible social networking actually helps kids develop their minds. Take a look at the story and tell me what you think.

Wednesday, February 25: This is a sad story. Two Teens Sexually Assaulted by Gunman. It happened in Oxon Hill. A family member said the girls were going to the library to work on a school project and used a dirt path that connects the school to the library. It’s not like the path was all that remote. It was actually quite busy. There were adults and students walking through there the whole time I was out there. Sad. Just sad.

Thursday, February 26: This is probably the weirdest story I’ve covered so far. The Georgetown Cuddler Strikes Again. This guy breaks into homes and gets in bed with a person, just to cuddle. When the person wakes up, he simply leaves. How bizarre!

Yep. Total fail whale. Why? Because I got the flu and it ruined everything. I had to call in sick three days in a row. I was fairly useless the other two days I showed up. Even now… let’s just say it’s snot fun.

Saturday, February 14: I did a story about the Stimulus Bill and how it will affect DC. DC Stimulus Money. I had tons of problems with audio and even video. By the end of the day, all the problems were resolved. But in middle of the night, I got cold chills and then a 101.4 fever. So I couldn’t redeem myself. Fail!

Wednesday, February 18: To go along with another piece about DC schools, I interviewed some Georgetown University students. They are competing in a national competition where the subject is: how to improve DC Schools.

Thursday, February 19: Two Firefighters Sue the Fire Chief and the City. It’s because they were reassigned from the Investigations Unit to the Community Service Unit, where they turn fire hydrants and give out snacks. They say the reassignment was over a host of issues, including racism in the department and disagreement about what caused the Eastern Market fire two years ago.

Saturday, February 7: I’ve heard of homes being auctioned off on the courthouse steps. The problem is, buyers need cash up front. ALL the cash up front. So when those homes don’t sell, banks will team up with a private company to Auction Foreclosed Homes. This time, buyers only need $5,000 up front. They can get a loan for the rest. This was the first time I’ve attended one of these events. They are becoming much more popular with this economy. It was quite an experience.

Sunday, February 8: I met this wonderful 13-year-old girl who is an accomplished author. Shea Megale has written two books and a third coming out in May. They are all about her dog, Mercer. Shea has spinal muscular atrophy, and Mercer is her companion dog. Here’s the story: Teen Publishes Books about her Assistance Dog.

Monday, February 9: I got a sneak peek of a new exhibit at the Library of Congress. It’s a collection of Abraham Lincoln Documents and Artifacts. Among my favorites: his bloody autopsy report (yeah, I know. Real blood!), a $5 Confederate Bill (he had in his pocket when he was killed), Mary Todd’s extravagant pearl necklace, and a newspaper ad calling for the capture of John Wilkes Booth.

Tuesday, February 10: I’m all about Valentine’s Day. This year, it’s even more special because I’m finally in the same city as my boyfriend (yes, we’ve been long-distance for five years!). I keep finding myself going to the Metromix website and reading a post called “Hidden Romantic Spots.” I noticed most of these sites were great ways to spend a romantic day and save money. Lucky for me, I got to turn this wonderful article into a package. I went to several romantic spots, and even found a place that makes chocolate monuments, like the White House and the Washington Monument. Take a look at the story: Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas.

Wednesday, February 11: I can’t believe it was almost 70 degrees in February. I actually got paid to take advantage of the weather. All I had to do was drive around and get pictures of people enjoying the weather. Yeah, pretty nice! Take a look: Warm Weather Wednesday.

I’m not big on anniversaries (if it weren’t for Patrick’s great memory, I would have no idea when we started dating). But I’ve been looking forward to my workiversary for, well, an entire month. It means I’ve done enough work to evaluate myself and set some new goals. It also means I’m getting a better handle on my schedule. (You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t updated my blog in quite some time. It’s because I’ve been crazy busy.) Now, I can make my blog a priority once again. Here’s my plan:

Lindsey Mastis on the job.

- Update my blog at least once a week. I want to jot down a few notes about each story that I do, and link to the video. (The link’s so you can see my work, mom!)

- Work on my voice. I used to talk/anchor for an hour and a half every weekday. After five months of rest, my voice isn’t as strong as it has been in the past. To fix this, I just need to block out an hour every day to read out loud.

- Do more than scratch the surface. I want my stories to go more in-depth. I can spend a few days researching so I can provide viewers with more resources and information. It’s been a bit difficult for me to dive into some stories, just because I’m new to the area. I just have to take my time so I can truly understand ongoing issues.

- Be a nerd. I’ve done a good job incorporating web 2.0 into my reporting. I want to continue this trend and make it even better.

What remains true since day one: I’m having fun. I’m having the time of my life. I feel extremely fortunate to be doing what I love, and for this rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on my community. I can’t wait to do more.

Here’s my rundown of this past week, and perhaps a bit more.

Wednesday, February 4: I did a story about the Metro’s Lost and Found office. People usually lose a glove or a scarf, even a cell phone. But they also had a bike helmet and a whole guitar. If no one claims these within 30 days, they are donated to charity.

Tuesday, February 3: This is my favorite story of the week because I’ve been looking for an opportunity to go to the Cheesetique since I moved to DC. The story was about the Fight Over Roquefort Cheese. The best part about reporting this story; I could be cheesy on purpose!

Monday, February 2: I got a sneak peek of the Re-Opening of Ford’s Theatre. I’m a huge Lincoln fan, so I was happy to spend a couple hours learning more about this nostalgic place. I was amazed at how much I knew about this place based on what I read in the book “Manhunt: The 12 Day Hunt for Lincoln’s Killer.”

Thursday, January 22: After the inauguration, I got to do a story on one of my good friends, Bruce Guthrie, who took 2,500 Photos During the Inauguration. In fact, last year he took 330,000 photos– so this is typical for him. Not to mention, he uploads all the photos online and gives them away for free.