Sarah J Clark

Big Giant Band Aids, Please

2009-06-30T11:17:00.004-05:00

In the interest of job security, I will bite my tongue and let Photoshop speak on my behalf.

These are sad times in television news.

I wish my parted colleagues the very best, and trust God's grace to be sufficient in the difficult times ahead.

I love you all. You will be greatly, tremendously missed.

Husband

2009-06-22T17:50:00.005-05:00

Black man. Sexy man. My man.

Strong arms. Pretty smile. Bubble butt.

Tease me. Squeeze me. Please me.

Makes me laugh. Let's me cry.

Texts.

Ridiculous messages.

That I keep. Forever.

Flirty eyes. Fire flies. Dance. Like we do - to music he picks for me.

Closes the blinds. Rolls his eyes. Hears me sigh.

All. The. Time.

He sleeps. Beautifully. But not enough.

Best friend. True love.

He's the iron -- that sharpens me.

Snuggle him. Cuddle him. Love him.

Forever.

New Hair: RESULTS!

2009-05-20T13:22:00.006-05:00

You voted (thank you) and the results are in! The winner of my fabulous new hair is ..... drum roll please ..... Option E!

Figures.

Of course the majority of you choose the only option that requires me to walk around with a fan blowing in my face 24-7. And since that really could become quite cumbersome, I decided to go with a different look altogether. See for yourself....

Hawt, huh? My darling husband thinks it looks the same, but whatev. I washed it this morning, turned on the blow dryer for a couple of minutes and walked out the door. Not too shabby for wash-and-go hair!

Thanks to Meagan Kelleher and InStyle.com for helping create this interactive project. And thanks to YOU for voting -- whether on FB, Twitter, or here! Y'all rock. Thanks. xo!

Option A:

Option B:

Option C:Option D:

Option E:

Option F:

Option G:

Roadside Treasures

2009-05-19T11:35:00.011-05:00

Never in a million years would I choose to high tail it out the door and head to the interstate with a camera in hand just to hang out along the shoulder. But that's exactly what I did yesterday--for an assignment.

I was there to catch motorcycle riders making the cross-country trek for "Ride to the Wall." Their destination: the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. And I was to capture the moment they passed through Kansas City.

Despite the fact that I went east instead of west and had to turn around, I was 45 minutes early. That meant I had 45 minutes to look like a skinny little hitchhiker with truckers driving by blaring their horns.

It was fun.

While I waited, I wandered. And found treasures you can only find alongside the road if you really look...

But now what I want to know, is how did these items fall out of a car traveling 70 mph and end up alongside the road? I also want to know what's flown out my car window without me knowing...

Laid Off Update

2009-05-10T19:57:00.013-05:00

We've all seen them: men and women standing on street corners in tattered clothes holding a dirty sign with even dirtier hands. They all want money.

But lately I've noticed more and more people who are dressed like me--like you--out there on street corners holding signs. Their hands, faces, and clothes are clean, save for the sweat on their brow and the dark cloud of embarrassment hanging above them.

They are working people who've been laid off.

I stopped to talk to a gentleman the other day who was standing on the corner outside a busy Walmart. He was in his fifties or sixties. He wore nice jeans, a red polo, and a baseball cap. In his hand was the sign you see pictured above. At his feet were a McDonald's bag and food donations shoppers had stopped to give him.

He said he'd been laid off from a printing company in Kansas City and hadn't been able to find work. I told him I was a journalist at a local television station and was interested in his story. He took a step back like most people do when you tell them you're a journalist, but then he said, "Then you can understand why this might be so embarrassing for me."

And then my heart broke into a million more pieces.

I don't know how to create jobs. I don't know how to prevent layoffs. I don't know how to fix the economy.

But I can blog. And still somehow, that seems infinitely useless in times like this.

Update: This story inspired a closer look at panhandling in Kansas City during these tough economic times. FOX 4's Dave Froehlich reported on another man who's found himself panhandling and the organization dedicated to helping those who've been pushed to the brink of seeking donations.

Read Dave's story here.

OMG!

2009-05-04T06:38:00.007-05:00

So I get to work this morning in my typical Monday morning mood: groggy, cranky, crabby.

My key card won't work. It's buried at the bottom of the black abyss that is my purse. It's still dark outside and I'm running a few minutes behind. As usual.

I finally wrangle my key card free and mange to make my way into the building. Mark Alford is there, coffee cup in hand, headed for a refill.

"Congratulations!" he says.

My voice still froggy, I wipe sleep from my eyes, and grumble, "For what?"

"You made Tony's KC," he says.

My first thought is that the well-known Kansas City breaking news blogger picked up the story I posted yesterday on fox4kc.com about the passing of David Cook's brother.

Mark says, "No, no, no. You did. Your blog."

ME? What? I made Tony's KC?

I'm awake now. My feet step, step, step up the stairs. At my desk, I throw my stuff down and pounce on my computer. And lo and behold ...

Tony has posted this picture with a blurb about me. A good blurb. A blurb that made me smile.

And who doesn't like smiling on a Monday morning?

Thanks, Tony. Let's just hope I stay in your good graces.

Mucus

2009-04-28T17:06:00.012-05:00

After 10 days of hacking up green mucus, I finally went to the doctor.

And?

He says I have Swine Flu.

Okay, not really. But he did tell me what I already knew: I have a cold. A respiratory infection, in fact. A bad one. One that sucks all the energy out of you and leaves you with nothing but snotty wet tissues.

I never knew mucus could come in so many different shades of green. And yellow. Red even. It's like Christmas in my nose. And the fire in my throat? I swear, I can roast Chestnuts back there. Shall we sing a Christmas carol? In April?

I think not.

It's likely I'd choke on my own coughing. You know the kind - those fits of dry coughing where you literally have no control. By the end, you're hunched over, hands on knees, eyes watering, while your body convulses from lack of oxygen. Yeah. That kind.

Maybe it's punishment for not having blogged in such a long time. One of my blogger BFFs, Gary, posted a comment in the Twitter post below.

He said: "Come home Sarah... stop your twittering and come home..."

And I?

I almost cried. Of course, I'm convinced the emotions in my eyes were induced by the 99.4 fever I'm currently running, but whatev. I know I've become addicted to Twitter. The first step is admission. And I'm admitting:

Hello. My name is Sarah, and I'm a Twitterholic.

For the 24 esteemed people who follow my blog, allow me to apologize. I'm sorry I have neglected you. And your blogs. You know we're like third-grade BFFs - we pick up just where we left off.

Right? I hope so!

Here's to you, my cyber pals. You know I love ya, with my snotty nose and all. xo!

Twitter!

2009-04-02T10:42:00.003-05:00

This is what has consumed my life for the past several weeks...

And here's what you didn't see in the story ... a more genuine look at Sarah J Clark. :)

Found

2009-03-24T19:29:00.006-05:00

So.

I found my diamond. I FOUND MY DIAMOND!

Clearly, miracles really do happen.

And guess what I was doing when I found it. Guess!

Vacuuming. AHHH!

Who knew it was at home? I was convinced I lost it at work. CONVINCED. I didn't even bother looking at home. Instead, I was on my hands and knees at work scouring the floor around my desk. For days.

Then on Friday, I was home vacuuming, preparing for the husband to return so we could hustle over to the jewelers to consider our options. New diamond? New ring? New nothing?

While vacuuming I had this funny feeling not to vacuum my bedroom. God works in mysterious ways, folks. This funny feeling lasted until I turned the vacuum off and wandered into my bedroom.

And there, on the floor, a sparkle caught my eye. And I knew. I just KNEW what it was.

After days of searching, I was like, 'Oh, hello diamond laying in the middle of my bedroom floor. How have you been these last few days?'

It just lay there all sparkly and bright and smiling like it was the champion of hide-and-go-seek.

I plucked it up and went to the jewelers with the husband.

Amazing.

It cost the husband only $60 to have the head replaced. And? It's clean. Like bran-spanking-new clean.

I love my diamond. And I love the man who gave it to me ... and payed to have it placed back on my finger. :)

Greeeeeen!

2009-03-17T09:20:00.001-05:00

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY! :o)

Lost

2009-03-10T19:01:00.004-05:00

So. I lost the diamond to my engagement ring.

Actually, the diamond and its mount decided to either 1) walk away and never return or 2) fall off. Just like that.

This. Makes me sad. Naturally.

However my darling, dearest husband didn't understand at first.

We carpooled yesterday, so after work he picked me up. I hopped in the car, and, like always, my thumb absentmindedly started to fiddle with my ring. But then. Panic.

PANIC PANIC PANIC

It wasn't there.

Husband: Well, did you bang it on something?

Me: Uh, NO. I think I would remember banging my hand on something because it would a) hurt and b) cause me to look at my hand and be like, 'OMG. WTF. Where's my diamond?' Which would then a) cause me to immediately start looking for it and b) become a sixth-grade crossing guard again and insist all foot traffic at work STOP until it was found.

Husband: Oh.

Pause.

Husband: Well, are you sure you didn't smack your hand against a door or something?

Me: UGH!

So things feel amiss right. I'm sadly reminded of my missing diamond every time my thumb absently wanders over to fiddle with it.

But this means I get a new ring. Husband says so. Which is good and gracious of him, but I'm conflicted because 1) I've been to Africa and know there are better, more meaningful things money can buy and 2) in this current economy who goes out and buys a replacement ring?

I'd feel terribly vain. And guilty.

But.

There's the materialistic side of Sarah J Clark that wants a shiny new rock on her finger that says, 'Hey, look! I'm married to a man who bought me THIS.'

You know?

Um, sister?

2009-03-02T10:05:00.003-06:00

I'm pretty sure this was my sister in another life....

Her name is Didi, I think, and she agrees.

In our former life as bold, bodacious, tenacious, sassy sisters, we were too much to handle when together, so the Powers That Be saw fit to send us back to this world, only this time we were separated. By thousands of miles.

And yet we still found each other.

Check her out on Twitter, YouTube and Blogspot. Say hi. And be nice. She used to be my sister.

Results are IN!

2009-02-27T17:48:00.005-06:00

Thanks to all who voted on which outfit I should wear for my Twitter sweeps package. Votes were left here, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

But c'mon. Did you really think I was going to wear any of these get-ups? ...

You did?

Oh, that's silly. I have a little more class than that. What I actually decided to wear, was this ...

I told ya. You can never go wrong with hot pink. Ever.

For those of you sitting on the edge of your chair wondering which of the above outfits won my impromptu poll?

The answer was C.

Again, I'm thinking it was the hot pink leggings. Hawt.

xo!

Help! I don't know what to wear!

2009-02-24T20:27:00.011-06:00

Hi. I work in television. I'm a internet producer slash reporter.

Most recently I've been asked to do a story on Twitter for March sweeps.

For AIR. Not just internet air. TV AIR.

Normally, the videos I produce are web exclusives. Web first, and maybe, just maybe, if I'm super duper lucky, they make it to air.

But this time?

Is different.

This time, my work is making air FIRST. Then web. Awesome. Right? Right.

But.

I don't know what to wear! And since this is a pretty big gig I've got looming over me, I want to look my best. My B.E.S.T. best. Got it? Good.

So I've taken a couple of snapshots for you. I want you to help me decide what I should wear for my shoot.

And my shoot is on Thursday, so you've got less than 48 hours to cast your vote!

See pix below...

In this first photo, take special note of the single, solitary dolphin earring. And killer rainboots. The mini beehive adds height to my short stature. Always a plus in television.

In this second photo, the military-style hat and stellar salute shows solid patriotism. And although patriotism has absolutely nothing to do with Twitter, one could argue it's always good to show pride in your country.

In this last photo, the royal-blue dress compliments Twitter's Royal Blue Bird. Chirp chirp. And if you're going to wear blue, why not throw on a little yellow and hot pink too? One can never go wrong with hot pink. Trust me.

Three choices. And time is ticking. So go on, get to it. VOTE! Leave your comments below!

Check back for results on Thursday! ;)

Jason Show Questions Finally Answered

2009-02-21T16:14:00.006-06:00

Mt. Dew Update: ZERO. Twenty days and counting. Cheri, I know you'd be proud of me. ;)

* * * * *

Many, many weeks ago, Jason, at The Jason Show, posed some questions to a few fellow bloggers. I was one of them and have not answered. Until now.

1. What thought goes through your head over and over again during a typical day?
Ans: I wonder if it's still too cold to run outside. (YES)

2. How did you get so stinkin' cute, and are you always so perky?
Ans: I've never thought of myself as cute. Ornery and obnoxious, yes. Cute? No. And I'm not always perky. Just ask my husband! ;)

3. What makes you grumpy?
Ans: Fluorescent lights early in the morning. If you've ever seen any of my videos that were shot at work near my desk, you'll notice the lights are off. I don't turn them on until 9 a.m. when the managers get in.

4. Would you consider yourself religious or spiritual, and why?
Ans: I don't believe in religion. I don't believe in spirituality. I believe in John 3:16. As for why -- I've witnessed God's mercy and love first-hand over and over in my life. It's humbling.

5. What is your opinion of eels?
Ans: They remind me of Missouri mud puppies. Ick.

Now here's a question I pose to YOU. All of you...

If you were a stranger meeting you for the first time, what do you think you would notice first?

GO!

Odd Couple

2009-02-13T09:36:00.001-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Day ....

PS - If you're reading this and/or watching my videos, know that you make my world wonderful, too! xo!

Sugar Free Mama!

2009-02-08T16:50:00.010-06:00

Hello BFFs. Tired of my sugar free videos? Surely not.

For those of you who know the story of my Mama, you'll be pleased to know she's doing well. She's even featured in the video below, seen smiling and being a good sport every time I shoved the camera in her face.

Thanks, Mama. I love you!

And if you're interested, watch this to learn about $16 nuts.

Also: BLOOPERS!!!

Sugar Free Skit
Sugar Free: Go Team!
Sugar Free Withdrawals
Sugar Free Butt Paste
Sugar Free Birthday Boots
Complete Sugar Free story on fox4kc.com

A Sugar Free Skit!

2009-02-05T12:01:00.003-06:00

Sugar Free: Go Team!
Sugar Free Withdrawals
Sugar Free Butt Paste
Sugar Free Birthday Boots
Complete Sugar Free story on fox4kc.com

Sugar Free: Go Team!

2009-02-04T15:42:00.003-06:00

Sugar Free Withdrawals
Sugar Free Butt Paste
Sugar Free Birthday Boots
Complete Sugar Free story on fox4kc.com

Sugar Free Withdrawals

2009-02-03T11:00:00.005-06:00

Sugar Free Butt Paste
Sugar Free Birthday Boots
Complete Sugar Free story on fox4kc.com

Sugar Free Butt Paste

2009-02-02T11:24:00.004-06:00

Confused? Need to know more about this sugar-free adventure? Check here!

Sugar Free Birthday Boots

2009-02-01T15:34:00.002-06:00

Sugar Free on FOX4KC!

I like this idea

2009-02-01T12:10:00.003-06:00

This photo was featured on Post Secret today.

I like the idea. It made me think about the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge.

And Cheri.

Love Cheri. She's on a mission to brighten the lives of strangers. Anonymously.

Have you brightened someone's day lately?

Hush up. Go be nice!

2009-01-31T11:50:00.002-06:00

The Random Acts of Kindness Challenge continues!

It's not a unique idea. It's not a noble cause. It's not something that's going to make you famous. But. It will make someone else feel good. Maybe even special.

And let's face it, everyone needs to feel special once in awhile.

So I challenge you to go on, get out there and be nice. Then come back and tell us how it went. Others already have. Visit Well, Did You? and Random Acts to see how.

Huckleberry

2009-01-28T12:42:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to Bear Grylls and his wife, Shara, on their new baby boy, Huckleberry.

That's right. Huckleberry Edward Joscelyne Grylls.

Their other two boys: Jesse and Marmaduke.

This got my colleague, Meagan Kelleher, digging up other weird celebrity baby names. Here's what she found:

WACKY CELEBRITY BABY NAMES:

Bono: Memphis Eve

Gwenyth Paltrow: Apple

Jamie and Jules Oliver: Poppy Honey & to Daisy Boo

Lisa Bonet: Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa

Nicholas Cage: Kal-El Coppola (Kal-El is Superman's original birth name)

Penn Jillette: Moxie CrimeFighter

Shannyn Sossamon: Audio Science

See more wacky celebrity baby names.