My Encounter With an Angry Viewer

July 27, 2012

I love my job.  Even though things get a bit crazy during severe weather coverage, I get excited.

When boss lady asks me to come in a bit early for cut-ins, I’m happy to oblige.  Forecasting the weather can get tricky.  It’s important to be on top of your game at all times.  People usually are quick to ask, “When is the storm coming?” “How long is it gonna last?”

There are times when I’m crunching (some say crashing, I say crunching), and I’d get a phone call from a colleague- “I’m planning to go hang out with some friends later tonight.  Is it gonna be like really bad?”  I think to myself, “Like dude for real?  You’re really asking me this right now and I’m about to go up live?! Seriously?”  Instead of losing it, I give them the info they need.  From time to time there are those who will say, “I know you’ve been reporting the weather all day.  But, I wasn’t really paying attention.  So, what’s it gonna be like outside?

If you’re reading this and think that I’m being a total beeyotch, you got me all wrong.  I actually think it’s quite comical.  I remember being the one asking the Meteorologist these same questions before making the switch to weather.  It’s like karma coming back to bite be in the a**.  On a serious note, I really do appreciate the questions.  It shows that that they look to me as their weather authority.  Even if I’m swamped, I think it’s important to answer questions.  That’s what I’m here for.

I recall receiving a phone call from one of our interns from the assignment desk.  I remember her telling me about an angry viewer demanding to speak to a weather forecaster.  Normally I don’t take calls from viewers.  But something in me says to take the call.  FYI, we are going up live in less than one hour.

Me:”________.  How can I help you?”
Caller: “That’s how you answer the phone?  With an attitude?
You don’t have to have an attitude!  That’s how you treat people?”
Me: “I’m sorry if you think I’m being rude.  It’s just that we’re in the middle of storm coverage and there is a sense of urgency.  How can I help you?”
Caller: “When I call ______, they are nice and they’re not rude!  I don’t know none of these people here.  The only one I know is Stacy-Ann.  I don’t know no body else.”

This person continues to ramble on- obviously not knowing it’s me on the phone.  I don’t bother telling the caller my name), and I am hoping not to get dissed.  Thank goodness, I’m not!  Whew!

Me:  ”Is there something I can help you with?”
Caller: “Well, I want to know about the weather. Ya’ll keep saying the same things over and over again.  You’re supposed to be a 24 hour channel.  Every time I turn on the TV, ya’ll are not telling me exactly where it’s raining.”
Me:  ”Well, we are tracking storms and they won’t be arriving until later this evening.  We air live newscasts that repeat throughout the evening.  Where exactly are you?”
Caller:  ”I’m in ______.  What I wanna know is when it’s supposed to hail.  Is it gonna mess up my house? Is it gonna mess up my car?”

This caller is clearly very irate and I wonder if I’d ever be able to calm this person down.  I give a quick synopsis of the forecast.  I mention that we’ve been tracking some severe thunderstorms out west, and that those storms are accompanied my hail, lightning, gusty winds, and flooding.  I reassure this person that we’ll be updating our forecast throughout the evening, and will inform viewers when to expect the rain to arrive.  I also provide a timeline.

By the end of the conversation this caller does a complete 180.  This person even starts cracking jokes.  The caller goes from being upset to happy in a matter of 20 minutes.  I couldn’t believe we’ve been talking for that long.  But, I don’t mind.  It’s important that this person hangs up the phone with peace of mind.  That’s what I would want for myself.

What would you have done, if you were in my shoes?

Weather Anchor Mama

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Time to Get Pampared

October 5, 2011

I remember having a jam packed schedule back in the day.  I attended school full time, worked part time, and played sports.  Okay, I don’t claim to be a sportsnista.  But believe it or not, I was an athlete growing up.  Anyway that’s a whole other post.  The point is that I thought my life was busy then…

Fast forward years later and I don’t even have time to use the bathroom without my baby girl going nuts.  From changing diapers, to taking classes and working full time, it’s been crazy.  My life for the past year has been all work, and no play.  It’s time to take some “me” time back, and I ask that you mamas out there do the same.  With that said, spa week is just around the corner and I’m gonna make it a point to hit up the spa for some much needed ralaxation.  The great thing is that I’ll be paying about half of what I normally spend.  A facial for 50 bucks, you can’t beat that!   Princess will be spending some quality time with her papa, while mommy gets pampered.  But for those of you worrying about a babysitter, there’re some salons that offer free child care.   
It’ definitely worth taking some time out for yourself.  If the spa isn’t your thing, why not go for a walk or have lunch with the girls?  Whatever you decide, you’ll be glad you took some “me” time.   In the meantime, here’s some info on spa week.   Don’t forget to share your spa experience.  I would love to read about it!
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When Things Get Out of Whack

September 28, 2011

I pride myself in being organized and having everything together.  But, this week has been a nightmare so far.  Okay, I maybe exaggerating a bit.  But, a change in schedule has caused everything to slip out of alignment.

When I was informed that I would be working behind the scenes for weather training, I thought “cool.”  It’s nice to be able to switch things up a little.  But that would have been true before having Princess.  I always knew that kids need routine, and this week has proven that statement to be true.  Instead of working my normal evening shift, I’ve been arriving earlier in the day.  Little did I know that I’d be throwing my daughter’s schedule out of whack.

Everything from her sleep time, to morning breakfast, and bed time has been flipped upside down.  She’s also been spending the entire day at daycare which has made her cranky.  Don’t get me wrong, she loves it there.

However, she’s used to being dropped off and picked up a certain time.  She’s also not accustomed to seeing me when she gets home.  What is normally a nice evening with her grandma has become a cry fest!  She goes nuts the moment she sees me, and the cries won’t stop until I pick her up.  The thing is…I need to get some studying done, among other things.

Once her daddy arrives the crankiness continues for the rest of the night.  I know that kids need structure and routine.  But who would have thought that a few days of work schedule changes would mean throwing my baby girl routine out of whack?  I can’t wait to return to my regular shift!  Has this ever happened to you?

Weather Anchor Mama

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Much Needed Break

September 24, 2011

When I found out that some friends of mine from work would be leaving, I was overcome with both joy and sadness.  I’m so happy they’ll be moving on in their careers, but bummed that I won’t get to see them at work anymore.  That’s the nature of the biz!  It’s common for someone to have to accept a gig out of state.  I’ve been fortunate enough to maintain a career here in New York.  But those who may be considering a job in TV, should be open to relocate at the drop of a hat.  It’s expected that folks will be moving on at some point.

When I was invited to their going away parties, I was a bit hesitant.  Not because I didn’t want to go, it would mean not tucking my baby girl in that night.  One of the toughest parts about being a mom is having to split your time.  I’m often torn.  One side of my brain says, “Go have fun!  You deserve to be out with friends!”  While the other side says, “Are you crazy?  You can’t be out there droppin’ it like it’s hot, when you have a baby at home!”

After discussing it with my hubby, it was a go.  After all, I won’t be working with these two lovely ladies anymore.  It’s only right that I support them as they move on in their careers.

It was a bit tough because I’m not used to being out this late.  As a mom, I know there will be times when I may want to go out with friends.  It’s not something I do all the time, but once in a while can’t hurt.  Have you ever felt guilty having to choose between going out with friends and staying home with your little one?  I wanna know!  In the meantime check out some more pics!

It was a fun night, but I paid for it the next day.  I could barely keep my eyes open.  How do you party people do it?

Weather Anchor Mama

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Wardrobe Tips

September 24, 2011

One of the most challenging things about my job, aside from producing and delivering the weather forecasts, is achieving the right look.  I’ve demonstrated how I apply make up for TV, but getting dressed for TV is another beast in and of itself.  There are a few rules I go by, when it comes to picking the right outfit whether on or off the air.

1. Rock colors!!  No matter what your skin tone is, you can’t go wrong with colors.  Unfortunately, I am limited in my selection because of the green screen.  If I decide to wear green, certain shades of yellow, teal, and turquoise then I will key out.  You’ll see right through me!  If I happen to wear dark shades, I try to put some sort of color underneath to give my skin a nice pop.  But, you’ll most likely see me in red, pink, orange, blue, and purple.


2.  Avoid patterns and frills.  While there are exceptions to every rule, I do feel that clothes with a lot of foo-foo-la give a bulky appearance.  If you happen to be a size zero, you can probably get away with most outfits.  But I’m not, so I have to be extra careful.  I’m an island girl who’s a little bigger in the hip, butt, and thigh areas.   So, I usually go for a stream line look.

3.  Don’t be afraid to show a little skin.  Hey, don’t get it twisted.  I don’t mean show up to work in a bikini.  But, you can go sleeveless.  If you have nice arms, why not show it off?  Have you seen our First Lady?  She looks amazing and professional in her sleeveless dresses.

4.  Be careful about choosing the right suit.  I know you’re probably thinking, “This woman’s crazy!” Despite what your career consultant told you, not all suits are great!  But they can be, if you choose ones that fit like a glove.  I see men and woman all the time in suits that aren’t tailored correctly.  It just doesn’t look good.  Check out the photo below.  I have a suit jacket that’s very similar to the one on the right that I never wear because of how it photographs.  It bulges at the waist.  The one on the left looks too square.  A woman has curves!  Your suit jacket should reflect that!

5.  Reruns are ok!  Some of us are able to wear a new outfit everyday of the month/year.  Believe it or not, we TV folks repeat looks all the time.  That’s why you should space your outfits out as much as possible.  I can, however, get away with repeating the same skirt/pants two to three days out of the week.  The trick is to pair your bottoms with different tops.  No one would ever know that the skirt you wore on Monday is the same one you’re wearing on Wednesday.

6.  Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!!  Sometimes accessories make the outfit.  It’s also another way to repeat outfits.  The earring and necklace I wore the other day took attention away from the dress I wore twice in two weeks.  Plus, it gives your look an added boost.  You just have to be careful about the size of the jewelry.  Since my hair is a bit longer and my camera shots are a bit wider than the anchor close ups, I can get away with longer earings.

7.  Avoid wearing too many trendy pieces.  It’s ok to have a couple of in style looks, but moderation is key.  Do you remember Cross Colors?  It was hot in the 90s.  Do you see anyone rocking that clothing line now?  I don’t think so.  




I find that classic looks are the way to go because you can wear them for years.  It’ll never go out of style.  

Whatever outfits and jewelry you rock, it’s important to know what looks best on you.  I hope these tips are helpful.  If you have any of your own, please hit me up!  Sharing is caring:)!!

Filed Under: Beauty Blog, Weather Anchor Mama 2 Comments

YMM of the Week!

August 9, 2011

I am featured in Young Moms in Motion this week! It’s a cool site that highlights positive moms doing positive things. Thanks YMM! Please check out the feature, when you have a sec.


Filed Under: Weather Anchor Mama 4 Comments