Joanna's Blog

OK, I admit it. The snow amounts from the monster storm that hit our area didn't measure up to their predictions.

Our local weather people were forecasting at least 8 inches in the city of Buffalo and more than a foot in Niagara and Orleans counties. We lucked out. A dry pocket in the storm protected us, and the sleet moved farther north than expected. Both brought down snowfall amounts considerably. It turned out the second half of the storm was snowier than the first. So, what happened?

Well, despite all the new, high-tech weather equipment, mother nature is still very unpredictable. Does that mean we shouldn't warn people when a big storm is approaching? Of course not. It's part of our job.

Television was founded on the idea of providing a community service and that should never change. Lots of schools closed and plenty of workers stayed home, but that just made the weather conditions a little more bearable. I can't help but think how much more dangerous it would have been this morning if buses and extra cars were on the roads, even with the lesser snow amounts.

We were warned. We were ready. Nothing terrible happened. That's how it's suppose to be!

Reporting on tragedies is part of my job, but that doesn't make it any easier. And it's especially difficult when these stories hit home for me.

I didn't know the St. Bonaventure University sophomore, Matthew Dungan who died after collapsing at an off-campus residence over the weekend, but I do have a daughter who is a senior in college.

When Matthew's father said it is every parents nightmare to get that call in the middle of the night, it struck a painful chord. Even though I wanted my daughter to experience college away from home, I can't help but worry about her safety. It's hard to give up control of their lives, but they grow up, and you eventually have to let go.

If there's a lesson to be learn about this tragedy, we don't know it, yet. But I do know that even though I never met Matthew, I grieve for him and his family. Sadly, they won't ever know the man he could have been. It makes me even more grateful for the beautiful daughter I have, and the mature young woman she is becoming.

I admit it. Just a few weeks into 2011, and I already have the January Blahs. I started the new year with such great hope and excitement. How could I be tired of it so soon?
To be honest, this happens to me every year. After the rush of the holidays, the weeks following suddenly seem so dull. Add to that the cold, snowy weather, and I start feeling blue.
Well, lucky for me, I'm not one to wallow in self-pity for long. My Dad always taught me to pull up my boot straps and soldier on when I started feeling down. So, that's what I am doing.
I have already begun connecting with friends and making plans to have some fun in my off time. This time of year you have to work a little harder to make life interesting, but don't worry, only 61 days until spring arrives, renewing that hope and excitement all over again!!!!

I heard some great news today from folks promoting the Buffalo/Niagara region. Did you know that Buffalo had more sunny days than Orlando, Florida in 2010. Yep, Buffalo came in at 171. Orlando had 159.

I wasn't really surprised by this, because I happen to think Buffalo is a very sunny place. Sure, we get our share of gloomy weather, but usually it doesn't last long. Sprinkled in between are plenty of sunny days to raise our spirits!

I always feel badly when I hear people saying negative things about our area, because despite its problems, there are so many benefits to living here.

The problems we have aren't much different than what other areas are facing, and we don't have a lot of those inconvenient things that come along with living in bigger cities, like big crowds and heavy traffic.

We also have such an interesting history and beautiful architecture to show for it. Also, lots of culturals, delicious restaurants, nice communities with good schools. And now we hear, sunnier skies than a city in Florida.

When looking at it in that light, you'll realize it can be pretty great, on this side of the Lake!

I can't believe we are getting ready to usher in another year! Where did 2010 go? As I get older, I feel like time just flies by!! It seems just yesterday we were welcoming a new decade, and now we are preparing for 2011.

I have never been much a partier on New Year's Eve. I always feel like it never lives up to the hype. For the past few years, I have been ringing in the new year with you... at the Buffalo Ball Drop! I really enjoy it! A little chilly, but fun!

Keith and I will be back out there again this year, along with Patrick Taney and Ginger Geoffery from Eyewitness News This Morning. If you are planning to be out there, be sure to stop by our stage and say "hello"!

I love the hope and excitement a new year brings. I usually don't make specific resolutions, but last year, I read an article that really stuck with me. It was about making a resolution to have more fun in the new year. You know, living life to the fullest!

I tried to do that this year and will continue it in 2011. I get so wrapped up in what I should be doing that I often don't make time for doing what I enjoy. So, here we go! Welcome 2011! I'm anxious to see what you have in store, and I feel lucky to be able to experience it all! Now, isn't that something worth celebrating???? Happy New Year, Everyone!

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