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After eleven years of working at WLOS, seven of them on the morning and noon show, Thursday was my last day with News 13.
You can read more about my decision to leave HERE.
The entire process of leaving has been long and very stressful, but now that it is officially over I’ve been able to have a little time to think and process everything that has happened. These are ginormous life changes for me that while necessary, have not been easy.
My hubby knew I needed a little time to decompress, so surprised me with a last-minute trip to Hilton Head Island.
A little time with the water can soothe the soul.
My Last Day
I have some thoughts and reflections on leaving, but let’s start with a little recap, shall we?
My last day at WLOS started like many others, walking in the door shortly after 3AM and getting ready to be live by 4:30.
Holly, Jay and I took our turns going through the routine of passing back and forth from weather to news.
I’d told Jay and Holly I didn’t want to cry, so Jay made sure to get in ALL of his jokes about me and even called me out on some of my bloopers over the years. It wouldn’t have been a good last day without some friendly jabs.
As 6 AM approached I started to get nervous. The producers told me they gave me about a minute to say goodbye at the end of the show, and I had a little speech I had prepared. I was so worried about completely losing it on TV and I just didn’t want to cry on the air.
Just before the end of the show they aired a story Holly had put together about my eleven year run at WLOS. I knew it was coming, but it still choked me up a bit. At the end of the story the camera faded to a shot of me and I started to give my farewell speech. I was sort of holding it together until I saw Holly and Jay tearing up sitting beside me. I lost it for a minute and then composed myself for just long enough to tell viewers about my future plans with Running in a Skirt.
For those of you who missed it, here is what it looked like live on the air.
And here are some of the taped goodbyes that aired during the show from an amazing list of who’s-who in Asheville.
My goal was to not cry at all, but at least I didn't sloppy cry? I guess that’s just me though, I wear my heart on my sleeve.
After the show I insisted on a big group picture because there are so many faces that go into putting together a newscast that people never see. This crew has been like family to me.
They got me my favorite ice cream cake, cards and some very thoughtful gifts. I may not see these guys every day anymore, but I am sure I will still see them often.
I worked through most of the morning finishing some last-minute details and saying goodbyes. I left for a short break and came back to do it all again for the noon show.
I snuck in one more photo with Victoria who I have worked with so closely for so many years.
About 1:30 it was finally time to leave for the last time, I gathered my last few things (I packed most of my desk a few weeks ago) and stood at my view from the green screen. I can get a bit sentimental about taking one last look, so I made this one short and sweet. The best thing I can do is to look forward, not backwards.
It was a rather uneventful, but memorable last day at WLOS.
Reflections on leaving WLOS
Victoria gave me this picture with a quote from the movie “You’ve Got Mail!” It says “You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life.”
This quote has really resonated with me over the past few days.
I really loved my time at WLOS, but it is time to do something different. Change is very hard, but change can be good.
I feel so blessed that so many of you have invited me into your homes via the morning news for so long. I already miss being able to “wake” you up. It is a powerful and important role.
I am grateful to have worked with so many amazing people on the morning and noon news including Holly, Jay, Lauren, Victoria, the producers and the production crew. I will miss working with such talented and fun people.
As for the future, I am so excited to share with you my next project and job, my blog Running in a Skirt, and I hope that you will continue to support me. For those of you who are just learning about my blog, you can think of it as an online magazine with recipes, travel, workouts & fitness ideas, running, healthy living, fashion, beauty,photography and Western North Carolina living. For those of you who have been reading for a while, I’m going to be upping my game in the coming months with more posts a week and I even have some pretty awesome giveaways that I know you are going to love!
To subscribe to Running in a Skirt enter your e-mail address on the right hand side of the screen.
I’m also going to be working on a few freelance writing gigs. I already have a fun one to share with you on Wednesday. I am still on the lookout for any freelance TV opportunities.
Running in a Skirt is now open for advertisements and sponsors. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting new opportunity in any way please send an e-mail to RunninginaSkirt@gmail.com
Marilyn Simmons says
We love you. My daughter is 11 she loves watching you too. We missed your good-bye so I had to find out what happened to you. She had a teacher at clear creek elm. Mrs Justice who could be your twin. God bless you. Thank you for all your time.
Rose W says
Sometimes change can be difficult and sometimes it's hard to decide between a career and our bliss. But, it takes a strong person to make the choice to be happy and healthy, as you did. You have a wonderful future ahead of you and I wish you the very best. No doubt, you will be missed, for sure, but I am so happy for you.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Rose, I appreciate your support!
Gayle Becker says
Julie,
i have been a follower on your blog for a while. I have admired your grace and positive attitude during troubled times. I look forward to seeing what you do next because I know your will be successful. Miss you in the mornings. Blessings!
Gayle
Stan Williams says
I am glad you have this blog at least so your fans can keep following on here ...
gary brown says
sure do enjoy your blog GOD bless
Jean says
Change is difficult even good ones, so best to you Julie as you move on. We will miss you too and we wish you the best in your new endeavors.
Madeline St Onge says
God Bless Julie, hope is all works for you. I watch the weather on channel 4 now sorry. Looking forward to see what you come up with
You hubby rocks big time, hang on to him <3
JulieWunder says
Doesn't he? He is so smart 🙂 Thanks for your continued support!
Warren Walker says
Julie, my fiance (whose name is also Julie), and I watched your morning weathercast, and your farewell speech. We too were tearing up. You, and the rest of the morning crew are loved. Again, thank you for waking us up, and brightening our days while you were at WLOS. We will continue to visit your blog here. 🙂
Warren Walker
JulieWunder says
Thank you Warren for your support. It was a tough day and I'm glad I can move forward now. I really appreciate your support.
Blane Sherer says
I wish you all the best Julie. It was tough watching your last broadcast Thursday. It was like saying goodbye to a family member. Glad you were able to get away for a nice weekend. I will miss you.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
That was such a sweet tribute! I know great things are in your future, Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Stacie!
Blane Sherer says
I wish you all the best Julie. It was tough watching your last broadcast Thursday. It was like saying goodbye to a family member. Glad you were able to getaway for a nice weekend. I will miss you
Jaime says
I'll be honest that I haven't been able to catch you as often on air the past 9 months (work schedule just won't allow television time in the morning!) I'm glad to have gotten to know you in real life, though! I'm excited about this next journey!
JulieWunder says
Me too!
Blane Sherer says
I certainly wish all the best for you Julie. Your last show was tough to watch . It was like saying good-bye to a family member. Glad you were abe to get away for a nice weekend. I will miss you.
JulieWunder says
It was pretty tough. I'm glad I can move forward now. Thank you for all of your support.
Robert Palin says
I've only been living in Asheville since December but came to look forward to seeing the three of you early each morning. Felt like family. Best of luck in whatever you do.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Robert! I hope you will continue to follow my blog!
Walter Wright says
Good morning Julie, I really miss seeing you this morning =) .
Barb Saunders says
Julie, good luck to you and since I've been following your blog I look forward to even more of them. Will miss you in the early morning when I'm getting my day started....won't have your smile to brighten it up! Good luck and will keep on reading....
Stan says
I will miss you, but I can't imagine getting up at 3 AM every night! I wish you the best of luck in all you do!
Marie R says
Best of luck to you in discovering all the new and exciting pathways open to you on your new career path. Live, Love, Laugh and Enjoy Julie!
Paulette B says
Best wishes for your new adventures! I look forward to reading your daily blog!
Dan Steadman says
smart move on your husband's part to get away...best of luck to you in all you do running and not...see ya at the HC10k?
JulieWunder says
I know! He is pretty smart 🙂 Hopefully HC this year!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
So excited for you Julie and I look forward to keeping up with you on your blog. Love that quote from You've Got Mail...I need to take that into account right now. See you soon. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Robin. I really liked that quote too. I'm going to have to see if the movie is playing on TV anytime soon or is on Amazon. See you soon!
JulieWunder says
It's a good one, right? Vic really got that one! See you soon!
Lisa B says
All the best to you in your future endeavors, Julie! Sure going to miss waking up to your smiling face and vibrant personality. God bless!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Lisa for your support!
JulieWunder says
God bless you too, Lisa! Thank you for your support.
Carolyn G says
Good luck on your new adventures!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Carolyn!