Being busy is no excuse…

…but I’ve been busy. I’m sorry I haven’t updated this in almost two weeks.

For those in Sanford, you know we’ve had a news-filled week, starting on Monday, when Shaniya Davis’s body was found in Lee County. We’ve covered press conferences and vigils, and sadly this is only the beginning of this awful story. I’ve also been sick this past week and after staying home Tuesday, I was trying to play catch up with my education stories.

Phew.

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Last weekend, while my sister was in town visiting, we went to both Cookout and Bojangle’s. Both were delicious — the chocolate mint milkshake at Cookout? One of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had — and cheap, which was great. I had real barbecue at Cookout (after just learning that “barbecue” is what you get after cooking an entire pig over fire and then picking away at it), and was surprised to find cole slaw on top of it when I opened the bun. But I guess that’s how real Southern barbecue is served. I was odd at first, but after a few bites, I was hooked. Some have told me Cookout barbecue is very good, others have said there’s better out there. But I was pleased with my first taste and can’t wait to try it from other restaurants, too.

We went to Bojangle’s for breakfast, and I tried the blueberry biscuits that were drizzled with frosting. While delicious, I don’t know that I could eat them more than say, once a year, for fear of developing diabetes. But they were definitely a treat.

I also got to try Cracker Barrel for the first time on Monday (I know, I know, I’d never been to a Cracker Barrel…I’m un-American). I got the “chicken and dumplins” which were pretty good. Very comforting and savory. The fried apples on the side were sweet and glaze-y. Really good. Next time, I’d love to get breakfast there, because they had a lot of good-sounding things on the menu. Plus, I’m a huge breakfast fan.

 

Change of plans

I had the day off Friday and my mom came to visit. Before heading up to a dog park in Chapel Hill, we wanted to eat lunch somewhere in Sanford. We ended up going to the Steele Street Coffee and Wine Bar. We really loved the atmosphere — very inviting and homey — and the server greeted us as we walked in. She was friendly and couldn’t have been any nicer to us. My mom ordered a coffee for the two of us to share; it had mint and espresso and it was delicious! My mom got the Francesca salad (with mixed greens, pine nuts and and blue cheese), which she loved, and I got the roast beef wrap (beef, cheese, mixed greens, tomatoes, mustard). It was very fresh and was just the right size. I didn’t waste any! We both said we’d like to come back. It struck me as a very original place — more character than a Starbucks or chain restaurant. Next time, I’d love to stop in to get my own coffee, or go for a glass of wine. They had some other tasty-sounding items on the menu, too, like loaded nachos or gyros — things I wouldn’t have thought would be on the menu at a place like that. But the cafe’s variety seems like it would be its selling point.

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I love when you’re handed a story and it comes together really well in a matter of a hour or so. That’s what happened while working Saturday. I started my shift headed in one direction, and ended the day wrapping up a totally different story. But days like that are fun. And that’s one of the highlights of being a journalist: Your plan can always change. Breaking news happens or things fall through, and before you know it, you’re talking to teens skateboarding at a vacant lot. Check out my story: http://tinyurl.com/yd3o5qc

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Since I’m new to town, I’m trying to learn more about Sanford. For those locals reading this (…if there’s anyone reading this…), got any tips for me? What’s the best thing about Sanford? What’s something that needs work? And why do you call Sanford home? My e-mail is cmullen@sanfordherald.com. Shoot me a note, or leave a comment on here. If you’d rather talk on the phone, my number is 919-718-1219. Let me know what you think.

Off and running

Well, I’ve been a reporter for the Sanford Herald for a little more than a week now, and I’m really enjoying it here. As the education reporter, I’m trying to get in touch with everyone in the school world and hoping to get some enterprise stories rolling.

If you’re reading this and you have ideas for education-related stories or have something you’d like me to look into, let me know. My work e-mail is cmullen@sanfordherald.com.

On a more personal note, I’ve been gradually adjusting to my new life, and am liking Sanford more and more each day. My new puppy, Ollie, is a schnauzer mix from Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption; she’s lots of fun and a good companion.

I stopped in Added Accents on Steele Street the other day and loved the neat gifts and accessories for sale. I tried Sandra’s Bakery and it was amazing; can’t wait to check out restaurants and more local places around town. I’d like to eat at and write about local eateries on here, maybe on a twice-monthly basis or so. If you have any food suggestions for me, send me an e-mail; I’m pretty adventurous and enjoy all types of food.

My favorite work moment thus far: At the Tramway Elementary book fair the other night, I went up to a kid, introduced myself and said, “My name is Caitlin and I work for the newspaper.” Behind me, another little boy piped up and said, “The Sanford Herald? I love it!” I laughed out loud. Glad we still have newspaper fans that are young.