Hunter Sáenz
@Hunt_Saenz
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Texas Native. Cuse Grad. Dog Dad. | SU ➡️ WI ➡️ NC | Reporter covering crime & court @wsoctv Story Ideas/Tips: [email protected]
Charlotte, NC
Joined August 2013
Read this. This is the obituary for Alden Elliott, one of the officers who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Monday. His 12-year-old son, Theo, wrote it. Please pray for this boy, his mother, their family and friends. 💔🙏🏼
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This is Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks. His colleagues called him TW. He was killed yesterday while helping to serve a warrant. Please pray for his family, including his wife and four kids, and his colleagues. @wsoctv
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🏳️🌈Stepping out of the dark for a colorful life ahead🏳️🌈. Today’s the day. I’m finally free. I’m the same Hunter you’ve always known, I’m just exhausted from hiding this part about me. I know it’s my time. #pride #beyou #loveislove .📸: @KurtDowswell
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This morning The Tunnel to Towers Fallen First Responder Home Program announced they plan to pay off the mortgage or provides a mortgage-free home for the families of the 4 slain officers who were killed in the line of duty here in Charlotte on Monday. @wsoctv @Tunnel2Towers.
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Fire continues to burn. At one point a woman on a loud speaker asked protesters to block the street so firefighters couldn’t get in if they responded. No authorities are around. Protesters are huddled. @wcnc
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A flag along with flowers is now lying at the steps outside CMPD headquarters in uptown, paying tribute to Officer Joshua Eyer while also showing support for his brothers and sisters in blue. @wsoctv
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Here we go. #JustIn: #firstinthenation votes are in. Dixville Notch, NH residents have spoken. 5 voters in the community . Trump: 0.Biden: 5. @wcnc.
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Reporter reminder: keep your head on a swivel. @PSimmons36 and I are ok. We weren't hit. But someone thought it'd be ok to throw a glass bottle at us while we did our jobs. I could care less about your motive. Frankly, nobody deserves to feel threatened while doing their job.
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#BREAKING CMPD confirms that Officer Joshua Eyer has died from his injuries after being shot earlier today. He leaves behind a wife and 3 year-old-boy. Last month he was awarded officer of the month. Please pray for his family and CMPD.
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The married life begins ❤️. What a love-filled weekend. We can’t thank our friends and family enough for a weekend we will never forget in a city we adore. #husbands #married #charlotte #clt #loveislove 📸: @south_nc
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PERSONAL NEWS: .I’m so pumped to say I’ll be sticking around #Charlotte & joining the incredible team at WSOC Channel 9. I’ll start behind the scenes in mid-June & will be back on air this fall! So thankful & excited to get to continue covering this city I’ve fallen in love with.
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100% of NC precincts in: . @SenThomTillis : 48.73% (2,640,379).@CalforNC : 46.94% (2,543,672). Difference of 96,707 votes. There are 117,000 outstanding absentee ballots. Some of those could still be in the mail system, some could have voted in-person, or missed deadline @wcnc.
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Cordelia Park is pure magic for us. Here’s to a lifetime 🥂 . #enGAYged #loveislove #hesaidyes #charlotte
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A lone officer drove in near protesters to escort firefighters to put out the fire. Things got heated. At one point we saw a person throw a rock at the patrol car and then a rock appeared to be thrown at the officer. @wcnc
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Here’s the reaction here in Charlotte when the Dallas Mavericks select Wendell Moore. #NBADraft
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Two years ago today. Unapologetically being my true self every day. Happier and healthier because of it.
🏳️🌈Stepping out of the dark for a colorful life ahead🏳️🌈. Today’s the day. I’m finally free. I’m the same Hunter you’ve always known, I’m just exhausted from hiding this part about me. I know it’s my time. #pride #beyou #loveislove .📸: @KurtDowswell
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PERSONAL NEWS: I turned off my microphone for the last time yesterday at WCNC Charlotte. It’s been an incredible ride at a station that’s provided me with so many opportunities. I cannot thank the team, that’s grown into family, enough. It’s just time for me to make this change.
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#Charlotte native @DaBabyDaBaby arrested for possession of marijuana, per @CMPD. We caught up with him after. First words: "CMPD - unlawful police department. Unlawfully searched my car, arrested me." He told us that CMPD started searching his car before he went on stage. @wcnc
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As of 3am — #Ossoff widens lead. Ossoff leads #Perdue by 12,806 votes. #georgia #SenateRunoffRace . Ok — getting some zzz’s. Godspeed to all Georgia reporters working through the night! I applaud you.
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This post isn’t to hear about your opinions. It’s to ask for your prayers. Science proves that masks work in the fight against #COVID. Wear a mask. If not for you, for others. Both of my grandparents are now battling this virus. We are hopeful but concerned at the same time.
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Recently, I "got the call." To say I've been overwhelmed is an understatement. Soon, I will do a 2-day bone marrow donation for a patient suffering from a blood cancer. I share this, hoping you will sign up. You never know if someone is in dire need of your help @BeTheMatch
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#NEW: In an exclusive one-on-one, wide-ranging interview for The Political Beat, Lt. Gov. @markrobinsonNC tells me he would sign a 6-week abortion ban if Governor. At 5/6PM on Channel 9 @wsoctv, @JoeBrunoWSOC9 shares part of our conversation. #ncpol .
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A new ranch to call home! Giddy up! .•.Day 1 is in the books. •.I’m excited to be back telling stories that matter in a city I love. I’ll be behind the scenes the first few months, but I’ll be back on the tube in late October! And hopefully with a full head of hair 😂
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CMPD is about to unveil their new campaign, targeting teens and younger folks about the dangers of fentanyl. Here are some of the psa ads you’ll see around town. I’m told the department’s comms team came up with the ideas. @wsoctv
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We lost a good one this weekend. I got a call late tonight that my beloved friend & SU classmate @ninakapur1 died in a tragic moped accident. Her smile was as beautiful as her spirit & personality. Always there for you. Always reaching out. Love you, Nina. Praying for your family
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BREAKING: Raphael Warnock wins U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia, NBC News projects.
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I’ve posted about her at times. I know she made many of y’all smile. Today we lost her. We didn’t deserve Ruger. A loyal & precious pup that brought joy to so many. We’re sad. But extremely grateful for the 12 years of memories. Give some love to your dogs for me, y’all.
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I’m told #Georgia HC Kirby Smart just landed in a helicopter on Providence Day School’s baseball field to visit and try recruit their QB.
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Happy Charlotte Pride from your Channel 9 @wsoctv family! . #pride #clt #charlotte #charlottepride #wsoc #WeServeOurCommunity
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For whoever needs to hear it: . It is too early for pumpkin anything. You read that correctly. Don't @ me.
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Can we please stop using the word “bipolar” to describe things like the weather. Perhaps first, learn what the disorder is and what it isn’t. There are people who actually have the mental health disorder, including friends.
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The good news: I’m not going anywhere. Charlotte has welcomed us with open arms and has carved out a special place in our hearts. Simply put, Charlotte is home. So, please say hello, or howdy, if you see me around the community. It would truly make my day. Warmly, Hunt.
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Can y’all just wear your mask over your face and nose. It’s pretty simple. K? Thanks.
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1 year later. Today is special. What a year it's been being me to everyone. On this last day of Pride month, remember we're all humans longing to love & be loved. Be kind, be present, & choose love. For those who aren't out yet, we love you, too & we're always here to help.🌈.
🏳️🌈Stepping out of the dark for a colorful life ahead🏳️🌈. Today’s the day. I’m finally free. I’m the same Hunter you’ve always known, I’m just exhausted from hiding this part about me. I know it’s my time. #pride #beyou #loveislove .📸: @KurtDowswell
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We cover a lot of tragic stories, including today. But meeting 6 month old Sariah while out at a scene made my day. She is such a smiley and happy baby. Hope she makes you smile, too! 😊 . (And no, I did not ask to hold a strangers’ baby. Her dad asked me to hold her for a pic)
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#BREAKING: Multiple sources tell @gcountswsoc9 @JoeBrunoWSOC9 and me CMPD has arrested a 16-year-old in the shooting spree that happened early Tuesday morning. CMPD will be holding a press conference at 3:30PM today with more. @wsoctv .
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A special thank you to Sam “Jesus Saves Guy” for giving our crew water as we walked around uptown for the better part of 2 hours with protesters. Always so nice and caring to everyone he comes across. Thank you, Sam. @wcnc
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Quick note: I’m thankful for the media market we have here in #Charlotte. @wsoctv @WBTV_News @FOX46News @WCCBCharlotte @wcnc @theobserver @wbtradio & many others are all doing important work. They also watch over each other CONSTANTLY out there. Keep it up.
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Howdy. Reminder: you can wear a mask & workout at the same time if you’re indoors. If you’re strong enough to lift all those weights, you’re def strong enough to wear a mask. Don’t be a crybaby. It’s a simple ask to wear a mask. Plus, aren’t you trying to be healthy. k bye
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Where it all began last July. Our parks are beautiful, especially Cordelia Park. So is he 😉
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I ask people to share their stories daily, oftentimes on their hardest days. So many have been so vulnerable with me about who they are, their emotions, pains, losses and triumphs. It’s my turn to be honest about who I am. #pride #beyou #loveislove.
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Love truly is just that - Love. Be you, unapologetically. And as I heard a time or two on my own journey, it gets better. #pride #beyou #loveislove.
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2 days after a technical mass shooting in Uptown Charlotte on NYE that left 5 innocent bystanders shot, @CMPD tells me they will not hold a press conference about this nor make someone available to talk about it. City told @JoeBrunoWSOC9 mayor won’t be holding a presser either
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The best Nextdoor post I’ve seen in a few weeks. “It’s too much drama…” 😂😂
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This is Ahmad Wrighten. He was 12-years-old. Police say he was murdered last week at a home in north Charlotte. The two people who officers say killed him are due in court this morning. That sweet smile. Please pray for his family. @wsoctv
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Friendly Friday reminder: . It's perfectly ok to show a little kindness and wave back if someone passes you on the sidewalk while running or walking and waves at you or says a small hello as they pass. We are a COMMUNITY, people.
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From the first case in the Carolinas, to becoming fully vaccinated. Two reporters who’ve covered it all & are elated to experience this moment. Big thank you to @AtriumHealth @NovantHealth @StarMedCare @TryonMedical @MeckCounty & all the other health partners! #ThisIsMyShot
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#New: Channel 9 has learned Carlos Roberto-Diaz, .one of the suspects charged in the deadly shooting spree in #Charlotte last week, was ordered to be deported back to Honduras in 2022. He was never deported. He's charged in a deadly shooting spree. Details on Ch. 9 at 6PM
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Hey drivers on East 7th… for the 7,459,743th time, ❌ above you means you shouldn’t be in that lane. @CharlotteDOT @CLTgov what can we do about this. Big safety issue. someone’s gonna get hurt from an accident or road rage.
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You prayed for us & because of that I’m thankful to report my grandparents have recovered from #COVID. There were some scary days - very sick days for g-paw especially. They pulled thru. They’re lucky. Do your job to not put another family thru these same tense moments, or worse.
This post isn’t to hear about your opinions. It’s to ask for your prayers. Science proves that masks work in the fight against #COVID. Wear a mask. If not for you, for others. Both of my grandparents are now battling this virus. We are hopeful but concerned at the same time.
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The smell. The kind workers. The hustle and bustle. The beaver nuggets. The BBQ. The gas pumps. Felt like I was home. Glad I got to scar @JoeBrunoWSOC9 w/ a Buc-ee’s experience.
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This morning family, friends, colleagues, law enforcement & first responders from across the state are gathering for the funeral of CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer. We’ve been invited to cover the memorial of this hero. Please keep his family in your prayers.
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#Breaking: “Live PD” is cancelled after @tplohetski broke the story and got the video of #JavierAmbler dying while in police custody as #LivePD was filming with authorities that night. They say they no longer have any video of incident and never was asked for it.
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Another positive tweet: us local reporters are seen as competitors. We all like a win at times, but under it all, we are family & we look out for one another. @JoeBrunoWSOC9 constantly does this. Proof: he showed up with a water knowing I didn’t have any. #BeKind
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Heard about a monumental milestone happening today - Larry Sprinkle is celebrating his 39th year across the street @wcnc. Congratulations to one of the nicest people in the business!!! Always cheering others on and creating some memorable moments! CLT is lucky to have you!
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PSA! @JoeBrunoWSOC9 is back from paternity leave and back on your screens! Charlotte is back in good hands! Give him a big welcome back and wish him sleep for this new working dad life. 💙
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Pope Francis elevates archbishop who is now the first African American cardinal in Catholic history. As a Cardinal, Gregory will be one of the Pope's closest advisers and one of only 120 or so men who will elect the next pontiff.
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Hey! The Olympics are on tonight on @wkyc (and @wcnc) but this could be a new sport in the next games! . Spotted in downtown Cleveland on East 9th. 🏂 @wkycweather
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☀️Buzzed-Boi-Summer☀️ .•.Buzzed hair & I don’t care! Calm down people. It’ll grow back 😝. Be you! Express yourself. Have fun. And don’t worry about the little things! . #summer #charlotte #buzzedhair #clt #summerlook #beyourself
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Not even 30 yet and already forced to pack tums in my lunch kit. Lord help me.
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It saddens — even frustrates — me to get this picture from my Ma this morning. She, like so many healthcare heroes, are fully suiting up to fight COVID. She’s in COVID-flooded Texas. She’s exhausted, her colleagues feel defeated, & they wonder when we all will step up to help.
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I want to take a moment to thank this incredible man & colleague for the work he did alongside me. We have a job to do - to document history, let people know what’s happening, etc. Tonight he did his part with guts, talent, and determination to show you. Thank you. @wcnc.
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Today is the day! Back on the air after a little 6-month break working behind the scenes. Can’t wait to see y’all on @wsoctv at noon, 5 & 6! . Thankful for this team, their patience & kindness over the past few months. (And thanks to @HannahGoetztv for this sweet note ❤️)
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Warning: vid may be hard to watch. This video that was shot yesterday outside a Charlotte Bojangles shows CMPD officers trying to arrest a woman. You can see an officer punch the woman multiple times. A warrant for the woman says she punched the officer twice before this.
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Ever seen this spilled on the highway @JoeBrunoWSOC9 ? Lots of ways to caption this…. 4 of them scattered across the lanes On independence Blvd. @wsoctv
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This new video just sent to me shows the fire up close. You can see debris and ash falling as the flames rip thru the construction site. @wsoctv
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A special tweet of appreciation to all those who are working to get people to their destinations today, working in the bone-chilling wx across the country, loading bags on planes, and first responders still braving conditions to respond to emergencies & so many more. Be kind, ppl.
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Driving back to station and another side note. In south end and the line outside Beer Garden and Gin Mill is nuts. No social distancing, barely anyone wearing masks. At what time does a restaurant turn into a bar? Just wondering. @wcnc.
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Such a thoughtful engagement gift from our friends who were out of town when it happened. Feeling so loved by so many. Hope you’re having a great Sunday!
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Everyone show the one and only @JoeBrunoWSOC9 some love! Today is this big guy’s birthday! We are all so lucky to have him! . Enjoy your day!!! 😎
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Before tonight's Charlotte FC game, the four fallen officers were remembered at Bank Of America Stadium. Deputy Chiefs Tonya Arrington and Zeru Chickoree were there representing CMPD.
On April 29, Charlotte tragically lost four of its heroes. We mourn the tragic loss of lives, and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families and friends. Officers Joshua Eyer, Sam Poloche, William Elliott and Thomas Weeks will always be remembered.
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🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️.
WHERE’S HUNTER?.
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Out in the Cotswold area tonight and saw this unique sign on the Bojangles board… right by the Chick-fil-a. “Born in Charlotte. Open 7 days. It’s Bo time!” 😂. Some shadeeee. Perhaps a sign war starting up?!
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Observation:. Charlotte has a “thank you” problem. Few people say it or gesture it when you do things for them. We say we have southern hospitality but I don’t see it enough. A reminder to show gratitude people. It’s ok to be kind. I promise.
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Happy “Mark Becker Day!” He retired a year ago and is one of the nicest people I’ve gotten to know. He’s taken me under his wing and I’m so grateful for his generosity and humor. A great reporter and even better human! . Congrats, Mark on one year of retirement! @wsoctv
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Big Breaking news! . Wegmans announces first Charlotte store!!! . @JoeBrunoWSOC9.With the scoop
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Ma got vaccinated today. She’s helped some recover in the hospital. For others, she watched them lose their battle. She’s lost 3 relatives to #COVID19. They were dear to her. “So far so good. No reaction. I’m happy to be able to get this while working on the frontlines.”
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#Breaking: @AtriumHealth confirms and tells me 97 employee vaccinations have been cancelled after we found non-medical staff had theirs scheduled before other critical groups had the chance to get theirs. @wcnc.
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TRAVEL NIGHTMARE. Here’s the current situation @CLTAirport on this Memorial Day. The line is wrapped and looping around the lobby for TSA. I’m told people are growing frustrated/missing flights. And I don’t see much social distancing at all. @wcnc
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Every time I visit him, I ask him to play catch. His face beams with a smile as he stops what he’s doing to find the baseball gloves. At 78, he’s still got it. It takes him back. These are the moments to remember.
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Livin’ my boosted life! . In and out in less than 25 minutes. Kind and efficient staff who are frontline heroes!
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Today in the newsroom: . @JoeBrunoWSOC9 : “I’m wearing your socks today!” (The socks I gave him for being my best man on my wedding day) . Me: “no way. I’m wearing YOUR socks!” (The socks he gave me for his wedding day) . A nice moment during a busy day. (Sorry for the feet pic)
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Random calls from your grandfather during the work day just to "catch up" are so joyful. Used to, I'd ignore it and call back, focused on the day. Take the 10 minutes to chat with loved ones. You can't buy the time back. Or call them yourself. Ok, now back to work.
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We are off the rails this morning 😂.
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