Hello everyone. First, my apologies on the delivery delay for this chapter! As I told many of you, I took a consulting assignment which took me much longer to complete than I expected. The result has been a delay on my writing schedule. Second, I'm sitting inside today with my patio all shut up due to hurricane Helene. So far in St Pete Beach today, we've received quite a bit of rain with heavy winds hitting us now. It's nothing compared to what the big bend area of Florida will be experiencing tonight. To those of you in the panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas, please be safe! This storm is nothing to mess with. I've been very fortunate today as power in my immediate area has not been interrupted.
I continue to rewrite, add to and write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
So many of you have asked me when the chapter on the BANA awards will be coming out? I'm happy to say that chapter 85 covers the awards ceremony. I hope you all enjoy the show!
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It's been a good week for me, and I cannot believe the BANA awards are tonight. Let me recap the week for everyone before Ronny and I make our way to the BANA Awards presentation at the Hilton in downtown Tampa.
The Christmas parade went great for all involved. Jimmy made up a simple dance for everyone on the channel 2 float. We all got into the spirit with Jimmy, and did his dance all along the parade route. There were several stops along the parade route, and all of us stepped off the float and did Jimmy's dance for the crowds. We also passed out candy to the crowd, and all of us had a fun day.
Mack's fire truck was ahead of us in the parade line. He had his crew jump out at every stop with us, and participated in the dance and passing out candy. Wherever we stopped, the crowd gave us cheers along the route. Jimmy made sure to hand candy to his friends that he saw. He also did something very special for Darrell. When he saw Darrell in the crowd, he ran to him and handed him a three feet long candy cane. Bailey had 100 of the large candy canes made up for us to pass out to special people we saw along the parade route. Darrell was touched when Jimmy handed him the large candy cane. He picked Jimmy up, gave him a hug and Jimmy said "Merry Christmas, Darrell. We all love you very much!"
I found out after the parade from Alex that Jimmy's gesture touched Darrell immensely. Darrell was so happy that Jimmy did that for him. Darrell in return, gave the candy cane to two small children that were close by to him on the parade route. He looked at the kids and said "here you two, I hope you enjoy this candy cane very much during the holidays. Merry Christmas you two, and I hope that you get special presents from Santa Claus this year." The children were elated with Darrell's gift to them, and the parents did not stop thanking him for his gift to the kids. Alex and Wally both smiled when they saw the two children give Darrell a hug and kiss as the parade ended.
It was great to see all of our friends in the crowd which assembled along the parade route. I think everyone on the float elevated their Christmas spirit tremendously. I know I did, and I enjoyed sharing my spirit with everyone I could in the crowd.
Just as I thought, Bailey sweated his ass off in the Santa suit. The elf costumes were warm, but breathed much better than his suit. After we got back to the station and removed our costumes, Bailey looked at Ronny and I and said "let's head back to the complex. I don't know about you two, but I need a swim, some drinks, a good dinner and watch the late football games." It turned out to be a small group for the remainder of the day, but we all enjoyed time at the pool with refreshments, a good dinner and watched the late football games. I kept my eyes on Darrell, and I know it's been a good day for him. Even though Mack is working, he's been in a chipper mood with everyone, enjoyed the parade and is definitely out of his dark space for today. I know there will continue to be ups and downs for him, but I hope we soon see more of these good days for him as he progresses through his recovery period.
The work week has been relatively quiet. Angela and I did special stories each day at noon covering holiday events going on around the area. I weaved in the weather segment with these stories, and each day I was able to create an informative report of holiday activities going on. These shows helped me pick up some extra stocking stuffers for everyone on my Christmas list. The gifts ranged from personalized tree ornaments, coffee mugs, jewelry and special holiday items which intrigued me. Angela found a necklace made out of sea glass which she liked. I quickly purchased it for her while she was finishing up gathering information for the show. When she went back to purchase it after the noon news was over she found that someone else had purchased it. I thought to myself "good CJ, you will surprise her with a special gift you know she likes."
Bailey was informed early in the week that due to scheduling problems the BANA awards will be limited on seating for the event. There will be enough room for all of the nominees, but spouses and significant others will not be able to attend the event at the Hilton. I was extremely bummed that Wally and Alex will not be able to attend the event with Ronny and myself. Bailey networked with the BANA award organizers and did receive permission for all stations to broadcast the awards ceremony back to their stations if they choose to do so. Baily got everything arranged very quickly, and notified all of the nominees that the studio annex was going to be set up for all family members and station personnel to attend the event there and watch the ceremony. He also arranged for a catered dinner to be served for all of the people who are able to attend. Needless to say, Bailey saved the day for a number of us. Based on the initial numbers, it appears that Bailey's event will be well attended by all of the staff and family members who want to watch the ceremony live.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ross, Ronny and I went to get fitted for tuxedos. Ross asked Ronny and I if we will join him in dressing up since this is his first nomination, and he's not sure if this will ever come around again? I looked at him and said "come on Ross, this is our first of many nominations. Remember what we said before, we'll take the morning audience by storm, and now we'll have the opportunity to take the evening audiences by storm! We're going to have many more nominations together, and I will be proud to wear a tuxedo with you!" Ronny chimed in saying "me too Ross. This will be a great PR stunt to introduce the new channel 2 evening news team to the BANA audience."
Bailey, Trev and a few other male nominees heard about wearing tuxedos, and soon all the gentlemen who will be in attendance at the event got fitted for tuxedos as well. Carl and another cameraman also joined us, as they will be broadcasting the show back to the channel 2 news studio for all of our friends and families to watch.
The ladies heard about our tuxedo event and decided not to be outdone. Angela, Jennifer and a number of others went dress shopping for the BANA event. Luckily, they all found several styles of elegant blue evening dresses. Between the tuxes, and the gorgeous dresses, the channel 2 staff will looking mighty fine at the BANA presentations.
Aaron, Danielle and Stephanie even took part in the formal occasion festivities. Bailey asked the three of them to host the studio event for the families and other staff members who'll be in attendance at the studio. Aaron went in with all of us and rented himself a tuxedo, while Danielle and Stephanie also chose beautiful blue dresses to host the station family event.
Excitement continued to build throughout the staff during the week. I was so glad to see the week come to an end, and I'm ready to attend the BANA presentation with the rest of the channel 2 staff. Even though we will not win all the awards we've been nominated for, I'm sure that some of us will be taking home some gold trophies at the end of the evening.
Bailey had one more surprise for all of the nominees. He asked us all to be at the station by 5:00 pm and arranged transportation for all of us so that parking at the Hilton will not be an issue. Little did we know that the transportation ended up being five stretch limos complete with drivers and champagne waiting for us. Leo was one of the drivers, so I quickly filled up his limo with Ronny, Bailey, Trev, Ross, Angela and Jennifer. The drive across the bay was very enjoyable as all of us enjoyed a glass of champagne prior to arriving at the event.
When we pulled into the drop off area at the Hilton, it's obvious that the BANA Committee goes all out on this event. Two spotlights were placed at the entrance and casted an illumination against the hotel and other downtown buildings. As we exited the limos, Bailey also had his personal photographer Seth positioned to take pictures of all of us. There was a red carpet rolled out which led to the ballroom where the event is being held. It was fun to see the hotel staff and the public greeting us along the red carpet, and wish us well on the awards being given out tonight. I saw several people I knew, including Kendra the face painting artist from Beach Fest. I went over to her, and she pulled me in for a hug and kiss. She looked at me and said "you are one handsome gentleman in that tux CJ. Enjoy this night, and I'm wishing you all the luck I can."
Further down the carpet, I also saw Jan from the bakery. As I approached her, she said "good luck tonight, CJ. Please tell me what you think of the cake. The committee approached me over a month ago asking me to create the cakes for tonight. I hope everyone enjoys them." I gave Jan a big hug, and said "I know I will Jan, and I'm sure all of the attendees will fall in love with your creations. I'll make sure to mention your name whenever I get the chance tonight."
Before I entered the ballroom, I was shocked to see Mama Bette at the entrance. I immediately went to her and gave her a hug and kiss. Angela and several others who know Mama also joined us. She looked over all of us and said "I'm just so proud of all of you! I wish you nothing but the best of luck tonight. My only wish is that I can sneak inside and watch this glorious event tonight." I smiled at her and said "well if you hurry, you can make it back to the station and watch it with Wally and all of my friends there. Unfortunately, there is not enough seating for the event tonight. If you text Wally, he can help you get to the station and you can enjoy watching it there." She gave us another hug, and said "good luck to all of you, I'm praying for all of you." She then pulled her cell phone out of her purse and dialed Wally's cell number. I cracked up when I heard her say "Wally, it's Mama B. I'm at the Tampa Hilton, and I'm heading your way. I know where the tv station is at in St Petersburg, but will you make sure you can get me into the viewing party?" She smiled as Wally indicated he will be waiting for her. She ended the call with "I'm hauling ass over that bay soon. Watch out for me Anthony!"
Mama B still had a good thirty minutes before the event started, so I'm sure she will make it in plenty of time to the station. I escorted Angela into the ballroom on my arm and she said to me as we entered "that is one nice friend you have there CJ. I cannot believe she came up here just to see us." I cracked up and said "that's Mama B for you. Full of surprises and never at a loss to wish her dear friends well."
The other gentlemen in our entourage noticed me escorting Angela into the ballroom, and joined suit pairing off with the ladies from channel 2. After entering the ballroom, I noticed a band playing some upbeat jazz music off to the one side of the ballroom. There was a bar set up, and a food court comprised of appetizers, finger foods and desserts. As we passed one table, Angela and I were presented with `swag bags' which each person receives as they entered. Angela said "make sure you don't discard this bag as I hear there are some very nice gifts presented. The committee does not go all out on food, but they give out some very nice swag prizes to stores, restaurants, hotels and other unique specialties in the Tampa Bay area. If you don't like what you get in your bag, we can trade off to make it work out mutually for us." She and I both had a good laugh on her comments as we headed for our table.
There was no pre-arranged seating, but channel 2 had six tables reserved for the staff. Angela, Jennifer, Ross, Ronny, Bailey, Trev and myself all ended up sitting at the same table. Before sitting down, we mingled around with the other guests from the various media outlets in the Tampa Bay market. It's strange how I have never really met my competition until tonight. We cover the same stories, and are often on site together, but there never seems to be enough time to chat and get to know each other. That is definitely going to change tonight, as I plan to meet all of the other meteorologists and news anchors from the other stations in the market.
Trevor and I were able to meet up with the other meteorologists, and Bailey made sure we were introduced to the `powers that be' at the competitor television stations. Ronny has been able to meet all of the other sports anchors in town, and soon they were swapping stories about who the good athletes are to interview around town.
The evening is already turning out to be a very nice affair, and the awards have not even started yet. Soon a gentleman made an announcement to the audience saying that the event will begin in ten minutes, and asked for everyone to begin making their way to the seats.
I feel like I'm at the academy awards! There is a table near the stage filled with gold trophies. I'm not counting on winning any awards, but I have to admit it sure will be nice to walk out of this event with one of those gold statues. I felt my phone vibrate, and I checked it to find a new text. It was from Wally with a picture of all the guys around Aaron in the studio. Jimmy was holding up a sign in the front of the group which said "Go get them CJ, Bailey, Ronny and Trev! We're all rooting for you." I cracked up as I read Wally's text to me saying "you've got this CJ. We're all here for you, and Mama Bette made it to the studio safe. I love you so much, and cannot wait to have our private celebration later tonight."
Ronny, Bailey and Trev also got the picture with a good luck message attached. Bailey came up and nudged me in the side saying "what a group we have. I wish they could have all been here with us, but I'm glad they're together and hopefully they enjoy the show. Let's go get a plate of food before this event begins."
Several of us made a trip to the food court and obtained a glass of wine before sitting down. The gentleman who made the previous announcement began the program with introductions of himself and the BANA committee. He also introduced the emcee for the evening, Robert Hendrickson. I am not familiar with Robert and luckily Bailey quietly announced at the table "Robert has a long broadcasting career in the Orlando and Tampa markets. He's an excellent broadcaster and is now retired."
Robert started with several introductory comments, and quickly got into presenting the first award of the evening. The first award is for the best director of news operations. The award went to one of our competitors, but down deep I know that someone from WPHS will win tonight.
I did not have to wait long to hear a name called from WPHS. The second award presented is for best news producer, and Angela won the award. Our table erupted in applause and cheers when Robert announced her name as the winner. Several of us gave Angela a hug before she went to the stage to accept her award. Once she had her trophy in hand, she stepped up to the microphone and said "I want to thank the BANA committee for this award. It's such a pleasure to enjoy your work, and I thoroughly enjoy each and every day that I walk into the WPHS studios. I want to thank Bailey Stauffer for creating such a positive and creative environment to work in. I also want to thank all of the staff that I work with on a daily basis. It takes a team to produce the newscasts every day, and I'm so proud to be part of the WPHS news team. Thank you everyone for this extreme honor."
As Angela made her way back to our table, everyone from channel 2 stood up and gave her a thunderous round of applause. Angela's comments resonated with me so much. I don't often express it, but I thoroughly enjoy my work and I owe it largely to the people I work with. I know this is my first job out of college, but I hope that wherever I go in this field, I will be blessed by continuing to work with such fine people as I do today.
Ronny's chance to secure a BANA award came up first between the two of us. I could not believe it when I heard "and the winner is Ronny Bradford for his sports series Inside and Outside of the Buccaneers Training Camp." Everyone at our table stood up applauding loudly for him. Ronny made his way to me, and gave me the biggest bro hug I ever received from him. As he made his way to the stage, my thoughts turned to Alex in the studio. I can just picture him bouncing off the walls and giving everyone hugs back at the station. A smile came to my face thinking about him and my man embracing in extreme happiness for our hairless beast of a sports anchor!
Ronny accepted his award, cleared his throat and began speaking into the microphone. He said "I want to thank everyone on the BANA Awards Committee for this special award. In addition to the awards committee, I also want to thank my good friend CJ Walters for getting me to St Petersburg in June for my interview at WPHS. I would not be here tonight if it was not for Bailey Stauffer giving me the opportunity to achieve my career goal of becoming a sports broadcaster. Thank you everyone for this recognition and award."
Once again, everyone at the six WPHS tables gave Ronny a standing ovation. When he reached the table, he looked at me, smiled and said "thank you my brother, I could not have achieved this without you!"
Two awards later, Ronny received the BANA award for best sports anchor. I'm so proud of him as he is making another acceptance speech. This time he is thanking all of the staff at channel 2 for their support, the sporting teams around the Tampa Bay area for creating such interesting stories to follow and all of his friends and family in the St Petersburg and Tampa area. His final comment gave me a lump in my throat as he said "Finally, I want to give special thanks to Alex Turner for all of the encouragement, coaching and support you have given me. I'll be back to the station later to enjoy the awards with you!"
A few minutes after Ronny finished up his speech, my phone vibrated with a text from Wally. There was another picture embedded in the text showing Alex with tears streaming down his face. Wally's text said "Alex is so happy for Ronny, and we're both waiting for your big moment CJ. Remember, go in thinking you're a winner, and you'll come out a winner! You got this my love! Sending you all my positive energy and love. Wally."
I did not have to wait long, as the weather-related awards came up after the sports awards were finished. The first award presented dealt with the best live weather report. Five other people were nominated for this category along with myself for the beach fest parasail story. Roger opened the winning envelope and gave a chuckle to everyone before reading the winner's name. He said "I remember watching this report from my lanai and saying to myself this kid has guts to attempt something like this on television. I'm proud to present this award to a true daredevil, CJ Walters from WPHS for his Beach Fest 2023 parasail story."
Just as before, everyone at my table stood up and gave me a round of applause. All of them made their way to me and gave me a hug before making my way to stage. As I walked up the stairs to the stage, the video of me running with the parasail was playing on a huge screen behind the stage. I accepted the BANA award and made my way to the microphone. I took a deep breath and said "my goodness everyone, I'm not sure which is scarier: actually, doing the parasailing live on television, or viewing it on a huge screen in front of this fantastic audience." I paused, and received a round of laughter and more applause from the audience.
I continued and said "seriously though, I want to thank the BANA committee for this award as well as putting on this extravagant event for all of us this evening. The video you're watching took place in my second week on the job at WPHS. Looking back at this day, I have to say how thrilling it was for me and how much I learned from all the stories I was able to broadcast from beach fest. I cannot wait for Beach Fest 2024 to roll around, and I promise to have something even more thrilling for Roger to watch from his lanai." Again, I received laughter and more applause from the crowd for my comments.
I finished my comments with "earlier this evening, my colleague and good friend Angela Harrison said how much she enjoys coming to work each day at WPHS. I agree with her comment so much, and appreciate each and every member of the staff I work with on a daily basis. I want to extend a special thank you to Bailey Stauffer for hiring me and allowing me to spread my wings daily to become the best broadcaster that I can be. My thanks to the St Petersburg community for being so welcoming and accepting me with open arms into the community that I now call home. Thank you everyone for this award."
Just as before, all of WPHS staff members stood up and welcomed me back to the table with a standing ovation. Angela opened her arms for me with another hug before sitting down. She looked at me and said "I told you that story was going to win something for you. Congratulations CJ! For all that could have gone wrong with that live remote, everything worked out great and I am so pleased that the committee recognized you for an outstanding piece of work."
The next award being presented is for the best meteorologist in the Tampa market. Trev and I are the newbies in the category, with three veteran meteorologists rounding out the category nominees. I could not believe it when Roger read my name as the winner. I know I was in shock as everyone at my table stood up at my table before me applauding and telling me congratulations. I rose up slowly and Trev was the first one to embrace me with a hug. Bailey was next and once he released me from the hug he said "congratulations you stud meteorologist. I cannot believe this moment is occurring for you, but I'm proud as hell that I brought you here to cover the weather for us. Get up there and claim your award, CJ!"
As I accepted the award from Roger, my mind was racing with items to say. This time my photograph was plastered on the screen behind the stage, just as all of the other winners' photographs had been. I stepped up to the microphone, calmed myself down and began speaking. I began with "it is an extreme honor to accept this award tonight. Again, I want to thank the BANA committee for recognizing my work and extending me this honor tonight. I'm in shock and cannot believe that this honor is being bestowed upon me. The best way for me to describe my feelings to all of you is with an ancient proverb which states `a journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step'."
I paused for a moment and continued on with "while my journey from Ohio earlier this year was not quite a thousand miles, I took many steps to achieve my goal of becoming a broadcasting professional in a southern television market. I think back to the experience I gained in high school at our low-power television station, and all of the experience I gained at Maumee College in Ohio. I'd be remiss if I did not acknowledge and extend my deepest thanks to James Thompson who is the Radio and Television chairperson at Maumee College. James served as my advisor, professor and mentor for four years during which my broadcasting experience flourished and I gained more confidence in my skills and abilities."
I took a breath and continued on by saying "earlier this year, I met a gentleman who has changed my life drastically for the better, and has helped me develop my broadcast skills even further. I still remember the Saturday in March when Bailey Stauffer tricked me into performing the 6 and 11 weather broadcasts saying `he could not locate any talent and the show was mine if I can make it.'" I heard a laugh in the audience from Bailey which cracked me up as well. I said "little did I know that this was Bailey's final test for me, and I'm happy to report that I passed his test as he offered me a job the next morning. I returned to St Petersburg in June after my college graduation, thinking I was starting WPHS as the weekend weather anchor and general reporter. Through some changes I was not aware of, Bailey informed me that he wanted me to move into the weekday morning and noon shows as the weather anchor. He's also asked me to spread my wings and participate in an innovative news format change where I serve as the news co-anchor and weather anchor for the morning news shows." I looked at Bailey in the audience and said "Bailey, I will never be able to thank you enough in this lifetime for all of the wonderful opportunities you have given me in my first year of employment. I wish that all college graduates could experience your mentorship and grow professionally in the ways I have this year. Besides Bailey, I also want to thank the leadership team at WPHS, as well as the entire staff there. All of these people mean so much in my life, as I continue to take more steps in my life journey. Thank you everyone for this generous award."
As I exited the stage, everyone in the audience gave me a standing ovation. I made my way back to the table, and Bailey lifted me off the floor in a bro-hug. Once he released me, he looked into my eyes and said "thank you for those kind words, CJ. It's been a hell of a ride for you, and I've enjoyed guiding you through all of your steps thus far. I hope we have many more steps together in the future, and it's my honor to call you, one of my dearest friends in this life."
Towards the end of my speech, I felt my phone vibrating like crazy. It continued on through my bro-hug with Bailey, and by the time I sat down the vibrations were actually getting me excited as I felt CJ junior growing. I pulled out my phone, and found so many text messages from Wally, Alex, Aaron, Jimmy, Fred and so many others. I decided to save them all for later and continue to enjoy the awards ceremony in progress.
The evening continued on with the news-related awards. WPHS continued to win several awards, including: Trev and Leslie won the best weekend news team award; Ross, Jennifer and I were awarded the best morning news team award; Ross won the award for best news anchor; and Bailey accepted the award for best news operations on behalf of the entire WPHS staff. I was so happy for Ross in his win, and gave him a big bro-hug as he returned from making his acceptance speech. Before we sat back down, he told me "Get the bourbon and cigars ready CJ. If we don't get to them tonight, we'll enjoy them tomorrow afternoon on your patio while watching football games."
The ceremony quickly came to a close with only two remaining awards to be presented. I did not win the BANA Humanitarian Award, but I was not upset at all when I learned all of the accomplishments of the gentleman who won the award from a competitor station. I always have next year to perform more community service activities and hopefully be nominated for the award again.
The last award of the evening recognized the individuals for the best new talent award. Seven individuals were nominated for the award, and when Roger opened the envelope, he said "we have a tie this year for the best new talent award. After watching both of these individuals this year, I have to agree with the BANA committee whole heartedly as I announce that Ronny Bradford and CJ Walters are the winners of this award for 2023."
All of the channel 2 tables went nuts with everyone standing and applauding Ronny and myself. We began our walk to the stage and received so many hugs and handshakes from our fellow colleagues. Once we were on stage, Robert presented both of us with the last two remaining trophies. Ronny spoke to the audience first, and I followed him with a few additional messages for the BANA committee, the WPHS staff, my friends and my family. Once I finished my speech, Ronny joined me back at the podium and put his arm around my shoulder. I joined him by putting my arm around his shoulder. With our other hands we lifted our trophies to the sky and relished in a final round of applause from the audience.
Roger made a few closing comments, and my first BANA Awards Celebration was over. What a successful evening, and I feel like I'm floating on clouds high above Tampa Bay. The party went on as people in the ballroom continued to mingle, offer congratulations and exchange contact information for future check-ins. Bailey had Seth take a picture of everyone from channel 2 on the stage, followed by individual and group pictures for a number of good PR opportunities in the St Petersburg community.
Once all of the pictures had been taken, Bailey announced to all of us that he wanted a final picture of all of us on the tv 2 news set to close out the evening. He had forewarned Aaron and the evening producer to let Josh know we were heading back there soon, and to be prepared for a great closing on the 11 o'clock news.
As we exited the hotel, the evening weather is absolutely perfect and I don't want the evening to end. Leo opened the moon roofs in the limo for us as we made our way back to the channel 2 studios.
All of our friends and family moved the party out to the staff parking lot. As the limos pulled in, we were greeted by our loved ones, offering us more hugs, kisses and so many forms of congratulations. I felt like I was in a receiving line at a wedding. Mama B was one of the first ones to reach me. I felt as though she may squeeze me to death with her hug. After the hug, she said to me "congratulations my friend, and I am so glad I was able to watch your four wins tonight. I need to get on the road to Bradenton so I can open the restaurant on time tomorrow morning. You take care CJ, and please visit me over the holidays with UD and your family."
I received so many meaningful messages, and I will never forget Ross's wife, Sheila, telling me "Thank you for bringing a new spark of life to my husband, CJ. Your friendship has meant so much to him, and you two are a winning pair on the news together. I hope that you two are together for a number of years ahead so that we can have more of these joyous moments together. God bless you, CJ!"
The welcome party eventually moved back into the studio annex, where Baily was busy getting everything organized for our 11:25 appearance on the news set with Josh. Bailey had us set all of the trophies on the news desk and assemble around Josh and below him. Bailey had the director insert two extra commercials in order to get everyone lined up. Our loved ones were allowed to come into the news studio and assembled behind the cameras. The floor director gave Josh the queue to resume and the camera was set up to perform a wide shot of the news desk. All of the nominees were in the shot, along with Josh in the center. Josh began with "as you can see, we have a special treat for our audience to end the Saturday evening news. I have been joined by all of the channel 2 nominees for the Bay Area News Awards, or as we commonly call it in the studio BANA Awards. I'm going to turn the show over to our General Manager, Bailey Stauffer to explain what went on tonight. Bailey, it looks as though channel 2 stole the show tonight with all of these awards on the news desk set."
The second camera focused on Bailey as he began to speak. Gradually, the camera pulled out to cover the entire group as Bailey said "Thanks Josh. I cannot be prouder than I am right now of the channel 2 staff. The 24th annual BANA awards were held this evening at the downtown Tampa Hilton. As you can see on the news desk, channel 2 did very well tonight, and I want to thank the BANA Awards committee for recognizing all of the hard work that these individuals have performed this last year. The results have spoken for themselves in these awards, as well as channel 2 increasing its market rating to number two in the Nielsen ratings for the St Petersburg and Tampa markets. All of us want to achieve the number one rating, and we promise to do it for you, our wonderful audience. On behalf of the entire staff and crew here, we know you have a choice in your news stations. We're proud that you continue to support us, and promise all of you that we will continue to bring you the best in news operations here at WPHS, Channel 2. On behalf of all of us, we thank you and wish you a continued wonderful weekend. Happy Holidays to everyone." With that, the entire staff erupted in applause and yelled "Happy Holidays St Petersburg!"
The party atmosphere started to wind down about an hour after the newscast. Fred, Toby and Jimmy headed out first as Jimmy started falling asleep amongst all of the jovial activities going on. Fred brought him to me before leaving and Jimmy said "I'm sorry CJ, but I'm getting very sleepy. Congratulations on all of your awards tonight, and thanks for letting us be part of your celebration. I'll see you tomorrow, but I'll let you sleep in." I cracked up at him, gave him a hug and said "you get some good sleep Jimmy. We can talk tomorrow, and you can help me and Ronny place our awards around the condo."
Bailey started making his way through the crowd and informed the winners to leave their awards at the station. He wants to do some promotional shots of everyone early next week. Wally and I went to retrieve my four awards, and took them to my office along with my swag bag.
Once inside my office, I shut the door and we placed my awards on my bookshelf. I then planted a wet sloppy kiss on Wally, which led us to several minutes of making out on my desk. I ended up on top of him and wanted to rip both of clothes off. I did not want anyone walking in on us, but I had to have a taste of Wally so I unzipped his shorts, fished out his cock and started a blow job on him. He began moaning and said "oh God CJ, that feels so good, but I need you inside me tonight baby. Let's finish this off at home where we're more comfortable."
I pushed myself off Wally, and composed myself while Wally zipped his shorts up. I pulled him in for more kissing and eventually said "that sounds great baby to continue this back at our place. Since it's such a nice evening out, we can either go at it on the patio chase lounge or in the comfort of our bedroom. Which sounds better to you my love?" He looked at me, smiled, placed his hands on my face and replied "whatever you want, CJ. It's your night and I'm ready to begin our private celebration for your outstanding accomplishment! I am so damn proud of you and I'm so excited to make love to the winner of four BANA awards tonight! I wonder what the record is for the most BANA's in one year is?" I planted another kiss on my future husband and whispered "I'm not sure, but we'll put Alex to work on finding an answer for us tomorrow." We both broke out in laughter, and I opened the door to the hallway.
As I opened the door, Trev also opened his office door across from mine. Carl appeared behind him and said "caught you two in the act! Were you two doing what we we're doing?" The four of us cracked up laughing, and Ronny appeared with Alex from around the corner. Ronny smiled at the four of us, looked at his watch and said "good morning gents! Everyone having fun in their office?" All of us gave each other a smirk, and Alex said "come on everyone, Wally and I chilled enough champagne for everyone to enjoy. Whoever makes it back to the complex first, gets to use the chase lounge all night long!"
I looked at Wally, gave him a wink, grabbed my swag bag and said "you're on chief! Come on all you stud's, let's haul ass for the complex. Anyone up for some skinny dipping at the pool before we finish off this beautiful day with some fantastic love making?" Trev grabbed Carl's hand and began running to the parking lot with Ronny, Alex, Wally and me trailing behind them. Ah well, Trev and Carl can have the chase lounge tonight. I'll take my man all night in our bedroom and at some point, the shower.
It's been a wonderful day that I'll never forget in my life. I'm in such a good mood going into the holidays and I can't wait to celebrate Christmas with all of my family and friends. I know that we still need to watch Darrell carefully, but hopefully the next few weeks will be good to all of us and we'll enjoy plenty of sunny skies and happiness in our daily activities.