Taking a Risk

As I look back over my life, I suppose I am a bit of a risk taker. Wait, let me correct that, a cautious risk taker. The best way to describe that is I tend to weigh the consequences, make sure all of my bases are covered, then spring into action.

For example, falling for and entering a relationship with the egyptian.

I knew we would have a bazillion things working against us. He was younger, from a foreign country - heck, not even a foreign country, a completely polar opposite culture/religion. The bumps and bruises we have endured along the way would break any couple. I am soooo happy to report, we are absolutely stronger than we ever were. There is a balance of power (finally,) a sense of teamwork, and personally - that's all I ever really needed.

Most importantly, there is love. Lots and lots and lots of love. We have that same passion we once had in the beginning, except now it is sprinkled with acceptance, compassion, and patience. Thank GOD I did not listen to the naysayers and run straight to a divorce lawyer when times got tough. It's so easy these days to do that. Instead we decided to hang on and ride out the storm.

There is no sense of urgency, or control. I think losing everything ended up being exactly what we needed to gain a sense of balance again. He is where he rightfully should be, the head of the house, yet he is encouraging me to do the absolute best I can do and still try for success. It's a good feeling.

The risk to fall in love with him was great. The risk to stick with him was even greater. Guess what? It worked out in the end.

That's all that matters.

I about to embark on a different kind of risk. I am toying with the idea, and one minute I am like - YES, and the next minute, I begin to think to myself.. hmm....

I think I am going to go into business for myself. I have already decided to start freelance writing, but now I think I might try something else in addition to that. I believe I might start a very small business, one where I reach out to other small businesses and non profits and offer an a la carte service in promotion/marketing/public relations. Keep it simple, keep the costs down, and make it afforadable to the average Joe.

I have all of the tools in my brain. I have all of the connections needed for both Middle Georgia and most of Alabama and Pensacola. Heck, why not?

I am toying with a name, and logo. A mission and plan. A kit to promote and people to contact. It's in the works. Heck, nothing else is happening, and it's something I know I can do, so why not do it?

Risk. It might just work out.

What is the greatest risk you ever took?

Breathe. Step. Repeat.

*disclaimer - I am tired, and refuse to proof read this... so.. please accept my apologies... posting as-is.

"The closest to perfection a person ever comes is when he fills out a job application form. " ~Stanley J. Randall

*insert a sigh of relief*

I survived the BIG interview day. Some how.. some way... I got through it.

Breathe. Take a step forward. Repeat.

That's what I kept telling my self the entire time. Just get through it. Just get through it...

Think the "Little Engine That Could" : "I think I can.. I think I can...

I thought I could. I think I did.

Breathe. Step. Repeat.

It started out simple enough - fill out the application, even though you have a resume in their hands. Then I was escorted upstairs to the news room for the morning meeting. I got to see the dynamic of everyone there, the story ideas tossed back and forth, the buzzing of the police scanners. All of it was vaguely familiar. Then I began hearing the "lingo" and it was like a foreign language I once spoke was slowly coming back to me. Slowly... but surely.

So far - one hour down - so good. For the most part, everyone was friendly. Nope, can't remember a single name, and nope could not tell you what most of them did (outside of the on-air talent.. since I am more familiar with them.)

Next I was dropped off into the morning show hub to see how I fit in with the team. Luckily, I had worked with one of their "live" reporters on several stories in the past - so it went well.  We all laughed, chatted, I shared my story. They shared theirs. I can honestly say the chemistry was there. About 30 minutes into that, the Midday show was about to begin, and I was left in there to chat with one of the anchor/reporters.. and it was a nice chat.

It's noon now.

Time for one on one with the News Director and Assistant News Director. I was up front and honest about my job experience, sharing little tid bits here and there. He challenged me a few times with some questions like, "If you could take any inspiration from programming on tv now and incorporate it into a newscast - what would you do?" I thought about it.. and answered accordingly with examples and what not.

Then 30 minutes later - it's writing time. I was given 30 minutes to write 3 stories (from the wire feed) and was asked to write a creative piece on approaching the security gate.

Seriously.

I went for it with gusto. I don't know if it was actually 30 minutes, but the A. D. came out and asked me to print, had to go back in and the N.D. critiqued the stories I wrote. It's close to 1pm now.

Starting to get hungry. Starting to get tired. But hanging in there.

Then the final part of the interview takes place. The Assignment Editor, the A.D. and the N.D. role play with me for almost an hour. As if we are in a morning meeting. They give me the basic stories we have, I have to decide the "treatment" for them, then stack them in a newscast. Of course, the N.D. throws some little monkey wrenches in with examples like, "The live truck is down..." Or "You don't have the verdict.." Etc.

This is where I started getting a little nervous. It's been a while. These are stories I am not super attached to. But I stumbled my way through that section.

Only to spend the next 30 minutes or so answering trivia questions like - Name a State Senator, and Who's the Mayor of such and such, and finally "Who won the National Football Championship two years ago." *sigh* Breathe. Step. Repeat.

Finally, I got to share a little more about me, and ask a few questions. They answered graciously and sent me on my way.

It's hard to read news people, always has been. They come off way more tough than they actually are, but you have to go through that "initiation" of sorts... it's just how it goes.

Do I think they will hire me? Your guess is as good as mine.
Do I think I am qualified? Heck yeah.
Do I think I am rusty on the ins and outs? Of course.

But the basics haven't changed, even though the technology has. That's the good news.

Oooh... it was a looooong morning. But one thing I know for sure, I really liked the conversation during the morning meeting, I truly felt comfortable and good with the morning show team, and I know I could do this.

Whether or not there is someone else with just a little more experience, that remains to be seen.

I need a nap now. ;-)

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else. ~James Matthew Barrie

Double sneeze means only one thing.. I hope

One can only hope that the temps will lower at some point. Yesterday as I was driving home, my temp gage said it was 100 degrees. Hot as Hades hot.

I woke up this morning a little cold. Interesting twist. Then there was a bout of multiple sneezes. Why do I share this with you? Because THAT means that the seasons are officially changing. My body reacts right before Autumn and right before Spring. Time to really invest in a few more bottles of Nasanex.

I took a peek at the morning news and saw that by this weekend the highs will be in the 80s. FINALLY. Lows in the 60s. In the south, generally it is the 3rd week in October that you will officially need a jacket at night. Not quite time to break out the sweaters, but I can comfortably wear my jeans not feel like I need to peel them off!

I do feel the need to apologize for the lack of writing, I am just really tired. Not in a stressed exhaustion - but in a re-adjusting to waking up and going to work way. I am trying to tie up a lot of loose ends on this Heart Walk season, so that requires a little hard work on my part!

I am also excited to share with you guys - one of my friends is in school at Aveda studying to be an esthetician, and she will officially be able to go "on the floor" very soon. I am sooo excited to go get my discounted facials from someone I trust!

Heading back to Zumba tonight. I finally have an official schedule for exercise. Mondays - Body Jam, Wed - Zumba, Thurs - Body Jam and Sat - Zumba. Works for me!

Also - I leave you with this:

My husband is sooo convinced he will be happier in a different city.  I think it is not so much the city as it is feeling useful and doing what you love. Which would you prefer? Geography or an awesome career?

It's a hard decision - but one that must be made. I think work on the career... and the geography will come. ;-)