It's always nice to see family

It's the end of Memorial Day weekend, and I'm writing from Kansas City, Mo. It's my hometown, and I'm just about to head back to Columbia, Mo. I came home for the long weekend because I hadn't seen my family sine late July. It was good to see everybody because I miss them a lot. It always seems like I never have enough time for family. Hopefully I don't regret that in the next couple of years.

I say that because I'm sure I'll be working full time, and then I really won't have any time to see my family. It's sometimes rough working at KOMU when you're so young. The station's always looking for students to fill in at different times, and if you're not careful, you can overwhelm yourself. You often look good filling in and trying to make yourself known at the station, but I also think you'll have many opportunities to 'step up' and take on an extra shift once you get out into the real workforce.

This conversation brings me back to February of this year when Mid-Missouri got 20 inches of snow. Of course that entire week, we had chances to go cover different parts of the area that got pelted with snow. I already had a couple of responsibilities that week with KOMU, but I decided not to take advantage of the extra live opportunities. I regret that in a way, but I also knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep at all Wednesday of that week. During the winter and spring of 2011, I reported on Wednesday nights and live reported Thursday mornings. I thought that was enough as it was.

There are so many opportunities to 'step up' at times when KOMU needs extra reporters. However, I've also been told that you can't take every opportunity. Why? Because if you do, you won't have time for the other things in life that are important. Too often in this business, I've been told that people regret not spending more time with their family. This business can suck the life out of you if you're not careful. As much as I care about telling a compelling story, it cannot be my entire life.

I'm all about 'giving it your all' when it comes to your job, but then again...it is only your job. Money is not everything. When a person is at a low point in their life, often times the only person there to help...is a family member. Your family should always be in the back of your mind, no matter what kind of situation you're in. That gets lost in the midst of trying to cover a big story sometimes. If I may quote my old professor Greeley Kyle, "Sometimes, you just have to say no."

Reporters and producers give up a lot to do their jobs sometimes. I'm glad I know that going in because I somewhat know what that's like already. Working nights for many years doesn't allow you to see your kids or see your husband/wife. Those things will weigh fairly heavily when I start looking for my first job. At the same time though, I'm young, and since I'm not married, I'm not committed to a family of my own yet. That might mean if there's a big story I can take advantage of in the near future, now is the time to do it...not later. Sound condescending? I've got a lot of decisions to make.

Does this ring a bell to anybody?

This is one of the stories I did that week. One of my favorites...

My oldest brother Jason and youngest brother LJ at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City this summer.