Don’t ask me what’s next because I don’t even know.
While my adolescent days are long gone, I can relate to the classic novel and now Blockbuster film’s protagonist Margaret. Sometimes, I feel confused about where I belong and wonder what the next season of my life has in store for me. I turn to God for answers but ultimately know I have to make the decisions. And trust me, I have been spending a lot of time chatting with God.
Saying goodbye… maybe?
Eight months ago, I decided to leave my career. I loved what I did, but I was homesick and exhausted. A big part of the latter feeling fell on me.
I can be an overachiever, a perfectionist and a little Type A. A good but unhealthy combo if not administered in moderation. I think a lot of people in news are that way. We all want to do a good job. We all strive to serve our community the best we can. And sometimes, in that process, we forget to put ourselves first. Some have a hard time finding that balance between work and home. I know I did so with a heavy heart, I decided to leave. I needed a break.
I have been on that break ever since.
Sally is such an inspiration. I was very blessed and lucky to share the news desk a couple of times with a dear friend. 
Mandy sent me this photo of her and Remy watching my Tokyo Olympics coverage. 
A week in Lake Arthur 
MMJing 
Julie and I spent many mornings together. 
A quick snapshot before the evening newscast with these two beauties. 
Sweet souls Kristen and Mandy would always go along with my shenanigans. I appreciated their support and participation. I brought Mardi Gras to Austin. 
Kate is one of the most selfless and loving women I have enjoyed calling a friend. 
Last day of work, I brought customized doughnuts to show my love for the team. 
No margarita goes unfinished around these two. Thankful for all the love, laughs, and tears we have shared throughout the years and continue to share today. 
Always down to take a selfie, or two, or three. Mary Lu misses you dearly, Frank. 
Do you have a question about the weather? Don’t worry! These guys got you. Bonus, they are genuinely wonderful men and friends. 
The OG morning team of my time. So many great memories. Bonus: They’re all incredibly talented. Lifelong friends. 
Sweet, sweet David would always get me chocolate as a holiday gift. Don’t believe me? Check out the next photo. 
Easter Bunny chocolate 
Truly a best friend. I miss Katie so much. Super proud of her. She’s a boss now. Hey!! 
Casino backdrop for our live 
Testing out the lights in the studio 
Shout out to Andy for always putting up with me whenever he had to fill in. I always enjoyed our time together. Talk about a hard-working super nice guy. Glad he’s a friend. 
Another day, another burger. Spending the morning with Julie for Opening Day 2022. 
Halloween fun 
My first time trying Zapp’s potato chips with one of the coolest met. 
Thanks to a wonderful viewer for the mask during the days of COVID. 
Dolled up for the AP awards with the one and only Josh. Big smiles as the team took various awards home. 
Lila Rose would be the first one on a boat to save me from the floodwaters. 
Filling in on the desk 
Raising money and food donations to help feed those in need. 
Enjoying some cotton candy. I would look forward to this fair every year. 
Early morning live – peep the timestamp on the camera. 
Thankful for the friendships I developed along the TV news journey. 
Breaking a world record alongside this beautiful soul. 
With my Louisiana morning partner, Antoine, who never said no to a singing session. 
Participating in a community event alongside Kenzie. Such a talented and kind soul. 
Always enjoy making time for the kiddos. 
First day love 
Getting every angle. 
With the fabulous Liz in New Orleans 
Rest in peace, KAXAN—such a lovable dog. 
Ben brought me grapes for our weather coverage weekend. This is the first photo we ever took together. We didn’t realize we would become best friends. 
Ready for whatever weather comes our way. 
Firefighter Candy 
Eric brought me the Tokyo 2020 fan. 
Mornings brought us closer. Thankful we got to cross paths and spend more time together downstairs. A beautiful friend inside and out. 
I can hear Jose saying, “Go home.” Dear friend wanted me to rest. I appreciate him. Always supportive and ready to offer advice. 
Surprising the beautiful and talented Jillian with a baby gator on live TV. 
Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands when a little one just wants to dance and sing in front of the camera while you’re trying to interview their parent. 
Putting a GoPro on a BECi employee to get all the angles. 
Love these two
Next Chapter
By nature, I am curious, so I am very open to trying new things. I figured I would have a job by now—part of the problem I don’t know what to do. Sometimes, I get a million ideas. Maybe I should become a doughnut master. That would be sweet. No, too early. I would be working the same hours I used to have as a morning reporter. How about a coffee shop? I can learn how to make all the drinks. Next.
One recent idea I did follow through with is this blog. Thanks to a former coworker and friend, Kate, who suggested I start one during my month-long travel adventure in Mexico with my parents. I will write about that in more detail later. It took me a bit to get here, but here we are. I want to use this platform to document my adventures and share stories.
Most of my peers and dear friends I have made who have “left the business” tend to become communications professionals. These are the people who are in charge of all communications for public and private organizations that could include anything from cities and counties to schools and tech companies.
Most would assume that would be my next step. However, I am not sure. What stops me? Imposter Syndrome. My biggest flaw is that I sometimes doubt myself. I used to have a manager (he knows who he is) who I sometimes thought hated my work, but when that coworker left, he told me to stop doubting myself and that I always did a great job. I wanted to do my best, so I would give it my all. Sometimes that meant working later than I should have. But I did it because I genuinely loved it. He, along with many others, would always tell me to “go home” to get some rest.
Mi familia
Now, I am home. And, trust me, I love it. I am not complaining. I am spending quality time with the ones I love and am blessed to have the opportunity to stop and smell the roses, honestly. Why was it so important for me to go home? I am an only child of two older parents. My mom doesn’t have the same pep in her step today that she did about ten years ago. She tries, but mild arthritis in her knee attempts to hold her back.
My dad will be 77 years old this month. Yes, he’s a baby boomer.
He gives off the vibes of someone still in their 50s. I feel like he thinks he is, but I understand that is not the reality. I know time is linear.
I am and want to make the most of my time with them.
Whatever I decide to do next (for the long term) has to meet my goals.
Why do I say long-term? Because while I do shut down, what I will call ‘my enthusiastic ideas,’ I am open to trying them. Who knows? I could be the next Iron Chef. Just kidding. I don’t want to say I doubt it, but I also don’t live in la-la land. I approach everything with a sense of curiosity grounded in reality.
“Try anything and everything,” my friends and loved ones have said. They’re right. Right now is the best time to do it. I’m not married, and I don’t have children. I am young and able-bodied. Most importantly, I have time.
Plus, you’ll only know if you like or dislike something once you try it. I already got the opportunity to fulfill one of my dreams. It doesn’t have to end there. Being a storyteller is a lifelong passion. If you’re wondering why I titled the headline earlier, ‘Saying goodbye… maybe?’ it’s because you never know; I may return to TV news. I do love it. However, for now, I plan to try other opportunities.
I eventually want a job close to home, where I can finish the workday by 5 p.m. (just in time for happy hour), and federal holidays are standard. Life is full of chapters and seasons; this is my next one. What it holds? Who knows. I can only say that, like the training bra Margaret tries on, change can be uncomfortable, but it allows us to move forward.
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