only a number

I just wrote an entire paragraph about turning 30, and decided to skip the old cliches and move on to the important stuff.

While I did celebrate my birthday this past weekend, I also attended the 10th Anniversary Gala for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.  A few short months ago, I accepted the position of Director of Media & Public Relations for this charity, because I truly believe in their cause.  Through research, education, training and peer and psychological support, the trust is there to help those men and women in emergency services (police, fire, ems and military personnel) suffering from Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  As the wife of a paramedic, I can say simply and whole-heartedly that I COULD NEVER DO WHAT THEY DO.  But what I can do is support them.  Tell their stories.  And spread the word that asking for help is OK.

I met a man named Leandre (pronounced Lee-ander) last week who learned quickly that sometimes asking for help is a necessity.  He didn't suffer from PTSD, but he did survive a spinal chord injury.  He is now a quadriplegic.  Did you know that some quadriplegics can move their arms?  Use their hands?  Even walk?  I certainly didn't.  Leandre says "not everyone turns out like Christopher Reeve", and thankfully so.  Leandre has limited but high-functioning use of his arms and hands, can wiggle his toes and says if he holds onto something tight, he can even stand up for brief periods.  He has a steady girlfriend, travels all over the world, works for the Canadian Paraplegic Association as a Peer Support Coordinator and fundraiser, down-hill skis and plays wheelchair rugby.  He has overcome his disability, and turned it into something positive. 
When I walked away from Leandre, steady on my feet, I decided that turning 30 wasn't so bad after all.

rules are made to be broken

Before I came back to work, I set three rules for myself:

1. I would not book any shoots on a Monday morning.
2. I would not book any shoots further than half an hour in the winter.
3. I would not work evenings or weekends unless it was ABSOLUTELY necessary.

I have broken all three of those rules in the first week. 

I know it's all about perspective, and every one's life is different, blah, blah, blah, but I'm feeling guilty for making such a huge deal about going back to work, turning 30 and all the other silly things I complain about.  Wednesday evening I interviewed Kevin McGill, a vibrant, athletic guy in his early '20s.  You'd never know that just 2 years ago he was diagnosed with the most severe case of lupus his doctors had ever seen... With a positive attitude and the help of his yummy trainer (oops, did I write that out loud?), Adam Kania, Kevin has overcome this disease, and is hopeful that his remission will continue for the rest of his life.  This incredible story will air Wednesday February 16th at 9:30pm on CTS.

Last night I did a follow-up with Shari Ichelson Silverman, a woman with such strength and conviction, I am blown away by all that she's accomplished for others.  Watch Friday February 18th for the story I did in the Fall of 2009 when Shari was waiting for a match for a bone marrow transplant, and then on Monday February 21st for the amazing news she got while I was away on maternity leave.  I urge all of you to get on the One Match stem cell and marrow network registry!  All it takes is a cheek swab (I did it last night and it took 30 seconds), and you could literally save a life. There's a one-month-old baby in B.C. waiting for a transplant.  Think about that.

When we set rules in our lives, we're limiting what we can learn, what we can accomplish and ultimately what we can become.  I don't want to work 60 hour weeks like I was doing before I had a baby, but I also want to tell great stories.  As I've been saying in my other posts, it's all about balance... and if I can find that balance without making rules for myself, I'll be a very happy girl :)

having my cupcake and eating it, too

Well, I'm back at work in full swing, with two shoots under my belt already.  And as many of you read on Facebook, I thought I may have lost my touch... But unbeknownst to me, reporting is like riding a tandem bike; as long as your cameraman is on board and willing to help you steer, you won't fall off.


I am already feeling so much better about being back at work, because I really do have the coolest job.  I met some incredible people yesterday, and have several more lined up for the rest of the week.  Monday's show will include my story about Mary-Lu Zahalan, a Juno-nominated singer/songwriter who is not only the head of Sheridan's performance program, but earned herself the very first masters degree in the Beatles (note: my first reaction when Connie told me about the story was, "why is a story about a degree in beetles interesting?" to which Connie replied, "No, THE Beatles").  We ventured across Sheridan's Oakville campus (a LOT bigger than you'd think) and met Mary-Lu and her quirky performance class, two of the students belting out a mash-up of Britney's "Boys" and Gaga's "Boys, Boys, Boys".  Mary-Lu is a music teacher that everyone should have - beautiful, worldly and smart as hell with a cool rocker edge. 


Tuesday's show will include my story about a little Vegan cafe in Burlington called Kind Food.  Ken and Kelly Childs (their name says it all... they're just about the cutest couple you'll ever see) own this gluten-free bakery/vegan cafe/foods and juice bar, and their story is really incredible.  The most shocking thing I learned is that Ken, now a full-out vegan, used to own a STEAKHOUSE!!  He credits Kelly with "saving" him (sounds dramatic, but when you put those lifestyles side-by-side, it's beyond true), and says he's never felt better or been happier in his life.  I became a vegetarian almost a year ago, and after meeting the Childs', would definitely consider trying a Vegan lifestyle.  I tried some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, including a raspberry-chocolate cupcake that I would have SWORN was full of sugar - you'd literally never know it was actually good for you.  And I did my stand-up in one take (make sure you watch that one 'cause I take a huge bite out of the cupcake and get it all over myself - classic)... I had the urge to shout out, "I'm BACK baby!!", but without my Friends trivia girls around, it wouldn't have made much sense.


Today is Mateo's birthday, and while it hurt me to leave this morning, I made time this afternoon to go home for a quick lunch to see him.  I think I'm going to get this balancing thing under control, and I'll be able to enjoy both parts of my life.  A good friend wrote me an email recently, that said:

"In going back [to work] you are showing Mateo that you are a whole person and that while he is the most important part of your world, your work is also part of you.  You are giving him an excellent role model in how to balance your life with work and family.  When Mateo is ready for a girlfriend he’ll choose a girl who is strong, smart, compassionate, generous and beautiful inside and out…just like his Mom."

I can't tell you how good that made me feel... and it's almost as though a switch turned on for me.  I can do this.  I can be a journalist, and I can be Mommy.  And I can do both well.