You’ll notice the terminal bags underneath my eyes in the photo. That should sum up quite nicely what it’s like in a day in my life as a reporter. But, this sign of exhaustion is a pleasant one. I begin my day at 2 o’clock in the morning — a time when night owls are finally considering turning in for the evening and when others have been sound asleep for hours. And this schedule comes with a life adjustment. I should know. It’s my second time doing this shift and my second run at Fox 5 News.
Being a reporter on a routine still leaves room for fun. It leaves little room for chaos!
When I turned 39 years old, I decided it was time to start living less whimsically. It prepared me for being a reporter again. Sure, I like to be spontaneous but I decided to start showing up to life a little harder than I had in the past. The result: I’m more organized, happier, healthier and peaceful. It’s not so chaotic. I take care of what needs to be done without complaining or procrastinating. Who knew life could be so manageable this way?
In addition to my reporting duties at Fox 5 Vegas, I also have a small business helping other businesses out with social media and web content. I love writing. I like information. When I get off of work at 10 am, I return home to sleep until about 5 pm. From there, it’s dinners with friends or errands. On Tuesdays, I host a segment called ‘The Blog Report’ on KXNT News/Talk Radio 840 AM. About 9 or 10 pm, I do work for my small business and then take a nap from 11pm until 1 am. Somewhere in this routine, my clothes are laid out for the next day so I can get showered and out the door quickly.
People often ask me whether I come up with my own stories or whether I’m assigned. The answer is both. I read a lot of blogs and news sources. I pay attention to what reporters across the country cover. I look at what’s trending on Facebook. I actually click links posted on Twitter. I once walked right into a lamp pole from having my face buried in my iPhone. And, the bruise that followed was proof I should try to disconnect sometimes! Again, I like information. I can’t help it.
Being a reporter on the morning news allows me to crack jokes, be playful and give information simultaneously.
Look, if you want boring news — you can find it! That’s not how I role and not how we do things in the morning at Fox 5. People want personality. I’m sarcastic (but in a good way) and I will jump at the chance to make a good dig at the anchors. They expect it and I expect return fire. And why not talk about how a high-speed train between San Francisco and Los Angeles could also do wonders for long-distance relationships and dating? You still get the information you need with some commentary and insane insight to follow.
As a reporter, I do get cool assignments like driving Lamborghinis and Ferraris on live TV and having surprise guests like Antonio Sabato Jr. showing up to my live shots. He is guest starring in Chippendales and happened to be headed to breakfast at the very same spot I was planted for a story on Cinco de Mayo that morning. Why not get him on to talk about the holiday? He was a good sport. Wouldn’t you do the same?
Being a reporter means being available and aware.
After my morning live-shots, I often head out to an interview for a story I’ll be covering the next day. There’s no worse feeling than showing up to work with nothing going on or little to cover. I like to be prepared and plan ahead! Sometimes that planning comes with a phone call while I’m trying to sleep or emails at night while trying to relax and unwind. It’s part of the gig. I don’t mind it.
And finally – as a reporter I have a bit more awareness than I previously had. Maybe it kicked in when I turned 40. Or maybe I’m finally learning to have patience, tolerance and understanding. Life doesn’t always work out the way I plan. It’s ok. And it’s no excuse not be nice to people and be cordial when you get noticed at places like the gas station. Just know that reporters are human. After talking to people all day, I still like my quiet time. Maybe that’s why I’m writing to tell you about my day instead of having to verbally talk about it! Ha!
