In honor of Fox 12

May 20, 2011 by Shannon

Today marks two years since I left my job at Fox 12 News to become an at-home mom. A lot has changed since then, both for myself and the Fox 12 newsroom. Just last week, it was announced that the Fox network plans to affiliate with another station in our market, starting this fall. That means Fox 12 will be no more. The station will still exist of course, but it won’t be affiliated with Fox. It remains to be seen whether KTRV will remain independent or try to affiliate with another network. Either way, it seems big changes are ahead. However, the people there are not new to change, and I know they’re going to come through it all with grace and style.

Anyway, in honor of Fox 12 and my last official day at work two years ago, I thought I’d repost the following entry. A little trip down memory lane…

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Kellan and I in the Fox 12 Photo Booth at the 2009 Kids' Fair, right after a man in a bird costume scared him to death. He still managed to smile. (Photo courtesy Fox 12)

Well, here it is — May 20. My last day in the working world.

How did today get here so quickly? When my boss and I agreed on my last day, May 20 seemed so far off. Then again, it seems like my two-year-old was just born last month. Is a warped sense of time another one of those lingering post-pregnancy side effects no one ever talks about?

Regardless of what the calendar says, today is my last day, and I’m certainly going to have a lot on my mind. I have some really intense and important issues to work through. For example:

Who should I bequeath my desk fan to? (The little gadget would be quite a prize since it’s been averaging 84 degrees in the newsroom lately. I think I know just the person who needs it.)
Remember to turn in my key fob, the little gadget that beeps me through security and into the station. (Oh wait. I lost that two weeks ago. Oops.)
Turn in my time card. My very last time card for my very last paycheck. (Yikes, that’s a scary thought. Am I sure I want to go through with this?)
Produce a good newscast. (Tonight! Two hour American Idol finale! Will it be Kris or Adam? Watch and find out, then stay tuned for an American Idol recap on Fox 12 News at Nine!)
Try to ignore the empty shelf that used to hold all my favorite pictures.
Hope I’m able to tell my co-workers and friends how much they truly mean to me. (I try my best to hide it, but I’m a complete sorry sap with eyes that spontaneously turn into waterfalls, even in semi-emotional situations. Like dog food commercials.)

Most of all, I’ll be thinking about the reason why I’m doing this — my husband and son. They’ll be on my mind as I will myself to rein in the tears. Because after all, this is my choice. One that will allow me more time with the people I love most.

And that is nothing to cry over.

Note: The day ended up turning out pretty great. In fact, I’d say it was a perfect last day. Even if I did forget to bring my camera.