I acknowledge this day as an "anniversary" of sorts, because it was one of the toughest decisions I'd ever had to make. My dream job was in Austin, my dream city, the place I'd planned on staying forever. But in the end, Evan wasn't there. So, after much debate and prayer and stress and cocktails to ease the pain -- I chose the man I love, over the city I love.
Cue eye-roll.
Let me just say, the move was less than fabulous. I slammed my shin into the back of the U-Haul. All I had left in the apartment was a frozen popsicle.
And a year later, I still have a hole in my leg from above injury. Yay!
But really, even though I had a great job to go to (better than the job I left!) it wasn't what our plans had been. I remember agonizing over the thought, "what would my determined college self think of this?" You know -- you're graduating, and you're calculating the years it will take to be the best in your business. In my case, Diane Sawyer had about 6 years left in her.
There's a quote I often see... "Sometimes on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one." I love that. Because in just one year, we've lived so much. For those who know the TV News business, you know it's a whole lot of work with very little pay. Working every holiday, constantly researching what's going on in your community, and getting holiday "bonuses" of a grocery store gift card. But we're on your favorite local cable channel! Oh, right. Too bad most starting reporters can't afford their own cable.
I digress. I'm just happy that Evan and I made this decision together. With this move, we were able to have the same work schedule, weekends off, and vacation time to play with and visit family. As crazy as it seemed at the time, I count my blessings every day -- even when I'm reading that Austin is once again topping the list of best cities to live/work/play. I mean, really!
So, I'm back in the market I started in. Eh. But Lubbock has been good to us, and we're happy. I think that deserves some recognition! And I may not be charging my way through newsrooms, but I'm happy showing up to the one in Lubbock every day.
Happy one year return to Lubbock anniversary, self!
You're welcome, Diane.
