This is my second week as a reporter for the Observer and the Kipling Citizen, and already life has changed. Is it the fact that I'm writing for a living? No, I already have four paperbacks in print, one of which will hit major distribution this summer. Is it the irregular timetable? Again no, I've been a self-employed businessman all my life and I'm used to setting my own hours, even when that means sixteen hours a day at times. No, what's changed is the way people look at me.
Last week I was in the SGI office in Wawota getting my daughter's brand-new learner's license, and suddenly someone called "Hey, Mr. Reporter-man!" It took a second before it registered they were talking to me. A few days earlier at the Inn, some folks joked about not quoting them, and I wondered if their humour held a grain of truth. Then, doing another report, one person was adamant that their face should not be in the picture.
Of course you also get the other side. People have already suggested stories to me, and a few messages have arrived on facebook with people liking my comments on the Senators. Yes, being a reporter certainly gets the attention of people, as if I'm a celebrity of sorts.
Talking about attention, I have to share a funny story with you. Last week I was up in Whitewood covering an event with the Air Cadets. There were various people of note there, including two local MLAs. After the excellent meal, it was time for the awards to be given, so I got up and walked round the hall snapping pictures.
Well, being a former cadet myself, something deep within me wanted to stand tall and proud, an example to the young people. Alas, it was not to be. As I positioned myself behind the head table, ready to photograph a Wawota lad receiving his award, I forgot there's a whole world behind the photographer that you simply don't see. I took two steps back to get the composure for the photo, but completely lost personal composure as I tripped on a carpet, went flying, and ended up on my back with my legs in the air. The things I do for the newspaper!
Of course there was much laughter, and maybe a wee bit of self consciousness on my part, but I remained the professional, got up and kept snapping away! One mom later remarked she'd never laughed so hard at a cadet's function.
All this illustrates a point. It's good to laugh at yourself now and again. So many of us take life far too seriously, and ourselves too. Remember the song? "Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream." That's the secret, row gently downstream, go with the flow, and live in the moment. When we take everything too seriously we're trying to paddle upstream and it leads to stress, tension, anxiety and a host of other challenges that most of us really don't want.
So here's my suggestion to you. Find something to laugh at today. Maybe you don't feel like it, perhaps financial stress is just about killing you, or illness or marriage challenge. No matter what, look for the humour, look for some way of reframing the situation, if only for a moment. Laughter costs nothing. It is a free gift to every human being, and it's good for your body, spirit and mind. I encourage you to laugh more this week, it will serve you well.
And actually that is what I want to do too. As a reporter for this area, I desire to serve you well. I trust that my writing will be informative, sometimes entertaining, and even encouraging when appropriate. This paper does a great job of being a reflection of the community, and I personally look forward to fitting into that role.
When you see me around the area, feel free to say hello. I'm the Scotsman with a very bald head! Despite the fact that one kid in Ontario wondered if I was Shrek, I'm really not an ogre, and I love to hear and tell stories. So, keep in touch! My email is [email protected] and I look forward to hearing from you.
