Going Away

Being in Television News, it's something that happens. But it's never easy when it does.

Co-workers move on to bigger and better jobs. Some go home to cities where they grew up, others find cities to start their lives on their own, some move after falling in love and some just move to make more money. Whatever the reason, most people in TV move on. Especially from markets like Fort Myers.

Last night I had the opportunity to stop by a going away party for two friends.

I remember when "the red menace" first walked into Waterman. Kara Kenney was going to be a Collier Bureau reporter. A position I had been in for the past several months before moving to Fort Myers for the Weekend Anchor position. She also came from the same station group I had left to move to Fort Myers.
Soon, this quiet reserved girl from the Midwest blossomed into a party animal. See, Fort Myers reminds me a little of High School. It's not most people's first jobs, so they've "graduated" from somewhere else. But, it's not big enough to really be "mature" like college.

I have gotten to watch Kara grow as a reporter and person in her years at Waterman Broadcasting.
The same is true for Josh Folk. He and I really grew up together. We moved up the ladder at the same rate. He as a producer and me as an Anchor. We went from weekend warriors to launching the 7 pm show. I will miss Josh's cynical sarcastic sense of humor. I will also miss how he got under people's skin. Josh knows how to push people's buttons. It's almost like a sick gift. I don't know that I've ever met someone that can do that. It was always hilarious to watch and in a weird way it was very productive. These TV egos had to take a step back and examine their decisions, or how they acted.

With Josh and Kara gone, the newsroom will be a lot quieter, maybe even a little nicer, but not nearly as fun.

Good luck you two.

But this isn't really goodbye. Many more will graduate from Waterman. Some of us will no doubt cross paths again.

Taste of the Town

One part of my job is to make public apperances.
Yesterday, I got to attend the 27th Annual Taste of the Town event in Downtown Fort Myers.
The crowds were big, the tents of food were numerous, and the bands were loud!

The one thing I never get used to on my job is when people just stop and shout, "oh, hi Jamie!" Because while it is nice to know viewers recognize who you are, I don't know half of the people who yell at me.
I feel bad, because I know I am a part of many people's routine. You get to see me within "the box" but I don't get to see you! Unless it's at an event like Taste of the Town. And I know people always want to be remembered, but sometimes it's so hard!

And now, I realize Facebook has made this doubly difficult. Many people have added me as "their friends."
And while I love to communicate in this way and connect to the viewers, I don't recognize you in public. Mainly, because your profile pic is your dog or cat, looks nothing like you, or is way too small to recognize you in person.

Please don't stop saying hello, just please re-introduce yourself so you don't feel snubbed, and I don't feel like an arse!