Q&A.

I noticed a few of you had some questions in the comments from my last posts, so I thought I would attempt to answer them today.

Stephanie asked, "Why don't the internet stories give you credit for writing them?"

The short answer: since I don't personally research the content of these press releases and packages, I can't take credit for the material. Every day, we get a lot of press releases from police and such. My job is simply to rewrite them so they are more pleasant to read on the website. Because believe me, cops don't have the best grammar, and they tend to speak in a language all their own (Example: "The suspect fled on foot and headed westbound from the scene of the crime."). I also re-write reporter packages so they are in print form instead of in a broadcast script.

Jessica said, "I hope no one gave you crap about being married and being a mom."

It hasn't really come up yet. For the most part, I don't feel the need to advertise that I'm married and a mom, but I'm certainly not shy about it if it comes up in conversation. Most people have been fairly cordial about it, except for one reporter who copped a bit of an attitude. She asked me when I was scheduled to work; I told her Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 am - 5 pm. She asked why in the world I would do that instead coming in every day. I told her, "Well, I live in the East Valley so I don't want to drive out every day, and it's easier for my babysitters this way." Her respsonse was a little less than tactful: "Oh, those babies...always getting in the way...." Just one of those times you have to chuckle instead of getting angry. I wanted to yell all sorts of things and maybe spit on her, but decided against it. Besides, I'm sure anchor Kent Dana would approve: he's got six kids of his own!

Jennifer asked, "Which do you like more? Is it fun being out of the house a few times a week? Do you want to work there when you're done?"

It's hard to say if I like being an intern more than being a mom or vice versa. There are definitely times when I'd rather be slaving away in a newsroom (like when Bubby is having explosive diarrhea or when my house is a complete wreck). But for the most part, I love being a mom! And I'm always excited to see my family when I get home.

It is definitely fun to get out of the house a few times a week, though. Trust me; while motherhood is a wonderful blessing and an adventure, it can get extremely repetitive and boring. A grown adult can only play blocks for so long. And contrary to what some might think, it's difficult. I have a child who depends on me to take care of her 24 hours a day. I don't get any breaks. It can be overwhelming.

I have always held the philosophy that moms need something to call their own in their lives. Whether it be a job, a hobby, piano lessons, a book club, yoga, or extreme sports...all mothers need their "(name) time." That is the time when we get to develop ourselves as individuals. My current "Jenna time" is my internship. I'm sure you all could think of many activities that qualify as "(name) time". Scrapbooking, baking, cardio kick-boxing, consulting for Mary Kay, teaching, cutting hair...you name it.

So, to answer Jennifer's third question: I don't know. If the station offers me a job, it will be hard to turn it down. I mean, how flattering! But I realize what a huge commitment it would be, and I wonder if I could juggle it all. I do value being home with my child. As awesome as my mom and mother-in-law are at babysitting, no one knows Bubby's needs like I do. But, I do want to have my "Jenna time" in some form or another. So, I guess I'll have a more concrete answer in late April/May.

Thanks for reading! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I might just dub Mondays "Q&A Day."