Talking with a doctor I interviewed for a health story yesterday, we got on the subject of investigative news stories and ones that would be good to cover in this market.  He said to me, “Don’t you want to win a Pulitzer?”  Without hesitation I said, “No.”  Once I had children, striving to win a prestigious journalism award is really not in my realm of thinking.  Career goals have shifted to the lower end of my priority list, behind items like raising healthy and happy kids or being a good wife and mother.  Sure if a call came asking me to anchor in a bigger market for a lot more money, I would be flattered and smart enough to seriously consider it.  But I wouldn’t be dumb enough to take a job that exclusively benefits moi at the expense of my husband and children.  We’re a team now and I have to think in terms of what’s best for ALL of us.  That changes things up a lot when it comes to your personal drive and mission in life.  My goal is to put my family first.  That, frankly, can’t always happen when there are bills to be paid and schedules to adjust.  Yet for the most part when you know that’s the focal point of your day-to-day existence, it really helps keep you in check.  It’s not worth it if pursuing something and/or achieving it only serves to improve my situation.  I’ve heard people say if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.  Well this momma isn’t happy if my husband and children are sad.  It’s not about me and shouldn’t be.

Owen, Josie, Jacob and Katie from Grundy Center

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 15