There was some confusion about my two-week vacation that ended yesterday. I think it’s because I posted on social media this photo of a receipt from my goodbye lunch with colleagues from Free FM on July 17.
Although an explanation came along with the Twitter post, many people apparently only looked at the photo and went on about their day, thinking I was actually retiring. That’s not the case! When the server asked about the occasion for our get-together I started to explain but was shouted down by salesman Jake, who yelled to the entire restaurant, “SHE’S RETIRING!” He was pretty happy when the whole place applauded! So, no, unfortunately, if I retired now, my strategy would look something like this:
Today is my first day at the new job. I’m responding to a wake-up alarm again and beginning a whole new chapter of my career. CJBK is a news/talk format with a heavy dose of sports, as well. There are expectations, of course, but if there’s any pressure, it’s what I’m putting on myself. Some say I can do this job with my eyes closed. But it’s keeping my eyes open and caring about the details that make me any good at what I do. I think that after being in radio as long as I have – 106 years at last count – some people expect me to be blase and not take it seriously. I don’t take myself seriously, but I do want to get the work done right.
The current broadcasting climate is unsettled and getting smaller all the time. I’m grateful that I get another opportunity to put fingers to keyboard and lips to a microphone. First Thing With Mike Stubbs and Lisa Brandt hits the ground running at 6 am. Wish us luck!
All the very best in the new job and adventure. Turning the page and starting a new chapter.