This Is Why We're Here

I just got home, two one-liter Dr. Pepper's in hand, and have had this blog entry on my mind for the past few hours.

Tonight, I covered a public meeting about methamphetamine use in the Concho Valley and what types of programs the community thought would best serve them. There was a recovering meth addict who spoke tonight. She's recovered to the point to regain custody of her children and is now helping others who are going through the same programs she went through.

One goal of the meeting was to talk about what the community needed to help fight the problems.

One problem that was brought up and continued upon was the lack of coverage from the media in town. I didn't announce myself or even talk about the people's concern - you don't make yourself part of the story.

I did speak with the lady who helped me with the advance on this story, though. The ability to truly give this beat what it deserves can't be accomplished with general assignments stuff throughout the weeks, but I also understand that just may not be possible to accomplish as far as finances and qualified people go. I might not get that here and I might not get that anywhere, but it's something I will constantly search for.

I started to wonder last night if maybe this is where I'm needed, if this was kind of a sign that I need to stay and help tell this story. The only problem with that is I see no end to the story and wonder if I would ever accomplish it.

That ties into the story I wrote tonight. It's a news story with a feature hook to it. It's not going to win any Pulitzers, but the story as well as the events of (I started this post last night and am finishing it Friday morning) Thursday night show why we do what we do.

Somebody mentioned to me yesterday that he felt bad sometimes because there were some of us (Chipsters) that had noble causes as to why we're here and he was doing this because he wanted to do sports. There is nothing at all wrong with that and I said as much.

The way we do this job, the opportunities we've been given and the instruction we've received, any justice at all, is to do the job well. When given the chance to be the eyes and ears of our readers, we can't stray from that.

As I told Sona last night, I don't want this to be rah-rah, but it's true.

It's going to be tough leaving here. I was given a lot of credit last night by one of my sources for what I'm doing, and it was hard for me to tell her that I'm not going to be here in about three weeks.

I almost feel like I'm letting some people down, but I'm at a point in my life where I have to begin my career and look out for myself and my well-being, too. I wish I had the luxury to hold back, but if the events of last night continue to drive me to find that, to tell that story, then maybe this is all worth it.

Izzy: Any paper would realize they made the right call when they picked you up. You represent the inspiration I have that young journos can get it right and hit the ground running. I wish you and Brandon nothing but happiness.

Sona: I know you're going to find the right gig to start convergence - especially when you find out what it means. I'd also still love to take you out for dinner soon.

Khris: It'd be nice for me to apply for a job where the name of Khristopher J. Brooks hasn't already come across their desk, but that's a good problem to have. I think you and I are the vocal representation of this Chips Quinn class and I have absolutely no problem with it.

Little Duck: A swift kick in the balls can resolve any newsroom drama. Think about that.

A.D.: If the Braves give up Wilson Betemit for Scott Proctor, I'm going to pistol-whip a baby, I swear.

Courtney, Kate, Ramon and Tres: Trojans For Everybody! Reunion sooner rather than later.

As I told Sona last night, there were so many emotions running through me. I just need to channel them in the right direction.

Free Agency

That's the choice. I'm on the market.

I thought it was in my best interest to pass on the job at the Standard-Times. Now that's not to say there are any problems with the paper, in fact, I think it's a great paper for somebody to come learn in and it'd be a great entry-level paper.

Just not for me. It's not the paper, it's the city. There's just nothing in this city for me, and I understand that part of it is my personality. Some people would probably do fine in this city and a job at the paper here would be great for them.

I've learned so much about writing, journalism and how I incorporate all of that into me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity.

I have enjoyed working for this paper so much and I will take the lessons with me as I move forward. To those who have taken an interest in helping me, thank you.

I want to have this post up tonight, so I'm going to end it here, but I have some other thoughts and thanks to post soon.

Double Bacon Cheeseburgers

As in that's just what I had to eat from Whataburger.

You know, I always love coming back to people reading the blog, be them few and far between.

So what's up with me? Well, I have a huge decision to make in the next 18 hours. I already know my answer, but in the interest of fairness, I will wait before I make an announcement. It's not like people are on edge for a big free-agent signing, but it's an important decision to me.

I'm at a loss of what to say next.

It's been about 20 minutes since I finished the paragraph before that last sentence.

It could be that I'm at a loss, but I think it has more to do with the fact that Sportscenter is on. Speaking of Sportscenter, I took a test as the beginning of a hiring process with ESPN. I was contacted by their research manager off my resume posting on JournalismNext.com and set up a time to take the test. It's a fairly tough exam in that it brings in math, copy editing, comprehension and trivia - all within one hour.

I'm going back and forth about how well I really did. I seriously think I did okay, but I guess we'll find out if I get a call back from ESPN. It's been just over a week and my contact with them happened about once every two weeks or so. Who knows? I could be in Bristol, CT working on Sportscenter.

I'd like to start writing more media commentary blogs, so as time goes on, not only will this be a personal blog, but will also focus on things I find interesting in the media world. I have a few of those from last year (the Miami Herald suicide front page, the Daily Texan prison dog program photo essay, WOAI, WOAI and probably WOAI), so if you'd like to send me anything you think is interesting, go for it. I also hope to start linking to other commentary blogs/sites/etc.

I think this might be it for the night and only because I don't think I have much more to say right now. I will try and make a post tomorrow once I get home from work and my decision is public.

Will I sign the rookie deal or become a free agent?

Stay tuned.

The More Things Change...

I'm not sure why the title is that, but maybe it will come across in this totally unplanned, but necessary update.

I'm still in San Angelo. They haven't fired me and I haven't given them a reason to do so, so that's good.

I've received compliments on my writing from a few people in the community, which is always nice. Plus, I've received some compliments from people in the newsroom, which can't ever be bad.

I've had some good chances for stories lately since I was promoted on a temporary basis to the cops/crime/courts beat. I say it's temporary because that's what they've told me. I guess this is my chance to prove myself and what better beat to try it out with.

So I've started a second blog, which can be found at Joe Ruiz's Clips or through my profile. Right now, it's got everything posted, but I hope to narrow it down to my best stuff from the Standard-Times, The University Star and InsideThePark.com (which has died and become SeattleHardball.com).

I'm going to start applying for jobs any day now and there are a number of great leads, so I hope I'm not out of work too long before I find something. I sure as hell don't want to go back to retail again.

There has been a lot of encouragement coming from all angles lately, and there's no way I can come down from it, so I won't attempt to, but only to try and remember what Bob Bajackson tried and tried to teach me: Don't let yourself get too high or too low.

A close friend of mine is going through some tough times, and for her sake, I hope her sister can find peace. I only wish I could provide more of a shoulder to cry on or an ear to bend at this time. I can't, and for that, I apologize, G.

I'm almost halfway done with my internship and I know pretty much everyday that this is exactly what I want to do. I have job prospects, I have built up some strong clips and I've grown as a reporter. The only thing that can hold me back now is me, and I don't intend on letting that happen.