Finally, an update! It has been a couple of busy weeks – either that, or just so drab that there’s nothing worth posting. I don’t know; I don’t want to stop and think about it really. Anyway, here is the latest scoop:

• I have been working on the final, big assignment for my Writing for Media class. Our task is to interview someone and portray them in our writing, using quotations and observations. Several weeks ago when we were just being introduced to the project, I sat in the desk and tried to think about who I would interview. I was pretty nervous, pondering whether I should choose to converse with my current math professor (who I don’t like). It didn’t seem like a good idea. I’ve learned that great writing comes from a subject you enjoy covering. So… I went a while without any idea who I would talk with. But then I let my brain talk to me, and I began to consider someone I have a lot of respect for – who works in an industry and at a news station that has held my interest for years – who has achieved very high educational standards – who is friendly, thought-provoking and helpful, all the while balancing business and personal life. I talked with my writing professor about my ambitious thoughts, and after some procrastination, I finally sent off a request-for-interview email. About two weeks later, here I sit having not only worked through my second interview ever, but also having got to meet someone I consider my idol in broadcasting. Anita Kissee of KATU-TV in Portland was a joy to converse with and made my day.
  • To our advantage, there was also a great casual media event called Media Circus! that was open to the public which took place in downtown. We set to rendezvous at Invasion, the hosting location of the event, about 45 minutes prior so that we could talk without distractions. We headed to the local Java Man coffeehouse where we began our chat over a cup of coffee. It worked out perfect. I got to ask many questions about Kissee and KATU that I just couldn’t have ever achieved through Twitter, Oregon Media Central (OMC), the internet, or anything at all. There’s nothing like meeting someone face-to-face. About an hour later, we walked one block down the road and arrived at the event where we got to talk with some radio and unemployed folk. It was a solid time.
    • Funny story: I walk into Invasion which is the hosting location of the media event, and since the event was free, the employees really encourage and sort of hustle you to purchase a drink. Keep in mind this place is a cafe by day, a nightclub and lounge by night, so when I nervously ask what they’ve got (since there was no menu), the guy gestures to the 10-foot hight wall of alcohol. My mind kind of stuttered – I was thinking, “Holy crap – FINALLY my appearances pass me as 21!” I politely declined to purchase a drink, and good thing I didn’t say I was a minor. Later, on an OMC Media Circus! follow-up blog posting, I read that a woman with her kids was not allowed to attend the event because, it turns out, the OLCC changed the liquor rules just days prior to the event changing Invasion to a full-time no-minors location… What a good day it was.
  • The profile assignment is due on the 30th of this month, and I have about half of my draft done that’s due tomorrow. Yes, three hours at Starbucks equals half a rough draft…

Anita Kissée

• The end of fall term 2009 is really closing in fast. Half of next week is Thanksgiving break, and when we come back to class we’re amidst dead-week (the week prior to finals). One week after that and it’s winter break for three weeks!
  • I have talked with Haggen and will be working during the big break… It will be fun.
• Last but not least… I hate being relied upon as a chauffeur. One can try to barter, trade, or compensate for the travel, but when it comes down to it, I am being used as a service, and any form of reimbursement won’t make up for the act itself. A car for transportation is a luxury that I ante-up for and pay to provide myself with as my own service. The costs of the vehicle and just the ability to have it here is more than just gas. There are a variety of risks and other factors that I must afford and endure, such as insurance while the car is away from the home location, the increase of miles on the odometer, the risk of damage or theft, and the overall maintenance to keep the car up-to-date and running. There are already a pinch-full a minor fixes that should be addressed that no one else will cover but myself, let alone if my prize possession decides to even conk out on me. Splitting gas? A temporary offering which works for the most part and for the time being, but surely doesn’t justify these four wheels as a mutual and fair ride for all ages.
• Party tomorrow? Yeah, maybe. Just let this week be over.