Date: 2008-03-06 06:24 Subject: "She's done what?" Security: Public

I'm feeling like a circus juggler - without the make-up - when the phone rings. I'm trying to figure out how I can persuade a shy Ross County lottery winner to pose for a photograph and share his £10,000 joy with the rest of the world. I'm also wondering why trying to get italics on our computer system is so different when it appears it can do everything else short of making me coffee. And I'm thinking about making myself a cup of coffee.

So when it turns out to be my daughter's nursery, I'm suddenly yanked from work mode into 'oh-no-what's-happened?' daddy mode.

"I don't want you to worry but, um, Grace has stuck some Blu-Tak up her nose."

My mind reels back 35 years and I try to identify with the situation. Nope. I can't remember ever sticking Blu Tak up my nose. I can't remember ever sticking anything up my nose, apart from a finger. On a fairly regular basis.

By the time I get there, it appears the foreign body may have become dislodged. But no one is sure. The doctor's surgery does me proud and suggests I take her in to see a nurse. I hope this will all prove to be a sobering experience for Grace. Bit it's not working. "Oh Daddy, I'm so excited! I've never seen a nurse before! Will she have a white hat with a red cross on it?"

She didn't. But she did establish there was nothing, barring bogies, up Grace's nose. It was over. Later that night, Grace looked up at me with big eyes and said: "Daddy, I'll never, ever stick Blu-Tak up my nose again."

A result of sorts.

Back at the day job, the retiring lottery winner was still proving elusive. And the coffee had run out.

2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link

Date: 2008-03-06 15:59 Subject: Issue 10 hits the streets... Security: Public

We've gone with another bold front page pic that may raise a few eyebrows and - at last! - I've got in my own personal favourite story of the year so far about a lovely couple's inspirational fight back against the epilepsy affecting one of their daughters.

One of the things about this job is the difficulty in finding time to actually write the stories like that when you're trying to maintain copy flow, answer phones and make Agnes's morning coffee. I wound up doing it at home after the children were asleep - bliss! - and I know my esteemed co-worker Lynne often does the same thing. Labour of love or what?! Sometimes it's the only way to get the job done. But to share stories like that, it seems worthwhile.

My wrist and shoulder have been niggling me all week - here's hoping it's not repetitive strain injury. Very much looking forward to a day off tomorrow to give them a break. The only repetitive motion I anticipate tomorrow is wiping Michael's snottery nose.

3 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link