a year

Monday, January 2, 2012

my first news meeting. olympic anniversary. vancouver 125. stanley cup game 6
It's been exactly one year since I anchored CTV News at 6 for the very first time. Time flies. A year ago today I was freaking out, for a number of reasons. It's always nerve-wracking when you start something new, especially when you know everyone is watching.

2011 was an interesting year. It was exhilarating when it was announced that I would be anchoring the news with Mike Killeen but also quite sad & stressful - I definitely discovered who my real friends were. There's a lot to be said for having grace and some people just didn't have it. I found that people reacted in one of three very different ways: those who were genuinely happy for me and told me, those who were angry that I got the job as they felt I wasn't worthy of it (these people had no problem telling anyone who would listen - but never me) and then there were the people who said nothing and just stopped talking to me.

our first billboard. leadership convention. tv week cover
It's the people that stopped talking to me that I find most interesting as most of them were people I considered friends. Obviously I was mistaken. At first my feelings were hurt and I obsessed about it, wondering what I could do to make it better. Now I don't care. Those people weren't my friends...a tough lesson to learn, but now I know.

This past year has been amazing, everyday I'm challenged and learn something new. Mike and I have anchored the Liberal Leadership Convention, been on location for the Olympic Anniversary, Vancouver's 125th Birthday....and the mother of all broadcasts - 4 and a half hours of commercial-free Stanley Cup Riot coverage, what a night. I have filed stories on rare diseases, breast cancer and the riot...& I have a few more to air in January.  CTV has been my second home for almost 15 years, clearly I like the place and the people I work with. I couldn't have made the leap from weather to anchor without the support and guidance of my co-workers. I feel fortunate to have such a great team to work with...2012 is going to be a good one.

Yes, I lost a few friendships in the last year...some people said some horrible things about me and I had a couple of rough days. It's a job. I love it but it's a job. Seriously. No matter what though, I get to come home to these three little monkeys jumping on my bed. It doesn't get any better than that!
3 little monkeys jumping on my bed. photos by mika inikoshi
I'm excited for 2012. Happy New Year to you, I wish you a year filled with good health, love and laughter.



16 comments:

Kristin said...

Wow! What a post! A year ago in October we made the choice to cancel cable and the one thing that I have missed the most is my CTV News at 6. You can imagine my disappointment when I found out that I would not see you take the big step as Anchor! (although I have caught some clips online!). I am such a supporter! I'm sorry to hear that you've had others that are less than that for you!
Congratulations Tamara! What incredible accomplishments in one year!! ; )

Shawna said...

I don't get the people who don't have a little bit of grace -- I also didn't realize that there is such competition; but I guess it's like any other industry.

Good for you for getting past it - you deserve to live life full and not hindered by unfortunate "friends" who don't truly care about you.

And your greatest accomplishments are gorgeous! I think you do a fabulous job (at least from the peek I have) of balancing your family and career!

Here's to 2012 - May it be FULL of blessings!
XoXo*S

Anonymous said...

I think you're fantastic! Really, A great example of a working mom!

Anonymous said...

i think you are doing an awesome job :) i remember at the beginning you did seem a little nervous but you've really stepped into your new role. i found once i reached a point of success i lost friends, too. i've come to the conclusion that my success made them feel bad about themselves, which is pretty sad. i'd rather look at my friend and say 'if she can do it, so can I!'

Krista said...

I appreciate your honesty. I am sorry that some people are like that but its true that little munchkins put it all in perspective. All the best in 2012 Tamara!

karen said...

Ya. Friends. I've lost a couple this year too, people who I've worked hard to keep as friends. But sometimes it is personal growth, right? In my case it was mundanely a realisation that people who aren't really that "into me" really aren't my friends. It made for some awkward fall and holiday party decisions, but ultimately has allowed me to stop trying so hard for people who don't actually love me for me.

You are a terrific on-air personality, Tamara. I truly hope you are able to let go of the job and the stinky politics when you go home. Your children are adorable, and your style and grace in public have been admirable.

karen

The Life Nostalgic said...

It's a true testament to someone's feelings about themselves when they can't be happy for someone else.
There's plenty of success and happiness to go around!

Lisa said...

Wow! It didn't even occur to me that there would be any other reaction to your good news other than excitement and joy for you. I loved your honesty in this post. And I think you are doing such a good job with your babes and your job!

Unknown said...

Well, you are amazing. A kind & genuine woman and a great example of a working mom. I look forward to seeing your sweet personality every night on the news. Friends will come and go but family is forever, good for you for realizing that!

Julia said...

You are so beautiful and the kinds are amazingly cute! Congrats for the latest accomplishments

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marveldom said...

You got that job based on your popularity as a weather caster.You had absolutely no qualifications as a journalist.Keri Adams you are not.Many people at CTV busted their butts,and pounded the pavement for years.They were more qualified than you.No matter how good you may or may not be you were not qualified for that job.Remember that......
You are a me first self centered,self entitled woman.No wonder you lost friends.How about you showing some grace to the people whose job you stole.

Anonymous said...

Hello Tamara,

I just finished reading your post regarding your trials and tribulations of your posting as CTV News Anchor. I definately felt your sadness regarding those that you had trusted and had turned their back on you. I just want you to know for what it is worth that you are an outstanding young woman, mother, wife and most of all an outstanding individual and deserve to be in that position and I miss your beautiful natural presence on the news every night. I am also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and I am sure your mother and family are very proud of you and you should also be. Those that talk behind your back are just plain jealous and are mean and resentful and just keep ignoring them as they are not deserving to be in your life. Stay strong and resolute and you will go even further in your career. Best wishes to you and your family in the New Year!

Cheers, Melody

Andrew said...

Reading this post leave me a bit perplexed. On one hand, I felt there's a genuine frustration in your feeling but at the same time, I don't understand what your goal for making this revelation in such a public forum. I think a highly regard position as an anchor woman in one of the most prestigious tv network might meet certain level of professionalism? What you're writing here can only fuel more gossips among your peers. I used to like your persona when you're doing the weather. Your cheerful...good nature personality always left me feeling good. My view somewhat tinted now because I see a woman's pride diluted into your ego. Perhaps your personal view may best serve after 10,20, 30 years down the road?

Purplestamper said...

Thanks for your post. I thought is was very real, authentic and honest. Then I read the comments, and several of them are really ugly. I am sorry there are people out there that are so bitter, negative and angry. Wow. I too have lost people along that way that I thought were my friends, and I've stuggled to try and please family at times as well. Now I know that what matters most is my faith, friends and family, that love and accept me. You got it going on girl. Those children are beautiful and so are you. God Bless you and keep on loving life.

David Sutherland said...

... miss you Tamara , all the best with your recovery , my guess you'll come back stronger than ever and the extra time with family will be the " silver lining " ... David Sutherland ...

Carole said...

Awesome pics of the children Tamara, they are so adorable and it reminds me of when my children were small. Now my great grandchildren are small *smile* time sure flies by. I wouldn't worry about what others say, as long as you can look in the mirror and like what you see, you're doing great.

We miss seeing you at 6:00 pm but want to wish you a speedy recovery and may the unfolding year bring you and your family many blessings. Hugs ... Carole