I quit my job Monday. My dad called my move “bold.” Others said it was “inspiring.” For me, it was time.

Shortly after resigning.

Twelve years ago I walked into The Associated Press, just weeks after college graduation. I remember being nervous and excited to begin my new life. There were a couple months in St. Louis, then Kansas City, where Hubby proposed and finally Chicago, where we’ve been for 10 years. (How the hell did *that* happen?)

The stories I’ve had the privilege of covering helped shape me. Walking next to the Rev. Al Sharpton as we stepped onto Interstate 70 during morning rush hour as part of a protest he led, wading through an angry mob shortly after 9/11 to interview a white man screaming “Down with brown!” Listening to family members cry as they recounted the lives of their loved ones who died that September day. Every person I talked to day after day, week after week, cried. Toward the end of my 10-hour shift, I’d go into the bathroom and cry.

There also was the single mom-to-be who was hospitalized because of her high-risk pregnancy. I was writing a story about infant mortality. She was so open about her fears and dreams. She really touched me. Her daughter is now a sassy 6 year old.

There were others, scoops in Arthur Andersen’s fall, telling the world former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was convicted, the media frenzy of the R. Kelly child porn trial, Obama’s election, Blagojevich’s trial, Fort Hood. … It’s been quite the ride.

The best part of AP? The people. I’ve met so many wonder folks who have hugged me from halfway around the world, boo-hooed with me in the bathroom, taught me about reporting, writing and editing. They helped me grow up. They are working moms and dads trying to balance it all, single people with Mother Teresa-like hobbies and travel experiences, creative drama queens, temperamental shutterbugs, bulldogs, chatterboxes, playwrights, Harley Davidson lovers, wine connoisseurs and more. They’re like family.

I took something from all of them. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today and I thank them for that. Thank you Mother AP and AP staffers for everything and more.

Cheers.

“Being an Associated Press man or woman is a distinction and also a solemn obligation. It requires much more than competence in the technique of news gathering and distribution. There is demanded a highly developed conscience and ethical sense of fairness and honesty. It requires being always aware of the consequences that can flow from reporting events and situations.”

-Exerpt from General Manager Frank J. Starzel’s address April 21, 1958 at the annual luncheon of the Members of The Associated Press.

I’m sharing my awesome with Momma Made It Look Easy and you can too.