Pregnant or not, I seriously wanted to kick someone's butt today.
My photographer Mark and I were at the Sheboygan County Courthouse. We were there to cover the court appearance of that mom who allegedly shot her child in the leg with a BB gun. You know... Angelique Vandeberg. The one accused of assaulting the child to win a $1 bet with her boyfriend.
I tell you... never a dull day in the world of reporting.
After the court proceeding, Mark and I ran out to try and talk to the woman. You know, to see if she had anything to say on her own behalf.
"Angelique," I said, "What do you have to say..."
Before I could even finish my sentence, a family member (I'm guessing mom or a much, much older sister) came flying around from behind, and gave me a good shove. I nearly lost my footing.
"Leave her alone!!" the woman bellowed.
Ok, seriously. Seriously. The woman pushed me! I'm nine months pregnant. And it's kind of obvious. It's not like I was beating the woman. I was just trying to get a sound bite for my story! Good grief!
I was furious... but pressed on with my questioning. Vandeberg and her posse ran into a men's room. Mark and I waited. Then confronted them again as they came out. "Don't you have anything better to do??" they screamed at me.
Well lady, truth is... no. This is my job. I try to get soundbites from people like you. In situations like this. It ain't pretty, but that's the life of a reporter. Even pregnant reporters.
Of course, my child comes first. And I would never put myself into any truly dangerous situations. And I figure there's only so much danger in a courthouse crawling with armed deputies.
Siggghhh.
Three weeks to maternity leave...