By Pat Dooris
In most newsrooms, the idea of covering Valentines Day makes many eyes roll back to the dark recesses of our brains.

It happens every year and can get a bit stale.

There's the flowers and balloons---there's the florist who hired extra help---there's the ding dong (often named Dooris) still trying to figure out what to get his wife---and here's the latest on how much those roses will add to your credit card balance.

Despite all that, I still like Valentines Day.

It takes me back 22 years to my very first story as a reporter.

On February 14th, 1985, I'd just been hired by a tiny station in Wenatchee which doesn't even have a news department anymore.

I'd driven from home in Seattle, over the mountain passes in a ferocious snow storm to get to the station on time.

They sent me to a local florist to show---yes that's right---the flowers and balloons and the extra help and the hustle and bustle of the day.

I was fascinated. There I was, fresh out of WSU, actually working. It was not good work you understand, I was shooting my own video and making up questions on the fly.

But I 'was' working. I took way too long on the story and I don't even remember how it all came out. It didnt matter. I was in the business...making an incredible $850 a month...and covering Valentines Day.

Happy Valentines to you.

Its a great day for me.

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