Sometimes you can't fake it.

There have been some days when the alarm clock didn't go off, you were late, got a flat tire, lost your cell phone, and you found out you were adopted and your real parents gave you up because you were ugly.

Doesn't matter.  If you're doing a story about fuzzy bunnies or breaking news, news folk are supposed to look good, smile, shake hands and fart rainbows if that's what the story requires.  You leave your baggage at the newsroom door.

But then there are some days you can't fake it.

Case and point in the following picture.

I have a horrible phobia of snakes. I blame it all on Indiana Jones and that damn snake pit scene.  HORRIFIED doesn't not even begin to describe how I felt when that movie scene scarred me for life.

So, naturally, I would be sent out to cover the 6-ft Colombian Red Tail Boa that was caught in some neighborhood backyard.  It almost ate a dog. Did you hear me?!

The snake catcher (who I'll be sure to share with you later, encyclopedia of rabid animals included)... he thought it would be a good idea if I held it as part of my story.  Note: he was telling me this as I remained standing on top of the picnic table in fear of the second snake that was most definitely lurking nearby and plotting to murder me.

So no.  I was not smiling... or farting rainbows.  I was nearly wetting my pants and wondering which one of the cute neighborhood children I would duck behind when the snake attacked.