I was telling a co-worker here at the paper -- Joan Benson-Cacchione -- how much I enjoyed her Sunday column about her daughter, Annie.

Joan is one of my favorite people here at ETN -- not only is a great writer, but she's a wonderfully positive person, a friendly face and a good mom. I take every opportunity I can to chat her up and learn from her.

Where Joan is preparing for an empty nest, I'm in the beginning stages of parenting -- it's a lot of work and I worry constantly if I am doing the right thing. The whole parenting gig can seem overwhelming and fraught with pitfalls.

I remarked to Joan that even though it was a tough job, it was a rewarding one. Joan said it definitely was and that the best part is that they are often unexpected, surprise rewards -- like big bear hugs from 18-year-old teens.

Or a 4-year-old who says, "Mommy, I love you twelve times. No..no..I love you 112 times."