I've known from the age of 14 that I wanted to be a journalist. I remember the lucky epiphany like it was yesterday. I was sitting in my 9th grade history class and realized I wanted to be the person who was actually recording history and passing it on. At the time I imagined being amidst the burning embers of Beirut (it was the early 80's at the time.) But it wouldn't be until 2002 that I was actually IN Lebanon.. and many other middle and far eastern war zones. The foreign work and the travels have been among the most fulfilling experiences of my life. But by far, the sources of my greatest personal joy are my husband Howard Gould, and my two children, Fischer and Ridley (although pregnancy was, by far, my greatest personal aggravation!!) There are no words to describe the inner warmth that's kindled when your toddler wakes you up in the morning, wraps his little arms and feet around you , and rests his sleepy little mop-top on your shoulder as you carry him down for breakfast. There is no way to explain the delight in peering over the edge of the crib to witness the grateful and joyous smile spreading across the face of your 7-month-old as he realizes you are, indeed, there for him another day! These magical moments are truly the elixir of my life, and they, along with my daily professional accomplishments, define who I am. I am truly blessed every day.