Return to work

Rick Madonik, Staff Photographer

Last Friday I returned to work, after an abscence of almost two months. Maybe some of you noticed, but wouldn't be offended in the least, if you didn't. (I expect I will one day write about why I was off, but for the moment its safe to say it was work related.)

I was a bit apprehensive about returning, if only because I hadn't been in "the swing" of things for a while. It usually takes a few days, a few events, to get my head back "into it" when it comes to the daily requirements. For sports, it also takes a bit of time to regain the timing, and anticipation of play, that is needed.

Although I wanted to "ease" back into it - and working weekends and nights usually helps that equation - I found myself doing just about a bit of everything in the first week. From sports coverage (Leafs, Raptors and Rock), to breaking news (train derailment and TTC shooting), to portraiture (hero kid) to general news (Toronto Hydro demonstration, subway flood, Mayor Rob Ford talk radio show) and even a bit of a feature hunt (Icefest). It was a smorgasbord of assignments, and after a week back on the job, it kinda feels like I never left.

Via Rail train derailment in Burlington, Feb 26, 2012

 

Mayor Rob Ford, and brother Doug (city councillor) host radio show, Feb. 26, 2012

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford darts through some of the assembled media as he heads for the door after arriving later than expected for the radio talk show he and his brother Doug began to host today.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (seated right) and brother, City Councillor Doug Ford (seated left) go through a preshow meeting prior to hosting their inaugural radio talk show at Newstalk 1010 offices, on Sunday, Feb 26, 2012.

National Post photographer Tyler Anderson shoots through a window into the booth where Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (left) and brother, City Councillor Doug Ford, host their inaugural radio talk show.

 

Leafs, Raptors and Rock

Washington's Lewis Ratcliff tries a wrap around shot, which just misses. Rock's Sandy Chapman uses his stick to try to obstruct Ratcliff's vision as netminder Pat Campbell covers the near corner during NLL action between Toronto Rock and Washington Stealth at Air Canada Centre on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Rock lose 14-9.

Raptors Aaron Gray wrestles the ball from the grasp of Rudy Gay during NBA action between Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies at Air Canada Centre, Friday March 2, 2012. 

Working the defensive end, Leandro Barbosa is in on the play that causes Dante Cunningham to lose the handle during NBA action between Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies at Air Canada Centre.

Raptors Jerryd Bayless has the ball stripped by the defense efforts of OJ Mayo during NBA action between Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies.

Raptors Aaron Gray is fouled by Marc Gasol as he tries to power to the hoop from the baseline during NBA action.

Raptors Jerryd Bayless puts up the shot despite the defense of OJ Mayo during NBA action between Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies.

Leaf netminder James Reimer looking non too pleased after letting in the first goal early during NHL action between Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, Saturday Feb. 25, 2012 at Air Canada Centre.

Leaf goalie James Reimer can do nothing as the 4th goal finds its way into the net during NHL action between Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals.

News, Feature and Portrait

A protestor walks past the main doors of Toronto Hydro prior to the beginning of the demonstration against impending layoffs. Hundreds of Toronto Hydro workers rallied Monday evening outside the Carlton Street head office Feb. 27, 2012 to denounce the utilities plans for layoffs.  

A TTC shuttle buses heads north on Yonge Street, at Queen Street, with a full load. Passengers waiting for room on a bus are seen reflected in the buses window. Passengers were shuttled after a track level flood at Union Station disrupted the normal routine of subway traffic for several hours on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Seven-year-old Estella Ngo, of Richmond Hill, has her photo snapped by her mom after jumping on the back of the carved wolf. The 7th annual Bloor-Yorkville Icefest runs Saturday and Sunday along Cumberland Street in Yorkville district.

Paige Dayal, 14, of Newmarket, was instrumental in saving the life of a 16 year old boy in the UK. He had posted online that he had taken a number of pills. Paige saw the posting, told her mom, Laura Stevenson, and they contacted local police who then went to the boy's house. 

Alternative rockers Jane's Addiction, led by frontman Perry Farrell (left) and guitarist Dave Navarro, play Massey Hall on Monday, February 27, 2012, to a packed house.