Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Embrace Each Season

The days are getting shorter, the mornings cooler...the smell in the air is even changing....as we head into a new season. For almost half a century now, I have experienced this change of seasons from summer to fall to winter to spring. I always feel a new season brings with it a sense of excitement, a new beginning. I was recently reminded that life has seasons, too. Times where we move from one stage in life to another, bringing a sense of excitement and a new beginning of sorts. Looking back on my life, my seasons changed with the move from high school to college, from college to professional life, and from being single to being married. My seasons also changed with the birth of each child. Each new little beginning of life also, of course, changed mine. Now as my children are growing I find it is time for me to grow as well. And I once again find my life entering into a new season. Change is often hard, that's not news. But I've learned, just as I embrace each new season– with swimsuits in the summer and snowboots in the winter– I must also embrace this new season in my life. So with the winds of change blowing my way, my role at KEYC will be changing in the coming weeks. I'll step out from behind the anchor desk to make room for someone else entering an exciting new season in their life. I have truly enjoyed my four years sharing stories important to Southern Minnesotans and Northern Iowans each day at noon. But I have found there is a new opportunity for me here at KEYC. It allows me to do what's best for my family, while still being a part of the KEYC family! And it's a chance for me to learn another side of the industry. So, although I will no longer be visible on the air, I will certainly continue to be visible in this community! Yes, the winds of change are blowing my way. Pushing me into the next season of my Good Life.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Ironmen and Women, With Hearts of Gold

As you all know, I am a BIG fan of the Greater Mankato Area. There are a number of things that truly making living here The Good Life. Those things, of course, differ from person to person. But here's what tops my list: we have Division I Hockey, a great school system where not only is the education outstanding, but they have activities to suit any student's interest. (I have four kids, with four different interests and they all find a place to fit in.) And, boy, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display really demonstrates how cool this community is. The people though, are at the very tip top. People here never cease to amaze me in a variety of ways. Most recently, I've been following the journey of my friend Kate Cox's husband Chaun as he competed in the Wisconsin Ironman competition. Following her Facebook posts and pictures chronicling Chaun's journey really made me feel as though I was there cheering him on. When Chaun returned home, I asked him for a few comments on his experience. And in true "Minnesota Nice" form, he quickly mentioned several others from our region who competed alongside him. (I hate to start listing names here for fear I'll miss someone.) But I am amazed, although not all that surprised, that so many from our area could accomplish such a feat. For those of you not familiar with the Ironman, this is what it entails: a 2.4 mile swim, 112–mile bike ride...aaaaaaannd then, you run a marathon (26 miles). You have to do it in that order and without a break. On the go for 10 to 12 hours. Straight. I consider myself in pretty good shape. I run and workout regularly. But the Ironman/ woman is something I can't fathom doing. In fact, I can't even do one segment of the Ironman/woman. I could not swim 2.4 miles, or bike 112 miles, or run 26 miles. Let alone all of them combined! And Dr. Cox, like all the Ironmen and Women from our area, says he wouldn't be able to do it either without the support of his family and friends. Or without the support of our community. So, if you know Dr. Cox, or any of the other competitors from our area, you know even though they are Ironmen and women...they have hearts of gold. They are good ambassadors for all of us here who are so proud of them. Proud they are a part of Our Good Life.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Lessons Can Be Learned, Even on Summer Break

As the kiddos and I started preparing last night for this morning...the first day of school...I suddenly realized I didn't see them read a single book or do a single math problem the entire summer break. Now, before you shake your finger at me, I also realized last night all that they did learn over the summer. Let's begin at the top, my oldest son, now a week into college and away from Mankato. In those final couple of weeks before we moved him out, I think he learned how important his family is to him. He made it home in time for dinner a little more often. He stopped playing video games to play board games with his sisters. And he spent more time sitting on the couch with his dad and me, just talking. My next oldest, my 15– year–old son, got his driver's permit this summer (okay, so that learning curve will take more than a few months and will probably be the topic of more than one future blog.) So, let's move on. He did learn the value of hard work. With his eye on the soon–to–be–released PS 4 gaming system, he got up early for a month of summer days in a row to pollinate corn at Pioneer. Not easy work, but worth it he knows, because he got enough cash to buy the PS4 and even a few games besides. There is a bonus lesson here, because he did all that work, already spent the money, and still has to wait for the goods! Patience! My daughter, at age 12, loves to bake. She does not, however, like to clean up afterward. So we've been working on that with constant reminders to pick up after yourself and do it right and thoroughly the first time. This has been a long row to hoe with her. So, I almost fainted Sunday afternoon, when she had just finished baking her brother his favorite snack (a rare showing of sibling compassion) and before I could even open my mouth to utter a reminder, she grabbed a rag and wiped off the counters. But wait, there's more! She then got the broom...which was ALL THE WAY over in the pantry closet...and swept up! Then, there is my youngest daughter, who last year needed me to help make her lunch and organize her clothes and such for school. Last night before I could even ask what she wanted, she had her lunch made (PBJ sandwich, apple, string cheese, carrots (but no dip, she wasn't sure if that would keep) and a granola bar with chocolate chips.) Not too shabby. And not only did she have her outfit placed neatly over the chair in her room, she already had her shoes found (another issue at times last year as she raced to catch the bus) and placed them by the front door. So lessons were learned this summer. Important ones. But perhaps I learned the greatest lesson of all. That my kids are becoming more self sufficient. They are figuring things out on their own. I learned that it is time for me to let go...just a bit...as we all learn to live The Good Life.