On The Right Track

I was recently referred to as a great example of a Greater Mankato “boomerang!” I am indeed someone who spent time in Mankato many, many years ago…then returned to stay forever! (You’ve all heard that story!) But this week I experienced something that made me even more sure that I boomeranged back to the right spot.

I was a part of the Greater Mankato Growth Business Hall of Fame and Awards ceremony.

At just more than 400 attendees, it was a sold out crowd. And what a crowd it was! Dynamic yet humble, competitive yet encouraging of all those around them. Listening to the acceptance speeches that night, two themes stood out: they all said they took huge risks that ended up paying off, and they feel the greater Mankato area is, in their words, "ready to explode!" As prosperous as the community is now, I think the genuine feeling in the business community here is that this is just the beginning and we are on the cusp of something special here.

I also got a sense of respect and teamwork from all those in attendance. Two things that I think helped the community overcome obstacles that often pop up as any area tries to grow. Several of the recipients talked about partnerships they forged that helped with their success, and the need for collaboration between the city, the business community and the educational systems both Higher Ed and K through 12… to get the job done, and done well. Not all parties always agreeing, but coming together to problem solve and move on.

I am already looking forward to next year’s event! To once again reflect on the victories we will surely see in 2014, and review how we grew stronger from the road bumps that will also inevitably try to slow us down. But right now we are staying on track, a track that keeps us living The Good Life. 

Time is Fleeting: Embrace The Good Life

When I started this blogging journey, I was committed to writing a new one each week. And even through vacation, first week of school, new position at work…I’ve been able to maintain that. But this week I’ve hit a stumbling block otherwise known as writer’s block. Not a good thing when you do what I do for a living.

So, I have started at least four blogs for this week.

One was on the beauty of this region this time of year. I find there is nothing more calming than a drive down Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato in the fall. The tree lined streets abloom with rich reds, yellows and oranges. Trees framing a street with homes exuding so much character I just want to stop the car, get out and go meet the people residing in them. I love the scenery there so much, I take that route even if it is “the long way” home. I know in a couple of days those bright colors will be replaced with the gray of winter.

Then, I started a blog on the passing of Snickers this past weekend. Although he was a TINY Siberian Dwarf Hamster, Snickers was a BIG part of our family. Snickers taught my daughter Grace  a lot about responsibility and five days ago, he taught her a lot about death and losing a loved one. A lesson that was sadly put into perspective as her classmate’s father lost his battle with cancer Monday. My aching heart for the Schwartz family prevented me from going further on that blog.

Finally, I started a blog about karaoke. Despite years of peer pressure to just try it, I finally did for the first time Friday night, among a small group of good friends. Friends who did not care if I could carry a tune or keep a beat. So in my safe and secure environment of the Coop (my friend’s most awesome man cave!) I sang Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop.” And indeed I couldn’t stop, singing the night away with my small audience of four. Isn’t it a great feeling to have friends that you are comfortable enough around to leap out of your comfort zone? I ended the night thinking, “why didn’t I try that sooner!”

I will not likely be karaoking again anytime soon, but for that one night I imagined myself as a backup singer for Rick Springfield. No, he doesn’t really have backup singers per se…but maybe that’s because he hasn’t heard me yet! Yes, it was getting to be a silly blog so I stopped.

So, I will have to wait until next week to get going…or should I say blogging…again. This week I just don’t have much to say. Oh wait. I just did.

If you look close, all three of these short stories have a theme: time is fleeting, go embrace The Good Life!