Tracy Kornet's Blog

I had a prayer answered last week.

 

After 15 years of live television and reading lots of copy off a teleprompter, I asked the dear Lord to please make work more fun and exciting for me.

 

Little did I know, He would answer it in the form of a webcam.

 

This thing was installed on my computer months ago, but it wasn't until 2 weeks when the boss asked us to use it. He challenged us to post two "vlogs" a week.

 

I'm telling you, I'm having so much fun, I'd post every day if I weren't afraid of boring everyone.

 

Having more spontaneity at work has me practically skipping to the station these days.

Sure, it's on a dinky, little screen with some seriously lame-o lighting, but that makes it all the more fun.

 

Just check out yesterday's impromptu interview with CBS11's Inside Edition's Deborah Norville to see what I mean.

 

Or, check the new Facebook feature on the homepage of this website, txa21tv.com, where you can see our latest vlogs and Facebook posts. Had a Miley Cyrus moment just minutes ago, in fact!

 

And I loooooove your comments!!! Thank you SO MUCH for helping make my job a blast.

 

-Tracy

With the advent of our new station webcams and weekly vlogs, I've already spilled the birthday beans as to my recent whereabouts. I spent a couple of days on a cross-country trek to see some of my favorite girlfriends and family members. One husband aptly named it "the friend relay."

It was wonderful seeing these awesome people, but the trip had a downside too. It's so strange--a couple of times I sensed serious tension among them. I failed to stand up for myself on a couple of occasions. I allowed myself to feel crushed when a friend was disappointed in me or seemed angry. And twice, I allowed a friend to mistreat another. What on earth was going on?!

I'm still trying to figure it out.

One sad truth was revealed:  I haven't changed as much as I wish I had. When it comes to conflict, I seriously try to avoid it, especially when the conflict involves women.

Maybe it all goes back to one of my greatest childhood traumas: mean girls.

In fact, allow me shout it through cyberspace: Mean girls scare me!

Nevertheless, I will NOT give up on friendship. I love my friends. And I want to love their insecurities and issues, just as they continue to love me in spite of my faults and irritating habits.

I simply need some advice.

How do you handle it when a female friend is not-so-sweet?

How do we kindly confront each other?

How do we keep the peace but speak the truth?

Please help!

-Tracy

I had one of those pivotal mom moments this afternoon. I dropped off my son for his first official college basketball visit. That means an interested team flies out your kid to meet the players, see the campus, hang at a football game and see if that school is the right fit.

 

So far he's sounding good...but he's only made it to Newark Airport. One more leg and he'll be in Providence, R.I.

 

I knew the drive to DFW airport was a critical one. What words of wisdom would I impart? How much would he want to hear? And is he nervous?

 

As I pulled up to the terminal (with my crazy velcro rollers sticking out of my hair--i was on my way to work), he asked to hang out a little while.

 

This was my chance. But what should I say?

 

Then out it came:

"John, this is your first real college experience. You'll never forget it." I added a bunch of blah blah blah before realizing what I was really trying to express.

 

"Whatever college you chose, just make sure when you're 40 looking back, that you have no regrets. That when an unusual opportunity came your way, you took it."

 

And that's really what I believe. I've blogged about it before. I'm serious.

 

When wild, unusual, or exciting opportunities knock on your door-- things that might be a result of efforts you made, special talents you possess, or risks you've taken--say "yes."

 

I believe that's why I live with little to no regret.

 

And if you don't mind, please say a little prayer for my Johnny Boy.

 

-Tracy

6-foot-8,John Kornet is gearing up to play his final year at Argyle Liberty Christian. The senior post player has more than just basketball on his mind when it comes to picking a college program. Academics is a standard that Kornet has placed on his recruitment and choosing the right school that has the perfect balance of both is a challenge that Kornet is willing to find.

 

"Recruiting has picked up a lot," said Kornet. "Tulane, University of Houston, Central Arkansas, McNeese State, and Brown has shown some interest along with Ouachita Baptist. I have no offers yet."

Kornet is pursuing a college that has more than just basketball to offer.

"I'm looking for a school that has strong academics. Ivy League does interest me because of the education they could provide. I want to major in Business, so going somewhere with a good Business program is important."

Kornet has taken one unofficial already and ready to officially visit two schools.

"I took an unofficial to Central Arkansas in mid August and now I am setting up an official there and to Brown. Central Arkansas has set the bar and they are very interested. But I am going to take my time, and when the right feel comes I will consider it."

TexasHoops Analysis:JOHN is a skilled interior player that can score around the basket. He will step-out and drain the three and can put the ball on the floor. He is a tough player that battles for loose balls and rebounds. He is a good passer over defenders. He runs the floor well for his size and is a smart overall player.

The last time I wrote a fan letter was back in 1990. Barry Manilow was on "The Arsenio Hall Show." The singer/songwriter sat at the piano, playing and singing through all of his classics: "I write the songs that make the whole world sing"..."Oh Mandy, you came and you gave without taking, but I sent you away, oh Mandy."

I was so moved, I sat on my LA apartment floor and penned Barry a letter, proclaiming my appreciation for his incredible talent.

For the first time since that nostalgic, California afternoon, I was inspired to write another fan letter. Only this time it went to the lyricist of the recently-closed Broadway musical, "Legally Blonde."

I saw it for the first time some three or four years ago with my daughter. We immediately returned to the theater the following day to see it again. Six months later Nicole and I went back after Christmas  to see it again. Six months after that I encouraged my 40-year-old girlfriend to see it on her b'day trip, with me in tow. Each time, I have been absolutely entralled with the brilliant lyrics and incredibly catchy though musically complex arrangements.

(Honestly, every aspect of the Broadway show is sensational; musical theater at its zenith.  Laura Bell Bundy was superb as Elle Woods, bringing my kindred spirit to life on stage. But I digress...)

At any rate, I've been listening to the Original Cast recording in my car en route to work, trying to keep my voice in shape for our upcoming 1121 band gig. (Click here for Southlake Octoberfest dates and times. We play Sat. 3:30-5pm)

I literally laugh and cry all the way to work, hearing a fresh and clever, pop-culture inspired lyric with every listen, appreciating the key changes and chord progressions and masterful way of bringing the music full-circle.

I was so overjoyed by the fresh nuances today, I just had to write the lyricist an email.

Wouldn't you know it, within 30 minutes Nell Benjamin wrote me back!

I now have a new understanding of fan-celebrity interaction-- the sensation of having one's feelings validated by a response. My words reached their intended recipient. Success. Relief. Triumph.

I spent the rest of my work day dancing on air.

A few hours later I googled Nell's name and learned she just married her fellow "Legally Blonde" composer/lyricist, Laurence O'Keefe, last night in NYC.

Ahhh, divine timing.

And so, I once again stand amazed at God-given gifts and how they bring joy to the world, filling it with beauty and inspiration.

On a personal level, the way Nell and Laurence capture the lead character of Elle so embodies my own spirit, not only validating the way I view the world, but the version I so desperately try to reveal to my daughter, Nicole--one of optimism, love and the power of believing in oneself.

Thank you, Nell Benjamin and Laurence O'Keefe, for changing our world in your creatively brilliant way, one note at a time.

-- Tracy

Let me just say it again, I really do love my job.

I really do.

Even when I have to work holidays.

 

Sure, having to staff our station 24/7 is one of the stinky things about the news business.

But, thankfully, every now and then, we’re allowed to let our hair down.

The Friday before the Labor Day weekend was one of them.

 

Our web dude, Phil, announced on the station P.A. system the new Beatles RockBand was set up in studio for any and all who wanted to give it a whirl.

I didn’t hear the stampede down the hallway, nor did I hear a symphony of whispers “Hey, you wanna go try it?”

So when I walked into the studio and saw 20-something grown men huddled around the big screen with guitars strapped to their torsos and microphones in their hands, I lit up.

 

Nothing warms my heart more than watching people totally dig music.

 

Thankfully, our webteam captured a bit of the fun. Click here to check it out.

 

Hope your holiday weekend had a few musical highlights of your own!

 

--Tracy

It's impossible to comprehend what is going on in Jaycee Lee Dugard's life right now.

Abducted at 11 years old and now free 18 years later, this woman's story and recovery-in-progress are mind-boggling.

The only part of it most of us can possibly come close to understanding is the relief, hope, and utter joy her parents must be feeling right now. Seriously, how many of us rejoice when we find our kids hiding in the Target clothes racks, after missing only thirty seconds?

Last night I stood in my bathroom washing my face, and all three kids came in to chat. The boys started comparing biceps in the mirror. Nicole was sharing conversations from school. I was soaking it all in, amazed all three of my children are officially in high school. All three are such amazing little people.

I walked over to my oldest son, John, and put my arms around his waist to give him a hug. He hugged me back... and wouldn't let go, rocking me back and forth. I glanced in the mirror and saw his 6-foot-ten self, towering over me, as I relished this fleeting glimpse of affection.

This is still my little boy. My giant, little boy. I am so excited for what he will become. I’m so excited for college.

I've got to tell you, part of why I haven't blogged in awhile is the anxiety I’ve felt helping John choose the right one. We’ve been feeling a little helpless, I think. That is, until two days ago, when a girlfriend shook me out of my confusion with some sound advice. She told me to hit the road. Visit some schools. Start asking questions.  “The more you ask around, the clearer things become,” she said.

So this weekend the Kornets are off! Just my boy and his mom.

May all of you enduring this same rite of passage find clarity too.

-- Tracy

Because of select/club/AAU basketball, almost an entire month has gone by without a full house. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t think our family would feel this torn apart. I certainly didn’t anticipate feeling this empty.

I finally feel safe enough to blog about it, now that my husband is home.

The good news is I spent a full week with my daughter in Chicago, getting to know the awesome girls on her U.S Elite team. They not only won the championship in their division, but Colie and I got to hang out with Grandpa Jim who now lives in the city. We visited my late mama’s childhood Park Ridge home and even rode a Vespa through the streets of Chicago. As she posted on her Facebook page, “We had the time of our lives.”

I also got to spend a whole week alone here in Texas with my youngest son. As much as I loved having one-on-one time with him, however, I could tell he was lonely for his sister and dad. Plus, working full time and knowing your youngest is home never feels right.

Even now, I so miss my oldest son—his energy, laughter, grumpiness, all of him.

But what I’ve missed more than anything is the overriding, all-powerful, sense of togetherness. All of us under one roof, at one time.

I need that to feel complete. To feel safe. And to make everything else in life make sense.

Call it my literal powerhouse.

May I never take it for granted.

-- Tracy

I can't help it--I must know the latest on Michael Jackson. I'm enraptured by this story, his children, how his family will plan his funeral.

And one thought keeps swirling--did Michael ever feel truly loved?

 

The fact his father, Joe, pushed his own latest project at a news conference about his son's autopsy certainly makes you feel for Michael. Couple that with Michael's quotes about his children..."As long as a child is loved when they come into this world and they leave knowing they are loved, everything in between can be figured out,"...one might believe Michael longed for that same security.

 

I so remember struggling with those same emotions for decades. I remember staring into the bathroom mirror when my daughter was 10 and crying my adult eyes out. I loved that girl so much, I would die for her. I couldn't understand how my own father could have left me, could have stared into my eyes at that age and not love that little girl staring back at him.

 

It's a big deal, abandonment. It's a big deal, in Michael's case, reported abuse at the hands of his father. It's a big deal, feeling the only way you are loved is by performing, and performing to perfection.

 

Thank God I feel healed of that depth of despair. But I assure you, like many of you reading this, I know how it feels. I know how deeply it cuts. I know how it shapes future relationships.

 

But I also know how that kind of sadness can be overcome! Counseling can do wonders. Proper medication and/or hormone balance can help. And then there's that final step--*choosing* to be happy and move forward, leaving your crappy childhood and icky emotions behind.

 

May you all choose love.

Tracy

Two superstars in one day. First Farrah Fawcett. Now Michael Jackson.

At least Fawcett seemed to have closure and her love, Ryan O’Neal, by her side.

Jackson’s death seemed lonely. He was living in a rented house. Trying to revive one of the most spectacular singing careers that plunged so low, so fast. The butt of every joke.

I am so sad.

And not because he’s gone, really.

His amazing music will live on and all of the accompanying memories:

*Roller skating to “Rock with You” and “PYT” at Odyssey Skate Center in Tampa, Florida.

*Trying to learn the zombie dance off MTV by watching “Thriller” a million times. 

*Seeing Michael live in Tokyo on his “Bad’ tour and taking out his band and back-up singers after the show. I had a huge crush on “Eddie” for a good year afterwards. My friend and fellow Anri backup dancer, Taco, said he personally taught Michael how to “pop.” I still believe him. He was just a kid at the time. I never asked too many questions…

*The guitar solos and licks on “Black or White” and “Man in the Mirror” still make me want me to get up and dance and sing. Michael was such a brilliant musician.

No, I’m not sad Michael Jackson is gone.

I’m sad about how he lived.

He was clearly so unhappy. Lost.

And he died shrouded in shame.

May you finally find peace, Michael Jackson.

Tracy