Tracy Kornet's Blog

People often act shocked when they ask me about my work hours. I think they believe news anchors show up, read the news, and go home.

 

The truth is, Keith and I arrive around12:30pm for breaking news, promos and to write many of our own stories. We anchor an hour of news from 4-5pm and two more hours from 7-9pm. Many days we start much earlier to shoot stories or do public appearances. On weekends we show up at station-sponsored events and/or emcee fundraisers. It's all an expected part of the job.

 

But for me, the last two weeks have been more intense than usual... especially this past weekend.

 

I took Friday off work to emcee an early morning breast cancer fundraiser in Dallas and watch all three of my high schoolers play their last home games of the season. I was also ecstatic to walk my oldest son, John, down the court for "Senior Night."

 

But just before we parents were supposed to line up for the start of the ceremony, I found myself holding my little girl's head in a pool of blood.

 

With 30 seconds to go against their division rivals, Nicole dove for a loose ball and slammed her face in to the court.

After the school nurses and doctor stopped the bleeding, we bundled her up in the backseat and drove her to the nearby urgent care to get her x-rayed and stitched up.

 

My worried husband had to accompany our son alone to "Senior Night," as I was holding my daughter's bloody head in my lap, praying all would be okay.

 

Thankfully, it was. In the end, x-rays showed Nicole would be fine: no head or brain trauma or signs of concussion.

 

While Nicole lay in the O.R. getting 7 stitches over her right eye, her big brother, John, played one of the best games of his life.  Dad helped coach the varsity team to victory. My youngest son, Luke, alongside his Uncle John who flew in from Kentucky to watch the games, cheered them on in the stands.

 

Nicole's injury was one of those moments that could have changed our lives forever. Thank God it wasn't.

Which is exactly what I've been doing a whole lot of: thanking God for protecting my daughter's health, my sanity, and my family's future.

 

Saturday night I had the honor of emceeing the "Cop's Cop Awards" for the Dallas Police Department. I really didn't want to leave home with Nicole all bandaged up, but I knew it was an important evening for these community heroes as well.

 

As I stood before these officers and their spouses, including several widows, I thought about my daughter and my precious family. And I was even more appreciative of how these men and women risk their own safety to ensure ours.

 

Long hours? Sure. At least they're good ones. And I'm so grateful.

 

 

-Tracy

Week one of CBS11 News at 4pm  is officially in the record books!

Have you seen it yet?

 

If not, heads up: Monday we just launched a full-hour of our early 4pm newscast. My new TXA21 co-anchor, Keith Garvin, officially took over as co-anchor. That means the two of us now spend three hours together, five days a week, bringing local information to North Texas.

 

Click here to watch Keith, Garry and I talking about the show.

 

The fun thing is, we've also added a more relaxed feel and focus on the 4pm show. It's all about women, for women. And so far it's a nice change of pace. Keith is more than comfortable in this environment, considering he's the father of 4 daughters and a wonderful wife of some 17 plus years. And I'm loving being back in this format, as I spent 6 years hosting an Emmy award-winning magazine show in Phoenix before moving here to DFW.

 

It's a refreshing addition to our news duties. We feel pretty darn lucky.

 

If you haven't spotted the new couch and accessories yet, perhaps you'll smile knowing much of it came from my own living room.

Seriously. As Doug Dunbar's daily "Survive & Save" segments proclaim, we're all on a tight budget these days!

 

In fact, saving money is just a taste of what you'll sample if you tune in every afternoon.

Other daily segments include Karen Borta's "Your Health," Sandie Newton's exclusive entertainment interviews, the “Style File”, and "Through the Lens" that our photographers shoot and produce.

 

Some of our other "regulars":

Monday: Kathy Peel's organizing advice; "Image from the Inside Out" with Allegra

 

Tuesday: Dr. Ho and Your Health; Metro Moms

 

Wednesday: Danielle's EcoSassy

 

Thursday: Dr. Sylvia Gearing;  Party Tips with Tara

 

Friday: Koco's "Under a Hundred;" Katie Couric LIVE

 

It's good stuff. Especially if you're a mom and/or working woman. I feel completely honored to present another hour of timely, relevant information to people I care about. YOU.

 

Thanks so much for watching!

-Tracy

I was bracing myself to work through the holidays this year.

Little did I know my 89-and-a-half-year-old grandmother would pass away a few days after Christmas.

As a result, I spent most of the holidays in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my youngest child, Luke, and most of my extended family.

 

We flew north on Monday night, December 29th, the day after Grandma Motz passed away.

All of my siblings made it from Florida, knowing we wanted to support our dad, who would be burying our last living grandparent.

Sadly, the experience was somewhat familiar, as we couldn't help recall the similar gathering five years earlier when we buried our sweet mom.

 

But this time it felt different.

It was comforting to celebrate my Grandma's life, share stories, and simply be together.

Something feels more natural about saying goodbye to a woman who's lived a full life and has witnessed the birthdays, weddings and graduations of her two children, 5 grandkids and 6 great-grandkids.

 

While I was honored to participate in the service and witness the burial amidst the snow flurries at the breathtaking Wisconsin Memorial Park, the most memorable moment of the whole week surprised me.

 

As I stood at the front of the church waiting for the wake to begin, it occurred to me how proud I was to be my father's daughter.

I looked up at my handsome dad, and felt grateful he was mine.

I thought about the criticism he must have risked to move his wife and 3 kids at the time from Milwaukee to Florida to grow his career; the courage it took to buck the system and his German culture; the belief in himself and his dreams to take that kind of leap.

I also thought about the dramatic way he's changing and softening and embracing his family as he gets older.

 

I truly believe our family is coming full-circle, healing some deep wounds, and creating some awfully cool new memories as Wings.

 

See, my grandmother's prayers are already being heard.

May the legacy of faith she's left behind continue to work miracles.

 

--Tracy

I just watched our family home videos for the first time...EVER.  My station asked us to bring in old pictures or videos for this year's holiday promos.

 

Since my camcorder is as old as the hills, the tapes I once used are too.  I haven't been able to play them for years now!  But the promo guys just got two tapes to work!

 

So, as I watched these darling images back in the creative services department, of my young children in Christmas plays and piano recitals and unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, I was in my own world...laughing and crying and oohing and ahhing.

 

Oh my gosh, my heart is so tender right now. I can't believe how precious those little faces are, how affectionate they were when they were little!

 

I just want to cry, especially in light of the big birthday we celebrated yesterday.

 

My little girl, Nicole, turned 16. The same one I captured on video singing to Hillary Duff on her bedroom karaoke machine at age 9.

 

We would spend hours singing and dancing together back then.  (Actually, we still do that now...it just doesn't seem as cute!)

 

I was walking on air all day yesterday, thinking of the little surprises I had planned for her at school.  She's a girl who’s always LOVED her birthday.

 

It brought me such joy to imagine her heart fill up with excitement and watch the love spill out of her eyes, as it usually does on her special day.  It is a thrill to make her happy. I can't even find the words to describe it!

 

Part of it may be the honor of giving her the childhood memories I wish I'd had. Not that mine were terrible. I just know they weren't memorable or particularly sentimental...other than the wonderful gestures and shenanigans of my high school friends, which I always ADORED. (Long live the stuffed Garfield which would magically appear in each birthday girl's locker!)

 

I honestly don't know what -- but if I weren't sitting at my desk right now, I would burst into tears of gratefulness right now.

 

Like any of you with children, having John, Nicole and Luke has changed my life in the most profound way.

 

Watching those old videos was like watching living miracles prancing around the living room, dressed in oversized pajamas and mugging for the camera.

 

If you haven't watched your home videos lately, I encourage you to do it SOON.  I've GOT to figure out a way to watch the rest of mine.

 

It's ALL I want for Christmas.

 

-- Tracy

"Wow, Tracy. You look really rested."

"Tracy, your energy is waaaaay up here. Just keep talking."

That was my producers' response to my high-energy yapping at today's TXA planning meeting.

On this first day back after a rare Thanksgiving break, I launched into a list of story ideas I couldn't wait to get started on.
 
Ah, that reaction was music to my ears!

I really do feel rested, renewed and inspired. I can't tell you the last time I've felt this way.

This Thanksgiving was a relaxing one. We had the honor of hosting my in-laws: Frank's mother, father and brother.  It was a big deal because my father-in-law has battled leukemia for some 30 years now. The fact he'd brave the swine flu scare on an airplane was a BIG deal.

They stayed almost 5 days, which absolutely flew by.

The beauty of having older guests is that every spare minute doesn't have to involve activity and adventure. They like to relax and chat and just hang out. Of couse, it doesn't hurt that my mother-in-law is the best housekeeper on the planet, and that my brother-in-law should be a gourmet chef. Entertaining is so pleasant when everyone pitches in!

My favorite part of the relatives' visit was something I catch myself savoring quite often these days: watching my childrens' reactions. Having the Kornet family in our home was magical. Thanksgiving is traditionally a Wing holiday with all my siblings around. This visit was unique.

I kept wondering what thoughts were spinning inside my teenagers' heads about their beloved grandparents and uncle. I took mental (and actual) snapshots of the new memories we were making together--around the kitchen table, gathered around the island, at John's game, in the car. I soaked up every kids' comment about how loved they felt having their grandparents around. "When Grandma and Grandpa are here, it feels like a warm afghan, mom." "I wish they could stay forever."

Grandparents are a big deal.  Ironically, I've been checking up on my own grandmother more frequently lately. The 89-and-a-third-year-old Grandma Motz has given me the most grounding I know; the one person I could always count on to remember my birthday and other special events in my life. I know she loves me in a special way. And she prays for me every day.

It's a palpable sense of comfort and joy that clearly my own children feel.

I hope you, too, had time off to slow down and savor it.

-tracy

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