"Michelle Sherwood" Signs Off Sunday...

My last newscast on KSPR is here...

I am really looking forward to the future, but boy, it's hard to file away the last 7 1/2 years of my life.

A lot of wonderful things happened here, personally and professionally. A lot of heartaches took place, too. But, that's life. And, I wouldn't be the person I am without a little adversity.

Thankfully, there are more good times than bad. My most favorite was working with my photographer-boyfriend-now-husband, Jim. We had a beautiful Cathedral wedding in Honolulu, bought our charming first house in our favorite neighborhood, and became the proud parents of a little rottweiler named Minnie.

In terms of my professional career, it's been an awesome, yet uphill journey. I started out as a reporter at KY3, got bumped up to weekend morning (cut-in) anchor, weekend night anchor at KSPR, then weeknight anchor. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight, but I'm glad it happened the way it did. Nothing good comes easy. And if people don't know me by now...they should know I always follow an opportunity.

Never in my life did I think I could create something worthwhile or bigger than me. I feel like KSPR's Wednesday's Child segments prove otherwise. Even when the kids are difficult --and they're kids... so yes, this happens--I still want to just reach out, give them a hug and find them a home. I spend countless hours working on their two-minute story because I believe they deserve my best efforts. I've been told the Wednesday's Child segments will continue at KSPR, and I wish the station and The Adoption Exchange the best. Leaving this project behind--one I helped start--hurts terribly. Never in my life did I think I would receive individual, national recognition for something. This year's Angels in Adoption Awards were incredibly humbling. I am still very thankful for Senator-Elect Roy Blunt's nomination. The event changed my life.

I was also really proud to win an Emmy last month. Talk about leaving on a high note. We didn't even go to the awards banquet this year because we were pretty nonchalant about it for once. Murphy's Law, I suppose... but I wouldn't have done anything differently. It was cool to forgo the tux rental money to buy food and drinks for good friends.

Friends and family reading this blog... I'm sorry I haven't told you sooner, I wish I could've been more forthcoming with information on the future. It's just that Jim and I weren't ready for the questions.

I am taking a main anchor job on the East Coast, effective in two weeks. Jim will stay behind until we can wrap up things in the Ozarks. I know a lot of people (especially his co-workers!) will be wondering if that means he'll be a lame duck... but rest assured, we are prepared to work a part indefinitely. People do it all the time, especially in the news business. It will be difficult, but the world is a much smaller place these days.

As for me, I'll be at the beach. Literally. Coastal living...where there's a Whole Foods Market, a Williams-Sonoma and a Pottery Barn. Now, if I could afford the $15-million beach house, life would be perfect.

The one thing I'll miss the most? People. Jim, my mom and dad (who live near Clinton), the rest of my family, Jim's family and so many friends. It hurts a bit to even write it. BUT, I expect everyone to come visit our quaint little beach town! Just not all at once... though if that's the only way I get you, then I'll take it!

One more thing--just thought it would be appropriate to post my VERY FIRST story I did on KY3. I think it was Good Friday, 2003 (April 18th.) I was told I would learn how to work the system that morning... by noon, they had me out shooting a story on a traffic survey. It was a bit of a snoozer-of-a-topic, but I was so nervous about making it stand out. Ha! GOODBYE!!!

This is also the last of Michelle Sherwood, so-to-speak. My maiden name serves no purpose anymore. Can you believe it?? Sorry, Mom and Dad... I haven't decided what I'm going to do about the blog, but no decision will be made in haste. I'd actually like to keep it for adoption, but we'll see how easy it will be to maintain.

Thank you for all the wonderful notes, messages and support. Thanks for trusting me with your stories, your issues... thanks for all of the experiences, good and not-so-good. I have been blessed and I will always feel like I can call the Ozarks home. I am so glad I got to "grow-up" here... and trust me, I'll visit often!