Saturday, November 27, 2010

"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!

15 comments:

Matthew P. Block said...

I remember those days of weekend morning cut-ins. I was pretty impressed that you could read the news & run your own teleprompter at the same time when I knew you were also barely awake.

I hope you love the new gig. It sounds like a great opportunity that I'm sure you'll excel at. We'll miss you here in the Ozarks.

Rottlady of the Ozarks said...

Michelle, you will definitely be missed here in the Ozarks! I'm glad to read that you are taking a good job too!

However I have one question, what about Minnie? Will she be going with you?

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh!!! There should have been a big party or something, and I hate that I didn't get to say goodbye, my friend. But my best wishes are with you, and I know you will do wonderful things. Congratulations, and very best of luck. You are a wonderful, caring, beautiful inside out person, can't wait to see what you do out there, and I hope you will continue to post.(Marina)

Michelle said...

Matt! I remember!! Wow... those were the days... and of course, I'm taking Minnie. Plan on getting her a rottie brother or sister when we make the big move, too! Rotties 4 Life!

Unknown said...

Michelle,

The Ozarks will be a little less bright and sophisticated without you. We will miss you Michelle.

Anonymous said...

We will miss you, Michelle! Thank you for your tremendous contributions! Having an adopted daughter from China, we always will feel a special bond with you!
Rick and Lisa
Harrison, AR

Louise knauer said...

I'll miss your wonderful spark. Wish we would have gotten together for that cocktail like we talked about this summer. Maybe it's not too late, since you'll be back and forth some. Congratulations and looking forward to more details!
Louise

Brad said...

Michelle-

I'll never forget the day I tagged along with you during my internship. Turns out, it was one of my best learning experiences. You inspired me to be a better writer -- seriously, your report that day was awesome! -- and you encouraged me to aim high in this crazy profession! It's been great seeing you from time to time, and I'll definitely miss your smile and pure coolness! I wish you nothing but the best... because you deserve it!

Anonymous said...

So sad you're moving so far away :( Hope the last newscast went well. Let me know if you do some sort of goodbye thing, I'll try to make it down!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad I was able to be a part of your last newscast on KSPR! You know how much I'll miss you! But most of all, I am so glad we became friends! You are one of a kind and you will always be called my friend. Good Luck, although I know you won't need it! Love T

Anonymous said...

Bye Michelle :( But I say good for you I wish the best for you in the future! Now I have no one to help with the weather question on Twitter!

Anonymous said...

GOOD LUCK! I read your blog and wanted to wish you the best! Kinda saddened that i never got to see your last broadcast.

Anonymous said...

You will be missed! Good luck and keep us up to date. Don't forget us little people back here in Missouri! :)

Jen1274 said...

Michelle, I already miss you! I just turned on the 4:00 news and saw the new anchor. It shocked me! Best of luck with your new job and life! You will be missed!

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle, Congratulations on your new adventure on the east coast, I know you'll do great. Will really miss seeing you on-air - after living in the Dallas/Fort Worth market for more than 20 years, moving back to Springfield was a bit of culture shock on a number of fronts - including the caliber of local media. You elevated the market to a level I was more comfortable with (Joe & Christine, too) and you will be sorely missed. Will be watching KSPR closely to see if they can stay at your level of professionalism in the future. Thanks for all your great reporting. You will be missed!