A Quiet, Short Goodbye

...For now...

In the meantime, I'm experimenting with two projects.

News Anchor Talks about Brain Tumor

I just watched this thanks to a friend on Facebook. It really touched me. I don't know if it's because I am far away from my family, living out our decision that allows me to pursue my career...or something else.

I do find myself thinking that my face defines me. Or that my job defines me. What really defines me? My family. And, so... tonight, I'd rather be in a blizzard then at a beach. But... tomorrow is another day.

The anchor I'm talking about is Kathi Goertzen. She is at KOMO in Seattle, and her aggressive brain tumor has made some visible changes to her appearance. She seems so poised, and I really enjoyed listening to her. My dad had a brain tumor a few years ago, and it was life changing for our family. That's another story.

Well, watch... listen...and learn. Also, I love the way the reporter wrote a poem for her in his track. I think it's beautiful.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood visit the Coast

Funny thing about parents. They get older, and they like to travel.

When I lived in North Carolina 9 years ago, my parents never came for a visit. My mother reminded me it was because she was paying all of my bills. Thanks, Mom.

They're now about two years away from retirement... did you know that this place is one of the best places in the country for retirees? Hmmm...

It was really cute to watch them get a kick out of walking on the beach, driving a golf cart around an island... and picking up sea shells. Oh yea, and eating seafood was a lot of fun, too.

What's the saying? Absence makes the heart grow fonder? I miss my parents very much. I have always been close to them, but it was really hard for me to say goodbye this week. I couldn't wait to leave Missouri (no offense), but I still miss it. Dammit.

Glee Star is a Korean adoptee

Okay... so I've been way out of the loop. But, my new favorite person is Jenna Ushkowitz. She looked stunning at the Golden Globes last night... and when I looked at her name, I thought "she has to be either adopted... or married... or her father has to be a non-Korean person..."

Isn't it funny how we adoptees go through all of the scenarios? I have this conversation with adoptive families all the time... We want to ask, but it feels so wrong.

Anyway, on a side note... the all-knowing Wikipedia page called Jenna a "Korean-American." As an adoptee, I always feel like that's weird.

Do any other adoptees/adoptive families feel that way? The reason I say this... is because... when I was at the University of Kansas, there was a Korean Student Association and an Asian American Student Union. The AASU was for anyone. The KSA was for Korean international students. So, I've always separated the two in my head-- I like to say I'm Korean-born. I get all weird when I call myself a Korean-American. Even though, I am Korean. Does that make any sense?

I'd just like to know what other people think.

Photo Shoot with Brownie Harris

I've been so blessed to work with great people... but today I was a bit intimidated.

This afternoon, I worked with Brownie Harris.

You may not know him by name, but Brownie is a well-known photographer who spent nearly 30 years in New York shooting news makers and celebrities. He moved to Wilmington several years ago and still travels the country for work and network interviews.

{Learn more about Brownie's famous photo shoots}

These are some of his pics (Miles Davis, Sophia Loren and John F. Kennedy, Jr.) One of Brownie's pictures even ended up as a book cover.

I think, perhaps, one of the greatest things about Brownie's work is not about famous people. Brownie leads a project called Hearts Apart for military families.

He takes great portraits of our service men and women and their families free of charge. It's a project that's growing... and he's even looking for a few good photographers in Springfield. I told him there were plenty.

{See Brownie on Fox News}

Anyway, here's an early pic from our morning session (I'm not sure if it's been photoshopped yet!) I'm here with my extremely talented co-anchor, Jon. I miss everyone back in Missouri, but I am enjoying being on the East Coast!

NYE 2010

I usually give my top 10 things of 2010... but I'm too busy right now! Erika, Mike and Jim are here right now... this morning, we ran the Resolution 5K at the beach!

Happy New Year!!

Don't Text While Driving Documentary... set in MO

This made me cry. Seriously. It's compelling on its own, but I was also intrigued because it centers around people in Missouri.

Watch and learn!

I Freaking Love K-Pop...

My sister just showed me this... this is a dance group based in Washington. "Groove Nation" just put on a huge performance featuring K-Pop. I heart them.

Watch the little kids dance! Amazing!

What People in News are Peeing Their Pants About...

This has been sent around our newsroom all this week. I can't get over how funny it is. I'd like to meet the guy who wrote it.

I'm baaaaaaccccckkk!

Sorry for the little break. Not that anyone but my Grandma cares.

Anyway, I have been in North Carolina for 8 days... and it's been really great so far. I try to go to the beach once a week just to put my feet in the sand and remember why I chose to move so far away from home. I also do it because Jim loves the water, and somehow going to the beach makes me feel closer to him while we can't be together.

Today, I had lunch at the beach. It was really windy, but it was so sunny.

I really like my new job. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. My co-anchor is awesome. My first day on-air was Friday, but I was just reporting. Tomorrow (Tues.) is my first day at the anchor desk.

I also ran a 5k at the beach last Saturday... just signed up for another one on New Year's Day... I might as well, but I am so out of shape! It was really cold... and rainy, which made it really uncomfortable for my first day back in the game (laugh.)


No other big news for now... I'll try to find something to write about other than my life pretty soon... still not sure if I'll keep this blog. I may transfer it to another spot.

See ya!

Wednesday's Child Surprise

I know I don't work for KSPR anymore, but I had one piece of business to finish. I hope this story will inspire you to pay it forward!

I received a call from a viewer a couple of weeks ago... he wanted to purchase a computer for one of the kids we featured on Wednesday's Child. This person has grown to be a friend of mine, even though we've only briefly spoken on the phone.

I honestly didn't expect him to come through with his promise because it was such a financial commitment. I shouldn't have underestimated him.

Yesterday morning, my friend and KSPR producer Terra picked up the viewer and took him to Walmart. Mind you, I had only met him briefly at the library once before. He had already put a laptop on hold... and when we all three arrived, we went straight back to the electronics department to pick up the computer.

I bought a card and had him sign the bottom. He didn't want anything in return... he just said he hoped the child grew up to be successful and hoped he would remember where he came from.

This viewer inspired me this week and reminded me how kind people can be. He's a veteran, who on first impression, may seem a little gruff. He's the kind of guy who, at times, seems skeptical of the government--the type of person who calls the TV station after a story airs to share his opinion or argue with the someone over an issue. He does not seem like a hero, but now I realize he is.

I will not be there when the Wednesday's Child gets his computer. It has to go through the proper channels since he lives in residential care. By the way, residential care facilities are great in their intentions, but can you really imagine a child growing up in one? Or a child not having a place to call home? with people he/she trusts? Imagine what it's like during the holidays, when their schoolmates talk about Santa. Many of these kids miss their siblings who have already been adopted. I can't imagine the world these children live in, despite the fact that they have people who genuinely care for them. And remember, these kids are in our backyards, kids who go to our churches, kids who are friends with your kids.

This viewer wants to remain anonymous... yet, he could potentially spark something really great inside this kid. This could be a game changer...what an unassuming superhero.

While we all holiday shop for our families and friends and get wrapped up in the material things, please take the time to think of all of those children who go without.

I am so touched that Don, a person who lives on a fixed income, took the time to not only watch a Wednesday's Child story... but also act on it. Even I could not afford to buy a child a computer, and I feel ashamed of myself... I need to start saving up for one good thing like this a year! Don said something that inspired me--he said he could've been a Wednesday's Child, but luckily for him, he had good grandparents. It got me thinking--I was an orphan, too, and all of us have experienced some sort of unfortunate circumstance...but many of us are lucky enough have it happen to us at an age when we can take care of ourselves. Or have it not be detrimental to our existence. Kids have no choice. We have to remember them!

I hope you'll think of Don this year... and his courage to spark change in someone else! So many of us choose not to get involved, and we should try to change that. Don's kindness-in-action has been the best holiday gift I've had so far for 2010, and it wasn't even meant for me.

YES to Birthland Tours and Adoption Expert Beverlee Einsig

If you're an adoptive family and have ever thought of taking a birthland tour, I'd encourage you to check out this video. Beverlee Einsig is really my adoption hero, and I'm trying to get her to come to Springfield for a workshop. She is so respected in the field, and she's well-known all around the country. Lucky for us, she's in Oklahoma! Check her out:

"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!

Wednesday's Child: Alexus

Alexus is one of my favorite gigglers to date. Someone MUST adopt her! She's at the age where she needs a lot of confidence building. I just adore this little girl.

OMG! Holt International... inspired by me?? What World Am I Living In?

I was lurking on the Internet and saw something that made me fall out of my chair. Holt International is starting to feature children in a weekly "Waiting Child" article. This blows my mind. The blog post mentions me for inspiration? W-What?

Only because I'm deeply in love with Holt. If you tell me you've adopted through Holt, I will probably hug you. Holt has won my respect time and time again. The people are so dedicated, and the organization's reputation is unbeatable.

Today, I am blessed.

BUT, the REAL story is about BEN! He's the agency's first weekly Waiting Child. He does some super cute stuff (like headstands), and he says he misses his friends who've left the orphange for forever homes (heartbreaking.) He's so darn cute!

Check out his cute little smile... send it out all over Facebook and Twitter. Thanks, y'all!

Comedian Michael Jr. Comes to the Ozarks

Do you know who Michael Jr. is? He is soooo funny. We will be together on KSPR News this Morning on Friday.

BUT, the big event is Sunday at James River Assembly. He has a free show on November 21st at 6 p.m.

Michael Jr. does some great things. He tells clean jokes, first of all. Secondly, he's traveling the country trying to make people laugh at unlikely places--homeless shelters, kids who've been abused...he's a stand out and a stand-up. He's also been on late night talk shows, like Jay Leno!

Look at our little ditty here... Blasian news? Blanchors? Whoa. He said it!

Wednesday's Child: Patrick

This week's Wednesday's Child is Patrick. He's a great kid... very smart. He's absolutely college-bound. He told me he wants to go to Mizzou or Duke. (Two of my three favorite states!)

He taught himself how to make a website; he wants to do something with computers.

The most heartbreaking thing is that he told me he wants a family because he thinks he needs that extra support before he starts high school. :( He's such an insightful kid.

Patrick also loves sports-- Dallas Cowboys! And, he's a pretty good shot! We played hoops the day we met, and he beat me in around the world! Check him out and tell your friends about him. Financial assistance could be available for him to go to college, too.

 

Goodbye! I'm Leaving KSPR and KY3 Inc.

I've come a long way since I started at KY3 in April 2003. I started on Good Friday at the urging of my then-news director. By doing that, I had to take another year of religious classes, but I was so happy to be in my home state!

Just a couple weeks after my big move, the May 4th tornadoes came. I was so terrified because it was the first real major breaking news event I'd covered. There was so much destruction, and I was so sad to talk to families who had lost loved ones. The first house I stopped at in Camdenton was an eye opener. I met a couple of teens who were picking up the debris, and I asked them a few questions about the storm. I asked... "Did everyone make it out ok?" "No," was their response.

Apparently, a husband and wife lived there for several years. They were grandparents. She was found in a bathtub several hundred yards away from the house. The grandfather was somewhere out in the field. I thought of my family. That one news event shaped much of my career... even as devastating as it was, I am grateful to have learned so early about true hardships and the power of local TV news. People complain about local TV, but the truth is, I believe our station (and others) saved lives the night of the storm. We helped many towns and people recover afterwards. It was a great lesson, and it's not one that comes around often.

After a few months, I had the great opportunity to work the weekend mornings and anchor the cut-ins. It was ONLY the cut-ins, but I thought anchoring a smidge would be better than nothing. I passed up several opportunities to report dayside, M-F... but I was determined to have my 3 minutes on the anchor desk, even if it meant waking up on Saturdays at 5 a.m.

Then, the opportunity came to work at KSPR. Weekend nights. Producing my own newscast. Editing on BETA. And filling in on the sports desk. Really? What year was this? It didn't matter, though. I thought it was great experience. I remember feeling a great sadness leaving my KY3 comforts... but I was so excited for the chance to do more professionally.

A year later, I was anchoring the 10 p.m. news. Shortly after that, we dumped all of our sad equipment and started working in the newest studio/newsroom in the market. It's been really cool to be HD from start to finish, work with robotic cams and ipads and work with the latest equipment. Of course, that can only go so far.

But, as I ramble here... I kept thinking it might be time to move on. After all, nearly eight years in one place is a long time. At some point, you have to decide whether you want change or not. I did.

My contract ends November 30th. My last newscast will be Sunday, November 28th. I imagine it will be routine-- "here today, gone tomorrow" kind-of-thing. And, that's the way it should be. I wouldn't subject any of our viewers to my mumblings about moving on. It's reserved for my blog, though... and I won't apologize for that!

I had a great run at KY3 Inc. I made a lot of memories with incredible people. I earned recognition across the state --even the country-- for the work I've done in both newsrooms. And, most importantly, I met my wonderful husband here. Without him, I'm nothing. Jim and I have so much more ahead in our future together, but Springfield will leave an impression on us. And, I'm truly grateful to have had the chance to be here.

I'm sorry I haven't told some of you face-to-face about my big life change. I feel like a horrible friend, and the truth is, I still feel like I need to be a little cryptic about my future. We will still have roots in the Ozarks; Jim will continue working at KY3 Inc., and I will be seen around town.

Feel free to send me a message on Facebook or drop me a note with your email. I'll be in touch.

Adoption update: I'm a Good Cook... and It's in my Genes...

I've always been told I'm a good cook. I don't know if that's really true since I basically just add butter and garlic to everything... but I really do enjoy cooking.

Example 1: I worked at Williams-Sonoma in college for four years. I bought my All-Clad cookware set before I was 21.

Example 2: In college I thought it would be a great idea to serve my fellow senior, sorority sisters to a Thanksgiving dinner. My roommates, Lucy and Staci put it together... but we made a turkey that year for 20+ girls. The thing I learned? You can cook a turkey upside down and it becomes more juicy. (I had to work that day, so I prepped the turkey, and Lucy put it upside down in the oven. She'd call me throughout the day with random things like: a) she didn't like to touch raw meat and b) she couldn't get the wings to tuck under.)

Example 3: I still have dinner parties all the time... even when I was a young journalist, I'd invite the whole newsroom over and cook. I think the most I cooked for was about 100 during a Lunar New Year party.

ANYWAY...

I've been Skyping a lot with my sister HJ and her hubby Glenn. Last night, we were dreaming up ways to start a business. One idea was to open a Korean BBQ restaurant and noribang (Korean-style karaoke.)

She told me that we should get our birth mother involved...

Apparently, my Korean mother owned a noodle, sushi and Korean BBQ restaurant for several years! From the time HJ was a toddler until high school, my Korean mother was a restaurateur.

WHAT? HOW AM I JUST LEARNING THIS?

Also, she said all of the girls are great cooks... that means Hyun Jeong, Hyun Mi, and Yeon Jeong... plus ME!

HJ even had a nickname-- Dae Jang Geum. Dae Jang Geum is also the title of one of the most popular Korean dramas at the moment... it's loosely based on the real-life story about a legendary girl (Jang-Geum) who became the first woman to be the supreme royal physician of her times. She started in the royal kitchen, I believe, which back in the dynasty days was a very powerful position. You're feeding royalty! It could also be a dangerous job (people tried to poison people all the time...) BTW, I discovered Dae Jang Geum during my last visit to San Fran with my Imo and Uncle Stacy. They love that show!

Anyway, this little story just made me happy, and I thought adoptive families may be interested to hear...

We always wonder if genetics or environment plays a role in who we are. Of course, the answer is both. BUT, I've learned two things-- my love of cooking comes from my biological mother. So does my love of singing.

My mom, Sharon, cooks a lot, but I'm not convinced it's a hobby of hers. However, she does love musicals... we spent every weekend watching The Sound of Music, Grease, Annie. However, my mom doesn't sing.

We probably won't open a Korean BBQ or a noribang... but dreaming allowed me to find out a little more about my reality. Pretty neat how the little things can impact so much. It meant nothing at all for my sister to tell me that small tidbit, but I see it like a revelation.

Dave Arrives in Springvegas!

Our dear friend Dave is in Springfield... for one more night. It's been really fun hosting him during his trip. I've missed him. Dave has been a great friend to both of the Van Dillens, he was a very important part of our wedding, and he's the third part of the motley crew-- Jim, Taka and Dave.

Last night, we all went to Fedora to meet up with some of his Springvegas friends (it's Dave's term, not mine.)

The best part of the night was when a bachelorette party made their way into the establishment. They grabbed Dave, nearly ripped off his shirt, threw a lemon shot on his body and embarrassed the heck out of him. The best was that I think they were attempting to do a body shot--in the end, I think they just threw sticky alcohol on his chest.

It was the highlight of the evening... just look at the way he pouted afterwards!

It's been great seeing him. This old lady can't keep up with him, but it's been really awesome either way.