Tracy Kornet's Blog

My friend Sharon just called. It is so rare to have a phone conversation these days, the simple act of breathing and swallowing between sentences feels like a refresher course from 1989 scuba diving training. We both confessed we often don't hear from each other for weeks sometimes, simply because we are too Debbie Downer to enter anyone's world. So we just shut up and shut down. Go off the radar. For me, that pretty much describes the past 24 hours. It started with a 3:30am airport run (did you read that, folks? 3:30 A.M.!) to send my husband and oldest son off to Maui. Luke and the Vanderbilt Commodores play in the prestigious Maui Invitational basketball tournament all week. I am happy for my whole family; sad for me. (We are in the last 3 days of a ratings period, so I have to stay in Nashville.) I will confess, this text from my daughter almost made it ALL better. I've felt anxious about this week alone for at least the last 3 months. It's likely why ...

The Commodores are playing in the Championship game of the Maui Invitational, baby! Even better? After seeing my son Luke on television last night, I heard from my very best childhood friend in the whole wide world. It was 10:45pm her time. She was visiting her parents in Florida and sent me a short email saying hi. I immediately called her back at her childhood home number--one of the few I can still remember! I LOVE this woman. Friends Forever, even if we only see each once per decade! Stacie Beth lived right across the street from my Tampa home in Carrollwood Village. My childhood home; Stacie lived right across the street In the heart of summer, I would spend weeks at her house. She always had chocolate in her pantry and perfectly organized, matching containers in her fridge. I wanted her dad to be my dad. The only photos of me in childhood dance recitals, came from him. When he and her mom would go out to dinner, they would kiss me goodbye too. She sa...

My precious Nicole I was reading through scripts for Friday night's newscasts, when an epiphany started to wash over me.  Weekend wine train plans with my Nashville girlfriend were unexpectedly cancelled, and I found myself free with no commitments.  I jumped on aa.com and looked for frequent flier flights to California.  My heart had been yearning to see my daughter. To check in on her new life in LA. To make sure she is as happy as she claims to be.  There were seats available. I texted Nicole about the possibility. Since she can't travel with her team this year, I knew she'd be in town.  "Sure, come on out," Nicole texted back. Her follow-up texts were a great indication she is really just fine, mom. "And can you bring a vacuum? I spilled makeup on my carpet." Followed by: "You're bringing a TV for my room. Right?" LOL. I booked my ticket for 6am the next morning. Late that night things got...

My favorite Oklahoma picture of all time. What my daughter Nicole did this summer took true courage. On August 10, 2015 the 21-year-old college senior called her head coach at the University of Oklahoma and told her she just wasn't happy. She explained to Coach Sherri Coale that she loves the people at Oklahoma-- her teammates, coaches, the fans. LOVES them. But she was becoming increasingly afraid that she would forever regret not following her dreams. She had always longed to play on the West Coast, and this was her last shot. The details will remain between them, but Nicole said it could not have been a kinder, more loving conversation. Coach Coale not only validated Nicole's feelings, but she offered to grant her a release. Our family will forever be grateful to Sherri for this. For the first few days life was a thrill. Filled with high expectations and unlimited possibilities. Some of the top basketball programs in the country who recruited Nicole in h...

Montmatre I remember not so many years ago feeling so trapped and strapped for cash that I believed I would never get to travel to Europe. It would be forever out of the question, forever out of reach. My husband would never let me spend that much. I would feel too guilty leaving the kids. For a travel and adrenaline junkie like me, these thoughts were death to my spirit. They sucked out any joy and hope. My world felt so small and boring. If this at all sounds familiar, I am here to say what you're living through right now is NOT forever. I recently returned from my 3rd trip to Europe in 14 months. I was hesitant to share this splurge with others, embarrassed to tell people at work or on social media. I didn't want to make anyone feel crappy seeing pictures. But after reading a former colleague's inspiring blog about her path to her dream job, I feel compelled to share my story--about how I shrunk the world. Comedienne Amy Poehler calls it "time travel....

I've been waking up at 3 a.m. again.  This morning it was because I fell asleep with my makeup on.  I proceeded to feel anxious about everything.  The good news this time, as opposed to years past, is that I quickly realized there were some things I was NOT feeling anxious about.  So naturally I HAD to wake up Frank an hour or so later and force him to celebrate the list with me! These are the things about which I am currently no longer anxious: 1. Paying for the kids' college (this deserves a hallelujah) 2. Texas' crazy-high property taxes 3. My relationship with my dad 4. Living in limbo and away from all 3 kids 5. The kids' future careers (okay, this one is partially true. I'm still a bit concerned about Nicole's!) 6. Making choices that lead me away from a strong family foundation in the future I'm sure there are more, but those are the biggies. The things that would not only wake me at 3am but would sometimes put ...

A few years ago the beloved captain of my daughter's basketball team called me a cool mom. Ugh! Cool mom? All I could picture was her . Who can forget Amy Poehler's character passing out alcohol and condoms to her teen daughter's girlfriends, desperate to be liked. I was mortified and offended. My daughter thought it was hilarious. It didn't spark a whole lot of soul-searching on my part, primarily because the thought has NEVER been on my radar. If anything, my family scoffs at my UNcoolness! But in a quest for self-awareness, I had to at least think things through. Yes, I am on the younger side when it comes to moms with kids in college. I do love to laugh, go to concerts, and dance and sing like a fool when I get there. And I do like my pop music loud. Chicago airport antics Dang. Does that make me a cool mom? And why does it bother me so in the first place? I guess I simply loathe how that label insinuates one is *trying* to be c...

We converged in Little Rock at my oldest son John's apartment. (Mind you, it's a one bedroom loft with a queen bed and a sectional couch.) "You guys staying in a hotel, Nicole?" "Heck no," she replied to her coaches & friends. "That's part of the fun!" Limbs were everywhere. Copper came too. Two days with these characters was as fun as some fancy schmancy European vacation, with John as the consummate tour guide and host. I am so proud of him. He was offered a gig with the top team in his firm on Friday. Way to go, Johnny!!! He broke the news during a 1 a.m. laundry folding session. On Saturday morning John got us donuts--so we went straight to LA fitness to burn them off and lift. This is how they have fun. Love how Nicole's always been a tomboy. Everywhere we go people stare at our traveling forest. We walked the world's largest pedestrian bridge together on an absolutely glorious day. ...