Another week of ‘newsing’

It’s February. 

I think I could stop writing there and that would summarize where things stand. 

I, personally, have felt a bit…unsettled…for the past while. I haven’t put my finger on exactly why, but I’m reminded that it’s February: It’s cold. There’s not a lot going on, but at the same time, everyone is devising activities to keep busy. Which also keeps us pretty busy at the paper. 

So, in the spirit of “newsing,” I think I’ll recap my days since the last issue. Perhaps it goes without saying that I have spent nearly all of that time being “newsy.”

I learned early last week about the new Chief Deputy who is covered on the front page of this week’s paper; I look forward to learning more about officer Gerdts when we write about him. 

On Thursday I attended a Rotary Club lunch to listen to a guest speaker. I emailed Ann Fitch asking if I could attend in order to learn more about Steele-Waseca Drug Court (the guest speakers). She graciously offered to let me have lunch, too. 

It was a pleasant experience and I think I’m understanding why people join groups like Rotary. I really enjoy the conversations, the people, the guest speakers, oh, and the food. 

When I look at what I’ve been writing, it’s easy to tell my life has been filled with variety. It’s kind of like having tired eyes, but for writing. Speaking of tired eyes, and sore fingers, I’m starting to observe some of the job hazards of journalism. Carpal tunnel for one, and, well, I’m starting to think I need to get my eyes checked. I snap hundreds of pictures every week through a camera and I think I might be doing some damage to my right eye. It feels fine now, same for my fingers, but the times when my hand, specifically my thumbs, just ache are becoming too numerous. 

I’m learning to “do less” in terms of taking fewer notes, because, well, I take more notes than are typed and put on paper for print. 

As for pictures, I’m not sure what to do. I love taking a good picture, but I should do some research on the effects of spending as much time behind a lens as I do. 

Monday evening was a public hearing in Waldorf. I don’t have a whole lot to say other than I feel bad for Mayor Rob Wilkening. He looked hurt by the decision, that is, the rejection of his idea. I know Rob won’t quit in his efforts to grow Waldorf. I just don’t know whether folks want that to happen. And, I can’t really blame them. I think about life, and I like where it’s at. So why change it? I think that’s how some folks in Waldorf feel. 

I tend to side with Rob; we should do our best to contribute positive change for the future. But of course, we can’t know what that future looks like until we get there. I think that’s what makes it exciting. 

Tuesday was the Waseca City Council meeting. There was much to learn. I ran into another Rotarian who is a part of the Real Estate Investment (hopefully) happening in Waseca. It sounds like exciting stuff. 

I got home tonight, Tuesday, and just couldn’t really write anything. For one thing, I needed more information on, well, three stories. I’m sure some of those details will fall into place on Wednesday and no one will be the wiser. 

It’s still February.

“One kind word can warm three winter months,” - Japanese Proverb.