All in a day's work

Talk about it

There were so many things I wanted to write a column about this week.

First, we’re finally running an exchange student story that I’ve been slowly plugging along on for weeks. It gave me the perfect excuse to chat with Kate and Toon, both from Thailand, who were important parts of my high school ski team experience. Neither of them had ever seen snow and they joined the Nordic team instead of basketball. Now that’s bravery (or just foolishness; one of the two).

Last Friday night, I went to the Two Harbors football game. The week before was girls’ soccer and this week I’ll be at the Silver Bay football game. I didn’t really go to games when I was in high school unless I was playing in them or playing pep band for them. It’s totally different to go now as a spectator; it looks a lot more difficult from the sidelines. The kids work really hard out there and the coaches put so much time and effort into their teams, not to mention the commitment from parents. School sports are a lot of work for everyone, but I’m a believer: they definitely made me more competitive, goal-minded and confident, gave me a ton of great friends, made exercise an important part of my life and most of all, they were fun.

Then, Monday night, I drove up to Isabella with my dad to check out the Knotted Pine Inn and Tavern for the story about their 75th anniversary on page 3A. The owners Dana and Scott were so accommodating (and I highly recommend the Cajun chicken pizza). Dana and Scott were both in punk rock bands ("loud stuff" as Scott calls it) and toured around the country and world before settling down in Isabella. They are both smart, funny and super friendly. The drive up there is beautiful and will get even more gorgeous as the colors on the leaves start to change.

Unfortunately, my trip to Isabella meant I missed the last game of the season for the boys’ soccer team I (sort of) helped coach. Due to my schedule, I didn’t get to as many of the practices and games as I would have liked, but I still had a great time with those kids. They worked hard this season and I’m really proud of them!

Tuesday morning, I got up bright and early to watch Steve Dahl pull his herring nets out of the water (see page 1B). I feel so lucky that I got to experience commercial fishing up close and personal. Even though I had to wake up at 4:45 a.m. and wear five sweaters, it was so amazing to see the sun rise over Lake Superior and watch Steve pile up his fresh herring that people would enjoy later that evening at the New Scenic Cafe or the Earthwood. In three hours on the water, Steve and I chatted about a lot of things--travelling, literature, local food, politics--and not everything made it into the article, but it’s an experience I won’t forget. I’ll enjoy my fresh fish a lot more after witnessing the hard work that goes into it.

Later on Tuesday, I met with administrators at the Two Harbors High School--Mr. Crandall, Mr. Archer and Ms. Driscoll. I know them all from going to school in Two Harbors and it was fantastic to hear about all the new things the school is doing to make sure the kids get a great education (see page 1A). When I spoke to Mr. Nicklay, the William Kelley principal, at the beginning of the year I heard the same things from him. It’s astonishing how much the teachers and administrators care about the students.

People keep asking me how I like my new job. I hope this column answers that question; it’s been a blast so far. I’ve been meeting new people and reconnecting with those I already knew—and calling it work.

I really like my new job.

Tags: opinion