I was interviewed by the Mankato Free Press today. After going through multiple interrogations by Deb Bently who has written about me in the past, this was a walk in the park.
I probably talked too much for my own good, but it was an interview after all. My favorite part was when I was asked about my soon-to-be released Spanish newspaper. I’m not sure where that idea came from, but it made me chuckle. In Waseca, for a short time, we did publish a column printed in Spanish each week.
This past year has gone quickly. The first year of the Pioneer is in the books. My third year as “caretaker” as my dad likes to call it, of the Star Eagle is already almost halfway through. And I’m about to celebrate the second year as publisher of the Golden Link.
This week we are making the switch from the Pioneer office in Waseca to our own building. That was a process.
At the same time, my apartment in New Richland, in the back of the Star Eagle office, is nearing completion. I finished installing floor tiles in my bathroom Monday evening and the only major work left to be done is a closet and putting a ceiling on my bedroom.
It’s been a very eventful/busy few years.
I feel like I blinked and the month of August went by, just like summer, much in the same way the past three years have gone.
They say time moves a little faster as you get older. Haha, I’m still only 25. Who am I kidding?
Given that I’m speaking about my apartment and offices, I can’t miss the opportunity to thank the New Richland EDA. They chipped in some funds for the new roof the Star Eagle so desperately needed. At the time of my asking for their help, I was in a pretty sorrowful state as my health troubles were at their worst. I really wasn’t able to properly thank them at the time, and I’m still not sure what the correct way is to thank them now. Other than to say thank you.
The process started when I called Mitch at Wagner's to ask about how the EDA worked. And then I came to a meeting and then another meeting, and brought all the stuff to Anthony Martens at City Hall and the rest is history. I had a local roofer do the roof, one who Jody Wynnemer, a local EDA member, also knew. Throughout the construction of my apartment, I’ve made it a point only to hire locally. Bohlens Plumbing and Heating did all of the plumbing work. Delane Nelson all of my electrical. And the rest? My mother.
Thanks, Mom!
Oh, and several readers donated items for my apartment. The Finney’s, who moved to South Dakota, gave me a brand new bed. A neighbor donated a bunch of ceramic tiles. My cousin gave me a very nice couch. And another family friend helped me find very affordable, quality appliances for next to nothing. Many other little items, odds and ends, have found their way in as the space has been constructed and it has reminded me, consistently, to be patient.
Everything will in fact work out, generally for the better if you just take your time and don’t rush it.
So how did the interview with the Mankato Free Press Lady go? I talked for an hour and she only actually asked me about four questions. Turns out I’m pretty well versed at telling stories. Especially one I’m so familiar with.
“One of the greatest tragedies in life is to lose your own sense of self and accept the version of you that is expected by everyone else.” - K.L. Toth