In a recent text message exchange with a borderline “friend,” we traded some obscure references from our long-ago past (think 50-plus years). Finally, I had a mic-drop moment, and we both knew it. I asked, “How can I remember that and not know where my car keys are?” My “buddy” was quick to respond, “You got that right.” So, it’s obviously time again to make room in my soot-filled mind by unloading some clutter.
Can anyone tell me why there are gaggles of geese living in Eastland Mall’s south parking lot? Are they looking for a bargain on Liz Claiborne women’s V-neck blouses at JCPenney? Meanwhile, Mother Goose is sitting on a nest by the exit to The Diner by Mele’s in the nearby median. Is that good, then, for the gander?
The Birds, Part II
In my April/May publisher’s letter, I described a bird that doesn’t much care for me and how it repeatedly — and loudly — flies into my office window from the tree outside. No sooner did the magazine come out than either last year’s offender or its offspring visited me for two days. Again, loudly. Someone is always trying to irritate me — right, sons? I did, though, appreciate the gentleman who wrote me and told me why the bird didn’t think much of me. (Contrary to what everyone may think, he says the bird views me as a rival.)
There’s an old joke likening mixed emotions to watching your mother-in-law drive over a cliff in your new Mercedes. (Tasteless, I know, but we’ve met, right?) Well, my mixed emotions are my friend Sara Miller’s retirement from Old National Bank. Sara started at ONB many(!) years ago after graduating from the University of Evansville and has been in a major leadership role there for years. Cheerful, fun, and eloquent, she has been a consistent presence in regional business and has lent her expertise to many local and state nonprofits. I will miss seeing her at business events, but I’m happy for her to be able to travel to Del Webb communities and meet all their resort criteria. Well done, Miller!
In the story “Leaving Her Mark,” Senior Writer John Martin chronicles Janice Miller’s rise from a struggling real estate agent in 1980 to now being the owner of ERA First Advantage Realty in Newburgh, Indiana, with 47 staff members and 140 agents. What is Janice’s big secret? I’ve learned it from interacting with her the past 25 years: Simply outwork everyone and have fun while doing it. I greatly admire her can-do spirit and willingness to roll up her sleeves. Family, friends, employees, community — she is passionate about them all.
I recently had the very nice opportunity to spend some time with the new University of Southern Indiana President Steven Bridges in his office on campus. Right person, right time, right place.
Many of you have asked how I am doing, health-wise. (OK … one person has asked.) It now has been one year since being diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer. Since last June, I have heard every bad voice joke you can imagine, but one year later, “grateful and blessed” is how I am doing. I feel I would be remiss not to publicly thank my lovely wife, Nurse Ratched — er, Kristen — who accompanied me to more than 120 medical visits and cared for me at home while simultaneously doing my job and hers at the magazine and at home. Talk about surviving “tough love!”
As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.
Todd A. Tucker, President
