Tracy Kornet's Blog

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.