Christmas time. It’s my favorite part of the year.
My family has always made it a tradition to be together on Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember my grandparents, mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered together on Christmas Eve in LeRoy. Tradition is a beautiful thing. Things of course have changed over my 31 years, but the theme has always remained the same. Our family is together to celebrate Christmas.
I remember during my childhood Christmases hoping the pile of presents would be higher then the previous year. There are photos next to the Christmas tree where I am shorter than the mountain of gifts. I’m not sure when it was exactly I realized the mountain of gifts didn’t matter. It was the people near that mountain. It was probably after Christmas 1998—my last Christmas with both my grandparents.
Our Stern Christmas traditions aren’t that much different than other families: Go to church. Gather together at home. Eat a lot. Have Santa come. Eat some more. Open gifts. Eat a little more. Go home. Between all that, it’s family conversation that ties generations together and carries on our traditions.
This column is dedicated to Christmas. Nothing fancy. Nothing on sale. No one telling you to buy this or that. The real Christmas. The right Christmas. The Christmas I think all should experience and love. If you truly believe in Christmas go to church. And listen. Faithfully listen.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
Charles Dickens
“Something about an old-fashioned Christmas is hard to forget."
Hugh Downs
“There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."
Erma Bombeck
“At Christmas, all roads lead home."
Marjorie Holmes
“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness."
Bob Hope
“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world."
Norman Vincent Peale
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly."
Andy Rooney
“As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is."
Eric Sevareid
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves."
Eric Sevareid
“The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.”
Henry David Thoreau
“Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas.”
Kin Hubbard
“A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; it makes no noise at all, but softly gives itself away; while quite unselfish, it grows small.”
Eva K. Logue
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
Charles Schulz
“He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.”
Sunshine Magazine
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke
December 26, 2009
December 13, 2009
Your Hometown Connection 12/10/09
Despite the Minnesota Timberwolves (yes, my readers, our state still has a semi professional basketball team) not showing up to scout us, a few of my education friends and I play basketball twice a week. In the wee hours of the morning before students are even awake, we are on the court. We basically play for love of the game, to work up a mean sweat, and hope we are doing our hearts well. After our last game this past week, the locker room was abuzz with one topic. Tiger Woods.
Answer this question. Who on planet earth:
1. Makes more money than small countries.
2. Is married to a former Swedish swimsuit model.
3. Is the best athlete we have seen in any sport since some guy named Jordan.
4. Has the perfect life.
Well, if you answered Tiger Woods you would have been correct…until recently.
No one is perfect. And here is yet another athlete/celebrity reminding us of that. Earlier this year Steve McNair tragically and David Letterman shamefully reminded us. Now we have Tiger “Cheetah” Woods.
Apparently being the #1 ranked golfer in the world doesn’t make you the #1 husband.
Did anyone else just get sick hearing that voicemail with the undeniable voice of Cheetah Woods? For those of you who missed it, Usmagazine.com obtained a voicemail that Cheetah Woods left to home wrecker Jamiee Grubbs. Jamiee is not Cheetah’s wife.
The voicemail said, “Hey, it’s Tiger (Cheetah). I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you. So if you can, please take your name off that. Just have it as a number on the voicemail. You got to do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Bye.”
Busted.
Way to go, Cheetah. You were one of the most admired pro athletes in the world…ever. Now there are rumors to be even more women involved and that you are paying them off. Your two children will read about all this one day. What will you tell them, Cheetah?
What makes these pro athletes think they can do whatever they want to whoever they want whenever they want? It’s about time someone remind them to keep the games on the golf course, football field, etc.
Tiger issued a statement shortly thereafter on his website tigerwoods.com that said, “I have let my family down…” There’s the understatement of the year. He went on to say, “For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives…But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy…Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions…I offer my profound apology.”
I agree we don’t need to try Cheetah’s marriage in the public eye. But how many times will this circus need to occur before athletes learn? Do they speak some different vows during the marriage ceremony?
Tiger (for now) is married to Elin. He has two children. He’s the best golfer in the world. He’s the most dominate athlete in all of sports. Hopefully he can figure it out. If so, maybe when we hear the name Tiger Woods we will think of golf again, rather than a Cheetah.
Answer this question. Who on planet earth:
1. Makes more money than small countries.
2. Is married to a former Swedish swimsuit model.
3. Is the best athlete we have seen in any sport since some guy named Jordan.
4. Has the perfect life.
Well, if you answered Tiger Woods you would have been correct…until recently.
No one is perfect. And here is yet another athlete/celebrity reminding us of that. Earlier this year Steve McNair tragically and David Letterman shamefully reminded us. Now we have Tiger “Cheetah” Woods.
Apparently being the #1 ranked golfer in the world doesn’t make you the #1 husband.
Did anyone else just get sick hearing that voicemail with the undeniable voice of Cheetah Woods? For those of you who missed it, Usmagazine.com obtained a voicemail that Cheetah Woods left to home wrecker Jamiee Grubbs. Jamiee is not Cheetah’s wife.
The voicemail said, “Hey, it’s Tiger (Cheetah). I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you. So if you can, please take your name off that. Just have it as a number on the voicemail. You got to do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Bye.”
Busted.
Way to go, Cheetah. You were one of the most admired pro athletes in the world…ever. Now there are rumors to be even more women involved and that you are paying them off. Your two children will read about all this one day. What will you tell them, Cheetah?
What makes these pro athletes think they can do whatever they want to whoever they want whenever they want? It’s about time someone remind them to keep the games on the golf course, football field, etc.
Tiger issued a statement shortly thereafter on his website tigerwoods.com that said, “I have let my family down…” There’s the understatement of the year. He went on to say, “For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives…But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy…Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions…I offer my profound apology.”
I agree we don’t need to try Cheetah’s marriage in the public eye. But how many times will this circus need to occur before athletes learn? Do they speak some different vows during the marriage ceremony?
Tiger (for now) is married to Elin. He has two children. He’s the best golfer in the world. He’s the most dominate athlete in all of sports. Hopefully he can figure it out. If so, maybe when we hear the name Tiger Woods we will think of golf again, rather than a Cheetah.
December 5, 2009
Your Hometown Connection 11/26/09
TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS (again)!
Moments after the TD that made it 34-9, the suddenly unstoppable Sidney Rice runs over to the corner of the end zone. Rice had just made his 2nd TD grab of the day. He hands the football to one of the 63,854 fans. What a lucky recipient. The young boy no more than 10 years old, with glasses, wearing a purple Vikings cap and draped in a white Adrian Peterson jersey stares at the ball. Shock had set in. The man next to him excitedly pats the boy on the shoulder.
For Rice it was just one of his six catches on the day as the home team defeathered the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Vikings (more on that in a bit) improved to 9-1. For that young boy and (presumably) his father standing next to him, that moment in life will be shared forever.
I remember my first Vikings game. December 26, 1988. I was 10. First round of the playoffs. The Los Angeles Rams came to town to be part of my memory at the Dome and battle it out with the Purple and Gold. We sat in lower deck end zone seats however I don’t remember sitting. A “Get Your Sheep Off Our Carpet!” banner hung behind the opposite end zone. #47 Joey Browner. He intercepted Rams quarterback Jim Everett twice that game leading the Vikings to a 28-17 playoff victory. I loved the Vikings so much that day I lost my voice the next day. A fan was born.
Today, I own one Vikings jersey. Yep, you guessed it…a retro #47 Joey Browner jersey.
Could memories like those disappear for the next generation of Minnesota Viking fans?
It’s no secret Los Angeles wants a football team--again. I’m sorry for thinking that 1988 banner was funny L.A. But please don’t take my Vikings.
The Vikings have stadium issues. I know. I know. As tiresome as it is for all involved to talk about building stadiums, nothing is getting resolved. The Vikings are amongst the bottom of the league in revenue and with a top market like L.A. willing to build a stadium this should cause concern for the new Brett Favre nation.
But how far will we go in this economy to help save the Vikes? I asked the question on Facebook to LeRoy Connections:
Kevin Hovde: “Do everything we can to keep the Vikes. Look at all the money that comes in from the Vikings, and if they move the taxpayers are going to pick up that tab. Keep the Vikes in MN. BUILD THE STADIUM!”
Joey Miller: “I say they should get some sponsors and use their own money to build it (the stadium)…Wilfs (the owners) are billionaires.”
Stephanie Orum: “I will stop watching NFL football if the Vikes go to L.A. We need to keep them!”
Dave Farlinger: “The people in MN have to look at the long term picture! If we help build a new stadium it will last…We can’t afford to let the Vikings leave! Building a new stadium would create around 3,000 construction jobs…It’s time to get creative. Remember what happened to the North Stars after they went to the Stanley Cup Finals? Let’s not let that happen to the Vikings!”
Grant Lunning: “You have to try and keep the Vikes, but asking taxpayers to shell out more money I don’t think is an option.”
Rob Richardson: “This is the best economy for a stadium project. Interest rates and building costs are down. Large projects create jobs and stimulate the economy on a very real level. This is an investment in our state’s future. The Dome is outdated. Our revenue is low only because of that. We need far-sighted politicians…The state should be sitting down with the Vikings and finding a solution that will be profitable long term.”
Kellen Bucknell: “Coming from a Packer fan (Columnist’s positive note: Kellen’s Packers are 0-2 against Vikes this year), the Vikings have one of the lowest revenues in the NFL…Gotta go if they can’t boost it.”
Barb Hovde: “MN can’t afford to lose the tax revenue—generated from payroll taxes alone is 29 million. That’s huge. Plus the affect on the economy that’s generated because of people coming to the games…We love the Vikings—Go Purple!”
And now it’s my turn. A lot of good points were made by our LeRoy connections. Once upon a time L.A. took our Lakers. “Fool me once…” You know the rest.
It’s definitely 4th down. Build a casino. Make it work with the Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Change the name to the Minnesota Targets or the General Mills Vikings. Much like the air we breathe, we don’t care where it comes from, as long as we have it.
Just make sure our team stays where they belong, Minnesota. Please keep my list to be thankful for this Thanksgiving complete: Faith, Family, Freedom, Favre, Finding my soulmate, and Football memories.
Moments after the TD that made it 34-9, the suddenly unstoppable Sidney Rice runs over to the corner of the end zone. Rice had just made his 2nd TD grab of the day. He hands the football to one of the 63,854 fans. What a lucky recipient. The young boy no more than 10 years old, with glasses, wearing a purple Vikings cap and draped in a white Adrian Peterson jersey stares at the ball. Shock had set in. The man next to him excitedly pats the boy on the shoulder.
For Rice it was just one of his six catches on the day as the home team defeathered the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Vikings (more on that in a bit) improved to 9-1. For that young boy and (presumably) his father standing next to him, that moment in life will be shared forever.
I remember my first Vikings game. December 26, 1988. I was 10. First round of the playoffs. The Los Angeles Rams came to town to be part of my memory at the Dome and battle it out with the Purple and Gold. We sat in lower deck end zone seats however I don’t remember sitting. A “Get Your Sheep Off Our Carpet!” banner hung behind the opposite end zone. #47 Joey Browner. He intercepted Rams quarterback Jim Everett twice that game leading the Vikings to a 28-17 playoff victory. I loved the Vikings so much that day I lost my voice the next day. A fan was born.
Today, I own one Vikings jersey. Yep, you guessed it…a retro #47 Joey Browner jersey.
Could memories like those disappear for the next generation of Minnesota Viking fans?
It’s no secret Los Angeles wants a football team--again. I’m sorry for thinking that 1988 banner was funny L.A. But please don’t take my Vikings.
The Vikings have stadium issues. I know. I know. As tiresome as it is for all involved to talk about building stadiums, nothing is getting resolved. The Vikings are amongst the bottom of the league in revenue and with a top market like L.A. willing to build a stadium this should cause concern for the new Brett Favre nation.
But how far will we go in this economy to help save the Vikes? I asked the question on Facebook to LeRoy Connections:
Kevin Hovde: “Do everything we can to keep the Vikes. Look at all the money that comes in from the Vikings, and if they move the taxpayers are going to pick up that tab. Keep the Vikes in MN. BUILD THE STADIUM!”
Joey Miller: “I say they should get some sponsors and use their own money to build it (the stadium)…Wilfs (the owners) are billionaires.”
Stephanie Orum: “I will stop watching NFL football if the Vikes go to L.A. We need to keep them!”
Dave Farlinger: “The people in MN have to look at the long term picture! If we help build a new stadium it will last…We can’t afford to let the Vikings leave! Building a new stadium would create around 3,000 construction jobs…It’s time to get creative. Remember what happened to the North Stars after they went to the Stanley Cup Finals? Let’s not let that happen to the Vikings!”
Grant Lunning: “You have to try and keep the Vikes, but asking taxpayers to shell out more money I don’t think is an option.”
Rob Richardson: “This is the best economy for a stadium project. Interest rates and building costs are down. Large projects create jobs and stimulate the economy on a very real level. This is an investment in our state’s future. The Dome is outdated. Our revenue is low only because of that. We need far-sighted politicians…The state should be sitting down with the Vikings and finding a solution that will be profitable long term.”
Kellen Bucknell: “Coming from a Packer fan (Columnist’s positive note: Kellen’s Packers are 0-2 against Vikes this year), the Vikings have one of the lowest revenues in the NFL…Gotta go if they can’t boost it.”
Barb Hovde: “MN can’t afford to lose the tax revenue—generated from payroll taxes alone is 29 million. That’s huge. Plus the affect on the economy that’s generated because of people coming to the games…We love the Vikings—Go Purple!”
And now it’s my turn. A lot of good points were made by our LeRoy connections. Once upon a time L.A. took our Lakers. “Fool me once…” You know the rest.
It’s definitely 4th down. Build a casino. Make it work with the Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Change the name to the Minnesota Targets or the General Mills Vikings. Much like the air we breathe, we don’t care where it comes from, as long as we have it.
Just make sure our team stays where they belong, Minnesota. Please keep my list to be thankful for this Thanksgiving complete: Faith, Family, Freedom, Favre, Finding my soulmate, and Football memories.
November 1, 2009
Your Hometown Connection 10/29/09
Your Hometown Connection
By Jason Stern
(My column from LeRoy Independent October 29, 2009)
It was abnormal. I was tossing and turning the night of October 2nd. The anticipated excitement wouldn’t let me sleep. I was feeling like an 8 year old waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. October 3, 2009 was my Christmas. The only difference was I already knew what my gift was—my wife.
Flashback to December 11, 2007. A dark haired, mocha skinned, brown eyed, steal the world with her smile young woman had just started working at the Minnesota Twins. I was her co-worker. I didn’t plan on anything, but whenever I got the chance to charm her, I was going to try my best. I got my first chance on an ironic day.
My late grandfather Eugene Stern would have celebrated his 80th birthday December 11, 2007. My grandpa was the most devoted Twins fan I ever knew. He updated me on every game before I even knew what ESPN was. When my grandpa Eugene passed away in 2004 he was laid to rest in the Minnesota Twins jersey I gave him while I worked for the team.That December 11th I had volunteered at a charity event in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins. This new girl named Eugenia had volunteered as well for that same charity event. We stood side by side and handed out ice cream bars to homeless people. As a result, we talked in between each ice cream bar and got to know each other’s smile. It would have been my grandpa’s birthday and I had volunteered to honor him. Somehow, I think he returned the favor.
Flash forward to October 3, 2009 and a little after 2pm. I’m in a black tux standing at the front of the St. Paul Cathedral in St. Paul, MN. I look up after watching our ring bearer and flower girl disappear into a church pew. I see Eugenia Racca in her ivory dress starting the walk down the aisle with her father. At that moment it began to get a little blurry until I wiped the tears blocking my view. That was the ultimate moment when it finally hit me. I’m getting married…and she’s absolutely stunning.
Flashback to January 1, 2008. Despite the earlier heartwarming charity event, I made a New Year’s resolution out of frustration and a heart broken one too many times. Frustrated by probably trying too hard to find my soulmate, I made only one New Year’s Resolution. “NO GIRLFRIEND FOR 2008.” 26 days later Eugenia and I were boyfriend and girlfriend. I was happy to break that resolution. I had asked her to be my girlfriend on her parents’ wedding anniversary. I had no idea it was their anniversary that day, but fate was in control.
Flash forward back to the church on October 3, 2009 about 2:30pm. I wasn’t nervous at all for our big day. I was just so excited--so excited. I had asked so many people what advice they had for our wedding day. It was always the same answer. “Take it all in. It goes by way too fast.” I wanted to find the pause button on life’s remote. I wanted to remember these moments the rest of my life. Walking my mom down the aisle. The faces in the church crowd. The gorgeousness of my bride. The flipped down ears of our three year old ring bearer while wearing his beloved top hat. I tried to photograph these moments in my mind.
Flashback to January 29, 2000. My grandma Mildred Stern passed away at St. Mary’s hospital that day. Being a son of a single mom who felt like his grandma was not only his 2nd mom but best friend, I remember that piercing pain like no other. I often told friends I didn’t have a dad, but two moms.
Flash forward to the wedding reception on October 3, 2009 probably almost 8:00 pm. Tears of joy slipped from my eyes more than once that day, but what was about to happen would release the tear flood gates.
Flashback to January 5, 2004. It’s the day my grandpa Eugene Stern went to meet my grandma. My heart was punched a second time as I lost another best friend.
I knew both my grandma and grandpa would be there on my wedding day. I always told Eugenia how much I missed them. How much I loved them. How much I honored them. And she always listened with a kind heart.
The coolest moment on the greatest day of my life was about to happen. Standing in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by my favorite people in the world, Eugenia grabbed the microphone and said, “I have a surprise for Jason.”
What happened next proved I married the right woman. Some people choose to forget people who have passed on. It’s easier that way. In a way society tells us to move on. To forget. Well, my soulmate is truly my soulmate and knows I don’t feel that way.
A slide show then began.
“In loving memory of Eugene & Mildred Stern” were the first words on the screen. Then the song “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings began to play as photos of my grandparents, photos of my grandparents and me, and photos of my grandparents and my close-knit family appeared on the screen in the ballroom. Tears tickled my face.
My grandma loved that song, and I can still see her huge smile as my uncle Dean would play it on his record player. Our whole family would then sing and dance along. Now days I love that song more than I ever knew back then. Eugenia remembered that.
The photos in the slide show continued to pass by as quickly as the years in them. Eugenia and I continued to stand out on the dance floor watching. Tears paraded down my face and it was impossible for me to love my wife anymore then I did at that moment.
The surprise tribute to my grandparents was the greatest gift I have ever received. It ended with these words: “I know that you are here with us today. Thank you for helping raise the man of my dreams. Although I never had the chance to meet you, you will always have a special place in my heart. Love, Eugenia”
Eugenia, you are the love of my life--my “good hearted woman”. My grandparents would be proud. Thanks for finding me, Eugenia. And thanks to God and the two angels above for making sure you did.
August 28, 2009
Deep Thoughts by...
Hello everyone. My name is Beau. My full name is Beau Henry Homer Stern. I admit I am one spoiled pup. However, my parents Jason Stern and Genie Racca don't give me enough treats or peanut butter. Please talk to them.
Now back to business. I may look like a Jack Russell Terrier but I have a heart just like you. I just wanted to sub in for my pops this week. I write just as well, but please don't tell him. He's sensitive.
It's hard to tell by the photo above, but I wear a Minnesota Vikings collar. They are my team. Since we now have this quarterback controversy behind us we bought season tickets. The day Brett Favre signed--so did we. I'm a dog and I like Michael Vick more than Tarvaris Jackson. Enough said.
#4 now plays for our team. Football is a team sport. Put Roseanne Barr in a Vikings jersey and we'd cheer for her as well. As long as it says "Vikings" on the purple jersey it shouldn't matter who is under the helmet. Isn't that the way football fans should cheer? I'm a dog and even know that.
Woof,
BeAu HeNrY hOmEr StErN
August 15, 2009
The score: 10-3-0-0
Don't tell me preseason football doesn't mean anything. Why do they play the games? Why don't we just jump right into the regular season?
Of course it means something. And last night's 13-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts was mostly Sage Rosenfels. He led the drives for 10 of the 13 points. It's o.k to smile Purple fans.
Sage was nearly perfect. He was 10-13 for 91 yards. Tarvaris Jackson was 7-15 for a very familiar 39 yards. We have seen that stat line one too many times. Third stringer John David Booty didn't get much of an opportunity. He did have an ugly pass nearly picked off close to the endzone. He finished 4-7 for 23 yards.
I love football and therefore watched pretty much every play. Other players that jumped out of the television: Jaymar Johnson-a wide receiver fighting for the last WR spot. He has a spark the team could use; Chester Taylor-the guy would be #1 on any team in our division, and most teams in the NFL; and Visanthe Shiancoe led the team in receptions while catching everything in sight. Albert Young and Ian Johnson were fighting to show off their running back skills which were shockingly impressive. But then again, you and I might be able to get 50 yards against 4th string defenses.
Preseason games do mean something. But take a look at a former MVP and Super Bowl Champ--Mr. Peyton Manning. He was 1-2 for 2 yards. Not exactly outstanding numbers.
So Tarvaris you still have a chance. I'm rooting for you, but it seems no one else is. They are tired of the 3 yard passes, incompletions, and deer in the headlights look.
The name of the offensive game is putting points on the board. The quarterback carries much of that load. The points results after Week 1:
Sage 10
Tarvaris 3
John David Booty 0
Jason Dean Stern 0
Our 2nd and 3rd string quarterbacks led the team to three more points than I. Sage, one more week like this and your jerseys will move to the front of the retail racks.
Bring on the Chiefs!
jAsOn DeAn StErn
August 10, 2009
I'm Back
Ok. Enough is enough. I just need to write. Sit down and write, Jason.
I have been so busy with trying to find a full time job, working two part time jobs, planning our wedding, playing baseball, and keeping up with family and friends that my writing career has been neglected.
I will be starting to update this blog weekly. Your input, feedback, and ideas are greatly appreciated. This means you, yep you. I WANT to hear from YOU. Love it or hate it is better than no opinion at all. And everyone has an opinion.
I think most of you are aware of my column for the LeRoy Independent. It's called "Your Hometown Connection". I write about sports, smalltown living, LeRoy memories, and a variety of topics. I also contribute with an interview for my "Hometown Update" column. I contact a former LeRoy or Ostrander resident and update the community on what they are doing now.
Please pick up a weekly paper, a subscription to it (only $36 a YEAR), or check out http://www.leroyindependent.com/ for my latest columns. To order call the office at 507-324-5325 and tell them Jason sent ya.
I appreciate all your support as my writing career and photography career begins. Yep, photography is another passion. I am building my portfolio for right now. Check it out. I have my first contest this week.
God Bless,
JaSoN dEaN sTern
I have been so busy with trying to find a full time job, working two part time jobs, planning our wedding, playing baseball, and keeping up with family and friends that my writing career has been neglected.
I will be starting to update this blog weekly. Your input, feedback, and ideas are greatly appreciated. This means you, yep you. I WANT to hear from YOU. Love it or hate it is better than no opinion at all. And everyone has an opinion.
I think most of you are aware of my column for the LeRoy Independent. It's called "Your Hometown Connection". I write about sports, smalltown living, LeRoy memories, and a variety of topics. I also contribute with an interview for my "Hometown Update" column. I contact a former LeRoy or Ostrander resident and update the community on what they are doing now.
Please pick up a weekly paper, a subscription to it (only $36 a YEAR), or check out http://www.leroyindependent.com/ for my latest columns. To order call the office at 507-324-5325 and tell them Jason sent ya.
I appreciate all your support as my writing career and photography career begins. Yep, photography is another passion. I am building my portfolio for right now. Check it out. I have my first contest this week.
God Bless,
JaSoN dEaN sTern
May 18, 2009
Wanta ready my journal? I won't tell myself you did.
"I had the pen already to go. I had her write it on my ticket stub. I made sure I didn't lose it all night. I kept checking my wallet to make sure it was still in there. I don't know if I thought it was going to disappear or what. I had her phone number. I couldn't take any chances. I was so happy. I didn't even care about the game. I had a date with..."
Some of you might guess the above excerpt is from the night I met my fiancee Genie. It's not. Don't tell her. Not until my book sells enough copies to afford the flowers.
The date above was Friday, October 27, 2000 and that entry was taken from one of my journals. I was a senior at St. Cloud State, working a part time job at the Target Center as an usher, and trying to find my way in life. But mostly I was trying to find my way with the right someone.
I have been on more dates than Hollywood. It's what it took to find my soulmate.
There were a lot of dates that had me ready to reserve the church.
There were a lot of dates that I knew were over before we spoke.
And the dates/relationships always ended with me writing about it in my journal. (Don't you call it a diary. I am a man, and they are my journals.)
I wrote to God but mostly to myself. My heart cut open and holding the pen to the paper for the past sixteen years. This journey to my wedding day seemed like it would come a lot sooner, and it seemed like it would never come.
I often told my friends I went to college not for an education, but to find a wife. They would laugh, but I was mostly serious.
"Why do I write? Sometimes even I'm not sure. To put a piece of me somewhere, maybe? Maybe so I can write a book someday. Maybe to just let my inner self out. I have so much love inside my heart. So much emotion. My emotion comes from my mom. She is the best. I can cry and let my feelings out. Maybe I'm a weird guy. I don't think so. Different. Unique. Those guys I work with...I am not even remotely close to being like them in any way. I'm happy for that. I want so much out of life. All they care about is beer, getting drunk, talking dirty , and bitching. I'm not like that."
Monday, October 26, 1998 was the date above. It was a brief job experience that made me go back and finish college. I took a semester off, but couldn't get back fast enough. My best friend/Grandma found that job for me. I think she secretly knew it would send me back to finish college.
I wrote with so much emotion in those journals that I can almost see some of the tears still on the pages or hear the anger embedded in the ink.
"God, please help her get better. I love her so much. Please watch over her throughout the night. Send a special angel to be by her side. I can't let go of her yet. Please let her be O.K. If you need another angel, God, take me instead. I love you, Grandma. See ya tomorrow."
Later, the same year as that back to school inspiring job, on Wednesday, November 17th one of my two best friends went for an ambulance ride that changed my outlook on life forever.
I am going to put all this together in a book. I have sixteen years of journals that tell a great love story. The love story of four: my family, baseball, searching for my soulmate, and faith.
It will be written differently than other books. I think you all will enjoy it. Plus, it's kinda fun reading straight from someone's diary. I mean journal.
Some of you might guess the above excerpt is from the night I met my fiancee Genie. It's not. Don't tell her. Not until my book sells enough copies to afford the flowers.
The date above was Friday, October 27, 2000 and that entry was taken from one of my journals. I was a senior at St. Cloud State, working a part time job at the Target Center as an usher, and trying to find my way in life. But mostly I was trying to find my way with the right someone.
I have been on more dates than Hollywood. It's what it took to find my soulmate.
There were a lot of dates that had me ready to reserve the church.
There were a lot of dates that I knew were over before we spoke.
And the dates/relationships always ended with me writing about it in my journal. (Don't you call it a diary. I am a man, and they are my journals.)
I wrote to God but mostly to myself. My heart cut open and holding the pen to the paper for the past sixteen years. This journey to my wedding day seemed like it would come a lot sooner, and it seemed like it would never come.
I often told my friends I went to college not for an education, but to find a wife. They would laugh, but I was mostly serious.
"Why do I write? Sometimes even I'm not sure. To put a piece of me somewhere, maybe? Maybe so I can write a book someday. Maybe to just let my inner self out. I have so much love inside my heart. So much emotion. My emotion comes from my mom. She is the best. I can cry and let my feelings out. Maybe I'm a weird guy. I don't think so. Different. Unique. Those guys I work with...I am not even remotely close to being like them in any way. I'm happy for that. I want so much out of life. All they care about is beer, getting drunk, talking dirty , and bitching. I'm not like that."
Monday, October 26, 1998 was the date above. It was a brief job experience that made me go back and finish college. I took a semester off, but couldn't get back fast enough. My best friend/Grandma found that job for me. I think she secretly knew it would send me back to finish college.
I wrote with so much emotion in those journals that I can almost see some of the tears still on the pages or hear the anger embedded in the ink.
"God, please help her get better. I love her so much. Please watch over her throughout the night. Send a special angel to be by her side. I can't let go of her yet. Please let her be O.K. If you need another angel, God, take me instead. I love you, Grandma. See ya tomorrow."
Later, the same year as that back to school inspiring job, on Wednesday, November 17th one of my two best friends went for an ambulance ride that changed my outlook on life forever.
I am going to put all this together in a book. I have sixteen years of journals that tell a great love story. The love story of four: my family, baseball, searching for my soulmate, and faith.
It will be written differently than other books. I think you all will enjoy it. Plus, it's kinda fun reading straight from someone's diary. I mean journal.
April 21, 2009
I'm going...
"I'm going home to the place where I belong..." Sing it Chris Daugherty. The song is from a few years ago but it is so April 2009 for this guy typing. Do you ever associate a song with a time in your life?
That song was on my Mustang's XM radio speaking to me like a good friend. As I pulled into the parking lot of Publix the other day it spoke to my heart. Although Publix is a southern grocery store, I was going there for another reason. Moving boxes. Kinda ironic. Coincidences just don't happen. They are little signs from above. God is with us.
It's not that I don't love Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Come on. The beach is foot steps from our new condo. I sit at my computer right now staring outside at the blue sky and squinting from the sunshine pouring in my morning window. Oh, and the pool is staring back at me as if it's saying, "Are you sure you wanta leave?" The palm trees are laughing. Their palms dancing in the slight sea breeze...knowing they are smart enough to stay away from Minnesota winters.
Daugherty sings in my car, "I don't regret this life I chose for me."
Love brought me here, and love will bring me home. You see, I wanted to live this new adventure with my fiancee. I don't have any regrets about moving here. Not one. I met some more great people, experienced the NFL, lived on the beach, and wrote another chapter in this life book we all are writing each day.
My mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all back in Minnesota and my family is the closest family anyone has seen. Thank you, Grandma.
The townhome I own in Minnesota has a foreclosure on each side.
Planning for our wedding back in St. Paul, MN is much more enjoyable and exciting from the same state.
The potential job opportunities here are like the Detroit Lions playoff chances. Rather my fiancee has found a massage therapy school in Minnesota to attend.
The list continues, but the one thing to remember folks. Life is about the race, not who wins it. No one wants to end up at life's finish line and say, "I'm here!" Only to then think about all the great things they missed along the way.
So I end this Florida chapter with "See ya later" or "See ya soon" depending on which end of the U.S. you live on.
Take us home Daughtery..."Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all...you just might get it all...I'm going home to the place where I belong. Where your love has always been enough for me."
That song was on my Mustang's XM radio speaking to me like a good friend. As I pulled into the parking lot of Publix the other day it spoke to my heart. Although Publix is a southern grocery store, I was going there for another reason. Moving boxes. Kinda ironic. Coincidences just don't happen. They are little signs from above. God is with us.
It's not that I don't love Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Come on. The beach is foot steps from our new condo. I sit at my computer right now staring outside at the blue sky and squinting from the sunshine pouring in my morning window. Oh, and the pool is staring back at me as if it's saying, "Are you sure you wanta leave?" The palm trees are laughing. Their palms dancing in the slight sea breeze...knowing they are smart enough to stay away from Minnesota winters.
Daugherty sings in my car, "I don't regret this life I chose for me."
Love brought me here, and love will bring me home. You see, I wanted to live this new adventure with my fiancee. I don't have any regrets about moving here. Not one. I met some more great people, experienced the NFL, lived on the beach, and wrote another chapter in this life book we all are writing each day.
My mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all back in Minnesota and my family is the closest family anyone has seen. Thank you, Grandma.
The townhome I own in Minnesota has a foreclosure on each side.
Planning for our wedding back in St. Paul, MN is much more enjoyable and exciting from the same state.
The potential job opportunities here are like the Detroit Lions playoff chances. Rather my fiancee has found a massage therapy school in Minnesota to attend.
The list continues, but the one thing to remember folks. Life is about the race, not who wins it. No one wants to end up at life's finish line and say, "I'm here!" Only to then think about all the great things they missed along the way.
So I end this Florida chapter with "See ya later" or "See ya soon" depending on which end of the U.S. you live on.
Take us home Daughtery..."Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all...you just might get it all...I'm going home to the place where I belong. Where your love has always been enough for me."
Swing for the fences, otherwise you can never explain a home run.
Faith, Hope & Love,
Jason Dean Stern
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