Oh Chicago – sometimes I just pinch myself…
I used to think I was the only person this giddy about my hometown.
Sometimes, I find myself trying to figure out how I’ll schedule in sleep because this city is at times just so intoxicating.
With NBC 5's Lauren Petty at Yak-Zies before Cubs home opener
Hours before the Chicago Cubs home opener last week, Lauren Petty said aloud what I’ve said to myself over and over the past few years: “sometimes I just have to pinch myself.”
Lauren is one of the reporters on my morning show at NBC 5 in Chicago. We’re both women who’ve worked in TV markets outside the Chicago area — and always wanted to come home. But, no matter how long you’re here – sometimes you just can’t believe you’re finally home. For me, it was a long time waiting — and even though I’ve been here for over three years now, I still just can’t get over how incredible the city is to me.
Terry Hemmert at 93XRT studios
This year’s Cubs home opener was one of those incredible Chicago days. We worked on the show for weeks,
starting with a meeting at the WXRT studios with Lin Brehmer and Mary Dixon (saw Terry Hemmert too while I was there — I’ve heard her host “Breakfast with the Beatles” for years — so cool to see her in the booth).
Day of the opener, I was in the office before 1am… the show looked great – shots were beautiful – team did an awesome job as always… and we even ended the show with a “7am stretch” live from “Yak-zies” with everyone singing “Take me out to the ballgame.”
Afterwards, I met Lin & Mary from XRT at Yak-Zies to thank them. As I was standing behind Yak-zies chatting with Lin back by the dumpsters… the back door opened – and a face from my high school years emerged.
Billy Corgan and me... just chatting behind Yak-Zies
It was Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins.
I found myself so unprepared for the moment. I was torn between wanting to belt out a few bars for him… and telling him I’m also from the northwest suburbs. Instead, I went the real dorky route and asked Lin if he wouldn’t mind taking a picture for me…
I really need to get some guts.
Watching Guster at 93XRT Cubs home opener show at Yak-zies
Kathryn,
You are not alone in coming from such an exceptional city and appreciating all it has to offer. I am currently a junior at the University of Missouri, and all you hear in my broadcast classes from professors and visiting professionals is to expect to land a job (if one at all) in a city you’ve never heard of upon graduation. It is refreshing to see such a successful woman in the business who is back home in Chicago and loving it! I am from the western suburbs, and hope that somewhere sooner rather than later in my career path I can come back and work in what I consider with bias the best city ever!
-Elizabeth
As you know, I feel the same way everyday Kathryn! It took me 20 years to get back home but I’m making up for lost time!! The Cubs Opener is always a special day!!!
You know things are going well when Lin Brehmer is doing your picture with Billy Corgan by a dumpster. That was a great morning on the radio, TV, and kind of great at Wrigley too.