Page 17 - KC Cunningham Issue

"Transitions"

with Carol Lebeau

After nearly 34 years on the night shift, I couldn’t wait to return involved in the San Diego community in more meaningful ways.
to a “normal” schedule. For the first time in 25 years of mar-
riage, Tom and I would be on the same sleep schedule. Oh, I loved my work…but my “retired” friends who’ve gone before
the romantic possibilities! But just days into our new routine, I me have been such an encouragement. There are boards to
wasn’t so sure. join….young people who need mentoring and work that needs
to be done by those not constrained by a full-time work sched-
You see, I don’t exactly “take on” the day. I ease into it. Until ule. It’s a blessing to have the time.
the coffee kicks in, just call me dopey….drowsy and yes….a
little grumpy. Not Tom. My husband wakes up instantly. Alert. Sure…when news breaks, I’m no longer first to know. These
Engaged. And worst of all…happy. My chronically happy hus- days, coverage of what’s happening in San Diego is in the
band faces the day smiling, whistling…prattling on like a little capable hands of Hal, Kimberly, Steve and all my pals at
old lady. After all these years, it still amazes me. So he took 10News. And that’s ok. It’s the cycle of life and I’m ready to
it on himself to “help” me better deal with the transition. Early roll on.
one morning….I slowly opened one eye and there he stood
at our bedside, proud as a peacock, with a steaming cup of I’m blessed with good health, great family and friends, an
instant coffee….singing, “You are my sunshine…..” incredible husband and a “to-do” list that’s growing by the day!
Who said anything about retiring?? See ya ‘round.
Because I knew my dear husband had the best of intentions,
I was slow to react. I sat up, took a deep breath and thanked
him for the coffee and serenade. I then calmly informed
him if he ever did it again…he’d be wearing the coffee.
Mornings have been blissfully silent ever since.

These last months since retiring from 10News have
been a major time of transition. The local news busi-
ness was my life for more than three decades. Cover- San Diego
ing the health “beat” and countless major news stories Woman
over the years was the best job ever. And despite all
the advice, preparation and prayer…moving on was a
shock to the system.
17
There was the expected loss of identity associated with
leaving any career. At a recent fundraiser I emceed
for the USO, it was suggested I introduce myself. All I
could think to say was “Hi, I’m Carol Le Beau, the proud
wife of a retired Navy pilot! Despite the variety of “proj-
ects” I’m working on right now, I have no actual “title.”
My business card simply lists my name and contact
information. Last week while ordering a sandwich at
Panera in Coronado, a young man asked, “Didn’t you
used to be the lady on the news?”

Yeah, it’s been an adjustment… but the change has
been good. For the first time in years, I can watch the
sun rise AND set….catch a movie in the middle of the
week….listen to Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw in real time
and get caught up on my Dan Silva thrillers. I can meet
my swim partners for an 8 am swim at La Jolla Cove…
take a computer lesson…join a committee or try out a
new recipe on “happy” Tom!

The possibilities are endless. The flexibility that comes
from freelance work is a dream. There’s also time to
indulge my passions….speaking to groups on issues of
health and well-being, relationships and faith….volun-
teering for my church and favorite charities and getting
March/April 2010