A Day in the Life: Seth Tryninewski

Where did you grow up? A small town in central Pennsylvania

Where do you live? St. Paul’s Highland Park

Who do you live with? 

My husband Matt, Dilly, our retired greyhound racer and Jake, a beagle-wiener mix rescue. And a bunch of plants.

What is your occupation? 

I’m presently on a “health sabbatical.” In January 2023, I was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. My current treatment plan is bi-weekly chemo, so I joke that’s my new full-time gig (I’m coming up on round 40!) Prior to cancer, I was an attorney in government relations helping to manage large contracts for my employer. Sounds dry, but was a ton of fun and allowed for lots of travel and meeting cool people.

When did you come out? 

Officially? When I was about 16 years old in 1998. My closet was made of glass though, so it was not much of a surprise to anyone. I think I heard some “Finally!”s.

How’d that go? 

My family and friends were all supportive and, as mentioned above, not the least bit surprised.

When do you wake up? Generally around 8 a.m.

Phone alarm or old-school alarm? 

No alarm actually. I let my body get the rest it wants and I wake up naturally. (I’m lucky I can do that!)

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Coffee and the news!

Breakfast? Plain yogurt with a banana

Coffee? Any organic dark roast 

Cream or no? Totally need the half-and-half

How do you spend your commute? 

Well, with my “sabbatical,” my commute is now a bi-weekly trip from St. Paul to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for my chemo and various appointments. My husband Matt is a much better driver so he handles that part for me. Shout out to Matt for going with me to every single appointment, chemo day, surgery and scan. Shout out also to the fabulous care team at Mayo who are moving mountains to help me return to health.

What do you nerd out for (gaming, music, history, etc.)? 

I love history. Ancient history. Recent history. I find it so fascinating. Books. Documentaries. It’s so neat to look at how other humans navigated their times. We can learn so much from their experience and it can make our present feel less overwhelming. And “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I love all the seasons and all the Queens. They are so creative and resilient. To steal Anne Hathaway’s quote, “I love drag because it’s a transgressive act of joy.”

What music have you been digging lately? Chappell Roan and Troye Sivan

Is your work space tidy or a hot mess? 

Cleanliness is next to Godliness; I get nothing done if my workspace is out of order.

What’s been your favorite job? 

My role prior to my “sabbatical” was so cool. I would travel into Washington, D.C. quite a bit as the contracts I supported were between my employer and various agencies in the federal government. There are some really smart people working on really cool projects that I got to be part of. Despite the luxurious wake-up time I now enjoy during this “sabbatical,” I really do miss working and hope to return in the future.

Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out or cook in? 

I love to cook. This summer it’s been a lot of salmon grilled on cedar planks with lemon and dill, brown rice and a baby greens salad tossed with homemade vinaigrette. Sour Patch Kids for dessert.

On a usual weeknight, you are doing what? 

Walking the dogs, cooking dinner, catching up from the day take up most of our evening hours. Trixie and Katya or Drag Race clips play in the background.

Bedtime? Closer to midnight. Again, I let my body decide when it wants to rest.

Favorite weekend activity? 

In the summer, reading on the patio. In the winter, reading by the fireplace. Of course, with the dogs and Matt. Regardless of season, each weekend includes an Adventure Walk: a multi-mile walk with the dogs in which they (within reason) get to pick which way we go. We end up just following their noses through St. Paul.

What are you most proud of, and why? 

Matt and I have been together 17 years. During that time, we have rescued five dogs and one cat and made them part of our family. Each one is/was so deserving of love and a good home and they returned that love in spades. I am so proud to have been able to make good homes for these animals and along the way, hopefully encouraged others to consider pet adoption. 

Words of wisdom to share: 

I’m 18 months into a diagnosis that, at present, is incurable [eyeroll] … there is a lot that has resonated lately. Believe in magic. Never give up. Gratitude is a superpower. Have faith in a greater power. If I had to pick only one to share, it’s make sure you tell your loved ones that you love them and you know that they love you back. 

And stay vigilant for cancer! I was 41 and healthy when I learned that I had it. My first symptoms appeared about two weeks before my actual diagnosis. Get your regular check-ups, do the self-exams, pay attention to your body and become your health’s best advocate.