Welcome

As someone who’s blogged professionally for more than six years, it’s been a long time since I wrote that “first post.” And, since I’ve already gone through that initiation and inauguration, there’s not real need to do it again (OK, so I don’t want to do it again).

Below is my final post for my Times Union On the Edge blog which should give you an idea of what’s going on:

As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian or a dolphin trainer, then I heard Chris Kapostasy (now Jansing on MSNBC) speak at Emma Willard. The story I remember most: how she once sat in a helicopter, feet brushing the tops of trees, on her way to report a story.

From that moment forward, I wanted to be a journalist.

I was 13.

Writing has been an instrumental part of my life since. I wrote for my middle and high school newspapers and was one of the few students in college who didn’t gripe when the assignment said “20 pages, single spaced.”

Today I write when I’m happy, sad or inspired or have space to fill in the paper, or this blog. For 14 years I’ve shared my life with readers, writing for myself, and for others. You’ve been with me through professional — and personal — promotions and set-backs. You’ve expressed interest and displeasure. You’ve taught me the importance of variety.

So when I filed my final A2 and last features story for 2013 Wednesday, I felt … odd. I was shelving something that’s been a significant part of my life for more than a decade. My final Life 3.0 ran and I said “good-bye” to Brian and Chrissy last week. Soon, I will be (temporarily) signing off from my remaining connection with readers — social media (I already wrote about the “why” here).

Many of you have asked how you’ll know I’m officially on leave, and asked me to share at least a few of the details in this next chapter. At first, I wasn’t sure I could make that work. But, thanks to Baby Barlette’s delayed arrival (as of Thursday morning, we’re still waiting), I have had time to create this website. It’s basic, and unimpressive. Some may even say it’s embarrassingly plain. I would not disagree.

But it isn’t intended to be fancy. Essentially, it’s a place where I can document the next six weeks — privately, at first, and then publicly. It will be a bit like OTE, only more personal than pop culture. Don’t think, though, if Kim and Kanye marry, then divorce 72 days later, I won’t write about it (in part, so someone — or several someones — can say “who cares?!?”)

I won’t be promoting the posts on social media, but I hope you’ll stop by, join in and even send me a topic idea (or three).

Otherwise, I’ll see you back on my “usual” platforms in mid-January.

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