Is This Thing On?

Testing....Testing....1-2-3.  Hey, is this thing on?

Phew.  Well, here I am.  Officially writing my first blog post.  Now, I have mentally composed blog posts over the years but there's a difference between thinking through the sentences (while in the shower or during my long driving commute on 95) and actually putting them down on paper.  Or, more precisely, these days that means typing on a computer.

People who know me in real life know me as a math person.  I fully admit I am primarily numbers-oriented.  I find my mind wandering off doing calculations to esoteric questions - how long would it take....   And, nothing gets me more excited than figuring out a complicated formula in Excel and watching everything automatically recalculate every time I change one value.  Yes, I'm a math nerd and proud of it.

So, what the heck am I doing writing?  Good question.  As much as I love numbers and math, I have always enjoyed writing as well.  Perhaps because I am a bit of an introvert so it's easier for me to express myself in written words versus verbally.  Need to write an angry note to a company?  I am your woman.  Or, maybe it's because everyone needs a creative outlet and writing is one of mine.

Around 20 years ago, I started writing an annual letter to include with my holiday cards.  I found it a good exercise in reflecting back on the year to try to put some meaning or lessons learned to what I did or experienced.  I remember my beloved grandma complimenting me every time she received one of these letters.  I thought it was just a grandma being a grandma but over the years I have received positive feedback from many recipients.  And, the couple of years I decided to "not bother" writing a letter because I felt like I didn't really have anything to say?  Some people expressed disappointment.  To those people, sorry that I haven't written one for 2019.  Maybe my blog will make up for it?

When my grandma died in 2007, I decided to keep writing as a tribute to her, my number one fan.  I enrolled in a noncredit writing course at Temple University and wrote a few stories.  Then things got busy and I put everything on the backburner and thought one day I'll get back to it.

Several years ago, when I met my husband, he encouraged me to start writing again.  I think he was surprised that someone who identifies primarily with numbers can also express herself so clearly in words.  I told him I wanted to start writing regularly...that I thought about writing a blog...that I had ideas...that I had no idea what to call my blog...that I didn't have the time to put into it...that...  You know, one reason after another why I wanted to do it but just couldn't.  Well, here I am, making that recommitment to writing.  I don't want to make any grand promises that I will post something every week at a certain time because the moment I say that and miss a post, that's the moment I can see myself saying that I messed up and the whole thing is over.  I know I am going to try to post on a regular basis.  I've already created a list of topics so if I find myself struggling with what to write about, hopefully something on the list will provide inspiration.

So, welcome.  I hope you enjoy what you read.  And, if you don't, that's fine. Just don't tell me.  I know there are some of you who know me well who would have expected me to make my first post on the 11th of the month.  Yes, eleven is a special number to me but instead I decided to post for the first time on December 23rd - the date my grandma died 12 years ago.  I think of her often.  I know how much she enjoyed my writing and encouraged me to do it more.  So, this one is for you grandma.  It may have taken me some time to get going, but I never stopped hearing your encouragement.

But that's just my view.  From the 33rd floor.