Cue the crickets...

Why blog? Does asking that question mean that I shouldn't? I don't feel qualified. I'm far behind the curve on this thing, I'm not witty, I'm not an expert on or attuned to current trends in anything, and I don't have endless hours to dedicate to creating something that will unintentionally but inevitably become wildly popular. So why blog?

Primarily for the experience... I'm exploring new territory in my job. And I like to write... And I like talking to other people online. I discovered the world of message boards almost a decade ago when I was planning my wedding, beginning with a newlywed board at ivillage.com. Almost 2 years later, I joined a smoking cessation board on ivillage. I would NOT have been able to quit without it - 8 years later and I'm still smoke-free.

These were followed by the board boasting a healthy debate between SAHMs (stay-at-home-moms) and WOTHs (work-outside-the-home moms). It wasn't healthy... it was scary! I posted only once, saying I was sad about having recently put my 5-month old baby in day care, only to be dressed down by a rabid WOTH-er who (now that I think about it) had a lot of free time for a mother with a job. I myself am a WOTH-er with SAHM-envy.

The last board I joined was when I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. I posted regularly for several years until my second child was born and now I lurk and maybe post when I have a rare free second. I have "friends" there... people who know my real name and communicate with me outside of the board. I've even been to a meet-up with real live humans.

My online experience has broadened my awareness of the world, taught me to consider the source... the number of intelligent adults I know who do not is APPALLING. I've improved my and my children's health, researched major purchases, planned vacations, found just the right dance classes and swimming lessons... part of my life is online, virtual, digital, electronic.

So... in addition to (hopefully) helping me remain gainfully employed, blogging may be the natural progression of (my online) life.