Here We Go

I am starting a weblog, more popularly known as a blog. The applause I hear is quite deafening. Thank you.

In fact, I mentioned this to a couple of people, and each of them vehemently said it was a bad idea, but neither of them could articulate why they think this is a bad idea. I expect this reaction; people are usually uncomfortable with modes of communication they are not very familiar with.

Already, we spend a considerable amount of time chatting with friends, nurturing our friendships and occasionally brewing up trouble for ourselves, our buddies and people we don't give a flip about. Already, we subscribe to the ever-popular Yahoo email group, and nothing gets the email group juices flowing like the outbreak of controversy between warring factions. It doesn't take much to ignite one such fight. Just say the wrong word, or the right word to the wrong person ... And once it gets going, you might as well stock up on duct tape and bottled water, as the Department of Homeland Security once shamelessly advised, because it'll go nuclear.

I chat with friends, and occasionally participate on email groups, but I believe starting a blog is a healthy way for me to express opinions and communicate my thoughts regarding my life, my family, my work, my joie de vivre, my friendships - close and distant - and my outlook on life and the things happening around me.

The other day, Shiri complimented me for having an opinion about everything; I would like to think it was a compliment. As it turns out, I am not the only person I know who has strong opinions. Over the past 12 months, I have spent a significant amount of time mending invaluable relationships that were strained by my actions and inactions, but also by the actions of friends claiming or pretending to speak on my behalf, and by the deeds of closet detractors pursuing unknown sinister agendas. I won't let that happen again on my watch.

So as I communicate to and with you through this medium, I will mostly try to brighten your day with my musings. But occasionally, whenever the need arises, I will need to address a difficult topic, only as a means to clarify an issue of concern to people I care about, so that we can all make the best of our time together, as we pursue harmony and happiness.

I will also share with you the joy of raising Dibeme, my cannot-wait-to-get-home-to-see-her daughter, as well as the multiple heart-warming experiences I will have as I interact with you and your families. I want Dibeme to one day read this archive to get a very good picture of the people, events and circumstances of her childhood years.

I will talk about making friends, and letting go of friends. I will talk about dating. I will talk about marriage; mine, yours and anyone's, to debate ideas and enrich our comprehension of an often-satisfying but equally problematic human relationship.

I won't see to, but I realize I may offend someone, so accept my sincerely apologies in advance. But fear not; this is a good thing, especially for me.

Sincerely,

Solo.