Why.

Just what the world needs.  Another blog, right. 

Karen, what the hell are you doing?  Are you really that important?  If you are reading this first blog you are probably a relative or one of my four friends.  THANK YOU.  I LOVE YOU.

There are so many blogs, that even if you were interested in finding one to participate in, where would somebody begin to look for one that felt right?  Instead of searching through the thousands of blogs to find one, I think I’d rather jump on them.  

Like a pile of leaves.  (by the way, this isn’t me: she’s much too happy and carefree).  (And dressed like a girl). 

My whole life, I wanted to be a writer—of novels, screenplays, and plays.  Not blogs.  So, why this?

The publishing world is changing.  Because of this, new writers need a READERSHIP.  And, blogs are the best way to find one.  People will choose to read things if they have a relationship with the writer.  I need RELATIONSHIPS.  There, I said it.  I’m not proud. 

I hope you could fit in one more relationship into your life.  I hope you try one with me. I'm asking for you to do the Special K challenge, but this one doesn't involve your weight or cereal… give me a couple of weeks and see if you notice any results?  (Please don’t tell me you’re already bored. )

I probably talk to four people a day when I’m done teaching.  My partner, my pal from school, my son, and possibly a relative.

So far, four people will read my book.  Publishers are already rushing to fight over my work!

So, I’m trying this.  But do I have anything to SAY?  What’s my blog ABOUT? What would yours be about?  Do you already have one? (remember, this is about RELATIONSHIPS)  (I'll read yours if you read mine--)

My Blog:

My favorite blog that I read is by a friend of mine who is currently fighting for his life in the midst of a horrible disease.  His entries are poignant and important.  

I’m perfectly healthy and have a decent life.  So what should mine be about?

Who am I?  Here’s the easy answer: I'm ALTERNATIVE.  I'll write about my ALTERNATIVE lifestyle.  Let's see: I'm married and have a kid.  I go to work and watch bad TV.  In short, I have a life and no style so this won't work.   

No.  Hmmm.  How about Jewish?  I’m Jewish.  Sure, I haven’t been to temple in 20 years, but I could blog about what it means.  In elementary school, I was one of four Jewish kids in my class and every year or so it was my turn to explain what Hanukkah is.  Fun times.   So, no, I won’t be blogging about Judiasm.

I’m a teacher.  I could blog about teaching.  Thing is, I’m not, say, the traditional teacher.  Whenever there is a teacher in some show, the teacher seems nothing like me.  Most teachers are sweet and kind and patient.  I love my kids and I love teaching, but I’m sort of Judge Judy in the classroom and when the day is over, I take off my teaching hat. 

I know.  I’m a parent.  Parents might come here and we’ll write about cool crafts to do with kids.  We’ll suggest books for children and post information about recalled baby toys.  We’ll exchange cute stories about our little ones and post pictures of them in Halloween costumes.  I’ll write about my son’s milestones and challenges…

What about a blog that focuses on being an ALTERNATIVE, Jewish parent who’s a teacher, but has no lifestyle?

The truth is, instead of any of these things, what I mostly am is a person who struggles.  Luckily, I am not physically struggling like my friend Tim (who will win this battle, gdmt!).  


But I struggle about different things on a daily basis.   For the past 42 years, what I do with my struggles is I crawl into my head and disappear.  Once in a while, I’ll tell someone. 

Thing is, I don’t think I’m that unique.  I bet my struggles are your struggles.  I bet we’re a lot alike.  Some of you may be better at “moving on” than I am, but my guess is that my struggles aren’t ALTERNATIVE struggles or JEWISH struggles or TEACHER struggles or PARENT struggles.  

My struggles are human struggles.  And maybe we share them.  And maybe we could chat or build a relationship.  Are you up for the Special K challenge?