Why the Blog, Boo?

I thought I'd be the last person to start a blog. When blogs exploded on the internet, I didn't really see what the fuss was all about. I didn't want to put my opinions on public display (who knows who will read them?), and besides, I was pretty sure I wouldn't write anything interesting anyway. And reading other people's blogs? I scoffed at the idea. "I have better things to do with my time than to read about other people's lives!" I declared (to no one in particular).

Then a few friends started journaling online. And then I got cut off from FirstClass. Maybe I didn't realize how much I missed the FC resume, the precursor to the blog and admittedly, a fun procrastination activity, so I turned to blogs as a substitute. And some months ago, Lesley told me that the only way I could read the "private" entries in her online blog was by signing up for my own account. Intrigued, I created an account but didn't post any entries on my own page. I was in the middle of doing my fellowship at the time and I figured that even if I did post anything about my Coro experience, no one except the other Fellows would understand what I was talking about anyway.

Being in Coro was like living in a blackhole, and I easily fell out of touch. Every once in a while, however, I'd resurface from the depths of Pittsburgh and make a surprise appearance in people's e-mail boxes with a long, impersonal mass e-mail update on my whereabouts and doings. But you can only do that for so long before you start to feel guilty, and that's when I decided to blog. And really, it's just more convenient for me to post a tidbit every so often than to compose some lengthy, rambling letters with a beginning, middle, and end. And what better time to start than when I'm half way across the world?

I see a problem with this method of keeping people "in touch," however. Friends and family can know what I'm up to (assuming I post entries regularly), but how do I keep current with everyone else's lives if some don't blog? Additionally, blogging reduces actual communication between others and me, so I've decided that my blog won't include everything, especially the really juicy stuff. :) That means people would still need to get in touch for the whole "scoop" of my oh-so-exciting life. And for those who don't want to bother with my blog, I'll also continue to send e-mail updates every once in a while.

So I'm finally caught up with the 21st century (for now). I still think that no matter how much technology evolves, nothing can beat the feeling of being loved more than getting old fashioned snail mail and phone calls. However, given the fast pace of life these days, that might just be wishful thinking. So on that note, welcome to my blog!