The First Step

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is just getting started. I have been wanting to start writing in the blogosphere for quite some time, I have even compiled numerous lists of ideas for blogs, that have been lost in the shuffle of my little notebooks, only to resurface, often further along in the original notebook when another set of ideas surfaced. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, which never comes, or the perfect topic, which probably doesn't exist, I made the decision that today I will just simply start writing. What will come next I do not know, it may be profound or it may be mundane, or like most of life, it will probably be a little of both.

My idea is to write a daily journal of my thoughts and ideas on a number of subjects that interest me, and I hope may interest anyone who at any point actually reads what I write here. Some of the anticipated topics will deal with politics, sports, culture, society, religion, philosophy, the economy, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, strange acquaintances, and random thoughts and ideas that pop into my head from time to time. My main rule for this blog, what I am calling The Daily Grind, is that I won't really plan out what I am going to write about. No research or fact checking, other than some quick visits to Wikipedia when appropriate, no real agenda or intent to persuade. Some days the tone will be serious, other days it will be lighter, even an occasional attempt at humor may crop up in my daily ramblings. I will try to introduce the reader to who I am and what makes me tick over time, so as not to devote an entire blog to a biographical diatribe. Besides, who I am and what makes me tick is constantly evolving so it seems to make more sense to reveal myself in real time. I will post pics as soon as I can figure out how to get them off of my cell phone and work computer hard drive onto this site. I may very well start other, more topical or theme-oriented blogs, on this or other sites if the urge strikes, but for now I am going to try to commit to one daily grind it out per workday.

Currently, my workdays consist of teaching what are generally labeled as disadvantaged youth at what is generally labeled an underperforming public charter high school in South Phoenix. I have been an educator for nearly 10 years now, and while I am undecided as to my immediate future with my current school, I am certainly in teaching for the long haul. There's my self-disclosure for the day.

I don't have any set limits or goals as to the amount that I write, often that will be dictated by how busy my teaching day is, how early I get into work in the morning and whether or not I feel like staying much past the final bell of the afternoon. I am open to suggestions for topics, and to any critiques, and especially praise for my writing style. I welcome comments on topics that I write about, both from those who agree and disagree, especially from those who disagree as I love a good old-fashioned, rousing debate. So that's my introduction to the world of blogging, and even if not another soul ever reads this posting, it feels good to finally get started. It brings to mind the old saying about how even a thousand mile journey begins with a single step. Here's to that first step and to the many more which are sure to follow. Until tomorrow, and to borrow a line from the co-host of one of my two favorite TV shows, Tony Kornheiser, I'll try to better the next time.