Look Who's Blogging...

2010-02-23T17:30:00.001-06:00

Consider it another milestone in my trek toward late-blooming adulthood. In my early 40’s, I was definitely set in my ways. Sports 24/7 (passive fanatic, not active participant), homemade spaghetti and Ragu practically every night for dinner (pretty much all I know how to make), wild weekend bar scene (as long as ESPN was televised in the corner). Once I “bagged” my trophy wife (two years my junior), I expanded my horizon (very occasional Chinese food and even read a book every now and then). When our daughter joined the clan, we were both forced to adapt to the times.

As mid-late 40’s first-time parents of a three year old, we continue to struggle with the generation gap daily. Many of our new friends (kid’s friends’ parents) are 10-years younger (at a minimum) and, needless to say, are cooler and hipper (relatively speaking) and more adept at the newfangled technologies and communication features of the times. We still proudly display our vintage collection of CDs, while our contemporaries groove to their tunes via iPod. Recently we traded in our dinosaur cell phones for the most basic Blackberries, while others are on third and fourth generation devices. Soon after we mastered the art of texting, we learned that everyone else had gravitated to social networking sites like Facebook where they can share all of the intimate developments in their lives with all who have access to their Walls (and all of their friends).

A few months ago, we both took the Facebook plunge and life as we know it may never be the same. I was thrilled to receive so many personal birthday greetings from folks I hardly remember from high school. I had no idea how many of my “friends” were interested in farming or had ties to Mafioso. I immediately began posting my weekly economic/market newsletter (“And That’s The Week That Was”), hopeful that Facebook would provide outstanding networking opportunities. Sadly, I have found that biz networking and social networking are too very distinct animals; my contacts seem far more interested in the TV shows I watch (and have become a “fan” of) and could care less about my views of Fed Chairman Bernanke and overall monetary policy (not sure I blame them). For the record, Men of a Certain Age is a new favorite (though few of my new friends can relate).

And now I am ready to take my game to a whole new level. For the past decade-plus, I have been sharing my life experiences and mindless observations with all who cared to read about them (thanks Mom). I distributed a periodic newsletter entitled “For What It’s Worth” that served as a way to stay in touch with family and friends (and offered limited networking opportunities). Since my average age demographic was 50+, I sent my commentary via snail-mail and have been complimented quite often about the quality bathroom material I provide. (I actually relish such compliments.) Well, now I want to see if my voice translates to an entirely new generation: my new “peeps” with short attention spans who don’t have time to read one full page front and back, but merely want the abridged version of my gibberish. Yes, I am starting a blog (whatever that is) and hope to find a new audience (and keep some of the hipper, cooler members of my current one). I want to reach those folks who confidently substitute “u” for “you” and know exactly how and when to use a classic emoticon :).

So welcome. Scan the piece if time permits. Share feedback (but limit profanity if able). Also, please pass along suggestions for future blog topics or even FWIW issues. Expect to see some practical tips on marriage and parenting, some rants about sports and politics, and maybe some financial advice (for those who find Motley Fool too intimidating). Who knows, maybe I’ll even include my famous recipe for spaghetti (and Ragu).

For What It’s Worth: The Blog...

Look Who's Blogging...