Dear Audience,

Hi! Thanks to the continued blogging of people I admire, including (but not limited to) Jed Shireman, Tori Foster, Dr. Stohr, and Rich Hall, I have decided to start a new blog. I can only hope that this blog brings half of the happiness to YOU that their blogs bring to me.

Also, I might have a mild addiction to blogging. It's not as bad as my current addiction to diet coke, but it's a pressing factor in my admitted need for attention. I thought this addiction would pass after I returned home from a semester of studying Spanish and teaching English in the Dominican Republic, but I really miss sharing my stories, which were usually about coconuts and taxi drivers, but will not be limited to the Caribbean anymore. As for my addiction to Diet Coke, this stems from my working in a restaurant. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? If so, it is likely that you also have been addicted to a fountain drink, since you know how impossible it is to avoid excessive mooching from the free flowing carbonated service stations. I cannot be held responsible for my actions if you deprive me of my practically constant intake of aspartame, caffeine, and caramel color, at least while I'm still waitressing.

Anyway, thank you to my friends listed at the beginning of this post for the inspiration you have provided.

Until next time,

-MBG