Okay. So now I'm dithering. Big time. This blog site or the other one? Or this one? Which template? On which site? How long can I spend dithering? To infinity and beyond, that's how long. I have dithered here so long it's now time to stop and go work in the kitchen: I need to wash a few pots and pans, boil up some artichokes, make some salads.

Brilliant idea! I can go tackle the chores in the kitchen, and come back here later tonight.

One of the reasons I was so reluctant to start writing a blog was dread of the pressure to write. How like me it is, once finally begun, to begin my blogging life by writing useless, annoying, inconsequential posts instead of sharing the wise and momentous life-changing pearls of wisdom that I had naturally envisioned.

On the other hand, at least I'm writing! In college when I had trouble writing a paper, I learned to be willing to blather for the first paragraph, just to get started. Then it became easier to find my way, to get to my point, and I would delete that first paragraph. This, then, is that first awkward paragraph. We'll all just have to stay tuned to see if I get any better.

Alrighty then--kitchen, here I come. Pearls of wisdom, start lining up--I'll be coming back for you soon.

Here I am, announcing to the world that I am a work in progress. I have a long, long row to hoe. My character defects abound, and it is only on occasion that I remember to ask my Higher Power for relief from them.

Procrastination. Also known as sloth. How long have I thought about writing a blog? Probably since I first heard of blogs.

I'm starting off easy. Part of the problem with being a perfectionist (that would be character defect #2) is that the desire to do a good job becomes more important than getting the job done at all. So my goal today is to begin writing a very ordinary, unimpressive, unremarkable blog. If it turns out to be inordinary, impressive, or remarkable, so be it.

Aaaaaand, that would introduce character defect #3: arrogance. Sometimes my ego is too big, and sometimes it's too small. Clearly it will be a lifetime job to construct an ego that is just the right size.