I would like the world to know that I just got paid for writing. Real money. I'd bite it to check for authenticity like they used to do in old cartoons, but it's a check. And that ink runs.

I saw my first words in print this week. It was...meh. Kinda anti-climactic really.

Here's the thing. There are topics I've covered on this site that are much more important, challenging and interesting - within and beyond my life. The pieces that I am writing for this paid column are, at best, a lifestyle piece. I will not change or even create opinions with these words. None of this will make someone pause. And that's okay. That's the point of these kinds of magazines.

But there is a part of me that wants to write and publish something "that matters". I can't define that right now, but it's the best description I have for what I'm looking for. I get to do some of that here and sometimes you guys are kind enough to respond - for that I thank you.

But for now, I'm still working on getting those two worlds to collide a bit. And tonight I will do some of my best thinking on the subject outside on the deck with a cold glass of wine.

Cheers.