Why am I here?

First off, no worries...this is not some existential pondering on the meaning of life. Instead, why am I doing this blog? Yes, it's a good way to do my "free writing" and I've always been a bit of a show off, but really...why a blog?

I really don't know.

I have a few friends with blogs. Even my sister-in-law has a blog. Unfortunately, I have no clue what she's talking about in many of her posts as I don't live in the Chicago area and I rarely read or watch the news.

So, I decided to take a look at blogs today during a break at work. I found Julie Powell's new, or at least post-Julie/Julia, and found that she is still lusting after David Straithairn. I found a page done by two British TV presenters with more than just a touch of Monty Python humor running through their veins. More than once, I found blogs in Chinese. I also, unfortunately, stumbled upon a blog by a woman who truly enjoys photography...and her anatomy. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I innocently clicked on a link and was confronted with a crotch-shot. Porn. At work. Truly embarrassing. Let's just say that screen was closed very quickly (and, luckily, no one was near my desk).

What is it that makes people want to post this stuff (or THAT stuff)? I wish I knew. And, frankly, I should know as I'm actually doing it. Maybe it's the attempt to make a connection with complete strangers. Maybe it's to try and shock people--although I vow that will not happen here. I gave my mother the address to this blog so I now have to stay on my best behavior. Is it a chance to vent to people who are so completely removed from the situation in question that it simply becomes entertainment?

Or maybe it's the attempt to give people a chance to look into your psyche. And maybe, just maybe, someone will post a comment saying they know where you are, they've been there themselves and they got through it. Even though there are billions of people on this planet, we all find ourselves feeling alone from time to time. And maybe that's when you can find a blog and capture a moment in someone else's life and realize that, while you feel alone, you really aren't.

Either that or you'll find some interesting photography. Just try not to find that while you're at the office.