When was the last time you awoke before the sun, jarred by a sudden frenzy-one other than children, pets, or forgotten "to dos?" The last time excitement for the day roused you before an alarm clock had its say? For me, that day was my first at Smiley Pete in my new position as Editor of the Chevy Chaser and Southsider magazines.
I had forgotten the thrill of first-day jitters until a few weeks ago when I met my new colleagues and began the process of getting to know-inside and out-the magazines I've been more casually perusing since I landed in Lexington a few years ago.
The truth is, when I came to Kentucky as a freshman at Asbury College, I didn't think I'd stay in the Bluegrass long enough to get a diploma, much less a career, a job, a home, and a life. I had my sights clearly set on what I thought was the way to happiness and success: moving to the big city.
With age, they say, comes wisdom-and something I've learned over these last few years I've spent living and working here is a clear lesson about quantity versus quality. There are few things of which I can think that Lexington lacks. And every time I think I've come up with something that might help "take us to the next level," it seems like someone else is already working on it.
What an exciting place to be living, and what a great time to be here. Between Lexington's rich heritage and the future that lies just within our collective grasp, we've got it darn near close to made.
My desire in starting this new challenge is to make the Chevy Chaser and Southsider magazines truly reflect Lexington by telling every wonderful story that has romanced and intrigued us.
You may see some changes over the next several months as I make adjustments to this new opportunity and I hope you'll be in touch. I've been amazed at the eccentric, heartwarming and informative things I've heard when I've been lucky enough to have someone pull me to the side and ask, "Did you know?"
It seems best stories are told over coffee or casual meals at the kitchen tables of our lives-the places we gather and bond with friends and family. I hope that the Chevy Chaser and Southsider magazines continue to be a part of your kitchen table and that you'll feel free to join ours.
I learned in the first week here that this office on Old Vine is a kitchen table of sorts to our staff, and even to the friends and neighbors who drop by for business or just to chat. I hope you'll feel free to stop by or call next time you have a good story to tell.