Following Your Heart

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Thoughts and feelings on the last day of my wonderful ride at ToastedRav.com:

Why do we do the jobs we do? For many it's about the paycheck. For others it's about power. A small, wealthy few work to divert boredom. Then there are those really lucky ones that do what they love.

I've often heard it said that if you're among that last group, and you can make a living at it, you're wealthy no matter the dollar value on the check.

I've been lucky to spend most of my life in that category. My background before coming to ToastedRav was that of a TV news reporter. I was a junkie. I lived for the big story, and I got to cover a lot of them over a fifteen year career. I'm a history buff who got a front row seat to some of our nation's most historic events.

Coming to ToastedRav was, without question, a "hard left" in my career. We do the fun, the entertaining, and the light here. It's certainly nice to feel welcomed when you show up to do a story, and that's usually the case in this world. For the most part controversy and conflict don't live here.

I got two things out of ToastedRav.com that I will carry with me to my grave. One was an introduction to the online community (i.e. you) that has been indescribably fulfilling. I've learned more about Web 2.0 than I ever imagined possible, and I've rediscovered, through these blogs, the joy of writing just for the pure love of it.

Secondly, I was allowed in on the ground floor of what I believe will eventually the elite website in St. Louis for entertainment and lifestyle content. I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished here. This site has only been up for six months, and I think we're on to something. We've found a voice that is speaking to more St. Louisans every day. I never imagined how challenging or how rewarding such a venture could be.

As much joy as ToastedRav has brought to my life, I have to go back to that question about doing what one truly loves. For me, that's still news. So with my heart leading the way, I'm headed back in that direction.

The good news for me is how much of this I get to take with me. My love of blogging, my addiction to Twitter, and my online friends I've made will all be along for the ride. Plus, I'll get the chance to watch as ToastedRav.com continues to evolve and grow.

Thanks for taking the time to read my rants, thoughts, and observations over the last few months. I'll still be in the neighborhood. Keep an eye out for me on Fox 2 News, and keep on coming to ToastedRav.com. You're part of a very cool thing and a very cool community.