I was bitten by the bug in 2005 … so you could say it’s taken a while to get around to doing something about it.

First of all... welcome, and thank you for visiting my blog and my very first post!

I’ve been reading many blogs regularly for ages and most of my friends don’t get why. Because of who and what I read, I’ve wanted to start my own blog for at least the last 4 years. Part of the delay has been that I’ve been too worried I won’t be interesting enough, be entertaining or be faithful enough to stick with it. I’m FINALLY going for it though... I want in. This is one awesome community.

I’ve been playing with the layout and design for about a week now and have agonized over what the hell to write as my first post. Because hey, you really don’t ever have second chance to make a first impression, right? That being said, I still haven’t completely nailed down exactly where this blog is going to go and if I don’t just write a damn post already, I’ll never get it done. There are still some flaws and unfinished sections here, but there will be time over the next week or so to iron out the wrinkles I’m sure. So even though incomplete makes me feel like I have a rash, I need to start now or I’ll just keep putting it off. So... warts and all, I’m launching it today anyway.

I’m sure everyone feels antsy about their first post... With me though, it’s less about the content and more about the commitment that has me rattled. I want to follow through... I do! I just have a few character flaws that will fight me the entire time.

Allow me to explain.

Say I see something I want to try/buy/do. I will often:

Go for it impulsively (character flaw #1), which results in one or more of the following:

a.) I immediately change my mind

b.) I regret it

c.) I eventually lose interest

d.) I wish I’d taken more time to think things through.

Oh don’t get me wrong, I’ve been lucky with impulsivity too, but you know, I’m trying to illustrate a point here so let’s stay focused on the negative shall we?

I could say that the alternative to the above is more akin to that of being a careful consumer; taking time to do research, try on different options, kick tires or compare prices. That’s a bunch of crap though. Let’s call a spade a spade ok? If I don’t jump in it’s because I’m either not sold or not confident that I’ll be really good (like “oh my god, you’re a natural” kind of good).

So if I choose to look before I leap, I end up:

Procrastinating (character flaw #2). Good things rarely come from procrastination. Well except you don’t waste valuable effort and energy tv/computer time on something that might end up sucking. Normally however, putting something off means:

a.) I become mildly obsessed and then get over stimulated and can't make decisions

b.) I end up moving on to something else 

c.) Change my mind about trying at all 

d.) Lose interest 

e.) Regret not diving in 

So you see? I can’t win.

Great. I’ve just re-read what you’ve just read and can’t help but realize “Completely Neurotic Whack-job” is clearly the overall first impression that I’m leaving you with. Nice play Karen.

Still reading? Wow. You have stamina. That or you’re a glutton for punishment. OK, time for me to get back on track. You still want to know what exactly this blog will be about right? Tell you what, you figure it out and you can let me know ok?

Why Worn Off Novelties?

The novelty wears off quickly with me (character flaw #3). I am the reason that technology makes last year’s gadgets obsolete. I am why fashion has like 12 seasons a year. I will probably want to change the name of this blog next week.

I get bored easily, I change my mind often. Sure, I’m always passionate about starting something but if I get distracted or if there's way more involved that I bargained for(character flaw #4); I lose interest. I suppose all my teachers were right when they commented on my report cards “Karen is really good at stuff when she applies herself...” and “Karen has trouble finishing what she starts...” So basically, since childhood I’ve been screwed; doomed to a life of unfinished projects that had loads of potential to kick ass.

I can kind of predict that I’ll blog about being a mom, my poor photography skills, my love of food and wine and the ever expanding waistline to prove it. These are a few of the things I’m passionate about. Other than that? Who knows.

I’m hoping this experience will expand my sense of community, help me keep my scattered ideas in one place, and make me accountable to the things that make me happy and healthy. I also want this to be an outlet for creative expression and the occasional outburst of my attempt at humour.

All of these things, plus a host of other neuroses that I won’t get into now (I don’t want to scare everyone away yet) are what will hopefully constitute Worn Off Novelties; provided I stick with it.

There. Done. Whew.

Oh... I almost forgot - feedback suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome and very obviously needed.