When I first started writing, I used a spiral-bound notebook. In my early teens, I used an old Underwood manual typewriter that belonged to my father, essentially teaching myself the way around the keyboard.

I am a huge fan of online shopping, primarily because I’m not a fan on in-store shopping

Sharp-eyed readers may notice that there’s something different about today’s column. And no, I don’t mean that the writing has somehow gotten better. It’s the same old nonsense as usual. But look closely at the top of the column. I’ll wait.

The big news in the world of supermarket tabloids last week was, apparently, a South Dakotan woman who delivered her own baby while skydiving, which seems like quite a feat. I love tabloid headlines. They are a great way to pass the time, which is why grocery stores put them at the checkout counters in the first place.

My niece Hunter was 7 when I moved to Gainesville, and I looked forward to being around to watch her and her brother, Tyler, grow up.

For some inexplicable reason, I went out last week and joined a gym. Actually, I do know the reason. My talented and intelligent trainer, Chelsea, basically told me I had no choice.

As a journalist, I’ve been very fortunate to cover a lot of major events and interview a lot of important people. But the most interesting interviews I’ve conducted haven’t come with presidential candidates or governors or titans of industry. The best interviews have always been with men and women who have served this country in the military.

I’ve always consider the state of Georgia to be a happy place. I grew up here and have lived my whole life here. I’ve never seriously considered living anywhere else. But apparently, we aren’t happy here.