There are times

in our lives when we catch a wind in our sails and we set ourselves free,

when the simplest of life's offerings beckon us to leave off from ourselves

for a while. These are the times when we take a step inward and onward,

and meet new challenges face on.

This is that

time for me. I've caught a wind, and it's time to move on.

Writing this

column has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has

also been one of the most challenging. I have learned some things along

the way, about people, about writing, and about myself.

For starters,

I've learned that writing for a newspaper is like writing in permanent

marker. You better make sure that you're happy with the color of your

ink because words make a lasting impression.

I've learned

to avoid furthermores and heretofores. They are monumental bores that

lead to reader snores.

I've learned

that no matter how much you think you know about a topic, you are sure

to learn something more about it right after you've written about it.

Writing a column

is like cutting off a slice of yourself to see what you look like on the

inside.

I've learned

that no matter how many times you proofread your own work, mistakes can

still sneak through. I think it's because when you read your own words,

you see what you meant to say, not necessarily what you said.

I've learned

that people who write on a deadline have a love/hate relationship with

stress. You say, "If I ever make it through this time, I'll never

wait till the last minute again." But then you do because that's

how it is with deadlines, they're always coming due.

Having to create

something on cue is like giving birth every week. As soon as you see your

baby, and you know she's okay, you forget all about the pain of your labor.

You think it was easier than it really was after it's all over.

I've learned

that people like to see themselves in what they're reading. A good writer

knows how to tap in to the universal truths of what it is to be human,

to capture on paper what the reader is already thinking.

I've learned

that I enjoy writing the "life stuff," more than the "political

stuff," which is one of the reasons that I'm moving on now.

A long time

ago, I applied to Auburn as an English major but switched majors after

I got there. Now I'm going