Starting Line

And we're off! To be honest, I never thought I would create a blog. Those things were always for the self-serving, highly opinionated people who just wanted to hear the sound of their own voice - or at least read their own writing. But I come into this with no preconceived notions or agendas, and quite simply it is what it is. A living thing that will evolve to fulfill its own destiny (now that doesn't sound self-serving, does it?!).

Why a blog, why now? I don't know. I mean, I have never been busier before in my life, so hey why not one more project? Let me give you a Cliff's Notes' version of what's going on. I'm a 43-year-old ordinary guy who is VERY blessed. I have a gorgeous wife named Jackie who also happens to be my best friend - I have never met a nicer or better person. Murphy is my 15-year-old son, who is an aspiring photographer (he has such an eye), an avid snowboarder and skater (he's still teaching me!) and an all-around great guy. The puzzle was complete - or so we thought - until we were honored by the addition of our daughter, Aubrey, now eight months old. She came into this world with a bang and has not slowed down since.

Did I mention I also just started my own business? I'm an advertising writer, and when the agency I had been employed by for 10+ years suddenly took a dramatic nosedive and went under, I decided to go it alone. Did I also mention I found out I was losing my job the day before we discovered my wife was pregnant with Aubrey??? No pressure there. The good news is, the freelance writing business is going well and Jeff Roberts Ink™ has been a success for over a year . . . but it's been a life-changing series of events! I'll piece together the rest of story in the coming blog posts and hopefully provide you with a few laughs, some things to think about and an entertaining read.

Oh, one more thing - "Roberts On The Run" is in reference to my love of endurance sports, especially marathon running, triathlons and cycling. I work out hard every day - it keeps me sane! I'm currently training for the Chicago and New York City marathons this fall in my "spare" time. The name of the blog also seemed like a perfect framework for my fast-paced life - one I wouldn't trade for the world.

Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff