Someone asked me why I write a blog. The fact that I do surprises me, too, mainly because it is similar to homework. But here's why I do it:

• I am fortunate enough to work with amazing people, all across UC ANR. The people I have met and the work they have shared with me inspires me. Those people include academics, program staff, researchers, office managers, attorneys, superintendents. I could list probably every title code we have in UC ANR. I use the blog to share my experiences with you.

o   California is such a big state, so it would be impossible to know all of the outstanding programs and people that are dispersed throughout the state.

o   By sharing, perhaps some readers gain ideas or prospective partners for their efforts.

• I leave meetings with many, many thoughts in my head. It takes me a while to process all of it. As part of the process, I find that putting things on paper helps me sort it all out and think through what I can do to contribute to solutions.

o   I attended the County Director meeting today. While many of the County Directors have more on their plates than they believe they can handle, the meeting was upbeat and full of great ideas and plans of actions. The County Directors shared impressive successes they have had in their roles as Directors, many of which were the result of ‘lifting' (Yana's words) the longstanding UCCE-County partnership.

o   Last night I was part of a meeting with a small group of the County Directors where we had more time to delve into more detail on topics, including the stress that County Directors, Advisors, and Community Educators feel as well as the need to better understand the expectations in each role.

• I receive great feedback from readers.

o   Already I have someone bringing me a copy of the Six Thinking Hats!

o   Your feedback contributes to my thought process as I think through solutions.

• I spent much of my career wondering what administrators do – admit it, you've had the same thought. Perhaps we each have a bit better idea now.

o   While I don't discuss every meeting or project and I don't share anything in detail, the scope of topics and people encountered in any given week is more than I would ever have imagined before holding the position.

• Honestly, I have a hard time remembering where I've been and what I've done. This phenomenon is unrelated to age; I am sure. ‘Journaling' provides me an opportunity to go back and recall things that have happened.

o   I use the tags to help me find when I visited different programs and recall the details.

o   I put the hyperlinks in as much for my benefit as for readers.

I had a conversation with Rose the other day, and we speculated that within UC ANR there are likely hundreds of blogs and social media accounts. For those who either have blogs or contribute to the UC ANR blogs, I hope you get as much out it as I do!