Busy, Busy, Busy... You have NO idea of the amount of change that takes place when you actually are elected! Blizzards of paperwork, action items, places to go, people to meet... An exciting, interesting, intellectually stimulating learning experience. And all around you, the sounds of silence. Everybody else has already moved on with their lives.

And, the questions I have! What do I do now? How can I effectively manage to actually accomplish things? How do I work this into my schedule? How do I keep the people informed? What resources are available to help me? Being a State Representative in NH isn't something you do for the money. You get a small stipend ($100/year?), mileage reimbursement and free passage thru the toll booths. I ran on a platform of neither asking for nor accepting donations. I was true to that pledge. Now that I'm elected, I want to keep the people informed. How do I keep this blog available? It costs me money for a button on the local media website. Is this still considered political advertising? Should I bother? Does anyone actually read this?

Want to know the biggest concern I had before I was elected? Would I have to wear a "uniform"? I haven't worn a suit since I got married almost 50 years ago. I quit wearing ties in 1974 when the oil embargo hit and the company let us stop wearing ties because the air conditioning was being turned up. They never rescinded the edict and I never put one on again. Now, however, it's clear to me that there is a "uniform"... At least there is if you want to be an effective legisalator. So, if you happen to see me in a suit and tie, you'll know why. The things that I do for you...