I got a message a while back from Curious George, asking if I had the time to take on a small project. “Project” usually brings one of two images to my mind:

• The boss coming to me five minutes before quitting time with a piece of work that will ensure I’ll be missing dinner, and
• Tim Allen sticking his finger in a light socket.

I seem to be a glutton for punishment, so I said, “Sure, what do you need?”

What he needed is what you are reading now.

This is the first time I have ever written a regular article for anyone, and it probably shows. Since I have no idea what topic to address in my opening column, I will take the easy way out and talk about me (Toby Keith would be proud).

My name really is Don. A former boss gave me the “Dr.” nickname. He seemed impressed with the amount of musical trivia I had stored in my brain. It’s useful for entertaining at parties, but it doesn’t help me remember where I put the car keys.

I work on the air at a local radio station. It’s often fun, and often just as frustrating as any other job. Someday, I’ll tell you how a shy high-school kid managed to get into a career like this. I won’t be talking much about where I currently work. It’s just safer that way.

I am a single dad. I know many divorced fathers, but I’m the only one I know at this writing who is raising their kids. It is a blessing, a challenge, and sometimes very frightening. My children are wonderful, and they have no idea I am writing this. Boy, won’t they be surprised!

I think that’s enough. This is starting to sound like a Playboy centerfold questionnaire. (At least, that’s what I’ve been told). Besides, I’ve been told that having a little mystery keeps things fun…unless that mystery is “Why do I have a negative balance in my checking account…and who’s this guy my wife has been writing checks to?”

As for what I will write about in later installments, (assuming George doesn’t change his mind after reading this one), it’s likely to vary. I have a lot of interests, and it’s likely I’ll touch on many of them as long as this column continues. I know I’m not qualified to speak on all of them, but when did that stop anyone on the Spin?

I’d like to be able to do this every week, but I don’t have the time in my life for that. I’ll begin by writing something new once a month. If I can get more organized (which could be an entire piece on its own), and all you Spinsters like what I’m doing, then I’ll shoot for twice a month.

This could turn out to be a huge disaster. On the other hand, it may be better than any of us think. I hope you hang around as we find out together.