Greetings, Pioneer Press Readers! My name is Susan Dubin and I am truly delighted to be writing my very first column for the Buffalo Grove Countryside.

For the past few weeks, I have been thinking, non-stop, about what I really want to say in my introductory article. Should I be wise? Serious? Sophisticated? Of course, on my quest to write the perfect introduction, I spent many hours staring at a blank computer screen. Actually, many more hours were spent eating scores of Weight Watchers ice cream bars, while desperately trying to come up with something fabulous to write.

The worst part of this “blank screen” predicament was that I had a deadline. During this time, I kept my mail carrier and UPS delivery person extremely busy. I wondered what my editor would think if he knew that I ordered fifteen gifts, three CD’s and a new pizza cutter on Amazon.com while I was supposed to be writing my column. (My husband, Bill and my almost three-year-old son, Andrew definitely benefited from my ordering frenzy!)

To tell you the truth, I knew I would eventually finish. That’s because I am a huge procrastinator with an obsession about getting things done on time. In fact, my largest concern was actually the photograph at the beginning of this column.

You see, I was recently at the Pioneer Press office filling out paperwork and was told that I needed to get my official picture taken.

The OFFICIAL picture? The one that goes in the paper every other week? I wasn’t quite sure I was prepared for this. I mean, was I wearing the right shirt? Did my hair look okay? Should I check my teeth?

I was introduced to Margaret, one of the paper’s photographers and she took about thirty-five pictures of me. Throughout my photo shoot, I tried to remember all I’ve learned from watching the reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model.” Tyra Banks would be so proud.

When we were finished, I was able to sit at the computer with Margaret and decide which picture would go in the paper. Luckily for Margaret, I only made her go through each picture fourteen times before making my final selection. Of course, I pretended to be as nonchalant as possible because Margaret had just met me and I didn’t want her to think I was crazy. But I was really thinking, “Oh my gosh! My picture is going to be in the paper!” I played it really cool.

Anyway, no matter how the photo turned out, I am just happy to be here writing this column. Formerly, I taught third grade for ten years and loved it. Now that I am home with my son and have just finished graduate school, I can’t wait to embark on my new writing adventures.

As an eleven-year resident of Buffalo Grove, a member of the BG Singers and as an avid customer of local hotspots like Jewel and My Gym, I am already involved in our community. As a columnist for The Buffalo Grove Countryside, however, I pledge to go even deeper.

When the temperature rises above my tolerance limit of 82.5 degrees, I will still go to that outdoor fair. When a swarm of bees chase me at an early fall event, I will stand fearless, taste-testing as many apple-cider donuts as I can.

I am really looking forward to meeting people and experiencing great places in Buffalo Grove and Long Grove.

Here’s to terrific happenings in our wonderful community!

Until next time,

--Susan

By the way, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you know someone or something I should discuss in “Gabbin’ in the Grove” or in the new “Out and About” section on page seven. I’d love to hear from you!

© 2005 Susan Dubin, Buffalo Grove, Illinois