'Watch out for deer' -- Not good at good-byes (if this is one)

Sep. 14—It's crazy how the world works.

Every morning, we wake up, believing we know what the next 24 hours will bring.

Some mornings, we're right.

Others, we couldn't be more wrong.

Today—the day I sit and write this column—was one of the latter.

And it wasn't exactly because I won the lottery.

What's that Yiddish proverb again ?

Oh yeah.

Go ahead.

Make a plan.

Then watch the Big Guy in the Sky LOL.

As many of our readers will have heard by now, via the story on our front page Thursday or by word of mouth, The Dominion Post is being purchased by Ogden, an outfit that owns dozens of newspapers across the country.

While not necessarily a surprise, given the challenges of keeping local journalism alive in this day and age, it was a huge shock to all of us here.

With such a transaction, restructuring is inevitable, and none of us know what our futures now hold—be they at a revamped version of this place, or out there in the job-hunting universe.

During my two decades (yikes) at the DP, I have worn numerous hats. From a fledgling cops reporter, all the way to managing editor—with nearly everything in between (save sports writer, I think we know that wouldn't have gone well)—I've done it all.

But my best time has been spent here, in this very space, sharing my life with you.

And there has been a lot. Sobriety. Heartbreak. The loss of some beloved dogs. Fun stuff, sad stuff, confusing and downright ridiculous stuff. Lessons learned, lessons ignored. Musings on love, hate, equal rights and, of course, the big things, like the pros and cons of getting bangs.

I've grown up (and borderline old) in this 17-odd inches, and truth be told, I have cherished it.

Change is unavoidable. Sometimes, needed. If you're like me, also mildly terrifying.

But it's not always bad.

A few weeks ago, I met someone new. He is kind and supportive, thoughtful and smart, quick-witted—and, perhaps most importantly, incredibly funny.

I never saw that coming either.

In fact, I had convinced myself it could never happen again.

I've barely even told anyone about him, afraid I might jinx the whole thing.

But here we are—me spilling the beans to you guys. Processing with my people.

Will my words grace this page next week ? The week after ?

I don't have the answer to that question just yet.

What I do have, however, at least for the time being—way too early to start heaping on expectations—is someone who genuinely makes me giggle. Even in the face of this uncertainty.

So I guess God and I will be laughing together.

Kind of a nice thought, actually.

Whatever happens, thanks for listening for so long.

Katie McDowell is the managing editor and lifestyles columnist for The Dominion Post. Email kmcdowell @dominionpost.com.