Celebrity Skin

When I became editor of the Syracuse New Times 11 years ago, I told my children--who were 10 and 8 at the time--that I would be more accessible to them, while at the same time working more hours a week (by virtue of sitting at a desk instead of working in the field). I explained that the job was more high profile than reporting. @Will Keene responded by asking if I was famous. I doubt that, but my position certainly garners attention, if only because it's listed No. 2 on the masthead.
I love just about every aspect of my job--it's one of the most interesting jobs I've ever held. Part of the not-at-all-dull aspect of it is that I have been asked, because the job is high profile, to participate in some interesting promotions.
I have golfed at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, and received some constructive coaching from a golf pro. I have played street hockey with and against the Syracuse Crunch, even scoring an assist and watching @Wayne Mahar get incredibly frustrated at breaking his expensive goalie stick.
For many years I participated in the Girl Scout cookie eating contest, downing a record three thin mints in a minute. Not my strongest suit, I'll grant you that. It was fun having @Amy Robbins introduce me by saying, "She may be little, but she's tough." In fact, after Amy introduced me thusly, my son caught me before I got on stage and said, "See! I told you you were famous!"
Today I officiated at the most unusual event yet, an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for simultaneous changing of cloth diapers. Zoo public relations director @Lorrell Kenney Walter recommended me for this task because of my so-called fame. Um, OK. This was an Earth Day event, one that called attention to the needless use of disposable diapers. Think about that word: "disposable." These days it's more important than ever to use cloth diapers, what with shrinking landfill space and an invigorated appreciation for our environment. In fact, both @Georgia Keene and her brother survived babyhood wearing cloth diapers.
While 60 babies and their diaper-changers were registered for this event, 35 participated, including fellow triathlete @Jennifer Bakerville-Burrows and her cutie-patootie baby. At 12:30 p.m., almost three dozen diapers were changed and, it is hoped, Syracuse is now in the record books for something other than snowfall and basketball.
I can't wait for the next adventure my celebrity brings me.