Playtime is over ... for now

When I left the Los Angeles Times three weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a friend who said I'd be twice as happy and make twice as much money within six months.

I'm already twice as happy. It's difficult to put into words what it's like working at a newspaper you love knowing that it's in steep decline and there's nothing you can do to stop it. You can't really measure what that does to your psyche until you remove yourself from the newsroom.

Though I haven't seen cent one, my friend's money prediction also appears to be on target. I'm putting together several business partnerships (including an exciting one with former Daily Pilot publisher Tom Johnson), working nearly full-time on my wife's business (Greer's OC -- please sign up for the "FREE Daily Dose of OC" that gives readers the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends), and getting my book ("Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America -- and Found Unexpected Peace") ready for its February launch.

So I need to stop blogging at Lobdell's OC -- at least for now. This gig doesn't pay, but is highly addicting. A bad combination for someone needing to put money in the bank for his family of six. Thanks for reading, and I'll be in touch. If you're dying to read something by me, you'll still be blogging about religion at www.williamlobdell.com.