The meaning behind the name

About 12 years ago, I found myself in quite a situation, that developed into a conundrum, that eventually became a compete mental breakdown that eventually turned into a blog. 

This is where the story begins. 

Some of you will remember me as Lotus Blu Mama, where I posted blogs about becoming a WAHM. I had just quit an advertising job with the Chicago Sun Times and needed an outlet. When your world goes from the entire city of Chicago to just 4 walls of a tiny ranch in the far west suburbs, it takes a tole. The need to brain dump was necessary. So after reading a bunch of books and a swift kick in the ass by others, LBM was born. 

Lotus has a Buddhist meaning, a representation of a beautiful flower that grew out of mud. I proudly wear this tattoo on my right arm and get to admire it everyday. 

Blu is another spelling of my favorite color. Unfortunately, Blue was not avalible at that time, so I dropped the E. 

Mama...well. Don't really need to explain that. I am. Always will be. 

Then one day, the Tribune called. They saw work and wanted me to join the ChicagoNow community, but I would need to change my blog name. Completely re-brand. 

It took me about 30 seconds to say OK! Let's do it...(in the meantime, I'm freaking out about whom/what I would become...) Blahblahblah, welcome to overload!

At that point, I was in midst of my second marriage, had a pre-teen and an infant. My friends already call me Red (the hair, duh)...so Red & Company was born. And the blog that I created under that name with the people who supported me was above and beyond anything I ever expected. Multiple TV and radio appearances, a gig at the Laugh Factory and eventually a teaching career I never saw coming out of left field. That time was above and beyond the highlight of my career. 

But then shit happened. I separated then eventually divorced my husband. 

I type that sentence and you read that as if it were a flash in the pan. Those who know me know it was anything but quick and painless. My therapy and lawyer bills will prove this. 

There was a time when I entertained the idea of re-naming my blog to be Red Does Divorce, detailing my experiences and recovery. I never got there. The weighted blanket I wore was still too heavy to lift. Eventually, CN was shut down. All my blogs are lost. Almost a decade of work gone. There are no words to describe the level of heartbreak I and my fellow bloggers feel. But what 'cha gonna do, right? Corporate has the last word. 

So who is Tasher On The Spot? 

A combo of my first initial and maiden name. I'm sure most of you already figured that out by now. On The Spot means I'm ready, willing and able to discuss any topic/question/situation that runs through my brain. I've never conformed to a particular genre and wish to keep that option open. Relationships, career moves, divorce, raising teenagers, my anxiety disorder, dating after 50...let's do this! 

So here I am. Tasher On The Spot. Where would you, as my readers, like me to go? What topics shall I explore? Please comment with your thoughts. Most of you have followed me for years, let's keep that relationship going. 

Namaste, my friends.