Self-portrait

The observant among you will notice a new face on this page. As Becky reported last month, she has retired to enjoy her life of leisure ... and whatever else she wants to do as long as it doesn't involve an alarm clock. I personally am very sad to see her leave and offer her mountains of thanks for everything she has done for me, this magazine and this industry.

In my three years as the managing editor of HAT, I have traveled a lot and had the chance to meet many of you. But I have a long way to go. So in an effort to introduce myself, I'm offering up a modified self-portrait, based loosely on the industry personality profiles we run several times a year at the back of the book.

I am the married parent of three dogs and a cat, all adopted from shelters. My husband Darren and I just marked our sixth anniversary and enjoy a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle when one or the other of us is not on the road for our jobs. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a degree in journalism and mass communication and a second major in cultural anthropology.

Hobbies: reading, cooking, wine, hiking, following politics, watching sports

Things I can't live without: red wine, down pillows and comforters, pets, seasons, hot sauce

Grew Up In: born in Arkansas, moved a lot, but spent most of my life in the Carolinas

Earned first paycheck: Kay-Bee Toys

Secret indulgence: popsicles and bubble baths — sometimes at the same time

Wish I knew how to: speak Italian — I'm learning, though

What I wanted to be when I grew up: gymnastics coach

Three words to describe me: honest, sarcastic, loyal

What am I reading: mystery novels by the dozen

So that's me in a very small nutshell. Can't wait to find out more about all of you. My e-mail is jheinzen@reedbusiness.com and my phone is 336-605-1116. Let's get to know each other.