That’s right: she’s going to focus on being a full-time media celebrity. The nationally famous hockey mom, Sarah Palin, made the surprising announcement this week that she is stepping down from her position as Governor of Alaska, an office she was supposed to serve until 2010. You may remember her as John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 election (won by President Barack Obama), or from the many hysterically funny impressions of her that Tina Fey offered up on SNL.

In her speech, Palin talked of fridge magnets, used basketball analogies, and cryptically referred to doing what’s best for Alaska. “I know when it’s time to pass the ball for victory,” she told the press.

“All I can ask is that you trust me with this decision,” Palin offered.

Reporters say she plans to focus on writing her new book, blogging…and perhaps making another splash on the national political circuit in years to come. It’s suspected, not confirmed, that Palin could be bucking for her own Presidential campaign in 2012.

Lots of luck with all that.