Sarah Palin's First Appearance Since Leaving Office: No Media Allowed

Since stepping down as Alaska's governor on Sunday, Sarah Palin has made no public appearances. It looks like that will change as early as next week at a gala for a Republican women's group in California.

Reuters reports that John McCain's onetime running mate is expected to attend the 900-person event on Aug. 8, which will be held by the Simi Valley Republican Women Federated and take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

Though the Simi Valley group confirms Palin's expected appearance, the news from the former governor's own camp is less encouraging. Representatives told Reuters that Palin "has not confirmed her attendance at any event" and calls the California gala "one of hundreds of outstanding invitations" that she has pending. Even if the former vice-presidential candidate does attend, dispatches may still be a bit sparse: No members of the press have been invited or allowed to attend.

Since Palin announced her resignation from the post she held for two-and-a-half years, speculation about her plans has run rampant. Some are convinced that she's focused on a presidential run in 2012, while others believe she's seeking a career outside of elected office. Given Palin's emphatic distrust of the media -- which she reiterated in her resignation speech -- my prediction is that she could very well be headed for a career in punditry. (CBS has reported speculation that she could host a radio show.) That she has a following is undeniable. Now the question is what she will do with it.