diff --git a/dr.botzo.py b/dr.botzo.py
index 2c03e90..89c32b8 100755
--- a/dr.botzo.py
+++ b/dr.botzo.py
@@ -4,6 +4,21 @@ from ConfigParser import ConfigParser, NoSectionError, NoOptionError
 import os
 import sys
 
+import irclib
+
+# handler for when the bot has connected to IRC
+def on_connect(connection, event):
+    # join the specified channel
+    # TODO: support multiple
+    if irclib.is_channel(channel):
+        connection.join(channel)
+
+#####
+# init
+#####
+
+# read config file
+
 config = ConfigParser()
 config.read([os.path.expanduser('~/.dr.botzo.cfg'), 'dr.botzo.cfg'])
 
@@ -19,4 +34,16 @@ except NoSectionError as e:
 except NoOptionError as e:
     sys.exit("Aborted due to error with necessary configuration: " + str(e))
 
+# start up the IRC bot
+
+# create IRC and server objects and connect
+irc = irclib.IRC()
+server = irc.server().connect(server, port, nick, ircname)
+
+# install handlers
+server.add_global_handler("welcome", on_connect)
+
+# loop forever
+irc.process_forever()
+
 # vi:tabstop=4:expandtab:autoindent