Time Flies!
It seems almost surreal that my son just turned 17 years of age. I still remember being 17 like it was yesterday; it was the best time of my life. I can hardly believe that in just 1 short year, [...]
November 18th, 2011 
Social Networking: A Blessing and a Curse?
Let’s face it, social networking is fun. It’s a great way to connect with people we’ve just met (in person or online), or those that we’ve lost touch with. It’s a great tool for keeping up with everyday happenings in our friends’ and families’ lives.
But has it really brought us any closer together?
Here are some things I know about how social networks affect my life:
1. I spend way more time on the computer than I used to. (more than I should, frankly)
2. My head is filled with way more stupid shit than it used to be.
3. Drama is easily fueled.
4. I hate talking on the phone.
5. I never miss birthdays.
6. I never miss anything.
7. Everything you say, can and will be used to judge you.
8. Once you say it, you can’t get rid of it. Not even if you delete it.
I began embracing technology around the age of 11 when I started junior high school. I always thought computers were pretty nifty. I began social networking through dial up bulletin boards when I was 21. It was amazing what you could do with a Commodore64 back in those days! Now it’s become so easy, so accessible. Used to be the connection was so slow that eventually you’d get bored and get off of the damn thing. Not anymore. It’s there, 24/7, taunting you across all time zones, instantaneously.
When was the last time you picked up the phone to talk to someone? Do you find yourself texting or messaging more than talking? I think it’s important for us to find a balance. It’s too easy to get lost in an online world where feelings are interpreted by the reader and not the poster. We’re not witnessing true socialization, it’s more like an alternate universe. As desperate as we are to connect with others, I think in some ways social media is only making us more lonely.
Food for thought.
The Vexing Truth About Self Expression
I’ll admit that the hairstyle I recently chose is attention getting. I knew that going into it. Since it’s all part of the rock star transformation, it seemed reasonable.
Attention it has certainly gotten.
There are distinct reactions from the sexes – women seem generally displeased and men seem very intrigued. I’m gauging this purely on the observation of facial expressions and body language of strangers. This has been an interesting study in human behavior to say the least.
What I didn’t really expect was what happened today while I was grocery shopping. A couple, probably in their early 30′s, were also shopping and as they approach me I hear the man say, “babe! babe!” and I see him motion toward me with his eyes. They snicker and whisper. This happened at least 3 more times as I was shopping and once more at checkout. Others that were in line saw what they were doing also and even commented about their insensitivity.
It didn’t really hurt my feelings but it did piss me off. Self expression should never be mocked or degraded. It is just that – self expression. This isn’t high school anymore, good grief.
The Bucket List
My recent antics have some people asking me if I’m going through a midlife crisis. In the last 5 years of my life I’ve divorced, found the love of my life, started a business, started singing again- and now I’ve gone and gotten me a crazy hairstyle I thought I might be too old for. My friends cheered me on the whole way.
No, it’s not a midlife crisis at all. I’m just LIVING! I spent too many years being complacent about life and now that I’ve found my happy place, by God I will do some living. Have you ever wanted to do something and thought to yourself, “someday”? “Someday” keeps getting pushed off because our regular lives get in the way, or because we haven’t got the courage to go through with it. Before you know it, time runs out and there’s all these things you haven’t done – like the old Pink Floyd song, Time.
As I’ve gone through life, I’ve developed sort of a “Bucket List” of things that I figured I’d get to eventually. I’ve been trying to check them off as best and as fast as I can because who knows – I might want to add more!
Do you have a Bucket List? What kinds of things do you have on yours?
Time Flies!
It seems almost surreal that my son just turned 17 years of age. I still remember being 17 like it was yesterday; it was the best time of my life. I can hardly believe that in just 1 short year, my baby boy will be a man. How did this happen so quickly?
Well, time flies when you’re having fun.
My son, despite his alarming similarities to his mother with regard to study habits, has emerged from his pubescent years as a smart, polite, charming, talented, helpful and sweet young man. He has goals. He also recognizes that his shortcomings in studies might mean it will take him longer to achieve them. He’s okay with this, because he takes life at his own pace. He is himself. It seems that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, at all.
Realizing all of this, I got a bit teary eyed today. It’s a strange mix of emotions when faced with the impending exit of your child from your every day life. Sure, I’ve got another year before he goes to college – but a year isn’t very long; especially considering how fast the last 17 flew by.
I’m pretty proud of my boy. Letting him go in a year will be pretty hard but I’ll enjoy watching him take flight. ♥
A Promise Keeping Performance
A little over a year ago, I made a promise to myself. When I faced surgery to remove my thyroid, I faced the possibility of losing my singing voice, which I have always treasured but never actually used. I was blessed with a good ear, good lungs and the ability to carry a tune but I let my fear of stage fright keep me from singing anywhere except alone in the car. The fear of losing my ability to sing without anyone having known about it except me was far more gripping than stage fright and so I made a promise to myself. I promised myself that if I came out of that surgery with my singing voice intact, that I would get up on stage and sing – stage fright be damned!
I hemmed and hawed for awhile, as we humans often do when grappling with our fears.
Then, I got an opportunity to audition with Michael’s band, 420 Sunday. Apparently Michael had been telling them about my skills. ♥ That audition resulted in a spot in the lineup as their lead singer just 1 short month ago. Michael has gotten some slack from others about having me in the band. Some say we’re crazy, but those that know us know that we could take over the world. ♥
We had our first gig this past Friday night, only 2 weeks after forming our setlist. The guys were awesome! They made this first time on stage for me as easy as possible. I was still SO nervous (I clung to the mic stand like a security blanket and didn’t move much) but I got up there and I did it! I sang! I sang LOUD and it felt AWESOME. I cannot wait to do it again. Keeping that promise felt mighty good. I have to give major props to Michael because he believed in me, he encouraged me and he was honest with me. I never could have done this without him.
So now that you know the story – watch a few of the videos and let me know what you think! Which one is your favorite? I personally love “Like a Stone”, so I’m going to include that one. :)
