04 April 2009

I'm all a-Twitter

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It was just over a week ago that I was denouncing that social Mecca known as Twitter. I praised those commentors who used words like narcissistic and self-absorbed, and mocked Jay and Karen for their participation in such a silly thing, calling them Twitterphiles and Twutzs. Then, I challenged myself to a week of Twitter – without reserve – without judgment. That, my dear readers, was the beginning of the end.

Sure, I was skeptical. I imagined (because I had nothing but my imagination to rely on) that Twitter was nothing more than self-touting, self-centered bits of nonsense scattered randomly throughout the day. I wondered how two seemingly normal readers (Jay and Karen – I’m not so sure about the rest of you) could possibly get caught up in such foolishness. I mean, I read their blogs and see none of the classic narcissistic traits. What could they possibly see in Twitter?

I logged on and started my quest for enlightenment. I un-followed anyone I didn’t know (I had reciprocated following anyone who followed me – BIG mistake) and typed with baited apprehension. With only a handful of tweets under my belt, I was unfamiliar with twetiquette (and you all know how I am about good manners). I had to ask Jay what RT and # were – he pointed me to a Twitter wiki *gasp* I used the word cleavage and wondered if I’d earn an adult content label. There was definitely a learning curve.

About three days into the twexperiment, I discovered I was having fun! This wasn’t people talking about themselves, but more like some sort of hybrid IM thing. I could talk to people without having to be there real time. I could get motivational quotes, local news updates and crafting ideas in one place. I could let RLL know that Pioneer Woman was having a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway. I could let Karen know that thoughts and prayers were with her when she was on her way to surgery. Yes … in just seven days I was obsessed hooked.

I am beyond shamed. Not only have I discovered that Twitter – like so many other things in life – is all about what you do with what you are given, but I now must admit – publicly - that I was wr … wr … wro … WRONG! OK! There! I said it! I was W-R-O-N-G … WRONG!

Is it possible that there are tons of narcissistic people out there talking about themselves in 140 characters or less? I’d say it’s not only possible, but highly likely. But you know what? I don’t have to follow those people. I am quite happy with the 35 twits tweets that I am following, and I feel just a bit more intimate with every one of them than I did when they were “just” bloggers.

One thing though … don’t let me write a post badmouthing FaceBook, OK? I really don’t feel like eating my words … again!

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03 April 2009

Friday Wrap-Up

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I saw something in my son this week that I haven’t seen in quite some time – PRIDE! When I got home from work on Monday, he couldn’t wait to tell me about his day. Seems just about every one of his classes had a paper due, or a test given, right before spring break. He had gotten back all of the scores and there was nothing below a B. He even scored a 96% on his Social Studies test – a class he really struggles with. It was good to see him excited about school, and about himself.

In that moment, the apprehension and fear that overwhelmed me when deciding whether he should be on meds for his ADHD evaporated. We are still tweaking the dosage, but there is definitely progress.

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Wednesday morning conversation with my company’s CEO as I held the door open for him:

Me: Good Morning! I just can’t seem to let a door shut when someone is just seconds away from walking in behind me.

CEO: (serious tone) That’s a bad habit. We need to toughen you up!

Me: (sarcastically) Yes, what would this world come to if we all started looking out for other people rather than ourselves all of the time.

CEO: (in astonishment) Well, I can tell you one thing. You’ll never get ahead in life looking out for other people.

Interesting ... something tells me I need to soften him up!

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SAGINAW, Mich. - A man police caught performing a sex act with a car wash vacuum has been sentenced to 90 days in prison.

Police say Jason Leroy Savage was arrested after a resident called officers early on Oct. 16 to report suspicious activity at a car wash in Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.


Ummm … dude? Go to Sears and buy yourself a Craftsman wet/dry vac. That way you can experience the joys of high powered suction in your own home AND take advantage of that Craftsman life-time warranty! Of course, your neighbors might wonder why you vacuum every night … for hours … and why you named your vacuum Sucking Suzy, but still! It’s much better than actually having to appear in court to plead “no contest” to indecent exposure. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the idea behind a “self-serve” car wash!

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I’ve started planning the summer vacation schedule. It looks like we’ll be heading to southern Texas mid-June for my niece's graduation. Not sure what kind of free time I'll have, but I might be able to carve out an hour or two for a local excursion.

I’ve also got eastern Washington on the agenda again this summer in either late July or early August. It will just be me and Cam again, but I think this time we’ll fly. Of course I’ll rent a car while there and hopefully make a side trip or two. I’m guessing grandma would love to spend some one-on-one time with her only favorite grandson!

Anyone in either of those areas wanting to confirm my 6’ stature and overall good nature? It’s been a while since I’ve met up with any bloggers and I’m feeling the itch. Not that itch you ninnies, although it has been quite some time since it's been scratched by anyone but me!

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01 April 2009

HNT - Spring Skirt (RETRO)

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Ahhhh ... spring! It really is my favorite season of the year, especially after the incredibly cold and long winter we've had. And as much as I love to get those long skirts, heavy sweaters and tall boots out in the fall, I am equally thrilled to get the shorter skirts, fitted t-shirts and strappy sandals out in the spring!

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“It's not really a shorter skirt, I just have longer legs...”
~ Anna Kournikova


*clicking will just get you bigger - it's the retro, remember?? OK, I lied ... as Karl pointed out clicking will NOT make you bigger, but it will make ME bigger. All you guys can stop clicking now - giggle*

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This week marks the third anniversary of "...the other HNT" - a place where HNT takes a plunge on the wild side. You might want to take a gander over there if you are looking for a little more ... well ... nekkidness. Maybe you'll even recognize someone *WARNING* Make no mistake, "... the other HNT" is definitely NOT safe for work (or small children, or cute puppies, or ... or ...) and might be considered offensive by some ... but they would be wrong *wink*

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