Okay….so I have been called many things when it comes to Facebook.  But to dumb it down and be proper, the key ingredient is “addicted”.

I hear it all the time.  Sometimes in a positive fun way and sometimes in an “Oh EM GEE…GET A LIFE” sort of way!

Some would get offended by what I have heard; and at times I think, “Gosh, do I need an intervention?”  But in the end, I go back to it.

And why????

Simply  because I have been waiting for it all my life!!  Okay, not really.  But wow, what a convenience.  It came at the right time of my life where I feel like I see NO ONE for days at a time, yet they are all right in front of me!

I sometimes feel like a shut in.  My life has changed with the kids and for the kids so I’m mostly found at my computer.   I have tons of work to do at any time of the day and so my face is inevitably staring at a screen.  I have been found to work at 12 or 1am at times.

So what better way to not feel like a loser than to check in with friends on Facebook!!!

The interesting thing about Facebook is it has created many things.  I’m friends on Facebook with many of my school friends.  And get this….most I wasn’t even friends with in school!  Sure, we knew each other, but we ran in different circles and we never talked.  Now, I keep up on their lives and they, mine (if they want to).

I’ve also stirred up friends from the past.  I have found them or some have found me!

Did you know that I’m friends with most of my ex-boyfriends?  I have even had the privilege of shooting one of the weddings!  What a great day that was!  I like to stay connected!!  It’s just who I am!!!

Facebook makes it easy for me!!

What is weird about Facebook is it’s always a quiet stalking ground. Some people sit in the lurch, just watching others’ lives, never contributing.  And then all of a sudden, BOOP….they comment as if they have been there all along!!!

And then there is CHAT!!  How nice. If you have a few minutes, your chat box opens and you connect live with friends.  Something we would never have time to do in the ‘real’ world.

I have found that some people have ‘internet personalities’ and those whose personalities just show through on the internet.  But those with ‘internet’ personalities are interesting to me.  Because I have witnessed it more than once.

Some people get bold on Facebook.  They state things on their wall, or even privately to others that they would never utter face to face.  I have talked to a few people who felt free to chat with me, and when I see them face to face, they act like I don’t exist and that our conversation never happened.

Ever have that happen???

One of the drawbacks of Facebook is that we are in our head and on our computers a lot.  So it’s a real quick thing to post something right out of your head without thinking about it.  But then when you realize what you have done (and it doesn’t have to be bad – just something you wouldn’t do face to face) it’s too late to take it back.  And when there is no repercussion – or better yet, positive feedback…well then HEY…let’s do that again!!

But the problem with getting so comfortable on Facebook is; some messages are really apparent.  I have seen patterns in my friends that make it obvious, their mental state.  Sometimes it’s good; sometimes it’s not so good.

I have had people tell me that my life has become more transparent on Facebook.  I have had people say to me, “Wow, you are so busy!!” and I think “How would THEY know???”  But for me, it’s simply that I post everything on Facebook.

Okay…not everything!!!  I say that I have no filters – which is pretty close to the truth – but the true truth is, I’m constantly filtering myself.  I’m considering my ‘audience’ and reacting accordingly.  I’m very reserved at first and as I get to know people, I let my guard down.

But on Facebook, I’m a little more free, because most of my ‘friends’ know me and I don’t really have anything to hide.  And I’m the same in person as I am on Facebook (don’t correct me if I’m wrong)

One other thing I have to say is people are pretty well-behaved on this medium.  Yes, there are a few F-bombs, but for the most part, I’m very impressed with the etiquette people uphold!!  I have had a fight or two on FB in early days (Totally unintentionally) but realized quickly how things can spiral and am therefore more careful.   And I see that others follow suit!!!

So, if you feel the need to call me a Facebook “junkie”….well then, thank you!!  I have no problem staying connected.  I like to share!!  And you can read my posts, or my blog, or not…  I won’t lose any sleep!!  But the people with whom I want to stay connected will feel an ounce closer to me. And that is what I like!!!

I write my blog for the “Me TOO’s” out there.  We all live life in parallel ways, but no one seems to want to talk about it!  I have no problem with it, therefore, I’m here!!

So, I want to thank all my ‘friends’ for letting me stay connected with you.  Call me what you will, I’m not changing.  If you feel the need to unfriend me, because I am too much, go for it!  I’m not your cup of tea!

I love the friendships I have developed and I’m thankful for Facebook for letting me connect to the outside world one squirrel at a time throughout my day at my computer!!!

And that’s all there is to it!!

Happy Saturday!!