Oh, You'll Really Hit It Off

Dear Facebook,

Wow, you're so sweet. Seriously. You just think of everything! How can I ever thank you for all this unsolicited advice?

Oh, THESE are the people I should be friends with. Why didn't I think of that? It's not like there are reasons why I haven't friended these people. Despite our 147 friends in common.

And these are the pages I should like? Good to know. So that's what I've been missing on my page? Advertisements for Pepsi? Updates from Justin Bieber? Wisdom from the Kardashian sisters?

I mean, typically I make my own decisions. So it's nice you don't push these at me or anything. You just line them ALL over the page, helpfully.

And wow, my friends are playing yet another game on Facebook? But this one involves flying cows? Or virtual mall shopping? Or dressing up avatars? Well, thanks for letting me know. I'll get right on that.

No, really. You're too kind.

Love,
Me

An Interest in Pinterest

Judy Smith has pinned a pin to pinterest.

What? What is this nonsense?

I stayed away as long as I could, I'm telling you. I'm not super crafty. I don't consider myself the kind of Susie Homemaker type that would need Pinterest to inspire me to do crazy creative things with ribbon, paper clips, and nail polish. Or whatever.

Seriously, everything I saw on Pinterest seemed so daunting and crafty that I was turned off. And plus, I didn't want to be a typical girl. I like to go against the grain on occasion. And everyone expected me to be on there.

Then I finally thought I might as well check it... out for the sake of the library. That's right, the library. I already take care of Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger for the library. Why not see if I can add Pinterest to the list? I saw that other libraries use it successfully as another way to increase awareness of their usefulness and to provide information. For instance, the New York Public Library has dozens of boards, including a neat one with fashion pictures around the time of Downton Abbey, taking advantage of its current popularity.

So I dove right in. I take it back; I actually stared at pictures for hours. Wait - time has passed? All I did was look at a few puppies. And cookies. And muscles.

I just think it's so ironic that I can be waffling between wanting to just eat every-freakin' thing I see on these boards and wanting to never eat again yet exercise continuously so I can look as awesome as that model. Only you, Pinterest, can torture me in this way.

My favorite are the sarcastic/witty comments. They just crack me right up. I'll take something snarky over something inspirational any day of the week.

So now I'm a pinner. Or whatever. I only have an account for the library, but I'm thisclose to getting my own. It's only a matter of time until Pinterest wears me down...

This Library Rocks

Well, we're gearing up for the Winter Reading Clubs at our library.

The kids love to participate. They put stickers on charts, fill out book reviews for the chance to win prizes, and do puzzles and stuff. Adults, on the other hand, need a little more persuasion to take part.

They think reading clubs are silly, or they say they don't have time, or they say they already read and don't need to cheapen their library experience by entering to win prizes.

WhatEVER. Support your library! I'm going to be right there entering my reviews. It's good to have lots of people participate; it shows your library is doing something right!

In addition, the big prize this year is, wait for it, a Kindle Touch! *GASP* That's right, ladies and gentlemen, the library is cool and awesome and relevant.

Really, though, we try to be! People still come into the library thinking it's just a big quiet room with old ladies hobbling around paging through dusty encyclopedias. Guess what? We've got the Internet and eBooks and children's programs and live music and art displays and book discussions and Facebook and Twitter and a blog...come check us out at the library!

It's good to shake things up once in a while at the library. Hence the reading club during these lousy winter months. The library is awesome. And I consider it my personal mission to let people know that.



We do not have this reading nook. But wouldn't that be so amazing??

What's There to Like?

There are those who are chronic "likers."
Either you are one, or you know one.

It's all well and good to "like" things on Facebook. But what about "liking" something just for the sake of liking it?

Here are two status updates for your consideration:

Laura loves puppies. *like*

Laura needs a ride to the airport. Help! *like*

See the difference here? In the first scenario, you like the status because you also love puppies! Yay for common ground and bonding through your shared interest of puppies!

In the second scenario, you have abused the like button. How does liking this status help? You like and then you move on. No comment, no help, nothing.

Laura made granola. *like*

Laura needs a good recipe for granola. *like*

Wait - what? Why are you rubbing my status in my face? I can't find a good recipe for granola and you like that? How about a suggestion?

Beyond the non-helpful, there's just the plain sadistic.

Laura is wearing a Disney Princess bandaid because she cut her finger. *like* (minor injury, cute bandaid)

Laura broke her toe kicking a library book across the floor. *like*

This may seem tricky, because the situation might seem funny, but the end result is a broken toe! Sympathize!

You don't have to "like" something to prove you read it. I know it's easy to use, but that doesn't mean you have to.


Think about it.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen... OoooOooooOOooo!

Well, this is it. Halloween. The big day.

I'm going to celebrate today the way any decent librarian would: I'm going to wear a Halloween pin on my cardigan!

We happened to have a bunch at work, all right? I don't typically buy decorative pins.

Now, the only question is, should I wear the black cat or the jack-o-lantern? The jack-o-lantern has blinking red eyes, by the way. I might have to switch off and wear both, depending on how long the battery lasts in the jack-o-lantern...

Hey - have a happy and safe Halloween. I'll be eagerly awaiting pictures on Facebook of everyone's costumes.

I Know You; I've Walked With You Once Upon a Dream

If you're on Facebook, you're probably struck pretty often at how many "friends" you have.

(Shouldn't you be able to remember friends' names so you can properly stalk them?)

We all know SO many people. It can be hard to keep everyone straight.

Here's what I have trouble with:

• Remembering what I've told different people so I'm not repeating myself.
• Remembering what people already know about me so I don't assume anything.
• Remembering which people I can be sarcastic with, or which people I have to be more sensitive with.
• Remembering how I even know people in the first place.

That's a lot of remembering.

But when you have different circles of friends or even acquaintances, you've got to keep track. Who knows who? What common friends do you have?

I've got family and best friends. Church and work. The gym and the grocery store. I see so many people that look vaguely familiar that I tend to just avoid them when I see them in public because I'm not sure how well we know each other. And if they know my name and I don't know theirs? Yikes.

It's a challenge, that's for sure! My life is filled with relationships, and it's tough maintaining and keeping them straight.

This reminds me...I should probably clean out my friends list again...

"Hmmm...How do I know you?"

What's the Secret Password?

I am really sick of passwords.

Seriously. How many am I expected to come up with? I have created dozens of accounts over the years, more every day! Everything from Facebook to banking, Twitter to insurance, Blogger to iTunes. Not to mention my three email addresses.

Want to leave a comment at this site? Create an account. Want more information? Create an account. Want your own profile? Create an account.

I try to overlap user names and passwords so I can remember. I try to stick with the same key words for work-related things, for instance. But I can't have the same user name and password for EVERYTHING! It seems to risky. Not to mention, I'd have to go back and change everything so it matched. And different sites have different requirements.

I am at the point now where I just get mad if I have to create a new password for something. I try to use something I've already used, but I need to have two numbers. And a capital letter. And a symbol. And two dashes, a smiley face, and my astrological sign. Ugh! I've come to the point where if I create this quick account I don't think I'll use anymore, like one I used for online computer support, I do something like "helpme". Or "passwordsarestupid".

The other day, I was logging in to one of my email accounts and forgot my password. I remembered part of it, but got stuck. I tried to keep typing it in without thinking about it. Like, la di da, just typing in my password automatically of course I remember it...but kept I failing. I noticed my finger kept drifting upwards, so I went with that, just trying to feel the password, and eventually I got it.

But seriously? Should all these passwords be causing me this much grief?

I say no. What say you?

I Like You

Hooray for the "like" button! Hooray for non-commitment! (is that a word...?) Hooray for one quick nod of recognition before moving on with my life!

I don't have to comment on your status. On your picture. On your video, note, or relationship status.

If I:
approve,
enjoy,
marvel at,
agree with,
understand,
laugh at,
etc....

I don't have to leave a comment that will be followed by another comment that will be followed by another comment...to the extent that I begin to regret that I am even FRIENDS with you.

I can just like it.

Bam! Like.

A quick interaction. A brief moment of understanding between us. A wink, a nod, an "amen," if you will.

I like you. I like what you said. What you did. What you created.

So, thanks for that.

*Like*

Mean Girl

I am really glad that no one can read my mind. Honestly, the things that go through my head. The things I think about people can be so judgmental and downright mean.

For example, people watching. To me, people watching is a lot more comfortable than actually interacting with people. This is an introvert thing, I'm sure. Anyway, I'm fascinated by watching people. How they look, what they say, how they interact with each other... But it doesn't end there. I'm watching people and judging them based on how special I think I am. Which is pretty stinkin' special, if you were wondering.

Also, I'm a sarcastic person. Not sure how this happened. But it's true. And I have to be careful that all the nonsense that's in my head doesn't spill out of my mouth to bite someone.

Now, I'm definitely proud of myself when I DON'T write or say hurtful things. Which is more often than actually writing/saying them, thank you very much. As many times as I wish I could let it all out on Facebook (I take it too seriously sometimes...I mean, it's Facebook), I've got to hold back. Or I will not have friends.

Self-control is important. But more important is going straight to the source - my mind - and evaluating my pride issues and my lack-of-love-and-understanding issues.

I'm a work in progress.

Unrealistic Expectations About Facebook

Hey, I'm annoyed by Farmville as much as the next girl. I, too, see statuses that make me roll my eyes. I cruise Facebook and judge profiles and pictures like nobody's business.

But come on, now. It's Facebook.

I feel like we can sometimes get "righteously indignant" about the things people put on Facebook. "Why would they post a status like that? No one cares." "They can't take good pictures at all; look at how blurry!" "What kind of pointless group did they join now?"

Which is funny, because after all, it's Facebook.

Think about the "point" of Facebook. Staying connected and knowing what everybody else is doing. Am I right? If someone's bothering you that much, unfriend them. I mean, what are you expecting on here anyway? Everyone to post statuses that are as witty and/or intellectual as yours?

Sure, I get annoyed with people on Facebook. But no one's twisting my arm to look at those pictures. No one made me click "accept" on the friend request. No one made me even get Facebook in the first place.

So this is a reminder to me to back off a little. To not be so judgmental. To not invest time in overanalyzing people "as seen on Facebook."

It's not life or death. It's just Facebook. Hm...sounds like a good t-shirt.

Don't Go Changing

I am not in favor of change. Um, are we voting? I vote no on the change. Please, won't things just stay the way they are?

Have you ever gone to a website you visit regularly only to find that the layout is completely different? This happened to me twice the other day - two different sites. I got all disoriented and couldn't find anything.

Every time Facebook changes, I hate it. I haven't switched my profile over to the "new" profile yet because I like things to be the same. Sure, I'll adapt eventually. But I don't want to.

I don't want to relearn something or go through new experiences or be uncomfortable in new situations. I have a rut and enjoy being stuck in it.

Obviously, change happens. I don't have to like it, but I can be willing to give it a chance and work on being more flexible.

Or I can remain in denial.

Hmm...

Snow is My Frenemy

Snow and I have a love/hate relationship. For me, it's all about the timing.

Those weeks building up to Christmas...bring it on! I begin almost every morning by squinting through the blindes on my window, hoping to see some serious piles.

Come on, come on, come on... I see pictures of snowstorms on my Facebook friends profiles and grit my teeth with envy. It's not that hard, let's go, SNOW!

Anticipating snow takes me back to being at school and praying for a snow day every night from October until March. I have never watched the weather as closely as those years I was at college.

And the first "real" snowfall (the one that counted, obviously) with all the grass and trees covered? Total bliss.

Now, fast forward to after Christmas. Only crumbs left of the cookies. Crinkled up wrapping paper. Dry pine needles. December comes to a close.

Okay, ready for spring!

No such luck. Now the REAL snow begins. The frost. The hail. The freezing temperatures. All the stuff I would've welcomed in December. Now, not so much.

School and work closings are still exciting, don't get me wrong. But the snow is more ominous now. It's not fluffy and Christmas-y. It's heavy, dark, and COLD.

So bring on the snow now, while I'm emotionally prepared. Now, while I'm singing carols and eating cookies. Now, while I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

Because, after Christmas? The REAL snow comes. And won't leave.

Thanks, but NO Thanks

I’m a pretty stubborn person to begin with.

But my computer tries to tell me what to do, I really dig in my heels.

“Would you like to AutoArchive your old emails now?”

“________ is new to Facebook. Send him a message!”

“There are unused icons on your desktop. The desktop cleanup wizard can help you clean up your desktop. Click this balloon to start the wizard.”

“Did you know that this toolbar can organize icons/AutoComplete words/solve world hunger?"

No! Leave me alone! I don’t care if it’s a good idea. I don’t need a computer to tell me what to do! What does Facebook care if I send a certain friend a message? You know what? UNFRIEND! Ha! That’ll show you, Facebook!

Close this box. X out of that window. Delete, no, exit, no, close. It never ends.

And those commercials that throw themselves desperately at you from the screen. Those ads that follow you down the screen as you scroll down. The videos that start playing on a website advertising some kind of cleaning solution and you CAN'T mute them or pause them! The pictures that your mouse pointer accidentally brush against and they blow up into a huge ad that takes up the whole screen. What, do they think that they'll annoy me to the point of buying their product?

Don't tell me what to do, computer. Don't force things down my throat, random companies. Don't suggest things for me to do, Facebook. I am capable of handling problems, buying products, and wasting time all on my very own.

Friends. Of the Facebook Variety.

You have one friend request.

Oh, yeah. There’s nothing like a Facebook friend request. What? Someone wants to be friends with little ol’ me? How sweet! Well, who wouldn’t want to be friends with me; that’s the question!

The anticipation of who it could be is usually – no, always – more exciting than seeing who it actually is.

That’s why it’s always best to savor the moment. It could be ANYone behind that blank head and shoulders icon. Nonchalantly, I’ll do other things on Facebook – look at pictures, update my status – all to allow me time to enjoy the fact that someone wants to be my friend.

Finally, when I can’t stand it anymore, I click on it. Usually, it’s no one earth-shattering. A lot of times it’s someone I don’t even know, so I instantly hit ignore.

Well, that’s that. Now I just have to wait for another mysterious stranger who thinks I’m cool enough to add me as a friend.

It’s the simple things...

This is the Facebook Friend Request T-Shirt from http://www.zazzle.com/.