Years ago, during a post-op visit, I mentioned to my ob/gyn that I shouldn’t have watched “Will and Grace” while I was still recovering, as it hurt my incision to laugh so much! She said, “You watch comedies? They just seem like such silliness to me.” This, from a 30-something woman with a great sense of humor! It seemed like she was being such a fuddy duddy.
Well, now, I am going to be a fuddy duddy on another issue. Within the past month, I joined two online communities that I swore I’d never join, but two people whose opinions and advice I value had encouraged it again (and they are persistent). So, ok, fine. I’ve got time (ha!), so I’ll give it a try.
The first online community was a total disaster, and I un-joined very quickly, and nobody (well, almost nobody) was ever the wiser. We won’t discuss that. The second online community, whose name rhymes with GraceLook, is not as much of a disaster but I don’t like it as much as the world seems to think one should. I don’t like feeling like I’ve gone underground. I don’t want to add another venue for communicating with groups of people, as I’ve found group talk takes time and intimacy away from individual relationships. I don’t see myself joining groups, taking quizzes, becoming a “fan” of anything. The only thing I do like is that it gives me access to people who have not been communicating much via their blogs or e-mails, and so I won’t worry that they’ve died or are suffering in some way when I don’t hear from them. (It’s in my genes to worry and to assume the worst!)
And with all this, I’m realizing that my relationship with the internet is (and always has been) very business-like and purposeful. I use the internet to the extent that it makes my normal everyday activities a little more efficient (e-mail is quick!). But I’ve only very rarely sought entertainment from the internet (no music downloading, no YouTube watching), and I don’t browse or surf or participate in the “silliness” very much. It just isn’t my thing. My things are math and gymnastics and Disney and dancing!
So, to those who have friended me at GraceLook (*giggles*), don’t expect a lot. I’ll keep most of my business at wordpress and via e-mail.
Just called me Fuddy Duddy.
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 12:37 pm |
Dear Fuddy Duddy,
Purposeful. I like that. May we all become more purposeful and intentional about our living. It is much more thrilling to have real relationships than to answer questions on a quiz that are silly and trite. I liked your post because once again you have articulated something that has been floating around in my mind for awhile. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I know you so well because of reading your posts that I could feel your joy the day you held Ben. I’ll bet the question, “Do you like to sniff the hair of a brand new baby?” isn’t on one of those quizzes!
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1:48 pm |
Thanks for your response Dawn! I am glad my thoughts resonated with at least one person. (I hesitated a lot about posting this.)
I should add babies to my list of “my things”, yes?! I always feel a little funny listing babies as an interest, as it seems like maybe I eat them or something! *laughs* I like their smell and especially their baby noises, and it’s just fascinating to think about all the things they see every day that are entirely new!
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 6:13 pm |
I totally agree about the internet. I, too, have been invited to join “GraceLook” but haven’t done it and don’t intend to. I use email and check a few blogs and feel like that (and the occasional business things I do online) is enough. I am totally distraught that our newspaper is not going to publish a paper copy except on Thursdays and Sundays and totally expect people to read the paper online — no thanks! I plan on tuning in to a local radio station now and then to see if anything significant is happening locally — and will get the “real” newspaper twice a week.