Facebook

I haven't posted for some time. This has been in part because of a lack of interesting things to say (to be made abundantly clear as you read), because I've been very very busy with work and other obligations, and finally (and the point of the title) because I've been hanging out on Facebook during whatever free time I do have at the computer.

I'm the type of person that has a lot of acquaintances, but no real friends. I don't mean that nobody likes me, just that I don't have a select group of people with whom I regularly hang out, communicate, or interact. This can be much to Kate's consternation, as she has plenty of girl friends to do stuff with, but if I want to go out and do something, it's always Kate that's on the hook.

I don't view my lack of friends as a huge drawback. A lot of my free-time activities (running, tree-climbing, other outdoor stuff) are very individualistic, and don't lend themselves well to the type of friend activity like going to a sporting event or concert would. Also, my leisure activities are a little less universally appreciated, and to participate with another in any practical way requires the same level of skill (e.g. I can't keep up on a run with someone who does 3:15 marathons, and it's hard for someone who doesn't also "know the ropes" to have fun climbing with me), so that's a further hindrance. Finally, while I am overall extroverted, my job being what it is, dealing with interacting with people, usually on a somewhat intense level, for 8-10 hours a day often means that on my down time, I just want to retreat into myself for a while.

So, for all those reasons and others, I am happy to go through life with a wife who's also a best friend, loving family around me, people I enjoy both in my work and extended social circles, but with really no regular "friends" otherwise. Still, it seems that something is missing not having those closer friends to regularly share things with.

That is why (to finally get around to the point of the post), I have really enjoyed Facebook. It's friendship with parameters that are perfect for me. I have re-established communication with friends from Jr. High, High School, College, as well as other avenues. Within this little "social networking tool" we can share things, communicate, and interact in a way that shows others that I'm interested in them and enjoy sharing things with them, and visa versa. But, it can be done on all of our own time, which works really well for me.

Point is, I've done more Facebook time because I've discovered I like having friends - particularly in the manner Facebook allows: checking in anytime, sharing things via various technologies, written expressions.

I don't want to overdue the facebook thing, so I'll stop there. But I think it's part of the reason I've not updated for a while.

I'm throwing in at the end a YouTube clip I really like. Facebook "friends" will have seen this video link from my "profile", but I find it funny and actually thoughtful enough (be thankful and amazed at what's around you) that I re-posted it here.