To Facebook or not

Big news headlines: 

Log off! As Facebook plans a $5bn stock market float, one trenchant sceptic describes how the social network is ruthlessly selling your soul

Does this social networking site turn you into a product and does it make your friendships, marriages and children into a product? 

 

So, now the big question...do you continue to have a profile on Facebook or is just the success of a business and now we must take it down? We all know the story behind Facebook.  Originally called thefacebook, Facebook was founded by former-Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (while at Harvard) who ran it as one of his hobby projects with some financial help from Eduardo Saverin. Within months, Facebook and its core idea spread across the dorm rooms of Harvard where it was very well received. Soon enough, it was extended to Stanford and Yale where, like Harvard, it was widely endorsed.

Before he knew it, Mark Zuckerberg was joined by two other fellow Harvard-students – Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes – to help him grow the site to the next level. Only months later when it was officially a national student network phenomenon, Zuckerberg and Moskovitz dropped out of Harvard to pursue their dreams and run Facebook full time. In August 2005, thefacebook was officially called Facebook and the domain facebook.com was purchased for a reported $200,000.

And now, we ask ourselves, the people who helped launch Facebook.  "The profiles,"  I will call us...why wouldn't we want to purchase stock in this profound venture?  Some of you (so I've heard) will delete your profile, others plan on replicating themselves like Dolly the sheep and still some of you remain 'OFF of Facebook' all together.  

What percentage of the world is not on Facebook?  After doing a bit of research, calculations and Googling...I found that as of today based on the population of the world, the 2010 census, computer owners and the earth's rotation...the answer is: 6.5 billion

10 reasons why you won't quit Facebook according to Business Week:

1. You're not going to go back to waiting an hour to send an email to 30 people with 40 photos attached.

2. How will you remember anybody's birthday?

3. How will you stalk your college boyfriend's new fiance?
 

4. Without Facebook what are you going to do when you don't have a friend's email address or phone number?

 

5. Forget Facebook? 80 million of you are addicted to Zygna's Facebook game, FarmVille.

6. It takes 2 seconds to "join" a new site through Facebook Connect. It can take a good 10 minutes doing it the old way. (Care to subscribe to these magazines?)

7. How will you hear about parties? How will you remember where and when those parties are? Evite?

8. You don't care about Mark Zuckerberg's sometimes sketchy past.

9. Sure, Facebook has privacy issues, but you don't care about privacy anymore. Remember when you wouldn't use your real name on the Internet?

10. You've never quit before. Remember those darn news feeds?  People are voyeurs, not even if you don't want to, you can't help but to scroll down and find out what others are doing.  You complain about their posts but you read them don't you?

10 reasons why you will quit Facebook according to Business Week's naysayers or why you just aren't on now:

 1. If I want to upload photos, I am going to upload them to Picasa or something similar, then email a link to there.

2. I will store them in any of a hundred fully functional and free calendar applications that are out there to remember birthdays.

3. Honestly, I think I can handle life with a little less stalking activity in it. In fact, I think it might be good for me.

4. I happen to have the email addresses of all of my (real) friends. If I wanted to contact someone and I didn't have any contact information for them, I guess I would do what I did before we were friends on Facebook: track it down. Mutual friends? White pages? Come on. I have the email addresses of anybody that I have emailed, has emailed me, or has been cc:d on an email that I have received, in the past few years. I can find them easily in Gmail. Am I supposed to be frightened to death of the possibility of not being able to contact somebody that I used to be "friends" with on Facebook?

5. Being addicted to FarmVille is a reason to leave Facebook, not to stay!

6. I don't care to subscribe to news feeds/magazines. I already get too much crap in my inbox as it is.

7. I have never once gone to an event that I was invited to on Facebook. How about that? I have gone to multiple events I was invited to on Evite.

8. Most days, I don't care the slightest bit of Zuckerberg or the history behind Facebook and those spoiled brats from Harvard.

9. I do care about privacy. 

10. I've quit many things in my life, and Facebook won't be the last.

 

 

Fodder for a Blogger

The last few weeks I have placed my blog on hiatus.  Not because I didn't have stories to tell but because I am knee deep and involved in renovating my home projects.  Yes, not renovating my home but my home projects. I have "re" prioritized several times and have received second and third opinions.  I think I have it narrowed down to at least ten projects.  

While the paint is drying in the bedroom, I thought I would take a minute to jot down the strangest (funniest) sayings/stories I've heard from friends and family over the last few weeks. All these are quotable meaning, yes, I did hear them with my own two ears - no exaggeration however the quotes' owners will remain anonymous.  

• Don't you take the toilet paper leftover in hotel rooms? I do.  My last vacation I was gone for 11 days. Everyday when the cleaning crew came in, I took the new roll.  I am set for at least the next two months.
• I am wearing red underpants said by a friend...at the dinner table.
• I am ready to workout and get back to the gym.  No, I am not.  My back hurts.  No wait, my head hurts.  Actually, I am just not ready.
• Everyone looked so nice at the party.  Some looked like they got their dresses on the clearance rack.  They only showed up with half of it on.
• I don't need to hand out business cards, everyone knows who I am. 
• I want you to write about me in your blog. It's more fun when you write about me.  Really, Grant?
• I won this jacket.  It cost me $1000...at the casino.
• Can I please take out those pillars?  It would look so much better. Even if there are holes in the ceiling afterwards, it would look much better.  Spoken by someone with a sawzall in their hands for the first time.
• Are you using a tanning booth?  Because it looks and smells like it.
• Do you listen to me?  "Huh?" on the receiving end.
• If "Words with Friends" doesn't work on your phone, buy a new phone.
•  I think the "real" butter on the popcorn is what made me sick...not that the bag of microwave popcorn was two years old.
• Will you please call them back and tell them that we are bringing dinner over to their house? I don't like what they are serving.
• What is the number 7, Angela? - OK, this one is an inside joke but quite quotable.  

Overtime accumulation

I had a fantastic thing happen to me this week.  I was confronted by a sweet voice asking me two questions:

1.  Why would you need all of those vases?

2.  Is there a reason why you haven't changed your bright emerald green carpet from the early 90s - all 2500 square feet of it?

The answer to the above questions was, "I don't know."

It's not because I am a collector of vases and its not because I've enjoyed living on turf but when life continues to move forward sometimes you just put things in cupboards or you stop looking down.

So, first for the vases...

I believe there are three types of people:

Collectors

Hoarders

Minimalists

I have chosen today to be a minimalist.  I am cleaning out.  After 15 years, I've saved (for whatever reason) roughly 25 vases; most are from flowers I've received over the years and some are antiques.  

When my grandma died in 2008, I was the depository for most of her items.  My mom thought since I had most of the room in my home, I should take grandma's vases, dishes, vintage clothes and some handbags.  Mind you - I don't mind the sentimental value of those items however how many vases should I keep and for who?  Please notice, I'm not doing anything with clothes or handbags :)

It's a bit scary to open a cupboard and find all of them there - I flash back to a scene from someones car with mounds of paper, glasses and recycled items.  

Could I be a glass recylcler? - BTW,  'recycler' is a made up word  - urban dictionary would be so proud -  or could I be like a person who uses their car as a storage unit?

That is a nightmare.

Recently, I've had conversations with others about their organizational skills at home.  Some have pathways they walk around, others don't want to get rid of anything in fear they may need it and then there are those that have a case of OCD and are scared of dust and particles living on anything.  I get it...everyone is different but what is the best way for me?  I want to be efficient.  I want to be cost sensitive and what I am doing right now is rationalizing my hoarding like tendencies so Barb, get rid of the vases and have a garage sale.  That is what I am going to do...I am going to encourage (real word is enable) others to hoard.  Please, come buy my junk and add to your disease of collection.  

Question 1 - SOLVED

Now, question 2.  That emerald green carpet.  When my X and I bought our house in 2000, I had vision.  Yes, I saw the deep green, swap-like carpet but I told myself, I'll lay new carpet.

HA

Now, 12 years later, the green carpet still exists.  Talk about dust collection. 

The cats are doing their part to remove it.  Frankie and Cooper love to scratch on the staircase - believe it or not it's quite good carpet and has held its durability and COLOR well.  

But, as my little sweet voice said, "Barb, it's time to do something about the carpet."

OK!  

Yesterday, I confirmed an appointment to have the luxurious emerald green carpet removed and replaced with a more neutral oatmeal color.  Some may say, "how boring." 

Well, I've tried living with wild...for 12 years now so I think boring, neutral oatmeal carpet will be a refreshing change and will get me on the path of moving on. 

Bye bye emerald green - a blast from my past and hello oatmeal - I am sure you will be much better for me and healthier too.

Chocolate droppings

I would like to challenge a blog post I read from an Alaskan resident.  She states, "Only in Alaska do you look in your rear view mirror of your car to see if there's a moose in your driveway before you back out of your garage in the morning."

I completely disagree because Wednesday morning it happened in eastern Washington to me of all people.  As I pushed my garage door opener the door raised slowly and there it was.  A calf moose sleeping in my driveway.  It was larger than my new car.  I've heard some real horror stories of how mean they are and situations where they've charged cars but what was I supposed to do?  I was in my garage.  I was in my car.  I was attempting to make my way to work. 

And then I noticed two more moose.  Yes.  It was mama moose and her sister or maybe it was her oldest but I was witnessing mom eating breakfast on my bushes and auntie doing her business on my front lawn and baby calf taking a little snooze.

I looked down at my phone - not to take a picture mind you. I was enamored by their size and beauty, I forgot entirely to click the camera.  I did however text my colleagues at work.  "I will be a bit late for work.  There is a family of moose impeding my progress this morning."  I loved one of my return responses from a coworker.  "Don't just sit there...shoot them."  Oh yeah right.  Me, shoot them.  Am I to use my BB gun that I purchased last year for my woodpecker problem?  That worked so well for me last year.  

I didn't shut the garage door as I didn't want to asphyxiate myself nor did I want to honk as to cause a ruckus so I waited for about 25 minutes until they sauntered off on up the hill.  

Then I thought, "no one is going to believe this...I didn't get photos."

So, the next morning I was ready.  I had my camera and I slowly opened the garage door but no luck.  No moose this morning.  As I turned to go back into the house I looked over at my neighbor's backyard and there they were.  Clearly they didn't want to make me late to work again but they did leave traces for me in my yard...little 'chocolate' presents that will be gone come spring time.  

Pictured:  Proof of my tardiness to work.  Dear moose:  I will share my space with you anytime and thank you for sharing your space with me.  It was surreal. 

When is your Word your Friend?

Today is the day when some of us (or you) make New Year's resolutions.  My best friend called me today and asked if I could provide her with a "non resolution."  I asked what she meant by that, "well you see,"  she said, "most people make resolutions only to completely fail miserably at them and I want you to dig deep and find something that would be life changing...one thing that you will resolve to do and follow through with."

At first, I smiled and thought to myself.  Doesn't everyone set out for success when making resolutions?  Are you telling me that most people think, "everyone else makes them so should I and by the way, it won't stick anyway?"

Doubtful but for you, Angela, I will make a "non resolution."  Before I do, I have to tell you what my last year's resolution was.  In 2011, I resolved to find a game/hobby or activity that would expand my mind and make me think.  Believe it or not, I found it.  It's a little game called Words with Friends (WWF).  You all know what it is and if you don't, you are behind the curve.  It's not too late to play and most people are addicted so you can find a virtual meet up on Facebook and be accepted into the cult.  

Some of you have killed the game.  Some of you have sworn.  Some of you have cheated. 

Some of you challenge the game but most of you play the game with "friends."  I quote friends because after playing a few games and losing your shorts, you wonder if these people are your friends or not.  And, you wonder if the computer is ripping you off or rigged in some way.  There are a few words that are actually words and WWF won't let you place them.  Did you know I tried several times to place the tiles to spell the word QUITE and it came back with UITE is not a word.  Really?  I didn't place UITE.  I placed QUITE. After several tourette outbursts, I finally had to place QI.  

Or, try the word, GAEL.  It doesn't work.  Does that mean that the  St. Mary's Gaels are meaningless?  BTW, WWF, Webster defines gael as:  

1. somebody who speaks Gaelic: somebody from Scotland, Ireland, or the Isle of Man who speaks Gaelic
2. Scottish Highlander: somebody from the Scottish Highlands

I am sure if I can use the letters AE to form a word, I should be able to use GU. Yes, GU and not the private university in Spokane but the meaning of GU is medicine/genitourinary.

And, I am pretty sure that LOOT is a word but you try it and see.  It doesn't work.  Should I call the creator of WWF and say WTF?  Or, should I propose to make another "non resolution" for 2012 and make up words in daily speak and call it babalish - meaning Barb's made up language for people who have tried words on WWF only to be disheartened by the pop up message on the screen, "Sorry, XXX is not an acceptable word."  

Most of my friends already know that I speak Babalish however it would be fun to use a "non word" a day in conversation and see if the person on the other end can tell or better yet repeat it in other company and carry on a new language.  

So, Angela, with that said, my non resolution for 2012 is to create my own language and have one person in my life accept me for who I am.     

Happy New Year everyone.  May 2012 bring you peace, happiness and a love for non words.

Those darn Christmas lists...

It's that time of year again when you ask your loved ones "what do you want for Christmas?"

Their response, "Nothing...I have everything I want and need."

And then there are some who give you a list.

I've heard some good stories this year about Christmas wish lists that I wanted to share.  I will disguise names for the sake of embarrassment.  You may know some of them...be one of them or better yet, want to use them.

2011 Christmas Wish List from a father to his sons:

Mom said trip to Hawaii would be nice

If you guys wanted to buy the coffee maker I could chip in. She wants the one that she was looking at in Wal Mart for $149.95 and the carousel for the coffee pouch was 29.95 - she needs both, I know you haven't seen it but I am sure the price will help you find it

She also mentioned a new pajama out there that looks like blue jeans

Or, her perfume - you know what that is I hope

Or, slippers - you better get the right ones or she'll ask you to take them back

I bet you can beat Wal Mart's prices at Best Buy or Costco. Love Dad

2011 Christmas request to a wife from her husband:

Husband (H):  Honey, what would you like for Christmas?

Wife (W):  I don't know, surprise me.

H:  Do you want something like a sweater?

W:  Why not something like lingerie?

H:  What kind?

W:  Please don't make me get online and show you.  Surprise me.

H:  Well, if you get online and show me and I pay for it...it would be a surprise.

2011 Christmas hint from a boyfriend to a girlfriend:

Boyfriend:  What do you want for Christmas this year?

Girlfriend:  I don't need anything.  What do you want for Christmas?

Boyfriend:  A new golf club.

Girlfriend:  What kind?

Boyfriend:  Wait a minute...scratch that, I'll get that myself however I can provide you with a list of other ideas.

Girlfriend:  That won't be needed, the elves will figure it out.

2011 Funny Christmas list from mother to her children:
1 Magenta colored crayon
4 marbles that are yellow inside
box of toothpicks
fuzzy bunny slippers
a Hot Wheels version of the Oscar Mayer wiener mobile

just add water instant underpants
a pad of post-it notes
a green highlighter
a 40 watt light bulb
wheat penny
peacock feather
Burger King crown
 

2012 Christmas Gift of the Month list to get you ready for next year:

January:  Join a case of beer of the month club 

February: Sign up for a wine of the month club

March:  Go online and click on Hawaiian flower of the month (deliver anywhere)

April:  Give a gourmet chocolate of the month club

May: A spa service once a month gift

June: Register for a quarterly sporting event or concert (football, basketball, Def Leppard)

July:  A get away of the month (cabins, beaches, B&Bs, camping)
August: The gift of a hobby (beginning classes in quilting, card making, photography)

September:  Order a book of the month

October: Deliver a cookie of the month

November: Sign up for an International newspaper or magazine delivery

December:  Decide never to do Christmas "wish" lists again

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.  Remember the reason for the season.  Peace to you and yours.

Barb, the tool girl, Richey

I got the house.  He got the tools.

While I was at my aunt and uncle's house over the Thanksgiving holiday, the dinner conversation was random.  It included the occasional political jabs, why don't you eat turkey talk and my story about locating the best ladder for my light bulb changing duties.  My uncle asked, "why don't you have a ladder?"  At which I point I said, "I am waiting for it to go on sale at Costco."  -- right, like things go on sale at Costco.  

It then became a "he said, she said" exchange:

He said, "Well, what kind of tools do you have?

I said, "Right now, I am in the market for them."

He said, "you don't have tools?"

I said, "I have a $19.95 set with pink handles that I purchased at the grocery store."

He said, "Are you scared of tools?"

I said, "Ahhh.  No."

He said, "Do you know how to use tools?"

I said, without being disrespectful, "Really unc, yes, I know how to use them.  Mark took them when we divorced."  Hence, my statement...I got the house.  He got the tools.

To know my uncle (my mom's brother) a bit, consider this: 

Unc is a 75 year old man with a passion for collecting vintage toy trucks (he actually has a company; Semi Trucks).  He doesn't believe in the Internet so he travels across the country with a trailer and sets up shop at small flea markets, toy shows and any random casino parking lot between here and Dubuque. My aunt enjoys the penny slots so she travels with him when she's not working part time at Shopko - I think that's how they support their travels or it may be a place for her to escape for a few hours.  They've been married thirty plus years. 

My uncle was a chip buyer for the local paper mill.  He retired fifteen years ago and has since taken up puttering.   He's made clocks.  He's constructed bathrooms.  He's built fences. He's taken on photography.  And,  boy does he have tools.  My grandpa's tools.  And, a few of his own.

I spent this morning with my uncle.  He put together a tool "box" for me.  It's my grandpa's tool box from long ago.  It's my starter set.  I am quite excited to watch it grow.  I hope to have a garage like my unc's one day (pictured above). In fact, he asked me if I wanted an air compressor.  Ha.  "No, thanks, not right now, let me think about that and get back to you."