Manners

Today at lunch my coworker and I had a great conversation about how the internet and social media has brought an end to the simple things like please, thank you, and manners in general. In todays rush here and there world, we tend to forget the importance of these simple gestures.

One can argue that it isn't a loss of manners, but that our society has become lazy. To me our society has become lazy because of the internet and the social tools that have come from them.  People often wonder why I always say please, thank you, yes/no sir or ma'am - it is simply because I don't think people hear these words enough today.

My co-worker lives her life the same way- down to the simplest things such as pushing her chair in when she is away from her desk. How many of us do that? Usually we are too busy running from one meeting to the next, but not my co-worker. Yes, people can learn from her.

Next time someone does something nice, even  if its something small, say a simple thank you or send a personal thank you. Sometimes people need to hear more than a 'ty'. These are manners we as a whole society have let go of...maybe one by one we can bring them back and better yet maybe we can learn to incorporate manners into our status updates or tweets or posts...

A Salty Piece of Land...

For the past few days I have been thinking back to my vacation last summer...I have always wanted to do a family vacation with my older sister and last summer we met at a house on Duck Key in the Keys. It was so much fun, me, my significant other, my sister, her boys, and her best friend, her husband, and son rented a house on a canal in the middle of what I deem to be a little piece of  heaven.  The vacation was almost perfect- house was great, salt water pool was amazing, the boys where a blast, and most of all, just having the time with my sister and nephews was more than I could ask for. 

Usually when I am thinking about and missing those days I jump on Facebook and look through pictures on my site and my sisters site...it usually makes it all better.  It usually stops me from thinking about how I could totally get used to life in the Keys on a permanent basis.  Yes, I said I could move there.  Its just a different way of life. A life I could easily get used to. Best part- there are a ton of people from Pittsburgh down there and I might not be completely homesick. (No kidding- every bar we went into, we met someone from the western PA region!!) Every once in a while I look on Monster or Indeed to see what jobs are down in that area, but nothing there to match my skill set. Lately, it has become a daily search. I realize now I need to be not so picky or I need to change my skill set or, better yet,  find a job that allows me to work out of home office.  I even thought about placing an ad on Craigslist, but then I have flash backs to the Craigslist Killer and decide to not  do that. 

I could easily be happy- sun, water, interesting people and most of all a way of life that isn't full  of running here and there.  More and more I have been thinking about how I do so much for those around me, that at some point I need to do for me. Each time I think about it, my thoughts always go to a condo overlooking the water where I can watch the sunset from my own couch. Gosh. What I would do for my own salty piece of land right now.....

Thanks to Facebook, the internet, and email there is always a way to relive those memories or to research how to start a new chapter in one's life.  Thinking back 10, 12,14 years ago we didn't have the resources we have now.  We couldn't jump online and compare airplane tickets or go out to Vacation Rental by Owners (VRBO) to find and book the "perfect" vacation spot.  Its crazy how in that small amount of time the way we do things is completely different. Technology has opened so many doors for us to do things in the past that we had to rely on others to help us with. I know I can complain about technology and apps, but in the end, I am glad we have the tools we have today. 

6 weeks

6 weeks and im thinking it might be permanent ....

Jersey Shore

I do not often venture to the South Side (popular bar area in Pittsburgh) and I know why. The bars are full of meatballs and guidettes. I feel like Im in a bad episode of Jersey Shore.

Tonights lesson...watch Penguins game close to home so if someone comes in resembling Ronnie or Sammie you can ask them what their problem is because you know them and can remind them who they are.

30 days

I made it OVER 30 days without logging into Facebook. I achieved my goal and actually surpassed it. I can login, but made the decision not to.

Funny thing is I am off for over a month now and I had three emails today asking why they can't find me on Facebook. That kind of made me happy knowing I can fly under the radar for a while and eventually someone will miss/check on me.

Is your Facebook page really your own page?

I have a really good friend who posts on her Facebook page about many aspects of her life. She does is it in a way that is funny and enjoyable.  She is the one person you often wait to see what they have to say.  Being it is HER Facebook page, she does post about her personal views on the things she believes in. Lately people have been attacking her on her wall and through email about the things she posts.  It got to the point where she pulled her account down. 

When I found out what was going on through another site where this group of friends post privately to each other, I started wondering if Facebook is your page or is it made out to seem that it is, but it really isn't your page? Yes, she does say things at times that the masses may not agree with, but if you don't like it, then unfriend her. You do not have to remain "friends" with someone who you do not feel share the same opinions as you do.  Or does it come down to the fact that these social media sites are on the Internet and even though you own your page, it really isn't your page.  Yes, I am very aware of when you put something out on these sights that it is out there for the world to see, but come on-- attacking someone verbally or via email for sharing their thoughts and opinions is a little uncalled for. 

Hearing that this friend took her page down (it is now back up) means that there must have been some strong words sent to her because she is not the type to back down from a good fight. Maybe I view the world differently than some by respecting the thoughts and ideas from people and not attacking them for having their own views.  Everyone deserves to have their own personal identity, but is social media changing the arena for where we can be our own person?

Social media intrigues me. There are so many different angles to it- many of which we really haven't begun to fully understand yet.  Do I feel social media is changing the way we are and who we are? Yes, I do.  I also feel that if we don't start to look at it more closely we may miss out or we may end up causing more harm than good.  It takes instances where I hear what my friends go through that it really makes me want to learn and understand these tools more. Is it my need to protect my friends or is it my curiosity? I'm sure all that know me will say its both.

Good friends

She got me through bootcamp

Moving...it takes up a lot of time...

I haven't updated in a few days because I have been moving. I hate moving and hating unpacking, but I am getting through it.

The other night I was at dinner with my significant other and I realized something- we where sitting at dinner having a great conversation and there were no interruptions.  We sat and where talking and enjoying each others company with out picking our phones up checking social networks.  I admit I used my phone as a way to avoid certain conversations or as a way to change the conversation.  I now see that we have missed out on good conversation and quality time together for some time.  It was just nice to talk and laugh about the little things. I am starting to think this no Facebook rule might extend beyond the class project...