Just a few pics of where I've been!

Key Largo @ The Wild Bird Center! 

Chicago 

This and below, speak for themselves... I took both of these! 

San Fran! 

Time Square... Ugly day!  So much fun with Lindsay and Lori 

I've always wanted to see this! 

I'll post more soon!  I have a few more trips already planned.   So fortunate I wake up and get to do something I love, and see the US.  

Dear Diary.... I mean Facebook!

I think the image below spells it out.   I know I have posted several status updates regarding this topic, but c'mon people.   "It's a status, not your diary."

 
 I wonder if everyone asked themselves one or two questions would they still post half the crap some do.   I often times ask myself, do I want this brought up later.   Would I be ok with discussing this during Worship Services at my Church with my Preacher.  How would my dear 88 year old Granny feel about this topic etc.   I wish other people did the same.   I have learned from Facebook SEVERAL things I didn't need to know in the past.  

  I have learned that peoples birth control devices have malfunctioned, A mother (who has kids near my age) bare chest was exposed on my news feed for a small time before I guess she realized she posted to Facebook instead of a private message.   I get to keep up on private (or should be private) argument between others, that I real have no concern or business in being involved.   It's seriously out of control at times.

  Facebook was created by Zuckerberg in 2004 because of his past time at Phillips Exeter Academy where Zuckerberg was a member of the "Photo Address Book"  which was nicknamed "The Facebook."  Photo Address Book, was designed for students to list their class year, telephone numbers and their proximities to friends.  When I started WVU (Morgantown)  in 2005 I created my profile.   I enjoyed getting involved with it and being able to receive invites to parties, social events and school/class events via Facebook.   Exchanging notes and class info with my peers etc, and just keeping in the loop.   I will even go as to say birthday's are always special because my Facebook Friends.   When I lost my father the outpour of sympathy and love was amazing and so meaningful.   It definitely has its purpose, it's just gotten "a bit" out of hand.

   When they first started to let "communities" join Facebook outside the University realm I was a bit shocked and bothered by the abundance of friend invites and stalkers that began to flood through.   However, after I've graduated and been out of College for sometime.  I find it useful and still fun.   I just think there should be a pop-up warning.   "Do you really want to post this," then maybe a 2nd pop-up with "are you sure?"

  Zuckerberg is said to be worth around $17.5 billion.   I wonder if he knew creating what I like to call "Dear Diary" would be so lucrative?   I guess if I were worth $17.5 billion, I wouldn't give two cares to what or who posted on their Facebook.   However, I just hate the reputation that Facebook keeps getting for being negative, drama, dangerous etc.   It's not Facebook, it's the users.   So before you go and blame Facebook for your problems, the negativity around you, or any other crap you sling... Just know it's not Facebook, it's the company you keep on Facebook and in your life.  

  I think I've gotten my point across, I will just practice what I throw out and start "disposing" of those friends/posters that are non stop with their negativity and "TMI" updates.   However, I won't create a "Breaking News, I'm Deleting Friends Post"   Not that some of them aren't for good reasons, and explaining the path someone who is choosing to take with their lives.   But if you're posting this message because you're ignorant and wanting people to beg you to keep them as your friends, go ahead and delete me too.  

That is all.... For now!

An All Time Favorite... "Yea yea yea, they are like my best friend."

   So to start tonights inaugural blog entry...  I'm going to run through a quick topic that's been on my mind lately.   Good Friendships (plus I told a nagging friend of mine I'd write about this...)  As you grow up your parents (or at least mine) said that the people we considered our friends wouldn't be our friends forever.   I never believed this, I thought we were all destined to ride our bikes, go to the Friday night football games, head downtown Thurs., Fri. and Sat nights, then grow old together.    Well, once again, my parents were right.  I've grown apart from some of my friends, some through disagreements and other relationships have just grown too far apart.   I've decided to keep one policy, never close the door on a friend, always leave it opened up just a tad in case someone needs to come back in.  Doesn't mean it will be the friendship it once was, but never burn the bridge entirely.


   So in my deep thoughts,  I've started to question, what is a "good friend?"   How do you be a "good friend?"   "Am I a "good friend?"   I think a "good friend" is developed over time, memories, dedication and love.   There are people out there I wouldn't spend five minutes on helping anymore.   Then there are those friends that I'd do anything for, at anytime.   For instance, the friend I told you I promised I'd write about this topic, let us call her Keaghan Mim to protect myself from any liability here.... Anyway Keaghan had me over for some dinner and laughs after a really bad day...   After eating, I noticed I was having some swelling of the tongue...   I noticed over time,  it got a little worse, so I mention to Keaghan.  "My tongue is swelling."  

She looks at me very strangely and says "Like allergic to something?"

I look at her very casually and say "Yes, but I don't know what."

She begins to look a bit concerned (or so I thought) and says... "How big will it get?"

I reply, "I don't know, we'll see, I guess..."

A huge smile crosses her face and she perks up... "Oh God, I hope it gets huge, I have my camera ready."

That my readers, is a "Good Friend."   No matter what is going on in your life or how bad a day can be, she'll have you over, order some takeout and laugh at your allergic reaction.   Oh, I forgot she introduced me to the show "Shark Tank."   That was a plus, although I rarely sit at home on Friday nights to watch TV.   Keaghan, I will try and make sure we get you out more on the weekends.  

   But seriously,  some of you have been there for me through thick and thin... No matter what time it is you've been there to hear me scream, cry and laugh at myself later... I appreciate you and I hope for the rest of you that haven't experienced this, you one day find friends like Keaghan, and the other "good friends" I can easily think of.   They are what make life special and worth it.  

   On a final note, I want to mention a pet peeve / opinion of mine.    Don't do onto others so they'll do for you.   Do for others because you want to help and be a good friend.  Don't worry, one day when you need it the most they'll get you back.    Also, don't ever apologize to someone expecting an apology back, because when you don't get it, you just get mad all over again, and then you weren't really sorry, now were you?

Thanks for reading, until next time...   With my egotistical opinions and self righteous behavior, I'll have a new rant in no time, so don't fear... I'll be back soon!