The Facebook Phenomenon

In July, I was encouraged by a few people to join Facebook. I had been twittering a couple months, but was not ready for the commitment to Facebook. I thought it would take a long time to set it up and make friends. What would I say?

One weekend, I needed a break from grading papers, so I called by older son Andrew downstairs to help me. He showed me the ropes, setting up my privacy settings and requesting a few friends, such as himself. It seemed easy. It was fun. There were many ways to "dress up" my wall and my profile, but I kept it simple at first. I didn't even post a picture of myself right away.

I suppose it's been about a month. I now have more than 30 friends (most are not even related to me). I have made contact w/ HS and college friends, even those I have not seen since HS graduation. It's exciting to re-connect. I am happy that these people remember me. I have not gone to a HS reunion since the first one. Getting older is tough at times, especially when we are far away from our families and schools. I can see through others' photos they are aging well (some still look so young!). Most of us have kids; some of our kids are in college or married now.

Now I know what the attraction is. It's easier than calling; it's even easier than e-mailing or texting. And I am out there, sharing with others my everyday activities and thoughts as well as special events and photos. I finally put a photo up so people know it's really me. The same old Denise.

I will be getting busier as the fall semester starts, but I am glad to have joined the millions on Facebook. I am a part of something exciting. Thanks to all of my friends. It's great to "talk" with you.