Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Glory Days

I was re-reading Jeffrey's list this weekend and it included going a whole day without Facebook. I've peeked at Facebook only once before and really couldn't see the appeal. After reading his list, I decided to give it another chance. But this time, I signed myself up for an account. I figured I'd get an account so I can spy all my old friends and casual acquaintances from way back in the day. I wouldn't have to tell anybody I got an account until I had decided whether or not to buy into the whole Facebook thing.

Apparently, that's not exactly how Facebook works. By the time I had an account for 24 hours, 17 people had already found me. I now have 17 people listed under "Friends" on my Facebook account. OK, now I see the appeal of Facebook. It's just another place on the World Wide Web to boost my self esteem. I haven't felt this popular since high school.

Not that my list is anything to brag about...mainly, it consists of family members...brothers, cousins, and even a cousin's spouse (thanks for requesting my friendship Nate). But several other random and obscure friends and casual acquaintances from my glory days...
  • River (I don't know her last name, but with a name like River, you don't need a last name.) She was one of the two girls who played on our high school football team.
  • Kylla Benes. A freshman friend. I know some of you will remember her. She now seems to be some kind of nature lover... perhaps an oceanographer. Awesome, but I never would have pegged her as that type.
  • Several girls from my home ward and stake.
  • Kids from the cross country team and choir.
  • A girl I used to babysit.
  • Siblings of my friends.
  • Spencer Brown...who grew up around the corner from me, ran on the cross country team with me, and went to nearly every school dance in the same group as me, but never as my date. And thanks to Facebook, I now know he lives just few miles away from me here in Texas.
Funny huh? Talk about blast from the past. How did they find me so fast? I could have this Facebook account for years and never think to look up some of these people...others I would have most certainly come across.

My problem with Facebook is that all I want to do is look people up, peek at their lives, and then be through with them. Unfortunately, you can't peek at their lives unless you send them a request to be their friend. And I don't want to have to admit I'm spying. All you get is a one inch square picture of what they look like these days. Not enough to satisfy my curiosity. But I'm too chicken to send the request to be their friend...what if they don't remember me? Or don't like me and refuse my request? Or worse...see me for the computer sitting, web surfing, Facebook peeker that I am. Plus, there's something about it that makes me feel vain. Like I think I was significant enough in this person's life that they'll remember me and want me on their list of Facebook friends.

The truth is, I should get over it. The whole purpose of Facebook is to reconnect with old friends...which I love. I wouldn't think that of the people who requested to be my friends...so why would I assume they'd think that about me? Although it did take me a minute to figure out who a couple of them were, with last names changing and all.

The verdict is in...I will most definitely enjoy aspects of Facebook. (I even got brave enough to write on a few "walls" today.) But it will NEVER replace blogging for me. I much prefer blogs. It's a much bigger peek into the lives of my friends (and perfect strangers). I love to write and little comments about life is not enough to satisfy my creativity. And I don't think I'll ever get to the point where I have to set a goal to go a whole day without Facebook. But you all have permission to make me eat my words if I do.

15 comments:

Kelly said...

This post cracks me up. I, too, have no interest in Facebook. But now that you mention your curiousity to see what some people are up to, I think it would be interesting too. It seems like more or a 'single' thing, like Myspace. I think I'll stick to blogging!

Jenn said...

I just added you as a friend on Facebook! :) I prefer blogging too over Facebook... but it is fun to see what old school and church friends are up to that don't have a blog!

Traci Elizabeth said...

I had never been on Facebook. But, you caught my attention with this post, so I just went on it. How crazy. i posted my high school and all of a sudden I seen Kyle irvin, jill rawson, becky mondon...names i havent thought of in years. CRAZY.

jeanine said...

that's crazy... I've never seen what the big deal with facebook is. But you've made me curious. Maybe I'll have to take a look around... it will never replace blogging though!

Unknown said...

CRAP!! I had no desire in the past to check out facebook but now I do!!! All in need is one more thing to keep me from housework :)

Moms Are Contagious said...

add me as a friend

Stubbart said...

Hey Katie! I found your blog through Danielle's (I think that's where I got it, anyway)! You crack me up...I love reading it!

I have had no desire to go on Facebook either, but you've definitely made me more curious! To be honest though, there are a lot of people from high school and beyond that I DON'T want to get reaquainted with!

I have a blog also, but it's private, so if you give me your e-mail address I can send you an invite (although mine is not nearly as entertaining as yours).

Oh, I also found your other blog, which I LOVE! I love the whole concept of it...may have to copy it one day! - Cinta

Heidi said...

I have a facebook, and we are friends!

But I am with you... I well prefer blogging over facebook!

Sheryl said...

Bloggers Unite! It is so funny, my son Skyler says Blogs are Facebook and My Space for married people! We all love our connections, hey, I wouldn't know about your life with the Crazies without blogging! So fun!

Suzanne said...

Too funny you posted about this because I just joined facebook today! I've received a few invites but never did anything about it and now I am officially a facebook user. I have to say I am already adicted. I've come across so many people I haven't talked to in years and thought I would never see or hear from again. I love blogging too for my journaling but I'm excited for facebook too!

Amanda B. said...

I had no interest in Facebook until my best friend begged me to sign up so I could be on her list of friends and see her profile and such. I really wasn't into it, but I thought- what the heck. Then, like you said, within 24 hours I had all these old friends/aquaitances wanting to be my friend! So, I have discovered the fun side of facebook and I like doing it. But, like you said, I don't think it will replace blogging. Blogging has become very addictive to me. I may have to set a goal someday to go a day without reading blogs or checking my email 5 times for comments..... :)

Erin said...

Well, I am glad to hear you have a facebook too, I have been working on mine!

Autumn said...

My words exactly. I've been waiting to do a post about FB until I find certain pix to post when I write about these friends from kindergarten that I got reconnected. It will hopefully come one of these days. Until then, just know that I may have a near identical post to this one.

Jessica said...

I have a facebook account but have not been on it in a year I think. I started an account and that was the end of it. I never put in my high school or anything. Crazy to see some old names. I might have to get back on and check it out. It is to nosy for my liking though. Not that you can't be nosy with blogs but it just seems more personal and worth while.

MrCoolguy80 said...

You sure we never went to a dance together? Wow, good times. I just recently got on Facebook too, I like it a lot more than myspace. Myspace is too cluttered and I hate having to hear everybody's music. Anyways, I'm glad we live so close, we'll have to get together for dinner sometime! I've met your Spencer before, but you'll have to meet my Tammy. She's awesome!