Demented and sad...but social." Can you name that movie in one quote? One of my all time top fives. The Breakfast Club. I saw this morning that the cast (minus Emilio) reunited for the 25th anniversary of the movie. OMG!
So I got to thinking about the movie and the messages that go with it about social order and fitting in and all that stuff...which led me to think about FB... which is also at times sorta demented and sad... but social.
Just like the characters in the movie; the brain, the princess, the jock, the basket case, and the criminal... there are also distincly different characters on fb. Each one bringing their own bit of entertainment to the table.
First, there is the closet user. You know the type. Wants to be part of the scene but only watches from the shadows. Maybe a little afraid to admit they've succumbed to the social pressure of joining. You know they're on there cause you see their little green dot. But they never comment or post anything. They just watch.
Then there is the stalker. These are usually the people from your past whose sole purpose on fb is just to look at your pictures cause they either loved you once and can't let go or you really made them mad in high school and they want to see if you've gotten fat over the years.
Gotta love the drama seekers. These are the folks who post status' in order to either upset people, cause controversy or call attention to themselves. These folks crave attention and the more sorry they can make you feel for them and the more comments they can collect, the more they love it. Perhaps the saddest of the fb heirarchy.
Ahhh... the true fb addict. This particular breed of facebooker post 100 times a day and you always know exactly where they are, what they are doing, and when they last took a bathroom break. I find these people the most entertaining.
And finally, the social butterflies. These people just truly enjoy the interaction with others. They don't over post or under post. They comment appropriately. They have no hidden agendas or addictions or issues with over-use. Just really enjoy checking in with people once in awhile.
So there you have it. My random take on the similarities between The Breakfast Club and Facebook. I know your asking yourselves where the heck this blog came from, so I'll answer by ending this post with a modification of the most famous excerpt from the movie...
"Dear Loyal Readers: I accept the fact that I had to sacrifice a whole Wednesday morning on blogspot for whatever it was that prompted this blog. You may think I'm crazy to write a blog telling you who I think you are. I see you as I want to see you: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But, what I have found out is that each one of us is. . . a closet user . . . a stalker . . . a drama seeker . . . an addict . . . and a social butterfly. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The FB Club."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Birthday's, First Days, and Bifocals...
Since my last post Jaden has celebrated his 7th birthday with the traditional party at Papaw Burns'... Hard to believe that he could be 7 and a first grader. I don't know where the time goes.
Also, since my last post, Ava has started preschool. She walked in like she owned the place...hung up her Dora backpack...told me bye and never looked back. All 30 pounds of pure independance left me standing there wondering what the heck I'm gonna do now. All of the sudden there are 6 hours each week that I have ALL 4 kids in school. Truth be told, I don't like it much. I'm a mom. It's what I do. When my kids aren't around I tend to be slightly lost. I am thankful that even though I have only a short time left with my oldest... I have many years left with my baby girl. I looked at Ethan last night as he was holding Ava. She had her little arms wrapped around his neck and they were smooching and exchanging I love you's. One so tall and so grown up looking, holding one so petite and just starting out. I got all teary. It was a good teary though. God knows what being a mom means to me and he has made sure that I will always have babies around me. What a blessing.
On a side note...I was forced to surrender to the bifocal this month. Turning 43 and receiving such a symbol of old age just doesn't seem fair to me. As my ever faithful bestie put it so lovingly in text message... "you are officially old." What a melancholic moment... (and I use that word correctly:) Oh well, I am slowly learning to take this aging thing in stride. Like dad always says... It's better than the alternative.
Also, since my last post, Ava has started preschool. She walked in like she owned the place...hung up her Dora backpack...told me bye and never looked back. All 30 pounds of pure independance left me standing there wondering what the heck I'm gonna do now. All of the sudden there are 6 hours each week that I have ALL 4 kids in school. Truth be told, I don't like it much. I'm a mom. It's what I do. When my kids aren't around I tend to be slightly lost. I am thankful that even though I have only a short time left with my oldest... I have many years left with my baby girl. I looked at Ethan last night as he was holding Ava. She had her little arms wrapped around his neck and they were smooching and exchanging I love you's. One so tall and so grown up looking, holding one so petite and just starting out. I got all teary. It was a good teary though. God knows what being a mom means to me and he has made sure that I will always have babies around me. What a blessing.
On a side note...I was forced to surrender to the bifocal this month. Turning 43 and receiving such a symbol of old age just doesn't seem fair to me. As my ever faithful bestie put it so lovingly in text message... "you are officially old." What a melancholic moment... (and I use that word correctly:) Oh well, I am slowly learning to take this aging thing in stride. Like dad always says... It's better than the alternative.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Three months gone by...
Almost four actually. I have found myself with a little time this morning so I thought maybe I should use it to get back among the land of the blogging. Not only have I myself not blogged... I haven't even been on to read other people's blogs. I was happy to find today that I have not been the only one with lack of time/words lately.
We have had an eventful summer. Lots of work as usual. Took the big extended family trip to florida...which went well...once we got over the near fatal car crash on the way down. We are thankful to be alive, nearly past the post traumatic stress of it, and got a new van out of the deal. We celebrated Ethan's 16th birthday in a very non-eventful way. (How was I suppose to know boys don't want a big sweet sixteen party?...I'm still dealing with that disappointment...cause MOM wanted the big party!) Austin rocked the Battle of the Bands at catfish festival... I attended my 25th high school reunion and surprisingly had a great time. It was actually a good experience for all of us. Very cool to reconnect. We are in negotiations to expand the business in a huge way...a very nationwide way...wish us luck on that. All the kids are doing well. I survived another first day of school. Ava is preparing for pre-school...Jaden is liking first grade... Austin is semi-enjoying eighth... and Ethan is tolerating his sophomore year. He is in his first "real" realtionship... head over heels in love... and a joy to watch. Friday he leaves to attend the Chrysallis at Camp Illiana, which is essentially the Walk to Emmaus for 16 to 18 year old boys. He is very excited and we are too as you can imagine.
That's it in a nutshell...here are some pics and a video to go along with it...
Hit from behind at 75 mph...not once but 3 times...boys covered in glass but not a scratch...a little whiplash...a rental vehicle...and on with vacay...God is good
Jones Triple Dip in Florida
Reunion pics
That 1 Band - Catfish Festival (paust playlist to listen)
Ethan and Aimee... a match made in heaven :)
We have had an eventful summer. Lots of work as usual. Took the big extended family trip to florida...which went well...once we got over the near fatal car crash on the way down. We are thankful to be alive, nearly past the post traumatic stress of it, and got a new van out of the deal. We celebrated Ethan's 16th birthday in a very non-eventful way. (How was I suppose to know boys don't want a big sweet sixteen party?...I'm still dealing with that disappointment...cause MOM wanted the big party!) Austin rocked the Battle of the Bands at catfish festival... I attended my 25th high school reunion and surprisingly had a great time. It was actually a good experience for all of us. Very cool to reconnect. We are in negotiations to expand the business in a huge way...a very nationwide way...wish us luck on that. All the kids are doing well. I survived another first day of school. Ava is preparing for pre-school...Jaden is liking first grade... Austin is semi-enjoying eighth... and Ethan is tolerating his sophomore year. He is in his first "real" realtionship... head over heels in love... and a joy to watch. Friday he leaves to attend the Chrysallis at Camp Illiana, which is essentially the Walk to Emmaus for 16 to 18 year old boys. He is very excited and we are too as you can imagine.
That's it in a nutshell...here are some pics and a video to go along with it...
Hit from behind at 75 mph...not once but 3 times...boys covered in glass but not a scratch...a little whiplash...a rental vehicle...and on with vacay...God is good
Jones Triple Dip in Florida
Reunion pics
That 1 Band - Catfish Festival (paust playlist to listen)
Ethan and Aimee... a match made in heaven :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Guest Blog...
This is from my brother's blog. I know there is a link to it over on my sidebar... but it was just too good not to post.
Sometimes, God Gives You a Moment
April 30th, 2010
Spring is such a great time. Warmer weather, everything turns green again and certain events signal the arrival of the season. Easter, Spring Break, the Kentucky Derby - and at our house - Prom. My son is a Senior this year, and Prom is tomorrow night. He’s chosen a delightful young lady as his date, and anticipation is in the air.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet him at the tux shop to pick up his attire. It was a beautiful, sunny day - the place was abuzz with other teenage boys - some arriving solo, and others with various advisors and confidantes in tow. I took a seat out front as my son went back to the dressing room to make sure everything fit properly. After a few minutes, I heard him call, “Dad?”…I showed him the fine art of putting on cufflinks and returned to my seat. Then something magical happened.
I had returned to the front of the shop and was passing time by fiddling with my Blackberry. The store had emptied, and I had a clear line of sight to the dressing room hallway. Some nice music was playing on the intercom, and I was enjoying a few minutes of downtime. After a bit, I looked up just as my son emerged from the dressing room in his tuxedo. So mature, so grown up, so handsome. We made eye contact - and something happened in that moment. Life went into slow motion. I felt a rush of conflicting emotions - pride, joy and sadness. My son is grown. I am so proud of him, and so sad that his time with me is coming to a close. A parent’s work is never over, but the bulk of my work is done. Now he stands before me in a tuxedo, his eyes once again looking for his father’s approval, just as he has since he was a little boy.
Although he didn’t notice, it was tough for old Dad to keep it together. I smiled and told him how nice he looked. He walked to the front of the store and we stared in the full-length mirror. He was focused on the length of his jacket sleeves; I was struck by the image of father and son standing together. My mind flashed to the day he was born - I can still see it vividly in my mind. Now he stood there, nearly as tall as me. I noticed the age on my face, and the youth on his.
Nothing prepares you for that.
With everything in order, he changed back into his normal clothes, we paid the bill, and off he went. For him, it was an important item off the pre-Prom to-do list. For me, all I can say is that sometimes, God gives you a moment.
Sometimes, God Gives You a Moment
April 30th, 2010
Spring is such a great time. Warmer weather, everything turns green again and certain events signal the arrival of the season. Easter, Spring Break, the Kentucky Derby - and at our house - Prom. My son is a Senior this year, and Prom is tomorrow night. He’s chosen a delightful young lady as his date, and anticipation is in the air.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet him at the tux shop to pick up his attire. It was a beautiful, sunny day - the place was abuzz with other teenage boys - some arriving solo, and others with various advisors and confidantes in tow. I took a seat out front as my son went back to the dressing room to make sure everything fit properly. After a few minutes, I heard him call, “Dad?”…I showed him the fine art of putting on cufflinks and returned to my seat. Then something magical happened.
I had returned to the front of the shop and was passing time by fiddling with my Blackberry. The store had emptied, and I had a clear line of sight to the dressing room hallway. Some nice music was playing on the intercom, and I was enjoying a few minutes of downtime. After a bit, I looked up just as my son emerged from the dressing room in his tuxedo. So mature, so grown up, so handsome. We made eye contact - and something happened in that moment. Life went into slow motion. I felt a rush of conflicting emotions - pride, joy and sadness. My son is grown. I am so proud of him, and so sad that his time with me is coming to a close. A parent’s work is never over, but the bulk of my work is done. Now he stands before me in a tuxedo, his eyes once again looking for his father’s approval, just as he has since he was a little boy.
Although he didn’t notice, it was tough for old Dad to keep it together. I smiled and told him how nice he looked. He walked to the front of the store and we stared in the full-length mirror. He was focused on the length of his jacket sleeves; I was struck by the image of father and son standing together. My mind flashed to the day he was born - I can still see it vividly in my mind. Now he stood there, nearly as tall as me. I noticed the age on my face, and the youth on his.
Nothing prepares you for that.
With everything in order, he changed back into his normal clothes, we paid the bill, and off he went. For him, it was an important item off the pre-Prom to-do list. For me, all I can say is that sometimes, God gives you a moment.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Long Time No Write.....
Could life possibly move any faster. Even though some days seem to drag on for weeks... time in general is flying by. 34 days of school left... WHAT???!!! Wasn't it just spring break? April is half over when it just started. We are two short months away from having half of 2010 behind us... and man that is just scary.
Baseball season officially arrived here at the Jones house last month. Business wise we can't breathe at the start of baseball season. But I am starting to see the light and hopefully next week will be able to breathe again. Kid wise we are also covered up with baseball... Ethan on the high school team playing 3 times a week, Jaden in little league playing twice a week... and come June, Austin will join the mix when Pony League starts. It's a good thing I love to watch my boys play.
Little miss Ava turned 4 last month. I told her on her birthday when you turn four, you aren't allowed to throw fits anymore....guess i will try that speech again when she turns 5. Last night as I sat in the floor of the hallway with my head in my hands (as she was in the bathtub letting out blood curdling screams) I tried to remind myself that there will come a day when she doesn't throw fits anymore... I just hope I make it to that day.
My nephew Max turned 18 a couple of weeks ago. Don't know how that happened. He will be graduating from Carmel High School in June. And speaking of graduating... my baby brother Evan will be graduating from IU on May 8th. Already has his own office to run his company from and a new place to live in Indy. Have I mentioned before how proud I am of that boy?? ;)
I leave you today with some insightful words from one of my favorite people...:) "Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in awhile... you could miss it." Ferris Buehler
What a good looking bunch....if I do say so myself :)
Max's Senior picture.... soooo cute
Last day with the toddler bed :)
Baseball season officially arrived here at the Jones house last month. Business wise we can't breathe at the start of baseball season. But I am starting to see the light and hopefully next week will be able to breathe again. Kid wise we are also covered up with baseball... Ethan on the high school team playing 3 times a week, Jaden in little league playing twice a week... and come June, Austin will join the mix when Pony League starts. It's a good thing I love to watch my boys play.
Little miss Ava turned 4 last month. I told her on her birthday when you turn four, you aren't allowed to throw fits anymore....guess i will try that speech again when she turns 5. Last night as I sat in the floor of the hallway with my head in my hands (as she was in the bathtub letting out blood curdling screams) I tried to remind myself that there will come a day when she doesn't throw fits anymore... I just hope I make it to that day.
My nephew Max turned 18 a couple of weeks ago. Don't know how that happened. He will be graduating from Carmel High School in June. And speaking of graduating... my baby brother Evan will be graduating from IU on May 8th. Already has his own office to run his company from and a new place to live in Indy. Have I mentioned before how proud I am of that boy?? ;)
I leave you today with some insightful words from one of my favorite people...:) "Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in awhile... you could miss it." Ferris Buehler
What a good looking bunch....if I do say so myself :)
Max's Senior picture.... soooo cute
Last day with the toddler bed :)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Godsend...
Websters dictionary defines a godsend as "a desirable needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly...as if from God." ("as if" LOL- there is no as if about it:) I experienced such an event last night firsthand.
I am blessed to have a particular group of friends that never cease to amaze me. I have, as of late, kind of shut everything and everyone out of my life....these friends included. I am a master wall builder, believe me. I have old walls that were started in my childhood, and new walls that have just begun to take shape. Walls that I have managed to knock to the ground, others that are partially broken, and a few that are as strong as a fortress that I fear may never come down. Very few people ever get to see behind those walls.
Last night, these amazing women in my life, staged an intervention of sorts. They did it because they love me. They did it to let me know in no uncertain terms that they love me unconditionally. They did it to point out just how much I have seperated myself from others and from God as of late. And to show me that I will never find the answers or the peace I so desperately seek by doing so.
Once you belong to God and you run from Him... He will chase you down. He will use the people He has put into your life and sprinkle in a godsend here and there. He is relentless in His pursuit and I LOVE that about Him. He will still love you even when you resist His efforts... in fact, He may love you just a bit more during those times.
Today I am thankful for these friends. Thankful that they love me without question or uncertainty. Thankful that they do not, nor would they ever, judge or condemn. Thankful that they care enough to step up and take over when things are out of control and my strength is gone. Thankful that they know me so well it's downright scary... despite my best efforts to keep them at arms length.
Two of my girls check on me pretty much daily without fail. Especially if they have not heard from me for awhile (or a couple hours:) This morning, one of them made a profound impact on me. From God's mouth to her ears to me via text. She changed everything. She said a lot of things that changed my perspective today, but this statement, very simple and concise and to the point spoke volumes to me. Even though I already knew.. it was sooo what I needed to hear. She said "honey...you have got to get back with God. His plans were laid out for you before you were born. He has the steering wheel."
I don't know what the future holds... but I know who holds the future. :)
I am blessed to have a particular group of friends that never cease to amaze me. I have, as of late, kind of shut everything and everyone out of my life....these friends included. I am a master wall builder, believe me. I have old walls that were started in my childhood, and new walls that have just begun to take shape. Walls that I have managed to knock to the ground, others that are partially broken, and a few that are as strong as a fortress that I fear may never come down. Very few people ever get to see behind those walls.
Last night, these amazing women in my life, staged an intervention of sorts. They did it because they love me. They did it to let me know in no uncertain terms that they love me unconditionally. They did it to point out just how much I have seperated myself from others and from God as of late. And to show me that I will never find the answers or the peace I so desperately seek by doing so.
Once you belong to God and you run from Him... He will chase you down. He will use the people He has put into your life and sprinkle in a godsend here and there. He is relentless in His pursuit and I LOVE that about Him. He will still love you even when you resist His efforts... in fact, He may love you just a bit more during those times.
Today I am thankful for these friends. Thankful that they love me without question or uncertainty. Thankful that they do not, nor would they ever, judge or condemn. Thankful that they care enough to step up and take over when things are out of control and my strength is gone. Thankful that they know me so well it's downright scary... despite my best efforts to keep them at arms length.
Two of my girls check on me pretty much daily without fail. Especially if they have not heard from me for awhile (or a couple hours:) This morning, one of them made a profound impact on me. From God's mouth to her ears to me via text. She changed everything. She said a lot of things that changed my perspective today, but this statement, very simple and concise and to the point spoke volumes to me. Even though I already knew.. it was sooo what I needed to hear. She said "honey...you have got to get back with God. His plans were laid out for you before you were born. He has the steering wheel."
I don't know what the future holds... but I know who holds the future. :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Enough already...
I have had serious blogger block lately... not that I haven't had inspiration...just haven't been able to articulate those thoughts. Sometimes life is difficult that way.
I'm thinking I have spring fever...Is it too early for that? I love a good deep snowfall as much as the next person, but once a season is usually enough for me. Kids out of school a few days... great. Out of school a couple weeks... well.... There are advantages to being snowed in once in awhile, don't get me wrong. But enough already. At this rate it will be mid June before summer vacation officially begins. That pretty much bites.
But the great thing is that seasons change. This time in our lives won't last forever. A new season will begin leaving us feeling refreshed and renewed. I love how that happens.
I'm thinking I have spring fever...Is it too early for that? I love a good deep snowfall as much as the next person, but once a season is usually enough for me. Kids out of school a few days... great. Out of school a couple weeks... well.... There are advantages to being snowed in once in awhile, don't get me wrong. But enough already. At this rate it will be mid June before summer vacation officially begins. That pretty much bites.
But the great thing is that seasons change. This time in our lives won't last forever. A new season will begin leaving us feeling refreshed and renewed. I love how that happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)