Taking a break

So what have you been up to?

I got off Facebook for a few days. The truth is, I will probably be back before anybody really notices I'm gone. I disabed my page Friday because...well, I don't know. It seemed like a good idea. I think maybe it's good to take a break from it once in a while.

A few observations:

* Facebook has become too much of my social life. If it weren't for that website, I probably wouldn't talk to anybody. I've become very dissatisfied with that fact. Not that I don't like keeping in touch with a lot of people at one time, but with some people, that's the only time I'd talk to them. I guess it's better than nothing, but I think how easy it has become easier to comment or like a status and harder to pick up the phone. Time to fix that.

* It probably won't  stick because sometimes it will be difficult to do my job without it. That became evident when I did a weather story and the guy told me he was posting information on their Facebook page. Many businesses are on Facebook, and there is so much information that now goes out over it that it could actually hinder research. Fortunately not a tremendous amount, but enough to be an inconvenience. Not to mention it's great for finding sources.

* I think sometimes Facebook can be a little tough on the self-esteem. I don't know about you, but when Holly Homemaker posts that she is able to bake a perfect spaceship cake, keep her house spotless and the laundry caught up and climb Mt. Everest without scuffing her nail polish, I get a little discouraged. But most people, like in life, only put their best foot forward on Facebook. I know I do. I'm not going to post "So today I didn't shower, I'm sending my kids out for pizza and I'm watching my 15th straight episode of Big Bang Theory."  No, I'm going to tell you about this awesome thing I did or this delighfully witty thought I had. But then someone else will post that today they're flying to Kilimanjaro or building a house with their bare hands and well...I'm just little ol' me, proud of myself for cleaning the toilet today.  Let the negativity begin.

* In the same vein, I got rid of cable because I did not want to live my life on the couch watching people's lives play out on a little box. Facebook is the same thing. I spend way too much time watching all of my friends live their lives out on my computer screen and my phone, when I should be out doing something.

I dunno. I think maybe I just lost focus. Facebook isn't bad. I just want to break some habits, and maybe rethink the way I use it.  I've had a lot of little things going wrong lately and I realized I needed to shift my focus back to the things that are important. Like my job, the kids, the house, my friends.  In person.

It's been good! I pulled the plug on Friday and since then, I feel like I actually talk to my kids more. No more checking Facebook at stop lights. More focused at work. I've been reading a book. I feel more present pretty much everywhere and I'm getting stuff done. And I can accomplish things and enjoy that without having to tell the world all about it on Facebook.

Speaking of, I painted my coffee and end tables! I'll post pics as soon as I'm on Facebook again. ;)