My Time Away from Facebook…

Hello readers! As you may be aware, I gave Facebook up for lent (even though I’m not catholic). Why Facebook instead of alcohol, sugar, or video games, among other, more traditional ideas? Because I use Facebook much more often than any of those other things. You all know how social I can be and what have you, so it was tough. I am appreciative of those that kept in touch using other means while I was away, but I know they had to go out of their way for that, hence why this would only be temporary. But I never cheated, even though there’s some women adding wall posts about going to “facebookhugs.com”… right…

So what did I do in the meantime? Well, here are some thoughts from my sabbatical from Facebook…

My new favorite web tools: Google and Twitter. Yes, I finally caved into Twitter with the persuasion of my younger brother... and I’m glad he persuaded me. It’s been interesting following Adam Schefter on ESPN about NFL free agency. I’ve enjoyed Conan O’Brien’s random comments (and finding out about his comedy show before others). I follow Spoons so I can get the menu update. And I dig getting Nuggets bench updates during the game... so all in all, it’s been good. As for Google, yes, I already had a gmail account, and Google talk, but I was able to expand on both of those by updating my contact list (that is now also on my phone). I also started using Google voice, Google Buzz, Google Latitude, and iGoogle, all quality programs I would recommend to others. So even though I’m using Facebook again, I’m still going to use these other web applications.

MySpace sucks. As I’m sure you’re all aware, MySpace is pretty lame now. I went on there during my Facebook absence, and I gotta tell you, not very impressive. Things took forever to load, there are too many little gizmos, and it just seemed perfect… if you’re 14. Long story short on this one: Pass.

My blog is interesting again. That’s because, instead of spending time on Facebook aimlessly looking around, I’ve spent time finishing/writing in it again (obviously, right?). I am actually excited about this and hope this continues. Now I just have to keep the interesting topics heading your way…

My phone has become a lot more useful. Without receiving constant alerts from Facebook, the battery has last longer, the RAM hasn’t filled up nearly as quickly, and it hasn’t annoyed Carolyn nearly as much as in the past. So, I’m either going to keep the Facebook alerts (on my phone) to a minimum, if I turn any back on at all.

Why get the internet at home? With Facebook out of the picture, I rarely needed to use the net while in my abode. My Smartphone can do most everything else I would want, like checking out the Nuggets game or updating Twitter, so why get the internet to use at home? I will also say that this saves me some frustration because, as much as I’ve enjoyed my laptop the last five years, it’s getting old and not working like it use to… So minimizing use is a good thing.

I have missed the fun updates. Not only those hearing about how other are doing/what their up to, but also posting my own and getting feedback. I am looking forward to that part again in the near future. Also looking forward to all the picture sharing and random games people play (i.e. "doppelgangers")…

So here we are, 40 days and 40 nights after giving up Facebook. What’s changed? Well, the time I spend on there will, that for sure. I won’t run to check every update. I won’t let it interrupt anything from now on, but I will look forward to all the fun that is Facebook again… Whoopee!

But all in all, I enjoyed myself during the sabbatical. Hung out and had some fun dog sledding with the rents/fam, seeing lots of friends, and even getting a few card games in… Life is good…

... But now that I’m part of every single social website, I hope to hear from you soon (what can I say, I love being in touch... and it’s a new years resolution… What? You don’t remember?... Read below…)

With that said, I hope everyone is doing great! Check ya later!

Clint

P.S....

Go Nuggets!


Go Blue Devils!