I had an opportunity to join a small non-profit organization--happened very quickly. I had thought it would part time; thought that might tide me over until I'm able to make some money teaching yoga and/or doing voice acting work. But the job would be full time, at pay that's pretty standard for nonprofits, which means not much. I feel guilty not taking work with so many people out of a job, but I said I wouldn't go back to an office environment. Especially full time. And with much less flexibility than I had in my previous job.
But this event does show that I'm still grappling with my new life. Right now I'm doing everything on a volunteer basis. I'm still torn between wanting to leave my past work life behind and clinging to it as a possible way to earn some money. I feel pulled in many directions, with many emotions. Sometimes I'm comfortable volunteering and studying, other times I'm restless and want to be occupied with something outside the home--that pays.
So if I take the full time job, I'd be less able to teach or voice act, if something comes along. Like I'd given up on my dream. But it is scary.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
What do you wear to an Open Call
Here I am, trying to forge a new life as a voice actor/yoga instructor/volunteer. So what do I wear now? I knew that I would be put "on camera" at the talent agency "open call to obtain representation." So I fretted over what to wear. I didn't want to look either too casual or too businesslike. But I also didn't want to buy anything new. Although I almost succumbed on that one--I wanted to buy a new tote that would be suitable for a voice actor. Not that I know what that is. I first was going to take my University of Michigan tote bag (big block M), but thought that was too casual. I certainly wasn't going to take one of the bags we use for the beach. But my work bag seemed a little too conservative. The more I thought about it, though, it seemed OK. It's a Brahmin with pockets and zippers. A little narrow and stiff, but I couldn't find anything that popped out to me that wasn't expensive. If I felt like I had the money I probably would have bought a Coach tote. But (for once) I didn't go to the mall, and stuck with my work Brahmin. For now. I told myself I'd look at what other women were using to carry around scripts/water/snacks/pencils--the stuff one needs for voice acting. Then I'd buy one after I started getting voice acting jobs.
I first thought about wearing a flowy skirt with sweater, but since it was raining, I went with a Talbots mix and match--soft red sweater, white rib top, skinny soft navy pants. I looked awfully business casual-y, so I threw on a scarf I really like but have never figured out how to wear. In fact I picked out the colors of the outfit to go with the scarf, not the other way around. I practiced different kinds of draping, which I don't know how to do. How do those French women do it? I put on a string of pearls, but that didn't seem to fit with a drapey scarf. I ended up just wearing it hanging down--I couldn't figure out how to tie it loosely like I seen older French women do in photos. I felt different, with the scarf--more artsy and flowy. So I told myself I'd buy more once I started getting paid for voice acting. (See a trend here?)
I figure I'll wear some drapey scarf to the (former workplace-sponsored) holiday parties--to show my different new life. I never wore scarves at work, because I figured I'd get them dirty/spill coffee on them/get them caught in something. I didn't feel I could pull it off. I think I could, now.
The other woman who showed up for the "open call" around the time I did looked more businessline than I did--dark tailored clothes, business-type bag. I tried not to stare at her, lest she think I was eyeing the competition. Maybe she didn't know what she was doing, either, so I decided not to go by her example. Maybe she was like me--looking for a new way.
I first thought about wearing a flowy skirt with sweater, but since it was raining, I went with a Talbots mix and match--soft red sweater, white rib top, skinny soft navy pants. I looked awfully business casual-y, so I threw on a scarf I really like but have never figured out how to wear. In fact I picked out the colors of the outfit to go with the scarf, not the other way around. I practiced different kinds of draping, which I don't know how to do. How do those French women do it? I put on a string of pearls, but that didn't seem to fit with a drapey scarf. I ended up just wearing it hanging down--I couldn't figure out how to tie it loosely like I seen older French women do in photos. I felt different, with the scarf--more artsy and flowy. So I told myself I'd buy more once I started getting paid for voice acting. (See a trend here?)
I figure I'll wear some drapey scarf to the (former workplace-sponsored) holiday parties--to show my different new life. I never wore scarves at work, because I figured I'd get them dirty/spill coffee on them/get them caught in something. I didn't feel I could pull it off. I think I could, now.
The other woman who showed up for the "open call" around the time I did looked more businessline than I did--dark tailored clothes, business-type bag. I tried not to stare at her, lest she think I was eyeing the competition. Maybe she didn't know what she was doing, either, so I decided not to go by her example. Maybe she was like me--looking for a new way.
I Hate the Wall Street Journal...
There's a concept in yoga--actually, there are many concepts in yoga, all of which seem to have at least three components. Yoga has eight limbs; each limb has multple what--branches? Then there are five classes of chitta vritti which create pleasure and pain. Chitta vritti isn't one of the eight limbs; I'm not sure what it is. And five causes of chitta vritti create pain. Yes, the both have five, but they're different. I got this from attempting to read the intro in BKS Iyengar's Light on Yoga. It may be the most confusing 35 pages I've ever read. He has a newer edition of the book with a new introduction, but i bought the original because it was cheaper. So I don't know if it's any less confusing.
Anyway, one of the five causes of chitta vritti creating pain is avidya, which is "expressed and experienced in four different ways..." (of couse) (according to TKV Desikachar in his book, The Heart of Yoga). One of the four forms of avidya is raga, or "the desire to have something whether we need it or not." Or maybe I was thinking about the first limb of yoga--yama (ethical disciplines, according to Iyengar). Looks like yama has five something, a couple of which have to do with non-stealing/non-coveting. As in, "...if he [the yogi] gathers things he does not really need, he is a thief." (Iyengar, p. 34.) And "...one should not hoard or collect things one does not require immediately."
Simplify; take only what you need. I don't see anything about envy, but I'm sure it's embedded in these. These concepts resonate with me and I aspire to them. Until I read the Wall Street Journal, and I catch a glimpse of how rich people live. I think of myself as well off--certainly compared to the people i encounter through my volunteer work, and compared with a lot of people in this country. But I don't know any rich people, and I probably would have no idea how differently they live--if it weren't for the WSJ.
I read it because we get it--my husband's subscription, not mine. It's much less business-y than it used to be, but with that comes a lot more articles about haute couture, wine, shoes, handbags--did I mention haute couture? Take the WSJ Magazine that came with yesterday's paper. The Oct/Nov magazine. In it is an article about shearling coats. They look nice--then I see that the prices range from $995 (looks like a sweatshirt) to $6,990. And "there's no smarter way to put your best foot forward than in a leather oxford" ranging in price from a cheapo $$375 (company aptly named "Rag and Bone" to the John Lobb $1,290. But it was really the "How to Buy" section that filled me with revision and secret envy. How to buy...rare wines, vintage cars, estate jewelry, helicopters, HELICOPTERS???, the safest facelift, investment handbags--like the Kelly, as in Grace Kelly. Who is/was Jane Birkin, anyway--seems like her biggest claim to fame is having a bag named after her.
Who are these people? Reminds me of Stephen Colbert's segment "Colbert Platinum". For members only; if you're not a member, leave the room now. But of course I stay, and enjoy hearing very rich people made fun of. One part revulsion, two parts envy? I'd like to be able to say I can afford to buy a helicopter, I just choose not to...Not so sue about the facelift, or the handbags.
Anyway, one of the five causes of chitta vritti creating pain is avidya, which is "expressed and experienced in four different ways..." (of couse) (according to TKV Desikachar in his book, The Heart of Yoga). One of the four forms of avidya is raga, or "the desire to have something whether we need it or not." Or maybe I was thinking about the first limb of yoga--yama (ethical disciplines, according to Iyengar). Looks like yama has five something, a couple of which have to do with non-stealing/non-coveting. As in, "...if he [the yogi] gathers things he does not really need, he is a thief." (Iyengar, p. 34.) And "...one should not hoard or collect things one does not require immediately."
Simplify; take only what you need. I don't see anything about envy, but I'm sure it's embedded in these. These concepts resonate with me and I aspire to them. Until I read the Wall Street Journal, and I catch a glimpse of how rich people live. I think of myself as well off--certainly compared to the people i encounter through my volunteer work, and compared with a lot of people in this country. But I don't know any rich people, and I probably would have no idea how differently they live--if it weren't for the WSJ.
I read it because we get it--my husband's subscription, not mine. It's much less business-y than it used to be, but with that comes a lot more articles about haute couture, wine, shoes, handbags--did I mention haute couture? Take the WSJ Magazine that came with yesterday's paper. The Oct/Nov magazine. In it is an article about shearling coats. They look nice--then I see that the prices range from $995 (looks like a sweatshirt) to $6,990. And "there's no smarter way to put your best foot forward than in a leather oxford" ranging in price from a cheapo $$375 (company aptly named "Rag and Bone" to the John Lobb $1,290. But it was really the "How to Buy" section that filled me with revision and secret envy. How to buy...rare wines, vintage cars, estate jewelry, helicopters, HELICOPTERS???, the safest facelift, investment handbags--like the Kelly, as in Grace Kelly. Who is/was Jane Birkin, anyway--seems like her biggest claim to fame is having a bag named after her.
Who are these people? Reminds me of Stephen Colbert's segment "Colbert Platinum". For members only; if you're not a member, leave the room now. But of course I stay, and enjoy hearing very rich people made fun of. One part revulsion, two parts envy? I'd like to be able to say I can afford to buy a helicopter, I just choose not to...Not so sue about the facelift, or the handbags.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Am I Represented?
I have no idea how my "open call for representation" went today. I don't even know if I'm represented, but I think I am. The guy who interviewed my said they would "push my voice out there" whatever that means. Took me an hour and a half to get there--during the tail end of rush hour in the DC area. But then again going anywhere across town can take an hour and a half any time of day. I got to the agency about a half hour before the beginning of the "open call" hours--about what I had planned. Fortunately someone was there--it's in a small building with only a few employees. I had to use the bathroom really badly and I didn't see anywhere nearby. Some quaint little shops--seemed like a nice part of the Baltimore environs--but no Starbucks or other kind of cafe where I could have stopped.
So I waited about 1/2 hour. Only one other person--another woman--was waiting. So I felt better than if 50 people had been milling around--"open call" can mean anything, can't it? I came prepared with reading material (yoga books), so I didn't get nervous waiting. I'm fine with waiting as long as I have something to do. When I was invited in (I arrived first, so was the first person to be interviewed, the interviewer said he'd put me on camera and I could start my monologue, if I had prepared one. Well, I hadn't, since all the email said was: "we'll put you before the camera, and answer any questions you may have". And since they tell you not to contact them, I didn't know they expected a prepared monologue. So I asked him how much time he wanted me to speak--he said a couple of minutes--so I said I would talk about why I wanted to do voice over work. I don't really get unnerved by not knowing what to expect--I actually kind of like it. I have no idea how I did. I felt pretty natural (although I heard a few "ums" when he played back the first part) and a few times I had a little trouble coming up with new descriptive words. But the 2 mins. went by quickly and I wasn't nervous.
Then he sat down with me to talk about how they operate--they get calls for work and match people--but he really didn't give any indication what was in store for me. He said a lot would depend on the demo. I had mailed in a demo, head shot and resume a few months ago, but he didn't have any of that. Almost like different portions of the business (which seems to consist of maybe 5 people) don't communicate with one another. So it's not clear how they even contacted me for the "open call".
He made it sound like there was a steady stream of work, but who knows? My session lasted about 1/2 hour--seemed like that's about what was alloted, since he signaled we were finished. But it seemed like a good amount of time. I got the impression from something he said that he may have been taping me as we were speaking--which is fine with me. And anyway, I have no way of knowing how long the other two women's sessions were, or what he said to them. I'm often better off not knowing too much.
When I left only one other woman had arrived. Maybe they recently got a request for a woman to act or do voiceovers, so called a few of us in. Who knows?
When I spoke with him, I told him I was just getting started--not my nature to embellish. He suggested I not do that when I got work; which I wouldn't. But I figured an agent should know what they've got. I did talk about what I thought my strengths were (from a voice acting standpoint). I just wasn't the mood to "sell" myself in a way that would have felt artificial to me.
He asked me how I would describe my voice--I answered by talking about the types of readings I liked the best--PSAs and children's books. He said he thought I had a "practical" voice--as in "if it works for her, it should work for me." Hmmm...my immediate thought was that I sounded boring. So I started speaking with a liltier voice and said I thought I'd be good at PSAs (which I referred to as PSRs at one point--oops).
Took me 1 1/2 hours to get home--this time because it started pouring rain when I was on the beltway--the kind of rain where you can barely see in front of you. And it didn't let up once it hit.
This is where doing multiple things comes in handy--I won't be waiting around for them to call. Or email. Or whatever it is they do.
So I waited about 1/2 hour. Only one other person--another woman--was waiting. So I felt better than if 50 people had been milling around--"open call" can mean anything, can't it? I came prepared with reading material (yoga books), so I didn't get nervous waiting. I'm fine with waiting as long as I have something to do. When I was invited in (I arrived first, so was the first person to be interviewed, the interviewer said he'd put me on camera and I could start my monologue, if I had prepared one. Well, I hadn't, since all the email said was: "we'll put you before the camera, and answer any questions you may have". And since they tell you not to contact them, I didn't know they expected a prepared monologue. So I asked him how much time he wanted me to speak--he said a couple of minutes--so I said I would talk about why I wanted to do voice over work. I don't really get unnerved by not knowing what to expect--I actually kind of like it. I have no idea how I did. I felt pretty natural (although I heard a few "ums" when he played back the first part) and a few times I had a little trouble coming up with new descriptive words. But the 2 mins. went by quickly and I wasn't nervous.
Then he sat down with me to talk about how they operate--they get calls for work and match people--but he really didn't give any indication what was in store for me. He said a lot would depend on the demo. I had mailed in a demo, head shot and resume a few months ago, but he didn't have any of that. Almost like different portions of the business (which seems to consist of maybe 5 people) don't communicate with one another. So it's not clear how they even contacted me for the "open call".
He made it sound like there was a steady stream of work, but who knows? My session lasted about 1/2 hour--seemed like that's about what was alloted, since he signaled we were finished. But it seemed like a good amount of time. I got the impression from something he said that he may have been taping me as we were speaking--which is fine with me. And anyway, I have no way of knowing how long the other two women's sessions were, or what he said to them. I'm often better off not knowing too much.
When I left only one other woman had arrived. Maybe they recently got a request for a woman to act or do voiceovers, so called a few of us in. Who knows?
When I spoke with him, I told him I was just getting started--not my nature to embellish. He suggested I not do that when I got work; which I wouldn't. But I figured an agent should know what they've got. I did talk about what I thought my strengths were (from a voice acting standpoint). I just wasn't the mood to "sell" myself in a way that would have felt artificial to me.
He asked me how I would describe my voice--I answered by talking about the types of readings I liked the best--PSAs and children's books. He said he thought I had a "practical" voice--as in "if it works for her, it should work for me." Hmmm...my immediate thought was that I sounded boring. So I started speaking with a liltier voice and said I thought I'd be good at PSAs (which I referred to as PSRs at one point--oops).
Took me 1 1/2 hours to get home--this time because it started pouring rain when I was on the beltway--the kind of rain where you can barely see in front of you. And it didn't let up once it hit.
This is where doing multiple things comes in handy--I won't be waiting around for them to call. Or email. Or whatever it is they do.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Electric Toothbrushing
I had been using an electric toothbrush--an Oral B--but got to the point where I couldn't easily find replacement brushes. I bought the original electric toothbrush--my first ever--in Jan. 2003. I know that because i was in the drugstore purchasing the toothbrush when word came that the Columbia shuttle had crashed. (I didn't actually remember the date, but the incident, so I just looked up the date.) Anyway, I tossed the electric over a year ago, and went back to manual brushing. I had read somewhere that good manual brushing was just as effective as electric, and I was trying to save money. But in my case I must not be an effective manual brusher. When i went to the dentist recently for my 6-month checkup, the hygienest said my teeth were hard to clean, and that next time they might need to use a water treatnement (?)
I didn't like the sound of that, and I noticed that the backs of my teeth upper teeth were feeling a bit gritty after brushing, soon after my checkup. So I researched electric toothbrushes. I had bought the original Oral B because it was rated highest by Consumer something. That's still the case--Oral B still wins out over Sonicare. Something called Consumersearch rated the Oral B Professional Series Smartcare 4000 the best electric toothbrush. Consumer Reports mentions a "top-rated Oral B" in its (free) overview, but makes people subscribe to see the ratings.
My local CVS and Walgreens both had the Oral B Pro series 4000 (aka the Triumph--can they be more confusing); both were selling for about $140. I also checked the Oral B website and found that they have a 5000--one has to assume the 5000 is newer and/or fancier or both. I checked Amazon, which sells both the 4000 and 5000--the 5000 sells for $103.99; the 4000 for $4 less ($99.99). According to a chart Oral B developed that's on the Amazon site, the only difference between the two models is that the 5000 has something called the "Wireless Smartguide" which helps "maximize your routine". Whatever that means, right? Luckily, one 5000 product review was very helpful. Here's what B. Johnson from Cleveland OH said about the 5000 vs 4000 that swayed me on the 5000:
When I was making the decision to buy this model, I went back and forth as to whether to go with the SmartSeries 5000 with its separate "Smart Guide," (as opposed to the only slightly-cheaper 4000) but I'm glad I opted to pay the extra money for this additional gizmo. Aside from the fact that it doubles as an unobtrusive bathroom clock, I actually find that the visual guidance on brushing times, brushing mode, and brushing pressure help me to use this product to its full potential.
With a difference of only $4, and priced well below CVS and Walgreens, the 5000 on Amazon seemed like the best bet. And it was over the price threshold for free shipping, so I didn't pay for shipping. Amazon.com is clearly the winner for purchasing items like this--what a huge difference!
I've just started using the toothbrush--it is a bit complicated and took some reading and re-reading to figure out how to use the Wireless Smartguide. But my teeth do feel cleaner, and it has a separate "whitening" mode with different brush head. Not sure how well it works, but it sounds good. I haven't tried some of the other modes, like deep cleaning. Who know brushing teeth could be so complicated?
I didn't like the sound of that, and I noticed that the backs of my teeth upper teeth were feeling a bit gritty after brushing, soon after my checkup. So I researched electric toothbrushes. I had bought the original Oral B because it was rated highest by Consumer something. That's still the case--Oral B still wins out over Sonicare. Something called Consumersearch rated the Oral B Professional Series Smartcare 4000 the best electric toothbrush. Consumer Reports mentions a "top-rated Oral B" in its (free) overview, but makes people subscribe to see the ratings.
My local CVS and Walgreens both had the Oral B Pro series 4000 (aka the Triumph--can they be more confusing); both were selling for about $140. I also checked the Oral B website and found that they have a 5000--one has to assume the 5000 is newer and/or fancier or both. I checked Amazon, which sells both the 4000 and 5000--the 5000 sells for $103.99; the 4000 for $4 less ($99.99). According to a chart Oral B developed that's on the Amazon site, the only difference between the two models is that the 5000 has something called the "Wireless Smartguide" which helps "maximize your routine". Whatever that means, right? Luckily, one 5000 product review was very helpful. Here's what B. Johnson from Cleveland OH said about the 5000 vs 4000 that swayed me on the 5000:
When I was making the decision to buy this model, I went back and forth as to whether to go with the SmartSeries 5000 with its separate "Smart Guide," (as opposed to the only slightly-cheaper 4000) but I'm glad I opted to pay the extra money for this additional gizmo. Aside from the fact that it doubles as an unobtrusive bathroom clock, I actually find that the visual guidance on brushing times, brushing mode, and brushing pressure help me to use this product to its full potential.
With a difference of only $4, and priced well below CVS and Walgreens, the 5000 on Amazon seemed like the best bet. And it was over the price threshold for free shipping, so I didn't pay for shipping. Amazon.com is clearly the winner for purchasing items like this--what a huge difference!
I've just started using the toothbrush--it is a bit complicated and took some reading and re-reading to figure out how to use the Wireless Smartguide. But my teeth do feel cleaner, and it has a separate "whitening" mode with different brush head. Not sure how well it works, but it sounds good. I haven't tried some of the other modes, like deep cleaning. Who know brushing teeth could be so complicated?
Monday, October 25, 2010
An Agent?
A few months ago I sent my voice acting demo, along with head shots and a resume, to a local talent agency. Trying to figure out how to look for voice acting jobs is overwhelming, and could be quite costly. I'm trying to avoid spending money-it seems like such a long shot. Seems like having an agent is a way to potentially find jobs without wasting a lot of time. Well, I got an email from the agency asking me to come in for an open call. Not sure how significant this is--do they email everyone who sends them a request? But I'm excited--it's the first concrete step I've taken on this front in a while. I'm hoping they'll represent me--we'll see. Should be an interesting experience, anyway. Now I'll have to review the materials and tips from my voice acting training. The email doesn't really say what I'll be doing--it says "..we will collect your information, put you on camera, and answer any questions you may have..."
What does "put you on camera" mean? Will they ask me to read? Interview me on camera? Maybe people who know what they're doing know what to expect. And this agent always says "don't call us, we'll call you..." So I can't ask them what it means. They also represent actors and models, so having them on camera makes sense. And I already sent in my demo disk and head shots, but they tell me to bring those. So what did they do with the stuff I already sent in? (Which they asked for.)
I'm excited and nervous--plus this place is in Baltimore, so I have to figure out how much time to allow to get there. With DC traffic, who knows. The open call is from 11am-2pm. I figure I should be there before 11am, get on whatever list they have and wait my turn. I'll bring a yog book or two so I can study while I'm waiting. I guess I could blog about waiting, but that would probably make me more nervous.
Good think I'm not desperate for money...
What does "put you on camera" mean? Will they ask me to read? Interview me on camera? Maybe people who know what they're doing know what to expect. And this agent always says "don't call us, we'll call you..." So I can't ask them what it means. They also represent actors and models, so having them on camera makes sense. And I already sent in my demo disk and head shots, but they tell me to bring those. So what did they do with the stuff I already sent in? (Which they asked for.)
I'm excited and nervous--plus this place is in Baltimore, so I have to figure out how much time to allow to get there. With DC traffic, who knows. The open call is from 11am-2pm. I figure I should be there before 11am, get on whatever list they have and wait my turn. I'll bring a yog book or two so I can study while I'm waiting. I guess I could blog about waiting, but that would probably make me more nervous.
Good think I'm not desperate for money...
Un-Friend=ly
Surprising how many days can go by without blogging--still struggle with self-discipline. But I'm also doing (or trying to do) so many different things at the same time: develop a voice acting career (OK, get some voice acting work); train to become a yoga instructor; write a blog; maintain my public policy and analytical background via community service. And strengthen my singing voice.
So back to the blog. I joined Facebook shortly before I retired, as a way to keep up with people from work. Network also includes family and high school friends. And now I have my first dilemma--whether to unfriend someone. According to a recent article in the WSJ (I think), one of the biggest reasons people "unfriend" is when someone writes too frequently about mundane topics. So that's what I'm faced with--one person who writes daily, and sometimes several times a day. Some recent examples: "c'mon Bills"..."so happy to be home off my feet..." "heading to bed soon...: "bought my first Christmas gift tonight..." These blurbs clog my Droid, which has a "social media" app. Often her blurbs are the only new items to show up. Everyone else with whom I am friends is pretty judicious about posting items on Facebook. (Including me--my dog posts more items on her wall than I do on mine.)
According to my son, writing about one's every move is common among teen/young adult Facebook users. But not so for boomers. Among other things, I don't want people to think I have nothing better to do than write on my FB wall. I've been considering unfriending the prolific scribbler for some weeks now, but get nervous about doing so. My son assures me that she won't get a "you've been unfriended" message. She apparently won't know unless she tries to contact me specifically, or notices that I'm not on her list of friends any more. But I still feel uncomfortable unfriending someone--I keep thinking her next blurb might be interesting; that I'll miss something. And how do you refriend if you want to? Guess I need to ask my son--maybe they find out then that they had been unfriended.
Today's Washington Post had an article about Facebook and infertility--how difficult it is for people who are trying unsuccessfully to have kids to be bombarded with postings about children. Someone called it Facebook envy. Guess I'm glad I didn't have to deal with that while trying to have a second child. But I'm starting to feel some of that toward grandparents; I don't think that's in the cards for me. I try not to think about it; but that will get harder as the years go by.
I still haven't decided whether to unfriend; not until I find out more about refriending...
So back to the blog. I joined Facebook shortly before I retired, as a way to keep up with people from work. Network also includes family and high school friends. And now I have my first dilemma--whether to unfriend someone. According to a recent article in the WSJ (I think), one of the biggest reasons people "unfriend" is when someone writes too frequently about mundane topics. So that's what I'm faced with--one person who writes daily, and sometimes several times a day. Some recent examples: "c'mon Bills"..."so happy to be home off my feet..." "heading to bed soon...: "bought my first Christmas gift tonight..." These blurbs clog my Droid, which has a "social media" app. Often her blurbs are the only new items to show up. Everyone else with whom I am friends is pretty judicious about posting items on Facebook. (Including me--my dog posts more items on her wall than I do on mine.)
According to my son, writing about one's every move is common among teen/young adult Facebook users. But not so for boomers. Among other things, I don't want people to think I have nothing better to do than write on my FB wall. I've been considering unfriending the prolific scribbler for some weeks now, but get nervous about doing so. My son assures me that she won't get a "you've been unfriended" message. She apparently won't know unless she tries to contact me specifically, or notices that I'm not on her list of friends any more. But I still feel uncomfortable unfriending someone--I keep thinking her next blurb might be interesting; that I'll miss something. And how do you refriend if you want to? Guess I need to ask my son--maybe they find out then that they had been unfriended.
Today's Washington Post had an article about Facebook and infertility--how difficult it is for people who are trying unsuccessfully to have kids to be bombarded with postings about children. Someone called it Facebook envy. Guess I'm glad I didn't have to deal with that while trying to have a second child. But I'm starting to feel some of that toward grandparents; I don't think that's in the cards for me. I try not to think about it; but that will get harder as the years go by.
I still haven't decided whether to unfriend; not until I find out more about refriending...
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