twitter quitter

Tweet, twit, quit. I’m done with my twitter.

I find it hard to believe that there’s anyone left in this world who is unaware of the social networking site Twitter. Maybe a few nomadic tribes living in the deserts of far-off countries, but chances are they’ve heard something about it too. I decided to give it a try this week/weekend for my assignment, promising to myself that I would try to find the positive ways in which a twitter account could enhance my overall wellbeing. Believe me when I tell you, my list was very short.

Granted, I can see where a networking site such as this one could connect you to people all over the world. I can understand how it links you to those who share similar interests, and can provide comical relief throughout the day; but how does it appear valuable to someone with a life like mine? Or someone who has trouble finding enough time to get things done as it is; without the demand of notifying the rest of the world about your every breath? I’ve come to the conclusion that although Twitter may be an excellent resource for many, it’s definitley not for me.

I’ll admit to having a Facebook account, although I rarely log on (and am quite unfamiliar with the navigation). But Facebook serves a purpose for me. I can reconnect with highschool friends, keep up with old teammates, or communicate with family on the other side of the world. This blogging thing has been interesting too. Blogging enables me to browse information on almost any topic, and read opinions from people of every creed, color, and profession. But to me, Twitter is nothing more than a way for others to stay all-knowing about the lives of those they follow. After all, 140 characters leaves little room to express/explain whats going on in the life of me.

It may seem that I’m being harsh, or irrational about my distaste for Twitter. I don’t mean to offend those who couldn’t live without updates every few minutes, but to each their own, and I genuinely see no point in informing the world every time I sneeze. Or eat. Or laugh for that matter.

I have a full time family, a full time job, and a full time academic schedule that engulfs the majority of my waking hours each day. I do enjoy surfing the internet from time to time, or looking into something that interests me via blogs and web resources- but it’s rare that I come across something that I think is worthy of sharing with the rest of the world. Maybe I’m too private of a person? That I don’t know, but taking the time to stop what I’m doing in order to ‘tweet’ about it is seemingly trivial, not to mention irrelevant.

Maybe down the road I’ll learn to appreciate the concept, but for now I don’t see the point. Usually, life seems too short to take time to smell the flowers; but to take time to smell them and also tell the rest of the world thatI’m doing so? Ludacris. Until then, I’m quitting the twittering, and closing the door (as well as the rest of the world) behind me. Farewell fail whales, live feeds, excerpts of useless information, and time wasted.   

 

FIFA 2010 BEGINS

 

 

Before I begin, let me state: I bleed red, white, and blue. I have two friends (and former teammates) representing the United States in the FIFA World Cup this year, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic about our draw with English National on Saturday. But let’s be honest, the US team caught a major break this weekend. Plenty of soccer fans fantasized about the idea of defeating England in a blow-out game, but few actually predicted it could happen. And although hopes and wishes can take you places- the reality of victory for the United States team is a little far-fetched.

As an avid soccer fan, and an ex player, I look at the game from a very critical perspective. To many onlookers, a team’s playing strategy, technique, and true ability are unnoticed. Their loyalty to a team relies on their consistent ability to win. I dissect each team; watching each player work together. This, to me, is both in appreciation for the game and love for the sport. This, to most, is being way too involved.  But regardless of which side of the fence you fall- the skill level that both teams displayed on Saturday was admirable. Anyways… back to my point.

First off, the US players are (for the most part) more athletic and have more speed than the majority of opposing teams. However, winning on a stage such as the World Cup requires excellence in numerous factors and abilities that the US team sincerely lacks. The skills and experience levels of the teams we’re up against this year leave us looking like beginners. Many of our opponents began playing soccer as young as the age of four- and have been trained, harnessed, and influenced by some of the world’s greatest players. Even more were introduced to the sport long before they learned to read and write. Not to say that these countries do not value education as much as the United States, but this is where we cannot compete- and ultimately, where we will fall in our conquest for international soccer supremacy.  

Secondly, there’s a little thing called passion that can make or break any athletic team. Passion is one thing that US National has not yet captured. Even though soccer is on the rise regarding popularity and participation in our country- it doesn’t compare to football and baseball, sports that are instilled in almost every American child. In the countries of our opposition, soccer is the only sport that matters. Soccer has the ability to bring countries, even those facing political turmoil or depression, into a frenzy of celebration. It links populations, brings enemies together, and gives everyone something to look forward to.

This passion for the sport may have little effect on the outcome of a game, but when your entire country is watching your every move for the next four years, you think a little harder before each touch of the ball. The sincerity and support of soccer patrons weighs heavily on each athlete. The intensity these nations have for victory is insurmountable.  I stand confident beside the statement that the United States team will never stand a chance against the world’s greatest teams until our fans learn to appreciate the sport the way others do.

On a better note, the effect that the FIFA Cup has on its host country this year is magnificent. Over a decade ago, Nelson Mandela gave an amazing speech on the same grass we’re playing on. The disease, famine, and devastation that Africa suffers from are outshined by the world’s support of this event. We get the ability to see the people in a different light, one evoked by happiness and hope.

To wrap up my thoughts, I’ll return to the fact that I’ll cheer the US team on (from the recliner in my living room) as long as they hold their ground in this year’s World Cup. I would love nothing more than to see them come out victorious in the end. But no matter the outcome, my love for the game and appreciation for the sport remain untainted. May the best team win and the games play on…

BRAIN DRAIN

      

 Summer is here; along with fireflies, boatrides, popsicles, and slip and slides….and the dreaded fear of your child’s summer-brain-drain. School is out and the upcoming  weeks hold nothing but the promise of fun in the sun. As a parent it can be tough to find a balance between activities that your kids enjoy, and those that stimulate them both mentally and physically. So who has the answer? Is it relative to individual families and kids? Does anyone know where to find the Effectively Planning Your Child’s Summer for Dummies book?

  The truth is this: for kids, the one thing that makes summer so exciting is the fact that there is no schedule. There’s nowhere you have to be, no homework to turn in, no projects due. But it becomes convoluted for parents when the expression “I’m bored” begins to sound like a record player stuck on repeat. Deciding how much scheduling is too much scheduling, coming up with things to do, and still maintaining both the budget and your sanity is merely impossible. But don’t raise your white parenting flag just yet- because help is around the corner.

 The most vital step to planning summer fun is knowing what your child’s interests are. I’ve found it helpful to jot down a list of the things my daughter enjoys doing most, places she may like to go, etc. Also, I note the things that I find most important for them to do; whether it’s spending some time at grandma’s, working on spelling, or helping out around the house. I use this list as a reference when coming up with new ideas and activities; because the farther you stray from their interests, the farther you get from their idea of fun.

There are tons of websites dedicated to summer activities for kids. For penny pinching parents (which seems to be everyone these days), tips to making the most of your summer budget can be extremely useful. Turning an everyday chore, or boring task, into a game can spark the enthusiasm of any child. Creating a game doesn’t necessarily mean keeping score or having an opponent- it can be as simple as providing helpful behavior with a small reward. By using the resources around you (be it odd items in the garage, the computer, or construction paper and a little glue) and adding a little creativity- you can find numerous ways to keep summer both fun and beneficial. Be sure to look into websites of favorite TV shows, books, or characters. There are a variety of online games and learning opportunities available, as well as printable activities.

In closing, don’t forget to relax. Summer can be overwhelming if you attempt too much. Make time to do nothing, sleep in late, or lounge around. After all, that’s what summer is really about…right?

 

                                   

A tarp, some soap, and a lot of water turned our backyard into the neighborhood’s coolest slip-and-slide.

 

      

She really enjoyed building, painting, and decorating her bird house kit. (She’s the next Picasso!)

 

 

                   

Vacationing (at sea) with her grandparents.