Monday, December 18, 2006

How we meet...

Some people pay no heed and dedicate no attention to it, while others give credit to divine destiny. For me, it's a topic that I often reflect upon often...

It's amazing to me how easy it is to meet someone new in today's modern age. Not because of the number of people on Earth, but due to the ease in which it is to find a way to communicate. Before the birth of internet and e-mail people would meet face to face, at a gathering, school, party, moving to a new place. Now, you can meet people without ever laying eyes on them or hearing their voice. Which is usually how it all starts in the world of the computer! I have met a great deal of interesting (and some not so interesting) people. Some of them I have developed friendships with that have persisted. Others it was a moment in time.

To the younger generation of today, it seems normal. Text Messaging. Chat. E-mail. If post offices could enforce payment requirements to "send" an e-mail, there would be a lot more Yacht owners in the world. And with computer technology, it is free to talk to anyone anywhere in the world! Well, not exactly free since you have to pay the internet provider, but you can talk to anyone anywhere in the world with a computer, a headset, and a chat account. I have talked to people in Australia, England, and the United States.

Ann Marie (my wife) has recently started to divulge into the realm of "computer communications". I am glad she has because it's something that I enjoy to do on occassion and she didn't fully understand the value or fun in it. She has established aquantances with a person from Texas and one from Ontario! Ann Marie and I joke sometimes that I am "winning" beause I know people in more different countries than she does (I think I am ahead by two).

Seriously speaking though, it is not a game. The people you meet are real. Without ever meeting the person face to face, you can have an enormous impact on their life and they to yours. It's possible that impact is negative, but hopefully you find those people that bring a positive to your life and it are those individuals you develop a friendship with, albeit unique due to the circumstances on how you meet and communicate.

I have met many people playing online poker (a past addiction that is now a pleasant pasttime). One person, Traci, I met by scribbling all over her blog. Ann Marie met her two acquatancies through answering questions on Yahoo Answers! Many more people find friendships and relationships through the highly popular on-line dating services. (Don't expect to find me there, I already have the perfect relationship and best friend in Ann Marie).

So what's next for the world? Cerebral implants with a computer hookup that allow you to "feel", "smell", and "taste"? Holographic images that allow you to "see" and "hear" the other person in 3D? It seams as though humanity creates all the things that are dreamed up in Hollywood, and this begs the question as to when transporters are going to be real (And it'll be real interesting seeing what messes the developers make developing that machine! Probably give a whole new meaning to "COW PIE")

Just remember, the people you meet, however you meet them, have a life, have feelings and emotions, and have a soul. So be careful what you say. Be careful what you promise. Be careful what you imply. Be careful what you share. Be mindful of your emotions. Keep life in perspective. And if you make a new friend, regardless of how and how far, that is pure of heart and soul, you are tuly blessed.

Friday, December 15, 2006

A whole month has gone by that I haven't written a blog. Gawd! The days seem to be screaming by me and the blur is dizzying. The Christmas (or should I say winter) season always sends me for a loop. The sun is gone by 5pm and it's cold and crappy outside so the family ends up trapped indoors. For a guy who suffers from depression, this is the crappy time of year! Combine that with trying to balance bills with all the x-mas shopping adds to the fun. Despite all the dark side, there are positives that I try to keep in the forefront that drive me on. The first is the excitement Genevieve and Jonathan have for Christmas. Seeing their enthusiasm just propels you into a good mood. And last weekend I got the lights on the house all fixed up and lit! It was awesome that the entire family noticed and commented how great it was to have the Christmas lights on without me having to say a word. It was also my welcome back gift to Ann Marie who had gone to Buffalo with her friends for the weekend to shop.

This past week has been super hectic. Leaving from work to get home and try to get Jonathan rolling on his homework. Then heading out to shop for x-mas presents the second Ann Marie got through the front door from work. Of course, going shopping on a school night is not always the best idea since we always get home late and then have to the shower the kids and get them into bed. Shopping is about 70% complete. Question is when will I get the chance to get the other 30%!