More Than a Time Waster

I wrote a few days ago that I was addicted to Facebook. I love checking it when I get a minute throughout the day. My office is right beside my bathroom. Being pregnant, I visit the bathroom often and stop by my computer either on my way in or out. Tomorrow is Facebook's 5th birthday. Happy Birthday Facebook!

Last night at a meeting, I tried to talk a friend into joining Facebook (FB). She shook her head and said she wasn't sure she wanted to. If you are on FB, you know that you have met up with old friends from high school and college. People that you have worked with in the past or maybe even a school friend from elementary school might have contacted you. I have found it rewarding to reach out and stay in contact with so many long lost friends. And being as lazy as I am, I love that I can reach all of my friends without looking up their email address.

As I sat in meeting trying to think of words to encourage my friend to try FB, I started to think what I have gained from such a silly time waster.

When my mom passed away and I sat in Alliance all alone in my family's living room, reading the comments on Facebook helped me feel connected to all of my friends.

As a stay at home mom, the days can be long and lonely. Reading silly updates or comments picks up my mood.

I had a co-worker from my last job reconnect with me on FB. She wondered if a part-time position became available at her current company, would I be interested. Interested? I nearly fell over with excitement that someone would want to pay me to do ANYTHING, let alone something I went to grad school for! Yes, I am interested. Someday.

I have made plans for a girls night out that I know I never would have made without FB. We never would have gotten to it. We're going out next week. I can't wait.

Yesterday, I wouldn't have received the nicest "Thinking of you" card if one of my friends hadn't read all of the comments about my mom on FB.

People have found my blog from comments made on FB. I love that!

The other day I wrote as my status update "Wondering what to do with my four-year old." I got an immediate invitation to a friends house. Thanks M! And then I received a invitation to start a play date rotation with another friend. Thanks L!

Facebook does not replace real life conversations and contact. But, it does provide connections to people you may not be able to keep in touch in real life. It makes my life easier and more fun. It is a tool that helps you connect. So if you haven't joined Facebook, give it a shot (hint hint Hubby!). And if you are on FB, go and update your status. You have friends waiting.