Facebook Moments

Some people (I'm thinking of my husband in particular here) say I waste too much time on facebook. While that may be true (OK, it is) there are some redeeming moments from the past year or so that keep me logging in and updating my status.

Mod Reunion
In the fall of 2009, an old college friend mentioned via facebook that she would be in town in a few weeks. With minimal effort, six of us gals who had lived in the same mod (that's Tabor-speak for "dorm") during the 1987-88 school year were able, via facebook messaging, to pick a day, choose a restaurant, and meet for a wonderful extended lunch. We had such a great time. It hadn't happened in 20 years, and I don't think it would have if it hadn't been for facebook.

High School Reunions
The same goes for high school friends. I've had the pleasure of attending a couple of Christmas parties wtih old classmates because they invited through facebook.

Aunt Extrodinaire
I have lots of really neat aunts, but only one is active with facebook. Because of her posts, I've gotten to know her a little bit better. And she makes lots of encouraging comments on my posts. I love that.

Cousin Connection
Through facebook, I've been able to keep up with several cousins who I never did before. Some are interested in four-wheeling, like our family, or running, as I am. Several have read my blog, through a link from facebook. At a gathering one even told my mom that I was a good writer. (Of course I love that!) A cousin linked a news clip when his high school basketball star son had the "play of the week," an awesome alley-oop dunk. A highlight we replayed numerous times. That's my cousin's kid!

Breaking Stereotypes
Through facebook, I discovered that someone I'd dismissed in high school as a goat roper from Durham was now on several library advocacy boards, and volunteered at his son's school book fair, like I usually do. I decided that if I can go from a studious farm girl to a Harley-riding mama, he can change too. That's the fun of growing up, getting past old stereotypes and finding common ground in surprising places.

Renewing Friendships
A girl in our church youth group mainly hung out with my older sister and her crowd. Still, I remember sitting with her on the van back from a mission trip, enjoying talking with her and being amazed at her sketching abilities. I loved her name, and eventually named my daughter after her. She moved several states away and I completely lost contact with her until this past year. It's so fun to see her as a mom of two boys and walk through her flower garden (via her photo albums, of course). We've connected on several creative topics, and she has encouraged me tremendously with my writing. It's amazing that we can be a part of each others lives so easily from hundreds of miles away.