Considering the Internet and Social Interactions

Recently, I've been reevaluating how much of myself I show to "the Internet."  Since most of what I share is on Facebook, and the vast majority of my Facebook friends are people I know, I thought I was safe.  I made the assumption (We know what happens when we assume, don't we?) that people knew me and knew my reasons for sharing the information I share.  But I was wrong.  And at a time when I'm extremely vulnerable because of location and because of hormones, it became really hard to deal with negative comments from people who obviously know very little about me. 

Then I discovered that even the people who know me really well have a tendency to take the things I post the wrong way.  I've noticed it all over the internet.  People read something that someone else writes.  An article that is written about someone's specific life and situation.  An article written to a very specific audience.  And they make it about them. 

Here's an example:  I write a blog about only wanting two children, and how it works for me and my family.  Suddenly, I have insulted everyone who wants a large family, everyone who only has one child, and everyone who has no children at all.  I never said I was better than anyone else because I have two children.  I simply said, "This is what works for me, and this is why I do it."  This is hypothetical, of course, but I've seen very similar situations happen.

So what's the point of all this?  The point is that I am writing my story for those who want to hear it.  I am giving information for those that are interested.  I am trying to encourage those who are in the same boat as me and inform those who are considering jumping in.  If you don't agree with me, that's fine.  But please, rather than wasting your time and hurting my feelings by blasting me, just move on and find someone you agree with.  Find a blog with a writer that you can encourage instead of shoot down.

Totally sad.

 

Me in March of 2008 with a belly full of Caedmon and keys to my new Mom-mobile.

What happens when someone runs a red light and hits your car going between 50 and 65 miles an hour.

Is it silly to get emotional over a car?  I know it is.  I especially know it is when myself and the three people I love who were riding in the car with me are all okay.  But it's going to take a while.  I'm still processing.  I knew when we left the CR-V in Lemoore, there was a good chance I wouldn't see it again.  I also know it's for the best, but it's still sad.  

It was the first car I bought on my own.  I did it six months pregnant with a deployed husband, and I even managed to haggle for a better price.  And I think part of me feels like it was a little piece of my life in Jacksonville that's gone.  It's sad.  So I thought I would take a minute to say goodbye to a material thing that served it's purpose well.  Thanks for protecting my family, little green CR-V.