Don't let technology ruin your relationships

I see it everyday. People getting mad that their significant other "liked" a post on Facebook, texts getting lost in translation, tones of voice are unrecognizable via email and arguments over the Internet. Only this generation has had to deal with this. Never before has there been such a media explosion where we know what happens, the second it happens. We're bombarded to try instagram, snapchat, facebook, voxer and a wide array of social media sites to connect with others in various ways. Guess what? We're not connecting! The more we use these sites, the less we feel the need to see each other and this is stifling possibilities of growing in our relationships. It's a movement that has moved us backwards in so many ways. You text your mom this morning to see how she is so you think there's no need to stop by and actually see her. You "liked" your friends posts at least 3 times this week so, you're a good friend, huh? You snapchatted (Is that even a word? It will be soon.) with your boss about the presentation next week so no need to do anything further because that shows you are hard at work. All of these things are actually making us anti-social.
     The paradox of social media sites is that while you may be associating with and seeing what others are doing, you are not there to hear them speak or do anything with them. I see all the time where young ladies are practically begging for a good morning text, just to be validated. While it is nice to receive a text knowing someone is thinking and cares about you, what happened to a phone call or waiting until you get to school for a good morning hug? Or arriving at school to get a 5 page letter someone wrote the night before because there was no texting. I see people quickly becoming bored with each other and how wouldn't you? You talk in person, FB, snapchat, IM, send videos etc. Isn't it just all kind of overwhelming? By time you actually see each other again, there is nothing to talk about. You know everything that happens with each other because of social media and technology. We know every single thing a person does from what they eat at which restaurant, to what time they clocked in for work. We even know the music they were listening to while do it.
     Stop it. Take a day, a week, heck if ya can, stay off social media. (I tell you this as I'm writing a blog.) It's consuming our lives. Instead of getting up and reading the paper or watching the news, we can just look it up on our phone but, it doesn't stop there. We scroll, we read, we like, we send, we chat and we "catch up" on what happened while we were sleeping or were away. 2-3 hrs of your life was wasted just because you wanted to see if Cindy Lou and her boyfriend got back together after arguing all week. It's nuts! We are simply wasting too much time and energy on people that don't care about us and to be honest, we don't usually care much about. For what? You can't get that time back with your child. You can't get that dinner back with your significant other. We're wasting hours watching what each other is doing when we could be spending time with each other. Get off the internet and read to your child. Stop playing the game and go on a walk with your spouse. Get back into the real world and make memories. All these hours wasted and we're going to be really sad that life passed us by so quickly and we didn't take the time to give dad a hug goodbye, because we were too busy texting. Don't get me wrong, social media and technology can be great when used in moderation and for certain circumstances. Just don't let it become your life. There's a whole big world out there with friends and family who love you. Get off the couch, go unplug their cord and go live.

           OneLove~Ophelia ☆

I lost something I thought I'd never lose and now, it is Forever gone

Friendship is such a great thing, especially when it's with genuine people. These people are few and far between and I'm proud to say that I have a few. When I heard the news Jan 29th, 2015, that my good friend Scott had suddenly died, my heart fell into my toes. My mind raced, my heart pounded and I was extremely nauseous. The fun times, the stories, the bond was forever gone. I was lost. I called his mother to offer my condolences, only to find out how horribly other people were taking advantage of his death. I could do nothing, completely helpless. The person who always has an idea for everything, was at a standstill. You see, Scott's estranged dad had decided that he would, because he could, pay for the funeral of his son. It is tragic for a parent to not only have to bury their child, but the burden they incur paying for all the expenses. I know because I saw my own parents go throygh these burdens with my brother. His mother had helped Scott his whole life, his daughter and 2 beautiful sons as well. I had never even heard Scott so much as speak about his father, let alone did I know his name nor had ever met him. This "man", Scott's dad, took it upon himself to make all the decisions and arrangements for the funeral. Why not? He was paying for it so he should be able to do as he saw fit, right? Except this "man" decided that Scott did not deserve to have his final farewells. He didn't deserve to have his friends and loved ones come honor him. You see, Scott's dad decided that only immediate family need be at the calling and funeral. I hate this man for that and I can count the things I hate on one hand. Scott was young and full of life so of course he had many friends and loved ones. Scott just passed away 4 mornings ago and has already been buried without so much as an obituary! How does this happen? A guy, who hasn't been in his son's life for decades, decides that he can judge who can and can't say goodbye to his son? I am Outraged! I have Reds baseball cards and Colts memorabilia to put in his coffin. I wanted/needed to see him one last time. Who is this jerk to decide that no one can pay their final respects to Anyone, let alone your own son? This is beyond my comprehension and I'm a relatively intelligent person. Scott's mom is quiet and meek and is upset. Unfortunately as time passes, she will be more upset as she realizes what this man has done. Many people do not even know of his passing. I want to look this "man" in the eye and explain to him all he robbed his son from and how he robbed all those who love and care about Scott. Tragically, that would be pointless. The damage has been done and I'll never get to see my friend again. I've been overcome with emotion by this series of events so please understand if I do not make complete sense. All I can do now is have my own personal ceremony and say goodbye to my wonderful friend. I truly hope I never have to cross paths with his dad, it would not be a good day for either of us. This is Not how I want to honor my friend but I had to get this off my chest. I love you Scott, forever and always. I know you're up there with Seth and Ryan and too many of our loved ones. I will keep an eye on your mom and make sure she's ok. Please forgive me for not knowing sooner, I would have fought for all that I'm worth to see you one last time. You had the best laugh ever, one of those infectious laughs. So many great memories I have of you and I will treasure them always. I'm so sorry I didn't know...I love you~