Say Hello to my 429 friends -

Recently and reluctantly I joined the social networking site Facebook. I did it under the pretext that it was for work purposes and joining would allow me a better opportunity to see how small businesses network using the internet. That was the official party line. Unofficially it gave me the opportunity to see what the heck everyone else in the world was up to.

Here is what I found out. My wife’s friends are a wonderful friendly sort. They will do anything for you at a moment’s notice and they quickly became my friends. Now I get up to date information on who is going swimming, to the bank or is having a bad day in general. All of it not earth shattering, but nice to know nonetheless. Several of my old high school friends are now part of my list. Recently I got to hear about a cat eating whipped cream, another one planning a 4th of July party, and yet another looking for some sort of farm animal. Those of you on Facebook know all about the farm animals.

The most fascinating part of all of this is the opportunity to voice your two cents on an issue, any issue, any topic, anytime. From a local standpoint it would look something like this.

TOPIC - I going to pick up Pizza, but have no idea where to go.

Friend #1 – Go to top of the hill, they have the best sauce.
Friend #2 – I’m making sauce for supper.
Friend #1 – Really, you did not invite me.
Friend #2 – Yep, then going to the movies
Friend #3 – Whatcha seein!
Friend #1 – I haven’t been to the movies in forever, Waterbury or Southington.
Friend #4 – My husband is playing golf in Southington.
Friend #2 – Don’t know, we pick when we get there.
Friend #1 – Pick, I like sausage and mushrooms.
Friend #5 – Is that a movie
Friend #4 – All my husband does is play golf, never takes me anywhere.
Friend #1 – I think I have a coupon for buy one get one.
Friend #5 – Movies?
Friend #1 – No, Pizza.
Friend #5 – Hey, that’s sounds like fun. I like pizza but have no idea where to go…

Recently while on the road my wife asked my how dinner was with a business associate. I responded then added some comment about the hotel. Party #3 seeing this and not knowing I was 500 miles away on business became concerned thinking we were no longer living together and this was how we communicated. All is well in the household, and the fact that 429 friends are potentially concerned about our well being was very nice. We made this fact known quickly or the next day it would look something like this.

Friend #1 – Hope all is well with you guys.
Friend #2 – Me too. Off to the beach!
Friend #1 – I think Jim is at a beach, without his family.
Friend #3 – No, he is in Buffalo.
Friend #2 – They have beaches in Buffalo?
Thanks for watching out for us…All 429 of you. BNM “Back next month.”