My decision to step away ...

In the summer of 2006 I was writing a story on internet gambling. I wanted to get some sources from youth who were participating, albeit illegally, in this growing phenomenon. During my search I came across this new kind of networking Web site called Facebook.

Now, four years ago it was limited to college students who had a campus e-mail. You had to be a student. Perfect! It was just what I was looking for.

So I signed up and started to search for people. I didn't really do much with it other than pass the info along to our political reporter because it might be something they should look in to. Candidates were recruiting college students to work on their campaign so they could use the site to get younger voters out. Wow!

Then the site started to open up and suddenly I had all kinds of former high school acquaintances who wanted to "connect". To date I have 639 friends. I don't talk to 95% of them ... I have a page for my photo business. It gets decent hits ...

But over the past week I have been thinking about things that take up time in my life that don't need to. Today I was listening to a talk by Sheri Dew and she asked a poignant question: What is your favorite sin? Facebook came to mind, but I pushed it away thinking how on earth could it be a sin??

Then tonight happened. I received some wonderful council and again the prompting about my account. So, Facebook and I are parting ways. I don't know if this will be permanent or if it will be temporary. In his book Media Unlimited Todd Gitlin wrote, "Crucially, who we are is ow we live our time - or spend it" (2007, p.19).

In The Rule of St. Benedict there is a chapter that speaks of obedience. We are taught, "The first rule of humility is unhesitating obedience", "If you hear [His] voice today, do not harden your heart", "It is high time for us to arise from sleep", and "... every time you begin a good work, you must pray to [Him] most earnestly to bring it to perfection."

I have to get my Capstone Project done and I also need to rid myself of things that will take away from the time I need to dedicate to it. So, don't be offended because we are "friends" anymore. I have things to do and a race to run, my course is set. My very sage cousin said, "If they are really your friend, they will know how to get a hold of you." Amen!

My blogs will still stay active, although not entirely maintained. I will still continue my Web site for my photography business. My phone will stay active as will my e-mail. But don't come looking for me on Facebook after Sunday night because I won't be there.

Information:
Web site: www.aiphotographydesign.com
Blog: fotoangel.blogspot.com (about life and inspiration) or brandyszagjourney.blogspot.com (updates on my Capstone Project)
E-mail: brandyalee@gmail.com
Cell: message me if you want it or get it from someone else :)

It's been fun. It most certainly has been real. But the time it has taken away from me hasn't been real fun. Another sage person wrote in lyric:

Well the truth, well it hurts to say
I'm gonna pack up my bags and I'm gonna go away
I'm gonna split, I can't stand it
I'm gonna give it up and quit and aint never coming back

Girl but before I get to going, I've got to say,
I know you used to love me but that was yesterday,
And the truth, I won't fight it,
When the love starts burning you got to do what's right.

Woh-oh lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,
Woh-oh lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,

Well the truth, yeah it hurts to say,
I'm gonna pack up my bags and I'm gonna go away,
I'm gonna split, I can't stand it,
I'm gonna give it up and quit, ain't never coming back

Girl but before I get to going, I've got to say,
There was a time, oh woman, when you used to shake it for me,
but now, all you do is just treat me cold,
Ain't gonna take it no more, gonna walk out the door,

Lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,
No good no more more more more
Lover, lover lover you don't treat me good no more,
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

[Background: Lover, lover lover you don't treat me no good no more]
(repeated in unison with rest of song and to end)

Well I'd wait up for you almost every night
and I'm hurting so bad cause you don't treat me right
Oh woman, oh woman you know I love you so
but you're so mean to me baby, I'm walking out the door,
Oh lover, oh lover, yeah-yeah

No good no more more more more

I know you used to love me in every way
but now im giving it up, and I'm tired of crying babe
I can't stand it no longer, it hurts me to say,
but I'm packing up my bags and going far away,
Hey lover, oh lover yeah-yeah

Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
(you dont treat me good no more)
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
(you dont treat me good no more)
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more

See you on the other side!