“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”
—Socrates
Imagining a Life Without Social Media
The news of the Cambridge Analytica scandal has led a number of my friends, no longer comfortable with the amount of data amassed about them, to declare that they are leaving Facebook. People exiting certain social media platforms or abstaining for extended periods of time isn’t new. For years now, I’ve seen posts from acquaintances stating that they are dissatisfied with what Facebook has become or how it’s affecting their lives. It seems most of them usually return eventually. It’s hard to free oneself of social media these days. Everyone uses it. It’s how we stay apprised of happenings in each others’ lives, spread information about events, and even learn about breaking news.
Quote of the Week
“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”
― Dita Von Teese
The Satisfaction of Spring Gardening
Though the temperatures have dipped again, we had a few warm spring days this week. After many months of neglecting my yard, I took advantage of the nice weather and child care assistance (thanks, Yia-Yia!) and set out to do some weeding and garden clean-up.
I tend to treat gardening much like house cleaning: I aim for good enough rather than perfect. My goal in terms of my yard is generally to keep it from getting so overgrown that my neighbors look at it with disdain. When we bought our house, I knew the lawn maintenance would cause me stress. The previous owner was an avid gardener who had done all kinds of lovely landscaping. I’ve tried to maintain it, but in fewer than three years, it looks much less attractive than it did when he left. The funny thing, though, is that while I look at my overgrown garden and feel burdened by it, I actually enjoy gardening when I’m in the process of doing it. As with many things, the procrastination and anticipation are worse than the deed itself.
Quote of the Week
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”
—Bertrand Russell
