Skeptic Wife of a Tech Geek

Okay, I am starting this blog because my husband thinks it's a "really cool" thing to do. He is one of those thirty-something Silicon Valley tech geeks that gets excited about and feels the need to stay on top of the latest internet tools, websites, technologies, etc. I, on the other hand, still don't understand the whole rage with blogs, vlogs, social networking sites, etc. According to hubby, I "don't get it". "It" being the real power of all these cool tools and how they are taking internet use to a whole new level, indeed business and world-wide communication to a whole new level. So, I thought I should try it for myself before I continue to knock it. I am more than willing to listen to anyone who can convince me of how important, in the larger scheme of things, blogging and social networking are.

I have to admit that he's right. I don't get "it". I see blogging and social networking as mainly recreational activities that, so far, I have not had much interest in. Perhaps I don't have a strong enough opinion about anything in particular that I feel the need to share with the world (or at least those few people that may read my words here). More probably, I have been unwilling or unable to take the time in front of the computer monitor to put my thoughts and experiences into written word. I am a mother of three young children and my world, as small as it may be, revolves mostly around feeding and clothing the kids and keeping up with our busy schedules. For those of you who also have children, you know the unending mountain of dishes and laundry I am referring to and the juggling of school, homework, sports, doctor's appointments, etc. Don't get me wrong, I do try to take time for myself if only to maintain my own sanity. However, I generally choose to spend my recreational time reading a good book, playing the piano, or getting some exercise. Admittedly, both my and hubby's regular social life are somewhat lacking due to our familial obligations (thank God soccer season has started again- now I get to socialize with all the soccer moms I have been missing all year- how lame is that???). Perhaps hubby's active online social networking makes up for what our "real life" is missing? I am a stay at home mom at the moment, but I think if I were still working 40+ hours a week, the last thing I would want to do is spend more time on the computer reading and writing blogs.

Don't get me wrong, I do see some good uses of blogs for other people. I have a friend that chronicled the birth, homecoming and development of her twins on her blog. It was great for long distance relatives and friends like myself to be able to see pictures of the babies and keep up with their progress. Another friend does quite a bit of travelling and keeps a journal of all his adventures (and other random thoughts) on his blog. It's interesting reading once in awhile when I have a few spare minutes. However, I just don't see myself spending hours at a time reading blogs of total strangers or writing my own random thoughts of the day (even though I guess I'm doing that right now). Am I being shortsighted here? Is blogging really more than just the latest internet fad as my husband claims?

Until next time,
Skeptic Wife