"Social? Media"

Do you remember what your mother said? If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. Well, apparently many "Facebook posters" and "Twitter tweeters" need a reminder.

My interest in all things social media has been a journey often pleasant, thought provoking, and uplifting. There is reading tweets, viewing posts, pinning pins, liking signs, and weeping at videos. I have tweeted about my Giants, posted photos of my pedicure adventures, pinned over 4000 interesting pins, blogged about brussel sprouts, "like" photos galore, and shed a few tears watching that little girl giving up her lunch money to a local homeless vet. In general, I love "social media!" 

Social media has become very "social" for me. When I retired, I was concerned I'd lose that connection with colleagues, but I have found that I know my Facebook Buddies better now then when I was working. My Pinterest boards rival any professional cookbook, nostalgic photo album, Rick Steves' travel brochure, or entertainment guide. I have also met many fellow online travelers and enjoyed the challenge of a Scrabble match or detective mystery, and with the texting, I love the occasional banter. I am "tweeting," "iMessaging," and "blogging" my way around the 'net. However, all is not well in the land of cyberspace.

I am a proponent that language is powerful; "the pen IS mightier than the sword." I have been appalled and personally offended by the language choices by many who also "tweet," "message," and "blog..." Oh, my! Pablo Sandoval, a key figure in the Giants three championships and a fan favorite, was bombarded with four-letter descriptives when he decided to move on. Curt Schilling's daughter was insulted mercilessly because her father publicly congratulated her on her accomplishments.  Hillary Clinton, in trying to explain her email choices, received a barrage of unflattering and borderline pornographic comments. Would you say these things if you were face-to-face with the person? NO, that's where the bravado ends.

When anonymity seems secure, hidden behind a screen, often miles and miles away, tweeters, messagers, bloggers feel free to say anything without impunity. Sticks and stones break bones, but these words...destroy what I call humanity. Sandoval tried to ignore the fans turned foes; Schilling hunted down his daughter's "word-tackers" and exposed them; Hillary chalked it up to the dirty side of public service. So, how can this method of communication, veiled as free speech, be deterred? Can this ever become extinct? 

In a free society, I see no fair solution. Foul, distasteful language will continue to plague our discourse for as long as we communicate. My hope is that people will not ignore, but strike back by unveiling those Internet bullies and letting them shrivel in the exposure. It used to be "turn the other cheek." It should now return to a golden rule of thumb, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

Remember when your mom asked you, how would you feel if someone said that to you? Think about that...next time.

Sincerely, Kathleen

"Serenity Now!"

"Do you pop in your earbuds with soft flute music? or lie in warm jasmine bubbles midst flickering candles? or do you sit by the window savoring a nice Bordeaux? Maybe, you lotus your body chanting "oommmm?"

When everyday life becomes a traffic jam of boss's demands, reports due yesterday, "to do" lists that only get longer, it is essential to take a moment or sixty to rest and recharge. Before my retirement it seemed impossible to find a time to relax, even the weekend had its own "to do" list. Relaxing meant doing nothing, and there was too much to do...no free moments available. What I didn't realize is that all along the answer was on the tip of my...toes. Pedicures. Pedicures are the answer, and although my experiences are limited in number and very diverse, they all have one thing in common: no computers, no cell phones, no demands, no responsibilities. 

My first pedicure was more celebratory in nature; my neice had reached a notable birthday. Opting for the full treatment, we were ushered into a private room away from the hustle and bustle of the spa's popularity. From a brisk cleaning and exfoliating exposing the refreshed pink skin to a relaxing scented massage that broke down the tightness in my...neck? Oh, yes...the massaging of my feet brought on a relaxing tingle running all the way up to my neck. But, instead of an introspective repose, my neice and I shared the moment by catching up and bonding as adults. We never stopped talking once, and it was enjoyable...

My second pedicure was also celebratory as I reached my own notable birthday. Any new senior citizen deserves being treated to a pedicure! I sat in a small comfortable room, soft lighting, quiet music, allowing me a little more peace and quiet to contemplate my new AARP status. The young lady knew my step-mother, so some of the hour was spent talking about family. However, as she focused on the task at hand...I guess, task at foot, I was able to close my eyes and enjoy the bubbling soak, the massage chair (Can I get one?), and again the wonderful tingling sensation relaxing my shoulder and neck muscles. I am starting to understand the necessity of taking those moments for oneself...

My third and latest pedicure was one I was greatly anticipating. The day spa was known for its tranquil environment, quality Hungarian products, and I had previously enjoyed a wonderful soothing facial, so I knew that I would receive quality treatment. Entering I was enveloped by such pleasing scents and soft music, dimmed lights, the trickling of water, and everyone speaking in soft tones. I sat comfortably; my feet soaking. I soon closed eyes; my body relaxed. Oh...the invigorating exfoliating scrub, the radiating massage, the heated wrap... What was I suppose to do today?...I forgot.

After each pedicure, I experienced a level of euphoria that lingered for hours; I seemed to sleep better for a few nights; my feet maintained a smooth, pinkish glow; and the tinted toenails continued to solicit a little childish giggle. Obamacare should include monthly pedicures...For mental health, they're very medicinal!