Tuesday Truth - Saying No To Facebook

Our girls aren't on Facebook.

Our daughters, ages 15 and 12, do spend time on the computer, they do play games and listen to music but, they don't use Facebook.  Have they asked to have an account?  Sure.  But I always answer with, 'If you want to talk to your friends, or share something, use the phone.'  Then I get the eye roll and the "all of my friends have a Facebook account!"  Thing is, I don't care.  This comeback doesn't matter to me in the least.

I say No to Facebook for my girls because:

A).  There's already enough confusion and drama in life - why add to that with possible misunderstandings with a poor choice of words, or statements that were said in the heat of the moment that you can't take back.

B.)  I feel social media in Facebook form increases the chances of getting sucked into someone else's bad mood, hurt feelings or revenge tactics.   It's one thing to support a friend who's going through a tough time but in written form through social media I feel things get out of control too fast and go too far.

Two years ago we had an eye-opening experience.  Our oldest visited a chat room for Anime fans and would talk in this chat room with her very close friend from school.  Well, these "friends" got into a fight in this chat room and even though our computer is in our Family Room (which means no privacy) intense, scary, powerful things were said and it took parents on both sides by surprise.  It was shocking.  It was bad.  Lo-o-o-o-ong discussions came from this experience and it was proof that social media wasn't a good fit.  And even though this happened two years ago, I'm sticking to my 'No'.

Yes, I have a FB account.  It's mainly to share information about my blogs and connect with other bloggers.  It could appear hypocritical, but my intention with my FB use is to promote and support.  At their young age they're figuring out how they feel and it shouldn't be broadcast on Facebook.  I know I could "Friend" them but again, once it's been expressed the unnecessary drama begins.

Go write in a journal.

Once my girls turn 18 I can't legally tell them they can't take part.  I just hope that by then what they share won't hurt others or themselves.

To read more Tuesday Truth:

"Confessions Of A Teen Mom"  ~ Guest Blogger

"When I Open My Mouth My Mom Comes Out"  ~ Guest Blogger

Not The Place If You're Afraid Of Heights

This week I'm starting the week off with memories of the weekend. 

For Father's Day Rob wanted to go for a drive up the Columbia Gorge and take in the amazing natural beauty.  Perfect thing to do on a Sunday.

Walking along the wall of Vista House.  (Across the river is Washington State)  Lily following Rob.  Our 12 year old is almost as tall as we are - and that's 5'10!

 It's a beautiful day in the Gorge

Rob and Katie made it to the bridge of Multnomah Falls.  (Let's see... notice that person with their arms in the air? Well, that's not either of them ;->  They're 2 spots over.) 

This was a difficult adventure for Lily because she's becoming afraid of heights.  The Vista House sits high atop a hill on the Gorge and Multnomah Falls is the highest waterfall in Oregon.  She didn't even want to try to make it to the bridge this time, so I kept her company.

How are you with heights?  For some reason it doesn't bother me.  But there is NO WAY I could Skydive or Bungee jump.  It's one thing to be up high, it's another to drop.  Are heights a problem for you?  If so, do you have ways to get over the fear?  I would love to help my Lily out :->

For more Starting The Week Off:

"What You Can Find When You Explore Your Neighborhood"

"Look Ma'! No Hands!"

It's Virtual Girls Night Out Time! Which Barbie Are You?

School's Out -  For - SUMMER!

Today was my daughter's last day of school.  On to having a 7th grader and a Sophomore in High School.  *gulp*  Wait a minute... I have a H.S. Sophmore???  Stop this time machine please!  It's going way too fast!    How about I distract myself from the "where has the time gone?" feelings and get going on a Virtual Girls Night Out!  

For our weekly Friday night blog hopping party all you need to make this party complete is to grab a beverage of your choice (cocktail recipe below for inspiration) and your fuzzy slippers!  I started this blog party in 2008 and bloggers have been virtually partying ever since.  All You Do To participate In The Virtual GNO:  Link up your blog below and visit your fellow party guests - say "Happy VGNO!!!"  Share the blog game/meme on your site to play along. 

Time For Some Tunes!

Of Monsters and Men "Mountain Sounds"

I love attending outdoor concerts.  What about you?

Time For A Cocktail!

We have a Guest Bartender for our Virtual GNO this week.  Janel from Good Deal Mama is sharing her fantastic sounding Sangria recipe!

Peach & Berries Sangria 
Prep time:  10 mins
Total time:  10 mins
Serves: 30
Ingredients
2 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine
1-1/4 cups peach flavored vodka or peach schnapps
½ cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
⅓ cup white sugar
1 bag of frozen peaches
1 bag of mixed berries
2 litters of either 7 up, sparkling water, or Sprite soda
Instructions
Mix wine with vodka or peach schnapps. Add the lemonade concentrate with the sugar, allow to dissolve.
Add sugar mix to wine mix.  Store in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight for flavors to mingle.  
When serving add in soda or sparkling water and fruit.

Doesn't this sound like the perfect drink for a warm, Summer day? Or, night?   Thank you so much Janel for sharing this lovely Sangria.  Check out her blog www.gooddealmama.com . Cheers!


Time For A Party Game!

As I look around my house I see a LOT of Barbie's. There's the Barbie in her scuba suit and the Barbie who's a Vet. These Barbie's are outside on the swing-set and in the garden too. But, these dolls don't represent the way I think they should. If I were a Barbie I would be "Sunscreen Barbie". Follow the chart below to see which Barbie you would be.

"Modern Barbie"
(Use the chart to find which Barbie you are. Use the letter of your first name.)

A - C = Sunscreen Barbie

D - F = Is There Gluten In This? Barbie
G - I = Lactose Intolerate Barbie
J - L =  Do These Jeans Make My Butt Look Fat? Barbie
M -O = No Carbs For Me Barbie
P - R = Mini Van Barbie
S - V = Have You Seen My Keys? Barbie

W - Z =  Migraine Barbie

Now, which Barbie are you? (If you want to tweak this a bit, go right ahead.)  Share on your blog with your lovely readers!  (I wonder which Barbie they are? )

To participate In The Virtual GNO:  Link up your blog below and visit your fellow party guests - say "Happy VGNO!!!"  Share the blog game/meme on your site to play along. Remember to visit those that have shared their blog links.  We share a common bond in that this party sounded like fun, so don't be shy!  Your first connection is right there! :->   Happy Virtual Girls Night Out blog friends!  I hope you had fun.  

This Is My Mommy Juice

My new favorite cup of the Summer ;->

Found Mommy Juice Wines and am enjoying the warmer June days.  (Although, in Portland, the warmth can be here for a half-an-hour then change to clouds.  But give it a minute!  It will change again :-> )

I'm happy to be participating in Sincerely, Paula's Wordless Wednesday.  Click the button below to link up as well.  Let me know if you do!