I'm teaching about mass media in America this week so I thought I should revist the blog that I've largely neglected (abused?) for the last couple of months. Why?
- Facebook is a time suck. And it's easier to post a one sentence update than go for a whole (meaning 1 paragraph) theme. There's no pressure to even say anything and a ton of voyeristic, looking over everyone else's shoulders that can be done.
- Work. While not that time consuming, it does take the creative energy out of me. I spend Tuesday and Wednesday trying to get my laid-back Asian students excited, or even angry, about something.
- Family. I spend a couple of hours a day on this computer anyway and I feel guilty about ignoring our son who just wants to play with me. He's four and experimenting with words and ideas and behaviors. God, I pray that he doesn't outgrow this.
- Life. We feel like we haven't totally found our place here yet but are also trying to see how to figure out what we should be doing. Should I spend more time at work so I can do a better job trying to connect with my students and colleagues? Should we be going on more walks around the neighborhood in hopes of running into and maybe talking to the people around here? Should we be looking for international groups so we have some other foreigners to hang out with?
- The other blog. Even though it hasn't actually started yet, I've been mentally developing this blog for American professors living abroad for about a year now. Separate name, separate readership, brilliant exchanges of ideas and resources. But I want it to be completely different than this one without taking time from any of the above. But blogs are dead, aren't they?
On the plus side of things, I'm thrilled that Facebook has helped me catch up with old classmates from Heyworth High, old Campus House friends (Emily Potter...anyone?) and even people from the EIU Forensics team (am I the only one without tenure or my name on a marquee?). It's great that I can see pictures of my new neice and vacations that friends have taken. I can pray for people moments after they list a concern. I can keep up with moves and new adventures. Good stuff.
