The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I hate a love-hate relationship when it comes to the Internet and the social media. While I love the idea of being connected with the rest of the world, keeping in regular contact with friends both new and old, and being able to share and promote my written work, I also don't like how online interaction is taking the place of face-to-face interaction, how many seem to value sharing the appearance of a great experience over simply enjoying it, and how many seem to be becoming more narcissistic with these growing online trends. I may start sounding like an old fart in this post and perhaps slightly hypocritical, given the fact I have this blog, a Facebook page, as well as Twitter and Tumblr accounts. However, in my defense, I am a writer, so that's what I use this blog for, as well as my Twitter and Tumblr accounts - to write, share my work, and market it. I just use my Facebook page to keep in touch with friends and family - new and old, near and far. First off, it seems as ...

It humors me when a person is so bored, they'll interrupt another by asking the obvious in the hope that it will spark a conversation. For example, if I'm working on something, and a person asks me, "Are you working?," I think to myself, "No. I'm just pretending to type on the computer to avoid conversations like this one." When I'm writing and a person asks, "Are you writing something?," I want to say, "No, I'm just trying to appear busy by scribbling words on a page." I don't know anybody who likes to be interrupted while they're working, especially if they're in a work-like zone. However, it's doubly infuriating if the interruption isn't a necessary one and has the sole purpose of attempting to relieve the interrupter of his or her boredom. It's nice for others to showcase interest in what one is doing, but not while we're actually doing it. At dinner or a coffee shop, it would be welcome...

As you could probably guess, this can be found in my book, "Seasons Come, People Grow: A Poetic Journey" (pages 63-64). I give you a call, Expecting nothing, The phone rings constantly, No one answering, Only time I hear your voice is on the machine, I contemplate leaving a message, Pessimistic of getting a call back, Frustrated of the inequitous effort, I dial your number, A busy signal comes up, Discovering that you were certainly home, Just had no need nor desire to talk, No matter how many times I call, There is no getting through, You seem so distant and far away, Even though I lay right beside you.