When operating in a social media driven world, there is a dangerous thing called the Send button. It’s dangerous because of its permanence. When the Send button does its job properly, the information it transmits is out there forever. Sure, something can be deleted, but it has been exposed to the world. You might say that the Send button is the modern version of Pandora’s Box.
That’s why I am not going to write what is really going through my brain. I may hit the Send button before I realize, and Pandora would be doing her thing. Instead, I am going to play it safe and throw out a few things that are going on.
The weather is a mess. Yesterday, we woke up to 70 degree weather and saw that plummet throughout the day. Last night, it was in the 30s with heavy rain, thunder and lightning. There was a mini crisis at my house when the lights went out before the end of Scandal.
Today, the rain continues, and ice is in the forecast. I don’t think ice is going to make it to my town, but the land to the west will definitely get something. If you ever wondered what Tennessee weather is like, then I have just given you a good description.
This is Friday. Everyone knows that. However, you may not know that a group of us have been meeting every Friday for lunch for the past 20 years. It’s me, my dad, my brother and an assortment of other people. Politicians and other guests show up on occasion. We have a table at Gondola, a local Italian restaurant. If you want to know what’s going on or how to fix the problems of the world, then you need to see the Gondola Mafia. We will make you an offer you can’t refuse.
After lunch, I have a faculty meeting. Those are always entertaining. Despite the best efforts of our dean, they usually devolve into gripe sessions. I don’t know everything that’s on the agenda, but I know someone will find fault with all of it.
The rest of the day will be spent waiting for the ice and setting up for tomorrow’s Open House at Beauty Boutique.
My wife is having a celebration at her business. There will be plenty of food along with the usual offerings at the store. Stop by if you are in the area. Eat food and spend a lot of money.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I have regretted SENDing many things. Wished I could take them back. I have come to realize that the expression of anything negative – even in innocence – can have dire impact on the net. On my own blog I have noted that criticism of anything is almost always greeted in kind and discourages people – away. I’ve found that doing the opposite – expression of positive – has an opposite impact – it lifts people up – and keeps them looking. There’s plenty of stuff to criticize in this world to be sure – but we always have the choice of putting our attention elsewhere – or handling it in a manner that is constructive. I hope.
This blog started out as a funny/negative kind of thing. Hence the name. One of the first comments I received was negative, so it has evolved into something different.
So true, which is why it takes me forever to post a blog entry, and I still go back later and fix spelling/grammar errors I might have missed. I think I’m only slightly less careful with my blog than I am when I edit for the paper (I’m a perpetual worrywart).
Stay warm and safe if you can … we had the 60s and 70s too, and the freezing rain and sleet hit central Arkansas last night (up in Northwest Arkansas, they also got a bunch of snow on top of the ice and sleet). Getting home today was dicier than getting in to work. Hope Tennessee doesn’t get too awful much of this!
I hate posting something and noticing a type afterwards. It sends a chill up my spine. Speaking of chill, be careful over there in Arkansas. I’m thinking the ice stopped about 30 miles from us.
I often have typos and errors – right in my titles !!! People are kind enough not to mention anything (maybe they don’t care?)… but I really gotta get a proof reader.
Every time that I hit the ‘Publish’ button on my blog, I utter sotto voce ‘…and be damned’.
I like it. I think I will adopt something similar.