LOVE IN CYBER-SPACE

When my daughter told us she had met a ‘cute guy’ on the internet, I was probably less sceptic than many. I have at least three very close friends who met their significant others the same way, not counting my cuz Wicked Wendy, who may never have found her Rob without the ‘net’, and he’s the perfect person for her. Sure, we hear horror stories, and one needs to be careful and do some research. I was still inclined to believe that cyber-initiated relationships have just as good, if not better, chance at lasting than those formed with the usual methods of wining and dining. Through written correspondence, you tend to glean a pretty accurate idea of character, unless the person is a downright schmoozer. Then, as in anything else, it is good to fall back on the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

As Shan’s interest grew, she wisely asked her ‘cute guy’ if she could be his friend on Facebook. Good move. Trying to hide your real identity in the Facebook community is near to impossible. That thing is like a small town! Someone is sure to know you, be related to you, love you, hate you, post some embarrassing humour about you, or put up the worst picture they can find of you…just for a tease. Everything K (the ‘cute guy’) had told her seemed authentic. He has been single for awhile, shared child custody, had a job, and enjoyed fun times with good friends. The picture he had put up on the contact site matched those shown on Facebook. On to Step 3 – the exchange of phone numbers.

A date and time was set for the call. My daughter giggled more than once over the dire predictions, complete with hilarious imitations, from her own group of cronies – no matter how masculine he looks, a high, squeaky voice would be a definite turn off, she was told. We all held our breath until the day arrived, and each of us waited impatiently until the call was over and she reported that he had sounded great, so there! LOL.

Step 4 – Because he lives a good distance from here, the actual physical meeting was set for two months later, and the countdown began. My daughter hangs out with a huge circle of close friends, many of whom she has known since kindergarten. Each morning she would post on Facebook the number of days remaining until the big event. We all got into the spirit of the thing, counting down with her. The infatuated couple chatted either by phone or Messenger at least once a day, and the plans were that he fly into the city, Shan would pick him up at the airport, and he would spend 2 days at her house. As the day loomed closer however, I began to feel a bit uneasy about it all. Mom was getting cold feet.

(Sorry folks – I’ll have to continue this later. I need to beat rush hour. Sending you a SMILE – hope it makes your day brighter!)

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

FINDING MIMI

Mimi & I finally got together after work last Friday. It seems neither of us have changed all that much – we slipped right into conversation as if we had last met only two weeks ago instead of the real time lapse of fifteen years. A lot, good and bad, has happened in both our lives since then – we had much catching up to do. Yet it was just so easy to chat and hug and laugh – there was no hesitation whatsoever. Maybe that is the test of real friendship – long periods of absence make no difference – you just pick up where you left off. I am lucky enough to have a few friends like that. It’s more precious than gold.

The rest of the weekend I spent holding hot compresses on my eye. Saturday morning I awoke with my left eye nearly swollen shut. I expect driving with the windows open caused it, especially at night without the protection of sunglasses. The pharmacist gave me antibiotics with which to dose the culprit, and by Sunday evening I could see again. A very quiet weekend – I only managed some housework…and excessive whining. I admit it – I’m a big baby where pain is concerned. I would be the worst possible candidate for torture!

I miss reading Kilroy’s blog each morning – he’s on the boat cruising up to Alaska as I write. I was thinking that I could read Wicked Wendy’s posts instead but..??? No new writing in there, maybe she’s busy with her gazillion doggies. Puppies are cute, one at a time. Taking care of a couple of batches is another thing altogether, I imagine.

Shan’s house is definitely sold. All should be notarized on August 7th, the date she was to renew her mortgage, therefore no penalty. Now she is taking steps for the purchase of her new house – still in the same area, but smaller, so less upkeep.

It’s that time again. The drive into the city is easier this week, probably because of the construction holiday here in Quebec. Those poor folks – once again they have had mostly rain for their yearly vacation. Maybe the people responsible for forcing construction workers to take their holidays the last two weeks of July (I am totally AGAINST this, by the way ) should look at changing it to August which, for the past three years at least, has had better holiday weather. Who wants to work their butt off all year then be forced to take your vacation when you just KNOW it’s going to rain most of the time?? Bah! Humbug!!

Yours truly is not on vacation, so off I go to prepare for my daily commute. Have a great day, y’all – they’re predicting sunshine in this area at least – so get out there if you can and take advantage of it while it lasts! Sending you all big SMILES!!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.