Web site saps common sense

Letters to my hometown, by Patricia Mycek Sumpter

Dear Friends,

Hello to all. A few months ago my boys thought it would be a good idea to introduce their father and me to Facebook. After experiencing Facebook now for a few months I can honestly say it drives me crazy. Now I know it's a short trip for me but Facebook just keeps pushing me faster to Stir Crazy Drive. I have finally decided to look at the website just once a month.

At first it was a quick way to get the kids' attention. Of course when I was new to the site Dan kept telling me (for the world to see) that I wasn't doing certain things correctly. I guess it was okay because everything I was doing the Facebook world could see. My friends made comments about how much fun grown kids can be. It really was funny. At first I was mortified but then I figured the people that know me would totally understand.

The next adventure was connecting with school chums. How wonderful to hear from "kids" I had not talked with since high school graduation. It has been such a treat to chat and share. I love looking at photos that grace the computer screen of people I treasured only 40 short years ago. I get to meet their family and friends and pets, too. Dave M. reminds me of his dad, Larry doesn't look like Larry but in a good way, Dave R. hasn't changed a bit, and Donna's children don't look like they did 30 years ago, and on and on it goes. The technology that lets us connect like this is wonderful on so many levels.

My son, David, (how many Davids do I know?) decided to challenge me on a game called Pathwords. I like crossword puzzles or find the words. I love to read, so I thought this will be a walk in the park. Ha. I start to play and do not read the directions; I just start clicking and dragging. It was frustrating to take the time and figure out what I was doing because it is a timed game. It happens to be the fastest five minutes of your day, over and over again. After a quick span of an hour your eyes start to cross and shut and you feel drugged. What is going on? Oh no; I have been sucked in by a silly word game. What made it worse was I wanted to beat my son's score. I knew I could never beat Megs, especially after I saw her score, but Dave? I know about his gift of puzzle playing and crosswords. I can beat him.

For three weeks I struggle to beat the clock to end up with more points than Dave. Before work and after work I log on and try to beat his score. My pointer finger is permanently locked in the mouse hold position. I had to visit the chiropractor from leaning over so much while concentrating on spelling and clicking. I have become more of a physical wreck than I believed I could be. These are not old age creaks and complaints, they are computer generated aches.

One more game, have to beat Dave. That is my goal. Keep clicking, oops double click, and drag. All right, what is my score? What? Twenty points over Dave's score! Wow, I am pumped. I must make sure he sees this. I better send him an e-mail. Yippee! I beat him.

Now where is my common sense? Step back, take a deep breath. I have got to get a life.

Ahhhh, I feel free.

Fifteen minutes later I check my e-mail. There is a message from Dave on Facebook.

He beat me again! Now he is 50 points ahead of me. Whatever. I give up and I am crying uncle. I can't keep this up. I have supper to fix, dishes to wash, laundry to fold, a shower would feel good, I need to call the folks. I need to pay bills. I need to get groceries. Be gone Pathwords. I have books on my end table waiting to be read. I have friends I want to talk to, and I have letters to write.

I love the challenge but I love the real world a whole lot more.

Always, Patty