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Around the world in 30 seconds
Nise's Notes
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
January 12, 2005
The Internet is a big thing in my life. It has been since about 1996. Sometimes, I have to strain to remember a time when it wasn't a key thing for me.
Over the years, my interests have changed multiple times, and with it my Internet habits. Mailing lists moved to message boards. Message boards moved to chat rooms. Chat rooms moved to instant messengers. Etc.
With every change, I picked up new friends.
Today, I have an eclectic collection of friends that not only vary in interests, but in location, age, gender and race. A majority of these I keep in touch with via our interlinked on-line journals.
Often called Blogs, we all have our own places on the 'net to put our thoughts, opinions and events of the day. We're able to view each other's journals and keep up with one another's lives. It's far more convenient than email, and also more personal.
I treat my own journal as a combination diary/notepad/messenger. I write in it almost daily -- sometimes multiple times a day. I put events of the day, my innermost thoughts and even silly things I want to remember. Occasionally, I leave messages for friends within my journals "pages".
I've had my journal going on four years now, and I don't know what I did before it. It's not only a way to keep myself sane, but it's a wonderful filing system. I can go back to any day or event within the last four years and relive those moments. I keep notes about concerts I've attended, hotels at which I've stayed and restaurants at which I've eaten. I have my thoughts on events, on people and even on items.
When I was job searching, my journal became littered with contact names, addresses, resume tid-bits, and entries titled simply APPLY! Within the pages of my journal, the deaths of grandparents can be found. Personal relationships grow. My own "fangirlieness" runs rampant. Through those pages, I watch myself grow-up as life teaches me lesson after lesson and I put them all down "on paper."
It's through these pages I've gotten to know so many people, and they've gotten to know me. I have friends in Canada, New York City, Sweden, Australia, Peru, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, and scattered at points in between.
I definitely have a hard time remembering days before the Internet. I read books more. I spent more time outside. But, through my computer monitor I've gone places no one would ever believe possible... at least not without the aid of cyberspace.
Some people fear the Internet. Evildoers lurk in the dark recesses of this virtual world. However, very good and kind people are also out there. Take a chance and get to know them. Open up your own life and let them get to know you. It's amazing. You'll feel far more enriched for it. I know I do.
Nise's Notes
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
January 12, 2005
The Internet is a big thing in my life. It has been since about 1996. Sometimes, I have to strain to remember a time when it wasn't a key thing for me.
Over the years, my interests have changed multiple times, and with it my Internet habits. Mailing lists moved to message boards. Message boards moved to chat rooms. Chat rooms moved to instant messengers. Etc.
With every change, I picked up new friends.
Today, I have an eclectic collection of friends that not only vary in interests, but in location, age, gender and race. A majority of these I keep in touch with via our interlinked on-line journals.
Often called Blogs, we all have our own places on the 'net to put our thoughts, opinions and events of the day. We're able to view each other's journals and keep up with one another's lives. It's far more convenient than email, and also more personal.
I treat my own journal as a combination diary/notepad/messenger. I write in it almost daily -- sometimes multiple times a day. I put events of the day, my innermost thoughts and even silly things I want to remember. Occasionally, I leave messages for friends within my journals "pages".
I've had my journal going on four years now, and I don't know what I did before it. It's not only a way to keep myself sane, but it's a wonderful filing system. I can go back to any day or event within the last four years and relive those moments. I keep notes about concerts I've attended, hotels at which I've stayed and restaurants at which I've eaten. I have my thoughts on events, on people and even on items.
When I was job searching, my journal became littered with contact names, addresses, resume tid-bits, and entries titled simply APPLY! Within the pages of my journal, the deaths of grandparents can be found. Personal relationships grow. My own "fangirlieness" runs rampant. Through those pages, I watch myself grow-up as life teaches me lesson after lesson and I put them all down "on paper."
It's through these pages I've gotten to know so many people, and they've gotten to know me. I have friends in Canada, New York City, Sweden, Australia, Peru, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, and scattered at points in between.
I definitely have a hard time remembering days before the Internet. I read books more. I spent more time outside. But, through my computer monitor I've gone places no one would ever believe possible... at least not without the aid of cyberspace.
Some people fear the Internet. Evildoers lurk in the dark recesses of this virtual world. However, very good and kind people are also out there. Take a chance and get to know them. Open up your own life and let them get to know you. It's amazing. You'll feel far more enriched for it. I know I do.
