Facebook Kinda Life

 Anyone who works in an office, or a workplace resembling an office, or even just somewhere in which you have internet access, knows that the luring temptation of the internet cannot be easily resisted. During busy times at work, I engage with customers, do various tasks and chores, and quite frankly, work. But when it gets a little quieter, especially during the winter months, and particularly when the manager isn't in.... I become an internet recluse. I can quite easily waste hours of my life scouring endlessly through the internet.

The on-line world and I share a love-hate relationship. Especially when it comes to social networking. At the best of times, I can keep entertained by the mere presence of Facebook, and am the first to admit that Facebook stalking has become quite the hobby of mine, bordering on addiction. One must observe the lives of others! Especially others who I otherwise would have no connection with, or no real social interaction with, but Facey-B provides the chance to nosey at, well, whoever takes your fancy that day. And yet at other times, I find someone, usually someone I haven't spoken to/seen/knew of existence of in years.... and when I cave in to the irresistible temptation to 'just have a little peak' at their profile, I realise the profile is in fact private. A clear red stop sign to lurkers and unashamed stalkers like me. A message as bright as day: "You're not wanted here. Get a life." Dammit! Of course, I would likely be mortified if said stalk-worthy candidate of the day knew of my slightly deranged obsession with other peoples' lives.. theirs in particular.

It is a firm belief of mine that Facebook was provided to increase levels of procrastination in, well, everyone. At sixth form, Facebook was a welcome retreat from studying for my A-levels, and a mega-centre for everyone's teenage gossip. Then at university, Facebook deterred me and student friends alike from settling down to do that essay... that dissertation... that revision for that little thing known as a degree. Oh yes, hours I would dwindle away looking at endless photos, of endless people, at endless parties, weddings, and other events. Then there were the pregnancies. Not mine of course, but the vast majority of girls I had gone to school with. My and my friends would discuss (over Facebook chat, naturally) the ever-growing list of pregnancies, births, and teenage to young mums from back 'ome. It was like a betting game, who could accurately predict the next girl in line to become 'mum of the month', the title entailing uploaded scan photos, frequently changing relationship statuses, and an array of gossip-fuelled statuses usually declaring this months top baby names. (These can range from the normal Henry, Daniel and Claire, to the more 'exotic' Angel-Destiny, Kai-Xena-Merlin and Princess Cupcake). Now I am a graduate, and attempting (yes I still haven't managed it) to pay off my overdraft and reduce some of my student debt by working in the office of 'the family business', Facebook still lures me in with promises of scandal, stories and photos. All of which provide with me no more than a brief period of entertainment.

Understandably, it is time I grabbed this addiction before it takes full grip of me, and diminish it at once. Yes, work duties call. But, as you know, work is dull. Sooo I must provide myself with new exciting websites to become interested in and obsessive about. And luckily, I have found a few that are nearly just as good.


Of course, the phenomenon of Facebook is unlikely to simply 'go away' or become 'lame' as certain social networking sites have. So for now, me and good old FB remain good friends, stronger than ever, united in a passion for people.


So here are my 'other' top websites
5) www.styleshake.com
I discovered StyleShake quite by accident, and am SO glad I did. It is what every girl dreams of... you can design your own dress, including fabric, material, colour, and have them made specially to fit, for really reasonably prices! Upon initial discovery I spent around 5 hours dedicatedly producing hundreds of unique creations (none of which I have actually bought yet). This little gem always entertains me on a rainy day at work.


4) www.engrish.com
Engrish is a site dedicated to bringing you the most amusing incidents of bad English around. I espeically love the 'menus' section, who knew you could eat such intriguing meals....



3) www.bbc.co.uk/news
Ah the good old BBC news, a website I religiously check every single day. I love news, and hate being out of the loop. This probably stems from being at uni for three years, living in a complete student bubble. Current affairs from around the world must be monitored at all times... else bad things will happen.



2) www.asos.com
ASOS is filled with amazing bargains, and stunning outfits. A real treat for the eyes and the wardrobe. Some say it is overrated, others swear by it. All I know is... ASOS made me buy it. All of it.



1) www.failblog.org
What can I say, classic comedy. Some of the stuff on there is priceless. Love it!