JHADZHIA
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Shutting Down This Spark Page and Opening A Private Page.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

I love Spark people and love interacting with my Spark buddies, but its become rather out of control. I used to spend hours in front of the TV, a classic couch potato. Now while I stopped watching TV as part of my healthy lifestyle, but sorry, to say, Sparking has taken over all that former TV time. I no longer have much spare time to do anything but Spark and keep up with everyone. I used to enjoy reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, going to movies, but now I can rarely squeeze them in. I can't even remember the last time I enjoyed an online game or two (love MSN's cute non violent challenging games). All my online time is with Sparks. Part of the problem is my ever growing friend's list. You have no control over someone adding you as friend. Its flattering someone is interested in you, but too much for a two fingered (only one finger when I have to put my splint on) slow typist and slow connection can keep up with. As you may have noticed yourself, sometimes you are the only one doing the interacting and you never hear from some of your friends in response to your activity feed or blogs. I need to get a handle on this. Being motivator wasn't a big help with this lol. I feel setting my new page to private will ensure I keep up with my closest and most active friends, and prevent anyone else from adding me on a whim. I need to free up some 'me' time. I still have hopes of going bowling when I am fully healed (although with new surgeries looming this is getting pushed back further). When I get back into my bridge, my time will be even shorter. It takes me two hours to do my cardio and physio exercises each morning. Breakfast, Sparking, shower, lunch, appointment, or bridge, my day quickly gets used up. I also realize, because I am so busy online, I have no real life friends as I am not doing any activities to interact with anyone and meet people. Also my Mom complains I am on the computer all the time and can't talk or do anything with me. At the bridge club and in my building are all senior and I don't have much in common with them, certainly nothing in the physical activity area which I would like to do more with.
Please let me know if you still want to maintain contact with me. I lead a pretty boring life and can understand if you are tired of the things I do or say, kind of repeat a lot lol. I will let you know by Spark Mail what name I got so you know its not a stranger trying to add you.
Thanks for all being here my friends,
Hugs,
Linda
Enjoy your evening, sleep well!!
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Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • TOMATOCAFEGAL
    Spark and peeps like you are an inspiration.
    954 days ago
  • TAPETUM
    Jhadzhia, I love reading your daily entries, and I always love it when you comment on my blog, but I'm also in awe of how much you do on SP when it's so difficult and time-consuming for you. You need to do whatever is going to help you be the happiest and healthiest you can be. I promise I'll think you're awesome regardless! emoticon
    3654 days ago
  • LIBBYFITZ
    Love to hear from you , but will leave it up to you on who you have as your friends. Totally understand where you are coming from. Life is too short! Go and enjoy! emoticon
    3654 days ago
  • SUZYMOBILE
    Absolutely I want to remain in contact with you. I suspect I haven't been bothering you lately because I've been so involved in my own stuff, though. emoticon emoticon
    3654 days ago
  • MARELARK725
    Linda-I love getting your messages of support and reading about your daily life. You are such a kind person and I love having you as my spark buddy! I get why you are trying to declutter-spark is VERY time consuming! emoticon
    3655 days ago
  • WEDDWT
    Want to maintain contact with you? Absolutely. You couldn't be boring if you tried, you are firing on all cylinders pretty much all the time.
    I myself have very few Sparkfriends because I limit my time here - being in a seated position for too long is not good for my back and hips, so I don't feel I could effectively give attn to too many people.
    So, do what is best for Linda as you enter into this new phase.
    I applaud you for realizing you would benefit from a Sparkchange. We humans don't tend to like change. But as you said, you are not accustomed to the status quo because your health is always throwing another fast ball at you.
    emoticon
    Here's to hitting it out of the park!
    3655 days ago
  • MT-MOONCHASER
    Linda,

    I understand about spending so much time on Spark. As for the 'friend' thing, if I find someone who I think has an interesting name, profile image, blog title, comment on someone else's blog, etc., I will go check out their page and if I find them interesting, I will subscribe to their blog. Sometimes I leave a comment, most times not. Through this process, I have had over 75 people who have added me as a 'friend', but I have only 29 'friends' listed on my home page, some of whom I've not interacted with in ages. I have noticed that a lot people new to Spark go crazy adding friends. I think some see it as a popularity contest...

    I have noticed though, that, if you want to keep track of someone's activity feed, you can't subscribe, you have to 'friend' them. If this is someone who doesn't blog much, that is the only way to keep track of how they are doing. I tend to blog only about once a week, but do update my feed several times a week.

    How you want to handle your Sparking is up to you, but I've found that the less you comment on other blogs, the fewer comments you tend to get. It's amazing how fast interest from others falls off when you are quiet for a while. You will then find out who is really interested in you and your journey and who is just dropping in once in a while.

    emoticon

    p.s. Even if you don't feel like you are a motivator, you are. Anyone who has battled the health problems you have and still keeps on keeping on is, in my book, a motivator!!

    p.p.s. No need to comment on this comment...
    3655 days ago
  • LENIASTY
    I would love to keep in touch - though I understand what you are saying - I only have a fraction of the number of friends that you have and yet it takes a fair bit of time to keep up - sometimes very poorly! Especially when it gets busy at work (I work from home LOL, I'm always working...)
    Eleni emoticon
    3655 days ago
  • SMOCKON
    Yup, the computer can suck down a lot of time. I would love to stay in touch but understand if you need to cut back on the number of people you follow. On-line friends are good at cheering you on with words but not so good at providing casseroles when you're laid up in bed. LOL! Spend your time doing what makes YOU happy!
    3655 days ago
  • MUSIC66
    hi linda i would love to still keep in contact with you i hope your arm is improving as well.
    3656 days ago
  • MUSIC66
    i hope your surgeries go well i am still want to get the left hand surgiery done.
    3656 days ago
  • WATERMELLEN
    I love hearing from you and reading your blogs: you are awesome!!

    But on the other hand, I totally understand that you MUST have a life, and devote time to your activities and bridge and mother . . .

    So I will not be hurt if you need to "cut me out" for awhile -- you can always change your mind. And I will be happy if you keep me around! It's entirely up to you: you must do what's right for you!!

    (Wishing you robins soon -- it's such a wonderful spring sound!!)
    3656 days ago
  • no profile photo CD8158758
    I totally understand what you are saying. You read what I said in my last blog. I would like to stay a friend, but that Is up to you. You have been with It a long time and probably need to cut way back. Good luck. Hugs.
    3656 days ago
  • ANDEENNATE
    I just happened to stumble across your blog, I can see how this can be overwhelming and take up time. Good luck to you fellow spark friend. emoticon
    3656 days ago
  • KAMAPERRY
    Hugs, I am trying to find a balance too.
    3656 days ago
  • ARCHIMEDESII
    You know, it's nice when someone adds you as a friend, but you don't have to add them. There is a Spark member that I know from the exercise forums who has added no spark friends. And no, it's not the Spark Guy ! LOL !!! He says that he,"doesn't collect friends", but I know many members have added him.

    Remember, you can take your page off private any time you want. I hope you get to read all the books you've been looking forward to reading.


    emoticon
    3656 days ago
  • KENDRACARROLL
    It's all about learning balance. Wishing you well.
    3656 days ago
  • no profile photo CD4429274
    You bet I wanna keep in touch. You are a positive voice around here and I appreciate it!
    3656 days ago
  • LESLIES537
    I totally understand! I would love to remain in contact...Duh! emoticon I'll never get tired of your repetitive comments, silly! lol jk I cherish your friendship and always look forward to your advice and input. You're a true friend! I got nothing but love for you! emoticon emoticon
    3656 days ago
  • SILLYHP1953
    I understand exactly where you're coming from. Luckily I can use my computer at work when I'm not busy to try and keep up with sp. They started blocking websites a few months ago but thankfully sp gets through. I really have no idea how you keep up with a slow internet connection and using two fingers. I do enjoy being in contact with you, and really get a lot out of your advise, so please keep me on your friend list. But I truly do understand your time limitations and will understand any decision you make. I have thought about how to do what you are doing but did not come up with your idea of a new private page. That is a good idea. If my workplace ever stops me from getting on I will probably have to do something like that, too. You would make a wonderful "real-life" friend and hope you find some up there.
    emoticon
    3656 days ago
  • KAELIE
    I came across your blogs via another SparkFriend of mine, and I have enjoyed following your journey. I understand where you are coming from - there never seems to be enough time in each day! You truly are a motivator and I wish you only the best - I will continue to keep you in my prayers!

    emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • BKWERM
    Delete
    3657 days ago

    Comment edited on: 4/6/2011 6:09:27 AM
  • BKWERM
    Sorry, SP didn't seem to work so I kept trying to post it. Obviously, it did work.
    3657 days ago

    Comment edited on: 4/6/2011 6:09:08 AM
  • BKWERM
    I totally agree with you about spending way too much time computing rather than doing the things I used to love doing like reading. In fact, two weekends ago, I did just that. I didn't compute. I didn't watch TV. I just read a whole book in two days. It was marvelous.

    I find it hard to keep up with everyone, too. And, I often think I'm not a very good team leader because I don't post very often and I hardly ever send Spark Goodies or post on member's Spark Pages, etc. But, I honestly don't have the time. I do work from 8 to 4 everyday after all!

    Take care, Linda. You're a true inspiration. And, drop us a line on occasion to let us know how you're doing. Okay?
    3657 days ago
  • ALLEY2300
    I totally understand where you are coming from! I do my Sparking mainly in the morning now and before bed time, so I have a somewhat built in timer. In the mornings to help me and my hands get going and in the evening just to kind of relax.

    You are so encouraging and such an inspiration to those of us with RA though, keep on moving! I hope your recovery goes well and I hope that the next surgeries (if you have to have them) go much smoother than this elbow has seemed to go.

    3657 days ago
  • LUNADRAGON
    Linda, I understand. Please keep me on your list.
    Like you, I so want to be able to go bowling again! I haven't been in over two years, and my dh and I used to go 1 or 2 x's weekly. I am spending way too much time online too. Similar reasons, plus games. And I need to get offline earlier in the night to relax and I haven't been.
    3657 days ago
  • BYEFATNANNY
    So addictive at times. I've made my page private just because of the entire internet seeing it. I certainly understand. Please take care of yourself and I'll only think good thoughts about your surgery and recovery. My best to you always.
    3657 days ago
  • no profile photo CD2357972
    I'd like to stay in touch with you, but understand if you decide to keep your list of friends small!

    I understand how much time SparkPeople can take! There are times we need all that time - and there are time we don't!

    Hugs!! Beverly
    3657 days ago
  • JUNEAU2010
    Count me in, Linda! I definitely care about you! YOU are important to me and hearing how you are doing via blogs or status is valuable - you do not need to spend your precious time and energy replying to anything I say or post - I just want to continue to cheer you on!

    emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • SUNNYARIZONA
    Totally understand what you are saying. I DOOOOO want to stay in touch with you. Your blogs are encouraging. And of course, I am anxious to follow your progress with your RA problems! Like I have said before, you are a TIMEX!!!

    BTW, I keep a timer handy, set it for an HOUR when I am sparking. Really helps alot, as I can easily be here for the day! emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • MOMMA_LITTLE
    Aww, Linda, I do understand. Hm... should I come right out and say that I am a very selfish person and refuse to not keep you as one of my very best and treasured SparkFriends? Ah, please sister and friend, keep me as a friend, for you have inspired me when I have felt like throwing in the towel many more times than anyone knows. I pray for you, too, Linda. You, my dear friend, are a rare find. emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • FIT-AND-HAPPY
    I totally understand your need for "me" time, and to start breaking the addiction. :-) SP is wonderful, but sometimes too much wonderful is too much.

    I often feel guilty for not being able to get to SP some days as I have trouble managing work and grad school and family, etc. I would love to stay in touch. Though you may not hear from me as often as I'd like, you are one of my favorite long-time SparkFriends.

    Take care of yourself.

    Hugs,
    Diane
    3657 days ago
  • REJ7777
    It's so easy to spend too much time on SparkPeople! I've thought of setting up a private page too, but am not quite there yet. I'm glad that you're doing what you need to do to get it under control!

    I would certainly like to continue being your friend. But I don't want you to end up with too many *new* friends, so only add me if you want to. I'll understand if you don't. And please remember that I don't *expect* an answer when I comment on a friend's blog. I only want you to interact when it's convenient for you.

    Thank you for all the encouragement and support you've given me until now! emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • MICHCLEARY
    I hope you find the balance and you time that you are looking for. Maybe you could set a timer and when it goes off, you know you've got to get up and do something else?

    I hope your rehab goes as intended and I for one admire your positive attitude. Enjoy your week.
    3657 days ago
  • no profile photo CD6889667
    I can't imagine doing this without you chicka! :D I am sorry that all of our love is overwhelming you! You realize you don't HAVE to respond to all of us right! :D You got such a big heart! But seriously, your success is supposed to be about you! It's perfectly acceptable to read sparkblogs and then blog about what you are reading instead of commenting on each individual blog or responding to each individual goodie/comment. I see it alot. It's ok to make this about you. emoticon
    3657 days ago
  • MOMMA_BEAR_69
    Linda, I am here for you and definitely want to stay in touch with you. You don't have to worry about leaving messages for me or posting on my blogs...I just want to know you are doing ok and that I can leave you supporting and encouraging messages FOR YOU!!! You are such an inspiration and you need to do what is necessary and essential for your health!!
    You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Helen
    3657 days ago
  • MOCNVW23
    I am glad that you are taking some you time. We all need tine for ourselves. We do get caught up in everyday life and forget to take care of ourselves. You can count me in as wanting to stay in touch.

    emoticon emoticon
    Missy
    3657 days ago
  • KALIGIRL
    Glad you are taking time for you - count me in as one who wants to stay in touch!
    emoticon emoticon emoticon
    3657 days ago

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