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My Online Stalker

Today’s story begins with $300 burning a hole in my professional development pocket. I never miss a chance to use what I consider to be free money to register for a class and enhance my knowledge for my career.

Unfortunately, this amount of money is barely enough for one class, let alone an entire out-of-state conference. But one day I dared to dream. I found the ACES conference — the American Copy Editors Society–which looks like a writer’s paradise. Three days of learning and feeding my inner (and outer) grammar nerd.

The conference was at a Hilton in Salt Lake City, and I live in Philadelphia making it impossible for me to attend without using my own money. But, I checked out the venue anyway–and that is when the stalking began.

My Facebook feed filled up with Hilton ads. The top ad on Yahoo.com was for Hilton. The ad banner on the CNN website was for — you guessed it — Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn
Hampton Inn
Doubletree Suites by Hilton

Not only am I not going to this conference, but my little jaunt into professional development fantasy land resulted in a cyber-stalker.

I felt violated – like I was being watched, but no one was around. With the simple click of my mouse, Hilton began to follow me.

It’s like this for everything online these days. Wherever our minds and mouses take us, there is not someone, but something, lurking behind it. I can’t look up my favorite slow cooker bbq turkey cutlet recipe without being bombarded by ads for McCormick, Jennie-O and Shady Brook Farms. Even worse, I accidentally clicked on the wrong SkinnyTaste recipe which triggered ads for WW, Hungry Girl and the like. And if I was in the market for a new crockpot, I’m sure those companies are waiting for their big moment.

Google is revolutionary. My kids will never have to see the inside of a dusty card catalog when they can find the latest research at their fingertips. But when we use Google, we all pay a price.

We are being watched.

 

 

 

A Sign of the Times

Welcome to Life Without A Manual. Aren’t we all living that way these days? This global pandemic has caused us to rearrange our lives and discover new and creative ways to work, parent, live and, most importantly, survive. It has affected everything from the most mundane of tasks to the milestones we want to celebrate–all at a safe social distance.

I have always felt that I’m living my life without a manual. The origin story of my blog name is the perfect example of this philosophy.

For instance, I have two teenagers and parenting them is a carefully woven combination of structure and chaos. While my kids are self-sufficient and can entertain themselves, we are working through a roller coaster of emotions for what I can only describe as a grieving process. They have to adjust to this new normal of online learning instead of enjoying the interaction of a classroom setting. They maintain friendships and relationships through the magic of texting, FaceTiming and social media instead of hanging out at the mall or in someone’s home. They are suffering a loss of certain freedoms they used to enjoy like driving and staying on campus. It would be nice to have a map to help guide them through these troubled times, but there is no map and no manual.

As for me, it’s been difficult to set boundaries between working from home and living here. I’ve had to set up shop at my kitchen island which is the highest traffic area in my home. There are constant distractions, and I find it difficult to ignore the dishes and the laundry. Doesn’t this give new meaning to the term work/life balance?

The only one who seems to be thrilled with this new arrangement is our dog, and she demands constant attention. But, so does my boss. It would help to have a company handbook to show us the rules of the road. But there is no handbook and no manual.

There are so many aspects of life that have changed and who knows how it will be when this is all over. While I don’t want every post this month to be about this pandemic, I also can’t ignore it. We are living a part of world history, and it should be documented – even in this small way. And if this isn’t living life without a manual, I don’t know what is.

So I’m here to support you, and let you know you aren’t alone. I’ll share my experiences with you – the good, the bad, and the anxiety. And so I know you are with me, I hope you will comment on these posts to let me know how you are and what you are doing to get by in these crazy times.

We are all in this together. This is the Ultimate Blog Challenge – 30 days, 30 posts.  Let’s do this!

Life Without A Manual – Work From Home Edition

For over 12 years, I worked as the Director of Programs and Communications for a large congregation.

What does a Director of Programs and Communications do? Well, in a nutshell, I used to call myself the synagogue’s “cruise director.”

I planned the programs and events. I made announcements. I wrote trip itineraries and nailed down all the details. I worked with the most amazing people — everyone from clergy, staff and board members to speakers, musicians and entertainers. I connected people with similar interests.

I also made sure the food was prepared properly; the temperature was on a comfortable setting; people were enjoying themselves; and everything ran on schedule. Kind of like a cruise director.

And here’s the funny thing…all this has left me pleasantly surprised at how prepared I am for other jobs and life experiences — including working from home during a pandemic.

These days, I’m asking my family the same questions I asked fellow congregants.

Is there enough food? Is it good?

Does everyone have what they need?

Do you know where you are going and what you are doing?

IS EVERYBODY HAPPY??!!

Seriously, it’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work. We’ve had some laughs, nice family dinners, a few meltdowns (mostly by me) and multiple trips to Giant for brownie bites and alcohol.

It’s like working at the synagogue all over again – except these “members” have seen me in my pajamas. 🙂

 

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