Friendship in the digital age...not that much different from the stone age.

I thought the following article was very interesting...it is in regards to Dunbar's Number and Social Media friendships.  Dunbar's Number is "the limit on the number of individuals with whom one can have a personalized relationship". 

After an unscientific survey of my FB friends and Linkedin Connections, it seems to be the case that 150 is the average number of friends and connections we have in the digital world.  Let's face it...who has time to keep track of anymore than 150 people on a personal level!? 

I especially like the Community Attributes paragraph:  1. Trust.  If I don't know you or have had a personal experience with you, there is no chance of you being my friend or connection.  2. Peer Pressure.  It's true.  I will admit...if Chrissy is your friend on FB, then I will be your friend too. I always look for mutual friends.  If Chrissy is there, you're in. 

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/17/internet-facebook-social-networking-business-friends-oxford.html

How many FB friends do you have?  Take the survey to the right.

I love Fall Fashions!

Fall is my favorite fashion season.  Skirts with tights, tall boots, turtleneck sweaters, cable knit cardigans... it kills me that I can't really wear this stuff until January here in the desert.  September is an exciting fashion month!  The  fashion magazines are 3 times bigger than normal and "Back to School" sales are everywhere.  I still go "Back to School" shopping.  This is a great time to update your work wardrobe staples and get them on sale.  The article below gives a great outline of the basic items needed to create a work wardrobe.  What I especially like are the recommendations on how to mix and match the staples into various outfits.  A simple and well thought out wardrobe can go a long way...Happy shopping!

Basic Wardrobe Staples for Work

photo from www.newyorkandcompany.com

Reconnecting...good for the soul.

I know what you're thinking..."Gosh, a whole month on vacation.  Lucky Mary!".  I wish!  I enjoyed my time off immensely, however, upon my return, the daily responsibilities of parenting, housekeeping, and work had quickly piled up.  To say the least, my inbox is a mess again.  Anyway...I spent my vacation reconnecting with my family, high school girlfriends, and my dance teachers - three important groups of people who all have influenced who I am today.

It was great to have my children interact with their aunts, uncle, and cousins... whom they do not get to see on a regular basis.  I loved spending time with my sister Cindy - it had been two years since the last time I saw her!!  My high school girlfriends have changed so much, yet, are still the same...in a very good way.  I wished I had snapped a photo of me with my dance teachers...drat!  It's the 30th Anniversary of Jan's School of Dance...definitely something to celebrate!  We are planning a "reunion" party during the recital this year. 

While I live far away, reconnecting with these special people reminded me of how important and beneficial it is to keep in touch with those who are and have been influential in our lives. 

The article below from http://www.healthywomen.org/ agrees -
http://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/reconnecting-old-friends.

High School Girlfriends - 12 years since we've all been together!

My Sisters and Brother - 3 years since we've all been together!