Home - Day 10 - Cousin in Kandahar

One of the interests I wanted to explore during my recovery are some "new" things on the web that I understand technically, but not socially, i.e. blogs, Facebook, Flickr, etc. The biggest mystery to me is Facebook. I don't understand the appeal--it just doesn't seem productive. Yet, Facebook's value is in the billions. I created and account in Facebook because my friend F. sent me a request. I checked out his profile and thought it was cool, but I was still confused as to why this is better than email, Blog or the telephone. I plan to try and understand the value both from a business and personal perspective.

My sister sent me a note today saying my cousin Mu. has a Facebook account. Mu. is a member of the 12e RBC in Valcartier, Quebec. Since the day I can remember he was always fascinated with the army. He signed up in his mid-20s and has been one of the happiest men I know. At the end of January Mu. shipped out to Afghanistan. Mu. has been in combat situations before in Bosnia and he likes the nature of a real operation. Afghanistan some how seems to be different in that the severity of the mission is more tangible. We were all be shocked at the pictures that come from Bosnia and Somalia, but nothing hits home when the pictures are of Canadian soldiers coming home in coffins. I don't want to debate the mission or the politics--to me personally, it's simple, our guys are there and we support all of them. Period.

I wanted to call Mu. before he departed, but I was hip deep in my own ordeal preparation and all of a sudden he had left. Then the note from my sister came. I don't know if I could have been more excited. I jumped on Facebook and immediately found Mu. and sent him a Friend request. I hope to get a response from him soon. I can't wait to see his updates and send him my own updates. It could be any other technology, but the bottom line is there is now a medium for me to talk with my cousin in Kandahar.

The interaction with my cousin should be interesting because Facebook is not just messaging and photos. There are a bunch of other components (quizs, memberships, likes and dislikes) that describe people in a method that isn't words and has the potential to present whatever image you want. Here comes the deep part: maybe Facebook lets you live a fantasy. During the day I'm vince, but on Facebook I'm the "Spoonman". Hmm... Like I said I don't get it, but it will make for some interesting reflection.

14 days since the operation! I wish I could say today was a great day, but I woke up pretty tired and my energy level has been low all day. We were unable to go for our walk today due to the weather--rain, snow and ice. Downright shitty. I have to be exceptionally careful about falling so I made the call that we weren't going walking today. If the weather continues tomorrow, we'll hit a mall and do our walks there.