A Pet Peeve With a Touch of Hypocrisy

I should be doing school work right now. My husband and mother who are in the room with me probably think that I am typing my research paper... little do they know! ha ha ha

But anyways, something happened tonight that reminded me of this pet peeve (I love you regardless, Kenny). Youtube videos bother me. Not the videos themselves (ok, well some of them) but the sharing of youtube videos in a group setting.

For instance, have you ever been in a group setting when someone breaks out their laptop to show the newest youtube video they stumbled upon? KILL ME NOW!!! When this happens you will end up watching youtube videos for the next 8 years of your life (ok, I realize that is an exaggeration, but it is a long long long time... like a couple of hours at the least).

It becomes a video competition. It may start out with funny videos, then leads to everyone sharing a couple of their favorite kid videos, followed by their favorite baby videos, next comes the favorite animal videos, followed by the favorite tv/SNL clips, then come the injury clips (these ones I actually do not mind due to the hilarity of people injuring themselves in stupid ways), then come the sad, real-life story videos, followed by the grossest, nastiest video (I am thinking back pimple here), then their is a need to uplift the mood so you start back in with the funny videos, and the vicious 8 year cycle has begun again... UGH!

And what makes Youtube especially bad in group settings is the expectation and pressure that comes with watching another individuals favorite youtube video. It is all because the person who suggested the video watches everyone else to see their reaction to their favorite video. I feel the need to put on a performance and react in a way that will validate their video choice. And I am not that good of an actor, so it can get tiring.

And not only is the suggester watching but everyone else is judging your reactions too! For instance, when watching the injury videos in a crowd, I do not feel like I can enjoy them as much as I normally would without being perceived as cold-hearted. I can't smile as much or laugh as hard. People may think I am harsh and cruel if they knew how truly funny I think those videos really are, so I must stifle my joy and happiness.

Now here comes the hypocrisy part...

This is a link to my all-time favorite youtube video, dates back to my dorm days. And just know that you do not have to watch it. But should you choose to view it, don't worry, I won't care if you like it or not. Be comforted in the fact that I am no where near you and will not be judging your reaction. It is a no pressure, youtube video (therefore, it is kind of not hypocritical). So enjoy it... or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHrkT3Zm0eQ

P.S. We only have like 10 days left in Texas. I am sad about leaving my family. I am exciting about moving to Calgary and setting up shop. I am terrified of the humongous change that is taking place and have been having crazy nightmares that everything we have planned falls through when we get there and we get stranded and strapped (once in my dream we had to live in my brother in-law and sister in-law's basement and one we lived in the U-haul with all our stuff).

***BONUS***

We had family pictures taken a few weeks ago by Mandie McMurdie. Here are some of Harper that turned out AMAZING! She is so cute!