An assignment for class.

I have to post something here for a class I'm taking online. It has to be done through a blog, so don't mind my short section on "What I do on the Internet."

Don't get me wrong, I am a little bit of a computer geek. I used to own three, now I'm down to two computers. They both are slightly customized and I frequently manually clean them for viruses, worms, trojans, and the like because I don't really trust spyware doctors or antivirus programs. I would like to say that like when I was younger, I spent most of my time on a computer creating things and doing schoolwork, however its not true. It never fails that when I sit at a computer, I have to turn on iTunes to my MeatLoaf playlist and bring up Facebook, Amazon, or Yahoo! Mail.

For me, the internet is probably the biggest waste of time I could have ever conceived. I know and understand that there are amazing resources out there for news and science and worthwhile things, but I just can't get myself to look at them and maybe learn something once in awhile. I used to do that. I used to be very productive on the internet and teach myself things like HTML, and Tolkien's elvish languages. But that was back in high school when I convinced myself free time should be spent stimulating my brain.

My bookmarks include things like Facebook, recipe sites, random blogs that tell funny stores such as theoatmeal.com or hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com. I have an entire folder of bookmarks dedicated to helping myself on World of Warcraft.

Yes, I do play World of Warcraft. I play a (currently) level 82 Tauren Shaman named Paoul. If I could, I would probably spend about five or six hours a day playing this game (and in the past I have before). But seeing how I have to make some money to afford me this game, I can't do that and I have to hold down a proper job.

I do once in awhile glance at my online classes to make sure I haven't missed anything. I'm supposed to have this job with one of my professors and I'm afraid he's not going to want me because of my (seemingly) lack of motivation for his class. (One reason I'm writing this post about two weeks late :| The other reason being I completely forgot about the "assignments" folder and was only looking at the quizzes folder.)

Sometimes I do use those wonderful resources such as news sites, or "how to do" something sites. Usually its because one of those geniuses I know (there actually are a couple) have posted something on Facebook like the discovery of an alternate DNA organism surviving on Earth in Utah (of all places). Or perhaps that the new Thor trailer has come out, or that Ryan Reynolds is thinking about helping to direct an Iron Fist movie when he's done with Green Lantern. Or if I'm taking a class with an absolutely godawful teacher, I can use the internet to teach me how to use a differential for my statistics class.

But generally this is not the case. about 80% of the time, my use of the internet is completely superficial and consists of playing World of Warcaft, being nosy on Facebook or checking my email for the latest deals on Amazon and the like.

However, things I am grateful for the internet for are:
1. The ability to order food online. (And other things, but mainly food.)
2. The sudden popularity of smiley faces such as :) :D :P :] etc.
3. Email. Because I shy away from talking to people face to face.
4. The ease at which you can find answers to simple things such as: why do you spell grateful "grate" when "great" is really the word you are trying to use. I'm not sure I'm "full of grates" for the internet. (Apparently its from the obsolete Latin word "grate" meaning "pleasing.")
5. Downloads of music, movies, and games.

Things I am not grateful for the internet for are:
1. The found knowledge that I can sit on my rear all day doing absolutely nothing and not realize it.
2. People copying each other without a thought and all the absolute crap out there.
3. Spam.
4. The fact that unless my boyfriend, family, or dog need me/distract me, I find myself wasting time on it.
5. How easy it makes it to spend money. (Especially money I don't have. )
6. The right click spell check function. Although this might not be an internet invention, it came about because of all the people using it and not wanting to look stupid when they post a blog with something misspelled and then having to turn it into their teacher. It is really just makes us have to think less and remember less.


On another note, and possibly another blog after my studying and finals are over: Chicken Parmesan is probably one of the easiest and best tasting foods to make for a large crowd.

Now, because my dog is pestering me, I am going to go freeze outside and quite possibly get my 8 o'clock dinner. See what this internet has done to me?