Ban the Railroads

I never once claimed this blog would be the least bit profound. However, I hope in some tiny way you've been enlightened to a new understanding of douche bags and their sly tactics, Facebook and creepy stalkers or the need to ban parents and their potty trainers on social media. 

My newest pet peeve is bad photography, particularly ridiculous railroad photo ops. Why is it that every band or artist thinks it's "cool" to take a picture straddling railroad tracks? (Except for the exception of Johnny Cash seen below).

Now, he can straddle railroad tracks.

I'm not exactly sure when this fad occurred. But find a field... Let's bring back the field! Or maybe a brick wall? Oh, better yet, graffiti! That's it! 

I beg you... Please ban railroad photography- for the love of God! 

Have You Been Catfished?

The new film Catfish has become insanely popular in the past month. I have yet to see the film (but I'm recording it when it comes on Feb.1). I recently watched the television show on MTV, which is inspired by this movie. I was intrigued.

A catchy yet peculiar term, the word "catfish" I looked up. According to the ever-so reliable source, Urban Dictionary, it states, "A Catfish is someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or other social media to create false identities, particularly to pursue deceptive online romances."

Now, I'm not about to go into detail of how I've gotten "catfished." Thank God, I'd have the sense to Skype to see if the person is real. No offense, but who spends months or years speaking to someone they've never seen or at least have sure proof this person exist? And God forbid, plan a life with a stranger. It's beyond me!

I have a hard enough time getting to know a real guy who is sitting right in front of me, much less some weirdo in another state or better yet, a con-artist in an internet cafe in Africa.

But I'll be honest. I think I've been catfished (just not via Facebook or some other site). I'm pretty sure I've been the victim of others creating a false identity. Thank God, I've never found out some man I was dating was married with five children.

I often find it extremely difficult to meet men and women alike who are transparent, honest people. Those who know me know that I am very honest and upfront. This is a blessing and a curse. I often ask people sincere questions... sometimes I get an answer but often times, the answers are vague and elusive like a child inquiring why Zebras have stripes. "Ain't nobody got time for that!" 

False identities can be created in many different ways. I've dated guys who claim to be religious because they know my spirituality means a great deal to me. I've met people who hide bad habits like smoking or drinking, to later find out it was an issue. I've also met others who claim to have the same values as I do in order to get a so called "good girl." Thankfully, I'm pretty intuitive. But only because I've been fooled before.

When it comes to cultivating relationships, honesty is the only way success can be achieved. Sometimes honesty hurts. Sometimes it means an end to a relationship. Sometimes it means taking a risk, and it scaring you senseless.

I'm 28. Thankfully, I still have time and am not remotely worried about meeting my match. I know it will happen. But as I continue with the exhausting dating process (post-divorce), I find myself weary with facades, lack of transparency and the ability in others to be honest.

I see it all the time, especially with men who will not be honest with their feelings or intentions. If you're a guy reading this, I'm sure you have experienced this with women.

I was thinking today, "Why is it that often times when I ask a straight forward question, I cannot get a straightforward response?" It dawned on me.

If a person cannot be honest with me, then he probably is not being honest with himself.

I wonder how many catfish are swimming around me?