Hello classmates and Professor P.!

I guess I should start by saying that I am a recovering Internet-aholic. Just a couple of years ago, everytime I would go on vacation or anywhere that had minimal Internet access, I would go through major withdrawal. I mean hands shaking, and the whole shebang. I looked like the person to the left. Well, maybe not quite, but hopefully, you'll get the picture.

I have since recoverd slightly. While I can spend an entire an entire day on the Internet and be perfectly content, I no longer have the time, nor in fact do I feel that I must. (Ah, those Internet-aholic Anonymous meetings truly helped!)

The Internet has shaped my personal identity in many ways. I am a die-hard user of various fan forums. I enjoy going online and talking to fans of similar pop culture texts. I suppose I should admit from the get go (since most of you probably already think I'm insane) that I am a big soap opera fan and have gone online discussing my favorite soap for years. I consider some of the other participants close friends...both the ones I have met in person and the ones that I have not.

Aside from that, I use the Internet to keep in contact with those who I probably would not have if there was no such thing as AIM or email. I check all my news online, I shop online (mostly from Amazon.com), pay my bills, and look for directions, amongst other things. I also fostered a relatively expensive eBay habit for a time that brought much dismay to my checking account, but much personal joy to me.

I am excited for this course, because while I consider myself relatively comfortable with technology, I still yearn to be able to talk about it with proper terminology and learn as much as I can.

"See" you next time!