Weekend Links {8}

The house-showings have begun. Translated: I spend two hours getting the house in pristine condition, right down to perfect placement of brand new towels in all four bathrooms and the arranging of fresh flowers strategically placed throughout. This has affectionately been dubbed “The Fake House.” And then I gather my family and leave, so that perfect strangers can peruse my closets and drawers and pass judgment on the worthiness of my house. Meanwhile, the neighbors spy on these potential buyers and communicate to us via text message. After the potential buyers leave and our neighbors give us the all-clear, we return and put the REAL towels back out and mess up the floors and such, until the next day, when it happens all over again. This is my life right now. Please, house-buyers, come quickly.

The Fear of Missing Out and How it Crushes Your Productivity, by Brian Gardner. I think I shall harp on excessive social media usage until the Internet blows up. Take note of the related links he includes in his post. There are many. If you’ve got no big plans this weekend, you could read about this topic for hours.

Arizona Cardiologist Responds to Critics Regarding Measles and Vaccines. I haven’t gotten too caught up in this measles debate. Honestly, I greatly value a parent’s right to refuse to vaccinate. I know two people personally who have a child or sibling who suffered permanent brain damage after vaccines. It happens.

At the same time, I have vaccinated all of my children (A few times holding my breath, praying nothing bad would happen to them. One of my babies had a full-blown rash and fever that looked just like measles…and I was wondering why I purposely injected her with the virus. One of my babies got all her vaccinations from her entire first year REPEATED on a SINGLE DAY because the doctor didn’t trust the strength of the ones she received in Guatemala. As soon as it was happening, I wanted it to stop. I wish I would have stopped him.) All that to say, I totally believe that children have adverse reactions to vaccinations, some permanent or fatal. No matter what side of the fence you are on, this doctor brings up some excellent points, and advises us to direct our anger at some OTHER sources which are much more dangerous for our children. I read this out loud to my family. We all laughed because I’ve been saying some of these same things for years in my home. Not that I’m smart like a cardiologist or anything…

I Can Sum Up Marriage With These 11 Texts I’ve Sent My Husband.
This is hilarious. Nothing controversial here.

How to Get Along With An Introvert, by Donald Miller Introverts have gotten a lot of press in the last few years. I’m so appreciative of this fact, because I am one. I never realized this about myself until I was well into my 30s. I’m one of those confusing Out-Going Introverts. If you meet me in person, you’d see I’m not-at-all shy and can handle myself quite well. But social interactions drain the heck out of me—which is something most people never see. If some of your favorite people are introverts, these tips will go a long way in helping you successfully navigate those relationships, and maybe, understand why we don’t always say yes when you invite us to things.