No. I haven’t been to Tijuana lately, or gotten too friendly with any of the “paid companions” that frequent the hotel.
But I do have a malady that is causing me some discomfort. It’s difficult to discuss online but an open dialogue always helps in these situations so here goes…
I have Social Media Burnout.
Yes, I know it’s hard to believe it’s happened to The Hook but this sort of thing doesn’t discriminate. While we don’t have exact figures, SMB effects millions of people worldwide. Of course most of them are too old to turn on a computer or device. Some are living healthy, unplugged lives outdoors. (Gasp! I know, right? There are bees out there!) And some of them just don’t give a shit about social media.
Those people scare the spit out of me.
As for me, well, I’m just plain burned out. The season has barely begun, but it’s been a killer already and while I have some cool 5×5 interviews lined up, I just can’t muster the enthusiasm to get them out there right now. Plus, there’s the whole “real life” experience to factor in; my home life has been a whirlwind of activities and milestones lately and those have left me knackered.
But don’t despair, gentle readers; the treatment for SMB is relatively simple and affordable.
All I have to do is… nothing.
Fortunately for me, I come from a long line of Nothing-Doers. The wife can attest to that; part of the reason I’m so burned out is that we’ve been tackling jobs at home that have been neglected for various reasons for years.
So while you continue to blog, tweet, post on Instagram and immerse yourselves in dozens of other aspects of the social media experience I’m going to regroup, finish up the 5×5 posts I have sitting in my Drafts folder and get back to fighting strength eventually. Until then, here’s a shot of me and director Kevin Smith. Meeting Silent Bob himself is the coolest thing that’s happened to me at work in quite some time and while I’ve already shared this pic on Twitter, I’m doing it again.
So there.
See you then, kids…
You've Been Hooked! 
Sending you strong vibes of recovery and hope you’re back soon!
Thanks, Lisa.
I have two 5×5 interviews lined up for next week and after that, who knows?
Sending you strong vibes of recovery!
Thanks, Lisa!
We’ll be here when you post…
Thanks, young lady.
Your support is worth a thousand Kevin Smith pics.
Great picture Hook. Relax – we’ll be here when you are ready again.
I never doubted it for a second, Paul.
Ah yes, SMB. At least you have been wise enough to refrain from posting too many photographs of yourself. I saw yesterday about the rising scourge of our age: selfie elbow.
Get better soon!
Thanks, Allie!
When you get back we’ll be waiting. That didn’t sound creepy at all did it?
Not in the least.
And thank you.
I’m right there with you. And just when I’m ready to post again…. tragedy strikes America again. I’m toast. But looking forward to a little down time after work tonight (and hopefully to Hook’s recovery.) Until then.
I look forward to it, Tara.
Yes, I know that illness. They need a vaccine for it! Enjoy your time off and we’ll see you eventually.
Thanks, Kate.
As we say on the Gulf Coast, “Everything in good time.”
You’re wise people on the Gulf Coast…
Ha ha ha.
Which one is Kevin Smith?
The good looking one.
I am officially impressed! Silent Bob!! Yes, this time of year is rife with interruptions from the life online. Damned home projects, birthday and graduation celebrations. Cursed good weather beckoning us outside again. And high season for the tourist season.
I suppose it’s as good a time as ever to give the electronic world a rest. We had a tree go over and is blocking our satellite dish. No TV for a week now. And with the internet and movie rentals we haven’t missed it. Once I get over this bug, we’ll get the chainsaw out and take care of it.
As for your burnout, do as they recommend on airplanes and put your oxygen mask on first. Give yourself a break, and remember: family first.
Thank you, my friend.
“We’ll eventually all fall asleep.”
~Paul Simon (Insomniac’s Lullaby)
Simon is a wise man.
And he’s not alone.
I am with you on the burnout, Hook. I’ve been trying to fight it but I think the more you fight it the harder it hits you. ::sigh:: Oh well… I’ll be looking forward to your return, my friend!
Me too.
Thanks, A!
A well-earned break! We’ll be here waiting…
🤗
Of that I have no doubt, my friend.
Thank you.
I’m a huge Kevin Smith fan. Very jealous. Met him once at a comic book signing, but wasn’t smart enough to get a photo…
Just as well; it may have cost you a pretty penny, buddy…
Rub some dirt on it and get back in the game. 😉
Will do, coach.
There’s that handsome face!
So, my friend, I’m right there with you. Thank goodness, I’ve had talented guest posters to pick up the slack while I hide in a hole. I even deactivated my Facebook for a couple of days. Ultimately, I reactivated, but still haven’t felt like engaging. Not there. Not Twitter. Not even in my home.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Sometimes we truly do need breaks and a chance to reinvigorate. I have no doubt you’ll be back with bells on and more great stories to share. Perhaps we an emerge out of the fog together. xo
It’s a date!
But without the dinner, a movie and all the begging, of course…
Lol! Of course!
S&M… Oops, I mean SMB is a real thing (so is S&M, but…). I go through the same from time to time and, like you, just need to unwind (Just so we’re clear, I’m still talk about SMB and not S&M). You deserve it and need time to unplug. We’re not going anywhere. Especially if we’re tied up. I’ll be waiting for you in the hall…
Man… don’t ever change, Ned.
And thanks.
Only my underwear.
I’m relieved to hear that…