Are You Googleable?

That sounds like a funny question - Are you Googleable? That may not be an actual word, but I like it, and it might surprise many people that they, in fact, are. You don't have to be famous; it seems the Internet just has a wealth of information on everyone, including your name, address, and even age range.

As a writer, I periodically Google myself just to see if any of my new publications are posted. It's amazing what you can find.

I know I'm not the only Vicki Julian. I also know I'm not the only Vicki L. Julian. But recently, I discovered that among the links attributed to me, was a Vicki Julian talking about her addiction! That was not exactly in line with my reputation, and I could only hope that no one who Googles me thinks I am the person who wrote that blog. It's not that I'm passing judgement, it's just that I wish to be known for my own accomplishments as well as my own foibles.

I've discovered you can't trust the pictures that pop up either. They indicate "Vicki Julian's photos," but I don't know half of the people in those designated pictures. And some photos I'd prefer not to be attributed to me.

Even though I don't want strangers to mistake me for others, I can be comforted by one thing. God sees my strengths as well as every weakness, and I'm sure there may be other Vicki Julians who are more than happy not to be me. So it really comes down to what really matters.

1 John 3:20 says: ",,,For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." And if he even knows the number of hairs on our heads (or lack thereof), I'm pretty sure he knows us individually. In any case, at the appointed time of my judgement, I know God can identify which Vicki L. Julian I am.

A Milestone in Aging

My husband always said that “any day above ground is a good day.” I guess that could be extended to adding another birthday, keeping in mind that age is just a number. Of course, some numbers bring some significant changes such as the one I will soon achieve.

For years, I’ve let my formerly brown-platinum blond hair return to its natural shade of white.  That might surprise some people because they’ve only known me as one or the other. A third gray at age 30, I began dying my hair, and it gradually turned to platinum blond whenever I tried to color it brown. Finally, I decided there wasn’t much difference in being platinum blond versus white-haired except that people might assume I’m older.

Having said that, I also noticed my laugh lines are deepening. Add that to the use of a mobility scooter (aka adult go-kart for which use is age unrelated), and people have 3 reasons to assume I’m older. So, now I’ve said it. In a few short days, I will officially be on Plan65 with my Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurance.

Hopefully I’ve picked up some wisdom from God along the way; actually, I know that I have. Things and stuff aren’t so important – I’m not so vain about my appearance, I don’t need the latest gadget, and I value experiences above possessions. My epiphany is that money’s true value is only in how much good it can do. I also know that love is the only thing that can change the world because it makes us care.

When Jesus gave the commandment to “love one another,” he gave us the solution to everything. If we truly saw our fellowman in this light, there would be no wars, no hunger, no need for prisons, and the list goes on.  He also told us that we must have the faith of a child so with that in mind, here is my philosophy on turning the big Six-Five: Be a kid in the best possible way – at heart.