Facebook Mania: 25 Random Things

Today I saw this query from an editor that intrigued me:

"I'm looking for people who can offer perspective about the "25 Random Things" craze that's sweeping Facebook. I'm looking for people who will attempt to explain the appeal -- why are so many people doing this, why are so many reading them? What does this say about us, culturally? What does this say about what people want to get out of Facebook? And, how is this different or similar to the chain letter concept that's existed for years and years?"

I've had the same thoughts and questions. I love reading these 25 things my dear friends post. However, I have had zero desire to post my own list. 

This query prompted me to write my own 25 Random Things on the spot just to see what the fuss was all about. It was actually quite enjoyable. I learned a lot about myself. Tonight as I was discussing this query with friends, one mentioned that he had read an editorial in the New York Times regarding this topic. The editor had said that he thinks this craze just demonstrates what a narcissistic society we have become. When he said this, I reflected on my own 25 Random Things. 

What does it say about me that I have no desire to post the 25 on Facebook, but that I am completely comfortable posting it on my blog? Is that narcissistic? Probably. Really though, I think this 25 random things describes the time of day and my level of hunger while sitting at work right before lunch, e-mailing Cindy back and forth, debating where we should eat. But, I am no expert on society norms and such.

1. I judge a Thai food restaurant based on their yellow curry.

2. I judge a Chinese food restaurant based on their lo mein.

3. I love any and all sushi so I never judge. I just eat.

4. I'm addicted to French fries, but dislike them burnt, crisp or soggy. (Can you tell it's right before lunch time as I'm writing this?)

5. I prefer eating organic, but shop at Aldi because I like good deals best.

6. I could eat apples morning, afternoon and night. Love apples.

7. I have said this once before and I will say it again, Diet Coke is the nectar of gods.

8. I tested positive for gluten intolerance on my mission. For the past year I have been on a strict gluten-free diet (no wheat, rye or barley). I will be having further testing done in a couple of weeks, so I have to eat gluten and I am loving every single second of it.

9. I don't believe in diets (like lose weight ones). I believe in moderation and self-control, which leads me to #10.

10. The other day I was so stressed out at work (my boss is about to have a baby and take maternity leave and we have a huge to-do list and several projects taking place) I went to my office, reached in a drawer and shoved 4 mini Snickers in my mouth in less then 30 seconds. Hence, since that time Snickers have been strictly banned from my office.

11. I hated meat growing up and then I waitressed at an Argentine restaurant in college where I got free lunch or dinner, depending on what shift I worked. They would serve me millinesa, chorizo and other delectable meats. I fell in love. And then I served a mission in Texas. Texas BBQ rocks.

12. I believe that chocolate is nature's number one cure.  

13. Chicago serves the best pizza in the world, my mother makes the best pizza in the galaxy.

14. My dad used to make pancakes every Sunday after church growing up. It was one of my favorite traditions and a great memory.

15. There is nothing like going out to dinner with your girlfriends. Love it.

16. Cindy Kam is my work lunch buddy. As well as my work out buddy. (Cindy, why is that we go out to eat more often then we work out? Maybe we should consider revamping our priorities.)

17. Ice cream just makes life better.

18. I like a mean salad.

19. Isn't it interesting that most socializing revolves around substance we put in our mouths. Think about it. Parties. Dates. Mixers. Family gatherings. Seeing old friends. Meeting new friends. All revolve around food.

20. I missed Dunkin Doughnuts very much during my past year of no gluten. The other day I had one. It was like manna from heaven.

21. While on the subject of gluten-packed food I have missed, right after the Presidential Inauguration (I was in D.C. on Washington Mall when President Obama was sworn into office. It was an awesome experience.) I had to hurry to catch my train out of Union Station to Baltimore to catch my flight back to Chicago to make it to a work meeting that next morning, so my friend Gretch and I, grabbed a slice of pizza real quick. It just might have been the #1 day of my life. Think about it. I was on vacation, in D.C., saw history happen, and had my first taste of real pizza since December 2007. Yep #1 day.

22. Rule of thumb: the most disgusting looking food generally is the best tasting.

23. Nothing beats a nice cup of Mexican hot chocolate. Try it sometime and tell me if I'm wrong.

24. No I am not a glutton. Nor do I have a one track mind. It's lunch time. Typically I think about things besides food, promise.

25. My 2009 physical goal is to have a two-pack stomach.

There you have it. Can't do it mainstream, but still do it. I'll be analyzing the psyche behind this for a few days. Once again, narcissistic. Oh, but please keep writing yours. I quite enjoy reading them. I just have issues. 

Oh and if you would like to respond to this editor's query. Let me know. (FYI - we chose Chinese for lunch. Yes, I ordered Lo mein. And no, not the best I have ever had.)