Dear Kid,

It is not easy to write to you while we’re watching Guardians of the Galaxy (Part II). Especially when we’re watching it without commercials.

And yawning.

Somehow, “I am Groot” is enough to keep me glued to the movie. The little dude is 12 kinds of adorable.

(NOTE: You owe me the last part of the movie since I fell asleep and missed the ending.)

Which brings us in a twisted and non-linear way to social media.

I love social media.

I also hate social media.

There are parts of social media I know well, and parts I don’t even pretend to understand.

One part that there is absolutely no question about, however, is that social media—as with all things internet—is permanent.

Not permanent in the pyramids sort of way.

Possibly even more permanent since neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night (extra, extra points if you get the reference) will delete a post. Ever.

I know you know this.

I also know that you are at that marvelous age where you are completely invincible and it’s impossible to imagine something from today biting you in the proverbial hindquarters in the future.

Rule of thumb: If you don’t want your mother, grandparents, significant other, future in-laws, or potential prospective employers to see it, don’t post it. If you even have to think about it, don’t post it. If it’s ranting, raging negative, don’t post it. If it’s cute puppies, post it and tag me.

And if it’s baby Groot or the minions, by all means post it.

Love, Mom

The words “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” – while by no means an official creed or motto of the United States Postal Service – have long been associated with the American postman.