Leigh Ann Frink is currently eating crow...

I joined Facebook 49 hours ago after swearing up, down and sideways that sort of nonsense was for kids.

I really did hold out as long as I could. Friends I respect kept talking about it and how much fun it was, but I was firm in my stance: "I have no interest in such frivolity." I had, after all, joined Myspace two years ago on the recommendation of my then-14-year-old stepson and found it to be way too much work.

But then Mr. Sweetypants joined Facebook and gleefully announced several times a day for the past couple of weeks that old school friends from Northampton (Engerlund) had found him. He was having a blast reconnecting with them.

So I joined, mostly to promote the column. Within 24 hours, I'd reconnected with 17 old friends and gotten freelance offers. And I found myself rushing home from work the next day, blowing past my husband and logging on. For the first time in my tenure at the place that pays me, I am greatful that the Web nanny blocks certain sites, as I could easily spend my entire day on Facebook at this point.

I know this obsession, like all my past hobbies and obsessions (night clubs, painting, knitting, yoga, online dating) will pass. But for now, Facebook is hitting my instant gratification button like smack. Why spend an evening blogging when you can spend 15 seconds typing, "(your name) is wondering what to have for dinner," and get 10 immediate e-mails?

Yes, youngsters, I realize I am very late to this party and everybody is Twittering now, but that is so insipid. I will never....