Have you ever been in the middle of watching a video on YouTube when it suddenly stops playing and a single word fills the frame?
Buffering.
I’m no tech whiz and I’m not exactly sure what buffering means. What I think it means, what it seems to mean, is that the data is moving from one place to another and the system needs a moment to process it before it resolves.
Well, today I’m buffering. I’m thinking about my post yesterday and all of your insightful comments. I’m thinking about Amy’s post and Christine’s post. I’m thinking about priorities and community and time.
The picture is starting to resolve, but some of the data is still in storage.
I’m starting to get it, but in the meantime I’m buffering.
Image: out of focus by Tim Cummins via Flickr under a Creative Commons license.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe buffering is when YouTube checks out to be with its own kids in its own secret world—maybe this will help me be more compassionate when my collective stream of consciousness is thwarted… maybe even the universe, as exemplified by your post today, telling us not to miss something (maybe even pointing out the fallacy that we must consciously catch and do everything instead of trusting that it’s all perfect, right down to our balancing acts).
Mmm, Bruce, I like mixing these metaphors: the need to buffer our live streaming of consciousness. Nice.
I love how you related buffering to life. I hope that your data catches up with the whole picture soon, and that you find balance along the way.
I’m doing some of my own. There is much to think about my dear friend. I felt so compelled to weigh in on this issue and feel like I still have so much more to say. Thank you for sharing here, I’m eager for more discussion.
I LOVE this! I buffer all the time, but I never realized it. We’ve incorporated so many technology words into our daily lexicon, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard “buffering” in this way. Brilliant! Buffer away!
Do you think I should submit this new definition of “buffering” to the Oxford English Dictionary for inclusion in its 2011 edition? :)
i always get really pissed off when buffering is happening so please Kristen, resolve yourself quickly ok? :)
I also buffer but then end up just having technical difficulties and completely shut down. I hope you’re more efficient than me.
Oh dear, I’m hoping to resolve rather than crash. Stay tuned!
Buffering. A very deep thought.
My kids will like that.
Thank you.
Lovely blog, even lovelier posts.
Thanks for being here, Alexandra, for your nice words, and for taking the time to comment.
Buffering. I can’t express how much I love this metaphor. Brilliant.
I think we all need to buffer now and again. Lots of hugs your way.
Kristen, that’s the perfect word. I feel like I’ve been buffering for a few weeks (could be longer without me knowing). Thank you for capturing this sentiment and for assuring me this is okay.
This makes so much sense. Particularly in the aftermath of the 5-for-10 writing bonanza, kids, family, nonstop entertaining. A need for breath. A “virtually” physical need for breath.
Today I wrote. Posted. Closed my laptop. Showered and dressed, then left. For SEVEN HOURS. To wander. To take in people. To “be.”
My version of buffering, I suppose. More needed than I realize, and probably more often.
(Going to read Christine’s post…)
Love this.
And glad you’re open to the buffering moments.
I’m happy to see that the posts are still coming. You can always take a little bloggy break by scheduling old posts as new ones (shhh! It will be our little secret!)
I should probably do that more often. When things slow down, my usual impulse is to find something else to do.
As I recall from chemistry (many, many, many years ago), buffering also means balancing an acid with a base to reach neutral pH. I think that’s a good metaphor too–add a little of this when you’ve got a little too much of that (go outside when you’ve been in front of the computer too long; sneak out of the house when you’ve had too much kid time; look forward to a shutdown day when you’ve had enough of work). Enjoy your buffer!
Good one! I always knew I should have paid more attention in chemistry class…
If that’s what buffeting is, I’m pretty sure I’m in a constant state.
And I fear there is no end–no streaming video–in sight.
I love it: buffering.
I usually say it’s simmering.
I’m still stuck on tiny baby taking his first steps.
Buffering – I love that.
And I actually just found this post from Coffees and Commutes and I’ve seen your name on Twitter for Aidan’s book club – you are a talented writer!!! And reading through your comments here, you are in great company – I follow many of these ladies as well!
Anyway, this post had me reflect on my own blogging experience and I have to say, it’s never static, it’s always evolving. Once I find my footing I sense some change but in a good way – I find the most rewarding part of this process is two things that I relate to most: the connections made and the COMMUNITY formed.
And when these two things coexist – it’s pure magic.
Hi, Theta Mom – Thanks so much for visiting Motherese and for your nice words. I’m in complete agreement with you about the main benefits of blogging: connections and community. After seven months of blogging, I am still consistently surprised and delighted by the wonderful people I meet and the sense of camaraderie I have every time I plug in.
I actually just joined your BlogFrog community and look forward to checking out your site.
Cheers to new friends and growing connections!
“Buffering” is the perfect word for that need to stop and digest and think and digest some more after reading (or conversing about) something profound or insightful.
I can’t wait to read/hear what comes after you’ve buffered.
Kristen, I have to tell you – this buffering metaphor is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect description for what we need to do, often. I need to buffer far more often than I do. “Stop, pause and reflect” moments are what I call them.
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