8 months ago, my hubby and I returned home after working out of country for over 2 years. We had decided to retire, to take a step back, to enjoy life more and focus on health and family. We also had 2 beautiful grandchildren born while we were away and I was very excited to take on the Grandmother (GG to them) role.

My career was as a senior Human Resources manager with a luxury hotel company. I love HR. Working with people, problem solving, training, mentoring and getting to the heart of issues. It is what I live for. While I loved my job and times being what they were, I moved to paradise just in time to down size my new department without downsizing the workload. Consequently, relaxing in my new beach environment was a little lacking and work engulfed most of my time.

So now, the new retirement adventure begins.

We completed some home renovations, are enjoying plenty of Grandma time and have a new focus on fitness (I am a very reluctant athlete). I also regained my passion for cooking. Something I had virtually given up on as I always came home from work late and my fab hubby did all of the cooking.

About 5 months into this nirvana, I am surfing the net and I think, maybe I should check out my Linked- in account. Hadn’t done this since I left work. So after fumbling for my password, I finally looked through my contacts to see who had updated their profiles. And that got me thinking

What else is going on out there?

Now I am NOT the tech savvy computer guru that some of my former managers are. In fact, the computer was my least favourite part of my job, especially the endless emails that dump in your mailbox. I do not have a twitter account. I am only on facebook to see pictures of the grandbabies. So now, surprisingly, I am curious. Shocking for me. Maybe it is because, I have always looked at sitting in front of a computer as taking time away from the really important aspects of my former job. I would rather be face to face than looking at a computer screen.

 This may be a good time to point out that I am not the most patient computer user.

My first computer was a 286 dos.

Yes, that’s right I am from the caveman days.

I have always been self- taught (hunt and peck method) on the computer.

The last resort is ALWAYS looking at the manual.

The irony is that I happen to be married to a computer wizard. The master of programs, the guru of data mining, the webmaster who has the patience of Yoda. This dichotomy in our differences can lead to some interesting discussions. Whenever I have a computer problem i.e., the computer or a program doesn’t work like I think it should, the Hubby patiently tries to explain WHY and to show me the right way. Hubby feels if I have the background in programs, then I will have a deeper understanding of how it works. Whatever! My answer to him is always ” Just make it so number 1“. I am no more interested in how the computer works than I am in how the engine of our car works. (With apologies to my family of mechanics, both my father and son).

So now that I have laid out my messy computer background and my non-mastery of all that is techie,

Imagine me diving into the Social Media World.

Here is what it looks like:

1. It is not pretty. 

2. I feel like a diver who forgot her air tanks. 

3. I am floundering around in the sea of information and sometimes not sure which end is up. 

4. I feel I should be video taping this as I think I would give hope to others who are fumbling their way through. 

5. I find myself looking around my living room to see if anyone is watching my gaffs.

6. The dog and cats are amused at times watching me

7. But somehow, this whole process has me hooked.

There is so much information flying around out in computer space land that I cannot keep up. I sit in front of my computer and hours and hours pass.  And I have set up a Twitter account. I feel so clever. Again, this has been strictly trial and error. In 4 weeks, I have sent out 8 tweets and a couple of those were only by accident. Twitter is like everyone talking in shorthand and as usual I haven’t looked at the manual.

So for right now, I am in the curious stage, just reading and reading all of the articles that others are posting. I call it the University of Twitter.

 And I am loving it!!!

I may even start tweeting soon! (Let me apologize now, as I know I will make some dozy mistakes but should you want to help me along or cheer me on or give me some tips it’s http://www.twitter.com/kimberly_tate) 

Stay tuned to the continuing mishaps of Kim’s explorations into social media technology. I am delighted to share my journey with you!
How did I do for my first blog? 

Kimberly Tate is the newest member of the Impact People Practices team. After a career in senior HR roles in Tourism and Luxury Hotels, Kim joins the Impact team inspired by our vision to impact employee experiences and create more connected, innovative and activated workplaces.

Kim lives in Whistler BC and this is her first blog post. Please comment below and show her some support!
Not only is Kim leaping in with both feet as a senior executive learning about social media, she is game to share her journey as she goes about it. Now THAT’s making an impact!

Delighted to have you on board the Impact team Kim- you are going to have some fun with this “blogging thing!”
Christine