While old-school human resources folk fret over how much work productivity is wasted on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, I’ll be over here at my gig happier and more productive as a whole for being able to connect with old friends, learn more about my peers and track fascinating people in real time.

I guess my feelings on this go back to my One List obsession. If it all has to get done, why use four different to-do lists. To that point, if you are at work and are in a panic about a birthday you forgot you should go to the birthday person’s Facebook page right now and tell them happy birthday. Then, your brain is free to get on with work.

Like my momma always says, “All things in moderation.” Except, maybe, wine and chocolate.  I don’t spend all my work or home hours on social networks. But you better believe I’m taking the 20 minutes each day to check in with all of them: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Friend Feed, things folks shared with me on Google Reader. All of it. Every day.

If I didn’t do this, I would never have known that my dear friend from High School, Leslie, is now a momma and that she wanted to meet me for dinner at Rosepeper. I’m still on a high from the blessing of getting to reconnect with her. Since I’m so happy this morning, I’m getting things done. Since I’m getting things done, I’ll be more productive today, which means I’ll be happier when I get home.

You’ve only got today. One day to be the most productive you can be, to take every opportunity to reconnect and to explore the new tools out there that can help you accomplish both at the same time. For me, that’s social media networking. What is it for you?