Thursday, January 20, 2011

I Don't 'Text'

I have had a cell phone for years, but it wasn't until several months ago that I had the ability to do text messaging. I mean, on my old phone I could receive texts, but I didn't know how to reply. And texting wasn't even part of my calling plan, so I didn't care.
But when I got a new phone I chose one with the slider thing-y, so I have a full keyboard. And we have 'unlimited' texting on our new plan, so now I'm having fun sending text messages.

Only, the other day I realized - I don't 'text'.

Brian was sending a message to a friend, and I was watching. I saw things like "im" and "ur". And there were no punctuation marks.
When I send messages, I use appropriate capitalization and punctuation. Partly because I don't know all the texting short-cuts. Partly because I can't break old habits. And I suppose it's also because I'm afraid of contributing to the re-writing of the American language.
Seriously, how far are we from replacing "your" with "ur" and "be" with "b" in the dictionary?
Who am I kidding?
No one uses the dictionary anymore, anyway.

OK. Getting off my soapbox. *grin*

I teased Brian about his new use of the language. He laughed at my attempts to be 'with it' while refusing to fully assimilate. (That was for you, Leah!) And the next time I picked up my phone to send a message, he asked, "Oh, are you texting? I mean emailing with your phone?"

*Wise guy*

Karen

8 comments:

Leah Adams said...

I know how you feel, Karen. I felt like a traitor to the English language when I started using all the abbreviations to text. Now, however, I do it without even thinking. Yes, it seems to have assimilated into my thought pattern without much cajoling from anyone else.

Hmmm, don't think I can make 'bucolic' work in this comment. Maybe the next time.

Have a great day!!

BASSakward Tales said...

Sister I am just like you...I do slip up and not use correct grammar when I blog, but I don't when I text. I know - rediculous. It is a hard habit to break - but some habits are good. I guess being the child of a teacher kind of cemented that concept into my brain. It sounds like your husband is alot like mine. Very clever when he "needs" to be. Have a great Thursday!

Karen Hossink said...

Leah - I was hoping you'd see that. *grin*
Yesterday I actually used some of the abbreviations. I was in the store messaging with Joshua and I was trying to hurry. 'ur' and 'u' was just so much easier. *sheepish grin*

Ginny - Ooooo. You got me there. I knowingly write 'wrong' when I blog. Starting sentences with 'but' and 'and'. And not writing complete sentences. (Like I'm doing in this comment. *wink*)
But that's part of the style of blogging, isn't it? (I'm justifying myself now...)
OK. So I blog. But I don't text. Yet. LOL

TheUnSoccerMom said...

It's taken me a loooonnnngggg time to use "text" words, but I'm finally "getting with it". It's hard though! :o)

Patricia said...

Lol...I am the SAME way...I definitely "email" with my phone...just can't do the abbreviation thing...must be the teacher in me ;)

Anonymous said...

LOL...my daughter still jokes with me over the same thing. Had it not been for her and my son-n-law I would still not text...though I would have to be honest and say it is more like emailing..."grin". Not to leave out...recently became part of the "Facebook" family...lol!! Too settled in my ways, I guess?? {Now I just need a blog...right??}

Blessings my friend,
Debby Ann

Karen Hossink said...

Jodi - But isn't it fun to feel 'with it'? *wink*

Patricia - I am not a teacher. So what's my excuse??? Guess it would be the perfectionist in me. Still gotta get rid of that!

Debby Ann - You're on Facebook? And why have you not 'friended' me yet??? *I'm teasing*
Yes. A blog is definitely next.

Cindy said...

It kills me to abbreviate when I text. But if I don't it takes me 30 minutes to reply to a text! My grown children love to text and they do it quickly. Sometimes I give up in frustration and answer their text with a call!