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| Beware the finger! |
Somehow, I don't think I ever will. It just irritates me too much, especially because we have such a plethora of perfectly-good, succulent, full-length words with which to express ourselves. I hate bad writing and can't even read a newspaper, or blog, or online column without editing it in my head. It's truly quite a burden being me...
And so I got to ranting at one of my classes today for their below-par, lacking-in-creativity, and pathetic attempts at impromptu speeches. One of the girls, most put out, asked me why I was so mean, and pointed out that she had never even seen me laugh. Which, now that I think about it, several people (including my 12-year-old niece) have told me over the last month.
But I do (laugh). Really. I think one of the problems is that I've never been very emotionally expressive. Just ask any of my ex-girlfriends. Another is my completely off-the-wall sense of humour. It is so dry and obtuse that most people just think I'm being rude. Again, just ask any of my ex-girlfriends. Thank the Lord for my small circle of equally-bizarre friends (like the Midgleys here in Madagascar and the Deans in South Africa). But I laugh at myself a lot, and continue to joke with people who don't get it, and I laugh on the inside...
One example of people just not understanding me was when I applied to be an exchange student, and was rejected, the year after graduating from high school. I was told that I would have been chosen, but for my lack of humour. In the end I did go, as a substitute for some poor sap who had to drop out, and ended up enriching many Belgians' lives with my incomprehensible wit and charm.
And so, for those of you who know me, when you see the edge of my mouth turn up ever-so-slightly, and you manage to see the glint in my eye behind my dark glasses, then you can tell yourself that I'm probably having a whole-hearted, loud guffaw on the inside.
Funny, I hear you laugh a lot! My mom teaches English at a university. It's a good thing she edits my posts or I don't think you would find them palatable. Many times she sends them back with a grammar lesson. Maybe there is hope for me yet! You'll just have to forgive my written slang. I am a Texan you know. I proudly say "ya'll" and "ain't" as well! Great post!
ReplyDeleteWe <3 U Rob! UR gr8. Ta 4 d LOLs bro! cu l8r!
ReplyDeleteHaha ... thanks for the flattering description of me. And I dig your Jacques Kallis hairstyle! I won't even attempt to write in sms language - I don't understand half of it. But I agree totally with the English purist thing. And with your description of yourself ... now you just have to meet a girl with the same off-the-wall sense of humour! Your sussie
ReplyDelete@Kim Ha ha, that's hilarious Kim! Now, if Sue had written it that would have been more than I could have handled!
ReplyDeleteAg Rob, all I say is let that inner curmudgeon run free!!
ReplyDelete"enriching many Belgians' lives with my incomprehensible wit and charm"
ReplyDeleteI remember that...
But I also think that we can see what you think in your eyes, ... ok, with a little training... but it's possible!
Great post, as usual!
Denise
I'm the English teacher mom mentioned in another comment. Glad my daughter introduced me to your blog. I know what you mean about editing in your head everything you read. Do they still believe in grammar where you teach? I teach college students who don't see anything wrong with writing essays full of whatever that is I call email speak. But I love them--they usually get my humor and laugh with me. Unfortunately, my best humor seems to be unintended.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous Nope, I don't know many people who do believe in good grammar, or spelling, or writing anymore! I look forward to reading more about your humour on your daughter's blog ...
ReplyDelete