They're, Their and Everythere: The Greatest Response

My post about good 'old fashioned grammar' from yesterday, turned out to be a bee in several readers' bonnets. Much to my surprise, I got an overwhelming response - mostly from people who were POSITIVE that I was secretly referring to them in my long-winded diatribe about the sad state of email affairs.

Rest assured, dear Friends, it was a general observation. Though, yes Mom, you are guilty of all grammatical crimes. But that's why we love you!

I got one, really great and thoughtful reply that I cannot help but to share. For his sake and yours, his identity will remain a mystery - but the below is proof positive that there are some pretty awesome boys out there - if you just know where to look.

(And no, this is not from Chris - though, you are correct - he is a very awesome boy.)

I think all grammar issues and email abuses are derived from the demand for instant communication. It seems today if you don't respond to an email within 5 minutes you are slacking, or even worse - simply shirking responsibility.

I am not sure if this happens to you, I think it might be the bi-product of the large faceless corporate setting, but when did it become acceptable to start a sentence with "I just sent you an email...". Since when and why is it ok to assume that I have read your email in the last 1 minute and am well versed enough on the contained topic of the aforementioned email to begin a conversation on this in a thoughtful way?

Also when did it become OK for people to just walk up and start talking? What happened to the good old days of setting up a meeting or at the very least the nicety of beginning with "Hey, do you have a second?". I can't stand the fact that for some reason, as a society, we seem to be slowly reverting to the days of the caveman, where conversations are a series of grunts and when you want something you simply take it.

I often think about my grandparents and how disappointed they would be with the world around them if they were our age today. At the time it seemed bold for any generation to self proclaim themselves the Greatest Generation, but we have certainly helped solidify the statement as fact by following them up as the worst generation.

I think it must have been awesome to have "dates" and to put on a suit for those dates, and take your date to go dancing. Literally just out dancing (it is worth noting here that I hate dancing completely, but that is beside the point). Perhaps I was born 50 years too late, because I don't like video games, I would gladly read an entire book before I just waited for the movie to come out, I like the idea of opening the door for the lady I am with, I like getting dressed up to take said lady out, I don't need to be instantly connected to the world in every way, and on occasion, I like treating those around me as people rather than obstacles, or simply using the words please and thank you on a regular basis.

And while on the topic of speech, how cool it would be to "narro latin volubiliter" (translation: speak Latin fluently)?

So while it may have been bold and pre-mature - I say, The Greatest Generation indeed.

Amen to that!