Are you a texter? What are the rules of engagement?

It is official. I feel so Old School, or rather, just plain OLD, admitting this, but until recently, I was not a texter. It was my firm belief that you email or call if you had something to say to me. It was Mojavi who turned my way of thinking. I realized that sometimes, I just needed to send a quick message that said "what time?" or "r u on ur way?" or "yo bitch. where the hell are ya?". And then, my friend T came into town, was busy running around and then, had a family situation come up which necessitated a quick text to me saying she would not be able to see me after all. And then, I really needed a way to get a hold of Monkey. Since she is a Californicator and I am a Wheat Stater, we struggle with the time differences and what with her working behind Locked Firewalls and all, email was not always an option, either. And phone calls? Let me digress a minute.....

In the olde days of yore, those known as "free of progeny", I lived for phone chats with my best girlfriends. My favorite time was Saturday morning - I would down a pot of coffee and a half pack of cigs while chatting the morning away. While I do not miss the nicotine-laced caffeine buzz, I do miss talking on the phone. But these days, it is hard to get a minute to talk. Wait a second. Actually, I could talk the night away, if the person on the other end does not mind Constant Interruption. The other night, while talking to Monkey, I was desperately trying to keep Arun's trap shut attention diverted so that I could listen to very important details that Monkey was revealing about the bachelors behind doors #1 and #4. During the entire conversation, I would have to quickly reroute Arun to something new and I hope Monkey did not think I was trying to be witty by quoting Eric Carle since the Man Behind the Collage is probably not the go-to guy for dating advice. I hate that I have to talk to my kid while on the phone because I remember before I had kids who damned irritating that is. I am not sure what the solution because Arun goes to bed so late these days, I cannot wait for him to sleep to begin ringing up people. And sure, X is around, but toddlers have this 7th sense when it comes to their mamas being on the phone. Have you tried hiding from a toddler lately? Have fun with that! Soooo.....

Where was I?...... Oh yeah. What are the rules for beginning a textual relationship? If I want to text someone, do I need to ask permission? Do I send an email to ask permission? Or do I call them on phone? Or wait until I see them in person? Send a text, perhaps?

So yes, texting. Is new to me.

iz v. v. cool