IITYWTMWYBMAD?* (or How the Internet created a new language)

Once upon a time, in this same galaxy and not far away, there was a period when the world had no internet, there were no mobile devices, no smartphones (not even not-so-smart-phones), no tablets, no PSP, nothing of the sort… Yes, that was possible and it did happen, although today hardly anyone can recall what that was like. The Internet and the ‘connecting people’ technology has taken over our lives to such an extent that now it is impossible to imagine a world without them.

But have you ever considered the impact that this new technology has on language? The very onset of the Internet itself sowed the seeds of a chat language that would soon branch out across all spectrums and propagate the already numerous cut-down words. Abbreviations and acronyms are used so commonly in everyday language, that sometimes you don’t even realize that you are using them. For example, e.g.  and etc. are two of the most commonly used acronyms; as are SOS, ASAP, RSVP, AKA; or even things we see daily all around us: Ave., Str., Blvd.  There are also the political ones: EU, USA, NATO, ECB, IMF, ESM, NAFTA, ASEAN, Mercosur, are a few examples. Then there is the computer language of jpegs, mp3s, pdfs, docs and all those types. And don’t forget to use cc. and bcc. when sending emails – although not literally carbon copies, they are still important!

Before broadband connections developed, during the early days of the Internet, users developed short-hand writing, mostly acronyms, to conserve bandwidth and to make typing faster and easier. A whole new language developed as a result, which rapidly progressed into SMS writing and all sorts of other written or verbal communication. It is dubious whether this has become due to a force of habit or because the next generation is getting lazier as it goes…

Internet acronyms (or slang) proliferate by the day. From the ‘oldies’ BRB, FYI, TLC (not to be confused with the BLT meal), THX, OMG, WTF, ICT, etc., there are a range of others sprouting all over the web, that sometimes you need to actually Google them to understand what they mean. BFF is the celebrity and girlish favourite, while LOL has so many variations it’s not even ROTFL funny! GR8 and L8R show how you can also introduce numbers to your speech, while IMHO (in my honest/humble opinion) is the variation of TBH (to be honest). Then there’s the frat (see? = Fraternity) favourite – BYOB – which can be widely interpreted as Bring Your Own Bed, or Bring Your Own Booze, depending on what kind of party you’re going to.  There are even some acronyms that take longer to write than if you spelt out the entire phrase in the first place: MIL-TFD-41 seems like a space formula, PMFJI for some reason springs a set of pyjamas to mind, while TANSTAAFL seems too much work simply to spell out that There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.

All in all, we are bombarded by all these short-hand versions of words and phrases that are supposed to shorten the time needed to communicate the message, but sometimes that very msg is lost not in translation, but in comprehension – the time gained typing it is actually spent double in searching what it really means! So you see the Internet has created a new language. But we need to keep up with it, if we too are to evolve alongside it. Even businesses have caught up with this trend now – do you know the difference between B2B and BforB for example?

Well, TTYL then! XOXO

* If I Tell You What This Means Will You Buy Me A Drink?

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Generation XYZ

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An inspiration and an adventure through a book

A good book can transfer you to another world, another time, another place and will invite you to literally dive into its pages as if you were its protagonist living out its story. A great book will also transmit to you its feelings and engage not just your mind, but your senses as well. A book is your passport to the world, to places you never even knew existed, and to cultures you knew nothing about.

I was given such a book as a present. And then I was lucky enough to realize a dream every book-lover has – to get in contact with the author and ask questions!

Cássia Martins is a wonderful author, artist and person at heart. Of Brazilian descent, she decided to go back to her motherland after finishing her degrees, and after a mere nine months she had written her book! With Brazil preparing to take center stage with the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Cássia Martins immerses the reader on a heartfelt, touching story of personal development and soul-searching in a beautifully and vividly described “Marvelous City”.

Born in Rio is a book that ravels you up right from the start and leaves you asking for more. Complete with twists, dark secrets, revelations, and a flood of emotions that can be felt right to the core, it is a book so full of life that makes you reconsider your own place in the world. What makes it such a great read is that it is full of gripping, wonderful descriptions that make you feel as if you were really there –  feeling, seeing, smelling everything around you. But most of all, this book embarks you on a trip to Rio, and through its pages you learn about the history, culture and life in one of the world’s most passionate and lively cities.

Contacting Cássia as soon as I read the last line of her book, she not only welcomed my enthusiasm, but reiterated her delight when I asked her if she could answer a few questions for an interview. With a journalistic flair at work and my excitement to be interviewing a published author, I therefore present you the interview with Cássia Martins, author of Born in Rio:

How did you come up with the idea for this novel?

The first idea of writing a novel came to me when I was writing application essays to graduate school. When I was done with my MBA applications I realized how much material I had to build on a story about a New York banker going back to her roots and eventually changing her ways. During my MBA at Wharton, I constantly thought about the plot, and finally when I graduated I had the story figured out. Then it was a matter of sitting down to write it!

 

Why did you decide to go back to Rio now (when writing the book)?

I really wanted to talk about Brazil and Rio because I was born there and it’s a place that has such a special place in my heart. I wanted to show the world how it feels like to live in Rio, the culture, the heat, the people, so living there was actually crucial in writing this story. It had been 15 years since I last lived there on a day-to-day basis, so actually going through the experiences of being back helped me a lot with material for the book!

 

How did you feel going back to Rio after 15 years? How did it feel living there again and then having to go back to the US?

When I left Rio to the United States I was a teenager, and thus I became an adult in the US. Throughout my life I had been to Rio in many instances, but always for short period of times, just for the holidays. My family is from Brazil but I am also American, so there was definitely a culture shock of going back, and then getting adapted back into a culture that I actually had experienced before! But it was such an enriching experience that inspired me to write rich content for Born in Rio; I was never short of interesting things to write about!

Shortly after I finished writing Born in Rio I went back to the US. Going back to the US after Rio was an easier transition. Born in Rio is published in English and most of the work involved in publicizing it now is done from the US. So, to me, I think I had the best of both worlds while making this book.

 

How is the book based on your own experience?

The book is based on my own experiences from many angles. All the events Rita goes through when she gets to Brazil, in a way, I experienced them as well. The liveliness of people in Rio, the heat of the culture, the passion, these were all things that took me by surprise, and that I then wrote about. All the places Rita goes to in Rio I also went there. I even took dance lessons (like dancing samba in pairs) and my favorite place in Rio is the Rio Botanical Gardens, where I went often to get inspiration for my story!

The plot and the story itself is fiction, but based on real events, either circumstances that I have experienced myself, or that I saw other people go through. I compiled all my knowledge and allowed my creativity to interweave them in this inspiring story of growth that is Born in Rio.

 

How could you bring yourself to write so vividly about such painful events (the passing away of the mother of the character; the domestic violence from the father etc.)?

I think that one of the missions of an artist is to be sensitive to experiences we all go through as humans. So I always try to think of different circumstances and the feelings that might be associated with it when I engage in the creation of an artistic project. The artistic creation itself, to me, is something I am very used to. Since an early age I was exposed to many forms of art, and I have used my art and creativity as a channel of growth and healing. That ability has allowed me to connect with other people, and to humanity as a whole. So I think I used this approach in writing this story, and in transporting my readers into different aspects, and feelings, we might experience as humans.

 

How much research did you do on Brazil’s history and how did you go about that (by reading books, talking to locals)?

History has always been one of my favorite subjects in school and so it is no surprise that Brazilian history fascinates me even more. I think Brazil is such a unique country, and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to be born there, and to live there. It is truly a melting pot of cultures, and Brazilians consider themselves “Brazilians” regardless of where their ancestors came from. So a lot of the material in Born in Rio was based on my own knowledge of my motherland, but a big chunk of it was based on extensive research; I read many books, not just about Brazilian history but also Brazilian arts and literature. I tried to talk to as many people as I could when I was there, so the information would be not just accurate, but also real. I was very happy with the result in the book Born in Rio, readers always mention to me how I was able to transport them into Brazil, and make them feel closer to its history, people and culture…almost seamlessly.

 

Is Rita anything like you?

Well, I wanted to write about another woman, so many aspects of Rita do not belong to me. But at the same time, I think that some do, because I can better write about what I know myself. Rita was a very cold woman, not in touch with her feelings a lot in the beginning, and that I cannot sympathize with because I have always been in touch with my feelings. But she is a professional in the finance world, and so I am, so I do understand her demeanor in many work related situations. She was born in Brazil, as was her mother, and we do have that in common also. I can also say that a lot of her “growing up” throughout the book are questionings and insights I also encounter in coming to terms with my own path in life and adulthood.

 

Is the long-haired dachshund appearing unexpectedly a tribute to your Dolce?

I’m so glad you noticed that! I have to say, my Dolce was my true companion in this journey. I like to work at night, when everyone is sleeping and the world is filled with silence. Therefore although I spent many, many nights writing with no humans around, I never felt alone. I have had Dolce for 9 years now, and I truly feel he is such a loyal company, that I just HAD to put him in the book somehow! So, of course, I decided to give a “Dolce-like” dog to the artist, Mona, because I feel like my Dolce has really been a crucial supporter and very important part of my artistic creation process somehow.

 

How did you manage the task of doing all aspects of the publication for the book yourself (publishing, promotion, advertising etc.) and how did that feel?

I honestly don’t know which part I liked most: writing the book, or managing it. Although I am an artist, I also have an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship, so to me, this project has always been my business plan. I try different strategies with it, measure its results and built on them to move forward. I’m lucky, I guess, to have developed both the artistic, subjective, intuitive part of the brain as well as the more logical, analytical and objective side. Thus I really love the fact that I have had control both on the artistic creation and the management of the book. That ability has really allowed me to put this project together, wholesomely, and that makes me very proud and happy.

 

Could you ever have imagined that just like you were excited to receive a signed copy of a book by Isabel Allende, someone would be just as excited to receive a signed copy of your book?

You know, since I was a little girl, I was so inspired by Isabel’s stories. Paula is one of my favorite books and I read it now in three different languages! So, yes, it was one of the best gifts of my life to receive a signed copy of Paula by Isabel Allende. I cried when I got the envelope, a moment I will never forget. Therefore, if my readers are as excited to receive a signed copy of my books, to me, that is one of the most noble accomplishments I can do; to be able to bring a simple moment of happiness into someone’s life like that. I really hope this is true, and I hope to continue doing that for many years to come!

 

N.B. I am so thankful to K for introducing me to Cássia and her lovely book, but also to Cássia herself for being such an inspiration!

It turns out life does indeed happen independently of what you want, but sometimes, it also goes a bit your way, and when it does you cherish every moment, every contact, and every experience you gain!

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: FAQ

Mary and the Berry

There was once a young maiden named Mary,

Who had no sheep to graze in the prairie.

She was pretty and sweet,

Could never say no to a treat,

And always dreamt of meeting a fairy.

She wanted to be independent and might,

To prove she could really put up a fight.

But was suppressed and controlled,

By great ogres at night,

Who would keep her locked up,

In a tower out of spite,

For she had taken their last shiny berry.

Tears ran down her face as she wept,

For this fate she could not bear to accept.

The berry she hid for emergency only,

But indeed it kept her from feeling so lonely.

One sparkly bright night,

With a full moon in clear sight,

Mary sang and wished for a pony,

To run with in the fields,

And laugh and feel full of yields,

And no longer feel all skinny and bony.

Light streamed through the moon,

And the berry transformed in full bloom,

To a stunning red little fairy.

Your wish my command,

She said with a whisk of her wand,

And Mary was full of joy and so airy!

Quickly she blinked like a star,

And with the grace of a czar,

She made her prized wish.

The fairy turned with a swish,

The room filled with light,

 And Mary felt so delight,

As her wish was appearing before her!

A palace from the tower appeared,

And as the ogres drew near,

In dark grey clouds they disappeared. 

As sheep they emerged,

For so Mary had urged,

The berry had magically purged them.

So she now had her sheep,

And also met Little Bo Peep.

They lived a life full of leisure,

But always with good measure,

As they ran and played in the prairie.

Then out of nowhere two princes appeared,

The unaware maidens they neared,

Briskly lifted them of their feet,

And being so royally discreet,

So began their majestic love affairs.

 

Life in colour

Have you ever thought why when you’re sad you’re feeling blue, or when you’re jealous you turn green with envy?  And why is love painted red? Why is it that every time our emotions change, we become chameleons changing colours?

Colours are often associated with emotions, because, obviously, our world is not black and white. We see colours all around us, and these constitute an important aspect of our visual experience. Colours are not only detected by the eye, but by the brain and can thus affect various systems of the body. Dubbed as colour psychology, research has shown that we indeed associate various colours and the emotion they cause with the relevant physiological or psychological state of a person. For example, blue is perhaps the world’s favourite colour. Seen all around us in the sky and sea, blue symbolises openness, while it also soothes, calms and relaxes. Blue is also intrinsically linked to low blood pressure due to the deoxygenised colour of the veins and for this reason it is very often linked to sadness and depression. Contrary, red is the colour of passion. Associated with high blood pressure and heat, red is linked to vitality, ambition, and anger. It is actually linked to all emotions that cause your heart to race and stimulate an increase in adrenaline. In its lighter shade, pink is the colour of related to feminism, comfort, warmth and tender affection.

When you think of green what comes to mind? The environment, plants, recycling, eco-friendly activities. A calmness perhaps and a serene environment. Green creates feelings of comfort, laziness and relaxation; however, dark olive green is associated with illness – and thus we often see ill-stricken cartoon characters turning green. Yet, green also describes envy. In fact the Ancient Greeks believed that jealousy was accompanied by an overproduction of bile, lending a yellowish-green pallor to the victim’s complexion. In the seventh century B.C., the poetess Sappho used the word “green” to describe the face of a stricken lover. After that, the word was used freely by other poets to denote jealousy or envy. The most famous such reference and the origin of the term “green-eyed monster” is Iago’s speech in Shakespeare’s Othello.

Other colours are intrinsically linked to the physiological state the emotion incurs, explaining for example why we turn white with fear due to the presence of all colours causing a rush of emotions, or why white symbolises purity and peace. Yet, colours such as yellow although on the one hand are reminiscent of sunshine and cheerfulness, on the other also symbolise cowardice and fear, probably because it causes more eye fatigue than any other colour!

Did you know that orange is lonely? Literally lonely? Because nothing actually rhymes with orange! Yet the colour itself is psychologically warm, welcoming and vital. Purple is majestic in its own right, while it is also associated with combating shock and fear. Having been used in the care of nervous disorders, this colour has shown to help balance the mind and transform obsessions and fears. Additionally purple is also linked to the right side of the brain stimulating intuition and imagination. Brown, an earthly colour reminds us of home. It arouses feelings of stability and security, as well as credibility and reassurance. Black on the other hand, entails a negative feeling, often of loss, void, emptiness, insecurity and mystery, given that this is caused by the absence of colour.  So there seems to be a colour for every mood, every emotion, every physiological and psychological state. Even for the indecisive and ambiguous, there is grey, for it is neither white nor black!

Colours are our way of experiencing the world. It is why “adding colour to your life” has become such an important expression. Because in order to experience life in its fullest we ought to live out its every colour and every emotion that comes along with it!

The Clock

The grandfather clock in the hallway was ticking away as dusk was approaching the window and the cold wind crept its way into the living room. It was quiet and the ticking sounded all the more loudly. As if a little woodpecker was chiming in tune with the seconds that past. I loved that grandfather clock. Mostly because it did belong to my grandfather, but also because it seemed so tall, graceful and elegant. So honourable and noble.  And mainly because it reminded you the time, if like me, you had no sense of it whatsoever.

Everything seemed so calm and relaxed. I always dreaded moments like this in movies, because they usually seemed to validate the expression “the calm before the storm”. I was wrapped up under my fleece blanket lying care-freely on the softness of the couch.

Bang! I sprang up startled. Oh, it was only the remote control. It had fallen on the floor. Good thing it wasn’t me who had fallen off the couch! Apparently, I had fallen asleep while watching a movie. Or was it a cartoon? I can’t really remember. And as a reflex while dozing off, I turned the TV’s volume down, so I didn’t know what happened next, what I was actually watching, or more importantly, what time it now was!

I had drifted off and still needed a few minutes to return to reality. But then it happened.

I heard the car door slam, and immediately looked at the clock. OMG! How long was I asleep? They were already back? And I hadn’t done anything! I was right where they left me?!

Jolted up like an elastic spring-bolt, I rushed to the bedroom, gathered up all the clothes and shoes that were scattered around, opened the closet door, and dumped them in. Then, unable to fight the compulsive cleaning obsession that overpowers me, I charged back, took out all the clothes and shoes, and with the tune of Benny Hill in my head as a backdrop, I folded up everything, paired the shoes and tidied it all up in no-time! I then sprinted along the apartment skidding along as the clothed-broom gulped up all the dust. Then ran and threw it in its place again. Ran back to the kitchen – thankfully I had fallen asleep so hadn’t managed to eat anything – rinsed the two glasses in the sink, returned to the living room, tidied up the tea tables and jumped onto the couch, just when the key turned the lock and they both came in with a smile.

“Back so soon?” I said, cheekily. “Time does indeed fly!”

“And you’ve been busy I see,” she said, beaming with pride, “spotless!” she added as she screened around the room!

“Yes, I’m exhausted,” I replied as I crawled back under the blanket. And I could almost swear that I saw that grandfather clock wink at me! He was the only one who knew…

The story is a response to today’s Daily Prompt: The Clock writing challenge

Jason…without the Argonauts

His name was Jason. He bore the name of the leader of the Argonauts and he wore it with pride. He always had a passion with Greek mythology, ever since I can remember. He was fascinated by the battles between the gods, the quarrels with mankind and the tricks played on humans to get their way with them. Even as a young man, Jason was enthralled by the mythological depictions in movies and novels. Maybe it was due to the name he carried.

His quest, however, had no golden fleece. Jason saw the world more like an oyster, rather than a fleece. There was no limit to what you could do, where you could go, or what you could become. You would find him doing all sorts of strange things, from rock climbing to archery, to swimming with sea-lions and ‘canoe-shing’ – a sport he invented by fishing while canoeing! Jason was predictable in being unpredictable – you could always expect that he would be up to something incredible. One time, a Monday I remember, we had arranged to go for coffee the next day. By the afternoon, I received a call from Mozambique. Jason had been inspired by a feature in National Geographic and had fallen in love with the images depicted to such an extent that he wanted to see it first-hand. That is how he was. Unpredictable. But he didn’t always act on a whim. He carefully chose his words, like a diplomatic officer, when it came to business and personal relations. What he actually did for a living, I still don’t know. It was a bit of everything. And if you ever asked him, he would always reply “I’m a drifter. In both space and time”.

Despite his wide build and robust appearance – he was 6ft tall and over 200pounds – Jason was a child at heart. He cared deeply about the tiniest of creatures and the most helpless ones. He loved animals like they were his children and he would do anything for those closest to him. When I was suffering from a terrible virus one summer, it was to him that I called in the middle of the night for help. And before I set the phone down, he was already at my door. He had helped me through the illness, staying by my side all week, until I was strong enough to continue my routine. He would engulf you in his arms and block out every trouble in the world, as if you were protected by an all-mighty shield.

He dressed as an artist and a gentleman. It depended on the occasion and the mood. Jason believed that you shouldn’t care what people mumble behind your back. What you should care about is how you feel in front of them. His philosophy was stand tall and never crouch. And it was applied to every aspect of life.

Growing up we shared the same dream – to travel the world. I manage to do so with my writing and he with his backpack. Although not accompanied by Argonauts, he has the thoughts of all his loved ones accompanying him. And every now and then I receive a postcard with a breathtaking view from his current location. And I am certain that now, in the land ‘down under’ some kangaroo or koala is very grateful to call him ‘friend’.

NB. The post is a response to this week’s writing challenge about characters.

So, what’s the mood today?

Mood swings are a woman’s great challenge and a man’s greatest fear. It is when your emotions oscillate between euphoria and depression. When your feelings may in seconds change from being hyper active and cheerful, to a melancholic melodrama of a person living in a soap opera. When a hysterical hyena laugh gives way to unstoppable sobbing. An uncontrollable rambling becomes moments of not saying even a word. When your optimism alternates to pessimism and the colours in your head, with which you view the world, fade out to shades of grey, and black and white. When you go from shaking your hips with Shakira, to swing dancing with Frank Sinatra, to puffing a cigarette with a shot of whisky while listening to the wailing of Mr Leonard Cohen. When from running around all day, you decide you don’t even want to get out of bed.

You laugh, you cry, and most of the times you don’t even know why you do any of them. And the worst of all is that you can’t control it, particularly if you’re a woman during your PMS week.

The thing about mood swings is that in some way they liberate you. In these fast-paced lives we live in, our bodies need to find a way to slow us down somehow. Working your way out of your troubles, worries and concerns will only burden your system to an extent where a break down is imminent. The hormone stimulation causing the mood swings is therefore a way of pushing the “pause” button. Gaining a moment to collect your thoughts. To let out all that is drowning you inside and for so long you fail to say so. To let the tears run down and wash away the pain. It is liberating. Soothing. A consolation that comes in the most natural of ways. But the best thing about mood swings is that if you have someone to face them with, then you know that person is truly special…

A great leap

The drive through the desert seemed endless. But she needed that. Carrie could use a drowning-out of all the thoughts that were eating her up inside. And a long drive seemed the best way to do that. Two hours later she was back on the ‘civilized’ part of the road. With trees and roads and sidewalks and other cars along the way. She would soon be there. She was ready. Mentally and physically. She had grown stronger and fitter over the past year. And knew she could do this. Looking out the window she saw the small cove. The waters were crystal clear. The sun’s reflection bounced off the surface and formed an iris as it returned to its source. Further in, a seagull was securing the day’s meal.

Carrie was certain. She had seen it been done so many times and always wanted to feel what it was like. The freedom and the liberation in that jump was something that couldn’t be rivaled.

Bungee jumping was her passion. But never from this high and not at this perfect, paradise-like cove.

She got out of her car and felt the warm sand trickle into her feet.

“Hey!! You came!!!” A group of youngsters rushed over and lifted her up.

“So, beautiful, are you ready? I’ve got you covered, so don’t you worry, ok?” Ethan was an experienced jumper. He had been all over the world doing this. And he was the most extraordinary person Carrie had known. He always had some story to tell. And in her eyes he just seemed so…so alive.

“Trust me and we’ll be fine. More than fine,” he winked.

Carrie felt a chill. Not of fear but of excitement.

Everything in her life’s path seemed to lead to this very moment.

And as she made the leap, she could hear the voice of that gypsy fortune-teller from the fair years ago echoing “a great leap, the future holds; follow your path, to your life happiness bring it will…”

N.B. The story is a response to Trifecta Writing Challenge: Week sixty-three – to write a 33-333 word response using the word path as your prompt word. This story is 333 words.

When I grow up I wanna be…

A ballerina, a mermaid, a princess, an astronaut, a man in uniform, a person in power, Jacques Ives Cousteau, someone who will change the world.

Remember how when you’re a kid everyone asks you want you want to be when you grow up? I think I haven’t decided yet.

As children we all have these aspirations of becoming someone grand….well, actually superheroes, but few admit to it… We dream big. Of being important, famous, people with such an impact that with a flick of their finger can transform everyone’s life.  We aim to leave our mark on the world because we are taught that children are the future, and it better be good, or at least better than the present.

But when we do grow up, we find not everything is as peachy or rosy or half as colourful as we dreamt. Because real life is harder than our dreams. And not everyone can be a superhero (I for one have still not found one). We strive to make a living that will allow us to be decent, proud of ourselves and our accomplishments, and at the least able to be self-sufficient. The dream of changing the world, of solving poverty, hunger and disease gives way to scraping by in a routine that simply satisfies you. And sometimes you even forget to change yourself. Your own habits and mentality. To alter something in your lifestyle that will bring fulfillment to yourself more than to any other.

(Almost) everyone dreams of growing up and making a difference. Of inducing a change no matter how big or small it is. Of leaving their mark on something or someone. Of being remembered. But if all you aim to do is big, you will never succeed. You need to start off with the small, that will become medium-sized, and big and before you know it, you will have accomplished your objective. Change will not occur simply by stating it. It needs hard work, effort, faith and most of all persistence. After all change is what that unknown monk concluded around 1100AD: Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

“Everybody thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.”
― Leo Tolstoy

 
Also part of Daily Prompt: Ballerina Fireman Astronaut Movie Star

The mystery phone call

I picked up the phone and dialed as quickly as I could. The news was hot and it had to be served immediately!

–        Dan hi! You’ll never believe this!

–        What’s up?

–        She did it again. Just couldn’t NOT, could she?

–        Who, Sarah?

–        Of course! Who else?

–        What did she do?

As soon as I started rambling about what had happened in full detail, I heard a beep on the other end. Line was down. And apparently…I was also talking to the wrong person!

NB. This story is a response to this weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge for exactly 33 words of dialogue.