Texting from 20 Feet Away
Bizarre, Travel, embarrassing January 2nd, 2010
Last night I joined my sisters and niece for a nice drive around town to look at Christmas lights on houses that were all decked out. A columnist for our local paper takes submissions for decorated houses and then publishes a “best of” list with directions so people can take a tour.
When we hit the house that was deemed a “Disney wonderland” all of us jumped out of the car in excited anticipation. Except for sister Ann. Turns out Ann was nice and cozy in the car and wasn’t sure the sights would be worth freezing her butt off for.
So what did she do? She told her daughter that “if the back of the house is really nice, text me and I’ll get out.”
Text you and you’ll get out?
Why don’t you ask her to take a picture on her cell phone and then bring that back to show you?
My dear sister, Ann, you lazy, lazy bum.
So let’s hear it. Where and for what have you requested a text or texted someone because it’s too hard to walk a few feet? If anyone says “The shower, I needed a towel” your phone privileges are hereby revoked.
Stumble it!








January 2nd, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Ok, I laughed at you calling out your sister but I need to be honest here….if it was really cold I might have done the same. I think she’s brilliant!
Buggys´s last blog ..Wii Battle
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:00 pm
That’s pretty ridiculous, but I have (and regularly do) call upstairs from the basement when I need something important, such as our toddler’s diaper changed during an Alabama football game.
muskrat´s last blog ..2009: a muskrat odyssey
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I’m going to be honest and admit to texting my husband to bring me some water while we were sitting about 2 ft apart. I was feeling so lazy that not only did I not want to move, I didn’t feel like speaking either.
Monique´s last blog ..Happy New Year!
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I don’t text. I holler. Works better. (Less expensive, too).
Crabby Blogging Lady´s last blog ..Pet Peeves #1,271
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:05 pm
So, where the lights worth the effort?
Sheila´s last blog ..True Friends – SOTM Blog Hop
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Weren’t cell phones made to call your loved ones from the driveway so they can help you bring the groceries in?
MzHartz´s last blog ..This will be a good year.
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 pm
I am old, I am old – never sent a text in my life and never shall.Unfortunately people sometimes send me texts – cost 20 bloody cents when they do – they’ve got the phone in their hands – just call me for pete’s sake!
Our home phones also work as intercoms but we always forget to use that feature….plus neither of ever wants to answer the phone LOL (You get it, No, you get it – Check caller ID)
Grace´s last blog ..Questions
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Regan has already texted me about the ‘need a towel in the bathroom’. We are groundbreakers when it comes to texting situations. I’ve already had her text me her temperature every half hour from her bedroom. However, I fulfill plenty of motherly and wifely duties that cannot be texted!
And yes, the lights were worth getting out of the car.
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:51 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever texted anyone for something like that.
I have, however, told someone to go get my cell phone/food/iPod/anything else if it was only a few feet away and they were closer to begin with.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
All of my texts are of the utmost importance.
Going back and looking through them, a full 60% of them have to do with preheating the oven. I don’t remember how far apart my wife and I were for those, but that’s the kind of thing you want a written record for, anyhow.
Kevin´s last blog ..Colonel Kevin!
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 pm
My daughter often texts me from the comfort of her room when I’m in another part of the house. We have been known to text each other while in the same room if we’re not interested in having my husband join the conversation. I also instant message my coworkers who are on the other side of cubical walls from me… mostly when we’re talking about the boss, though.
Kelly´s last blog ..Fractal No. 227
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Guilty as charged.
I also IM the person sitting in the cubicle next to me instead of yelling over the little wall…
Your Daily Cute´s last blog ..Parrot Cries Like a Baby
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:33 am
My daughter has frequently texted me from her room, just down the hall. I have texted her when I’ve been ordering things for her on-line and need specifics. I can get up but I have a baby girl who loves to play with my computer when I abandon it.
Stephanie Barr´s last blog ..For Aron: Increasing Efficiency
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:16 am
I have sent texts back and forth so someone sitting in the car next to me. But then again we were talking smack about the horrible time we were having with our dates, who were sitting in the front.
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:02 am
Well I guess I am just an old lady because I just don’t believe in texting at all unless it is some kind of emergency but why not just call someone. And besides it is expensive to do.
Marg´s last blog ..There must be someone that needs this kitten
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 am
A-ha! You’re all guilty! I love that some of you text someone who’s practically sitting in your lap. It’s a whole new world and we can never go back. Just keep all your batteries charged. You never know when you’ll need something. You know, like a Coke out of the fridge.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:06 am
*whispers* We don’t have cell phones…..yes, our kids are horrified, too.
Linda´s last blog ..Checking in
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:31 am
I don’t text, but I call my husband (in his room/office) from the living room, about 20 feet away – either because 1) I don’t feel like yelling or 2) I want to talk dirty and the sex police are present – in other words – I’M LAZY!
Sheila Sultani´s last blog ..32 Fun and Useful Twitter Tools
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
I’m not one for texting, but one time Dave was in the office and I was planted on the sofa in the living room. He was saying something to me, and I couldn’t hear him, so I asked him to e-mail me.
Worked perfectly.
JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Hate That Lady so you don’t have to
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
I don’t text because I’m too cheap to pay for it… and I’m too old to learn new tricks.
CatLadyLarew´s last blog ..BAD CatLady! BAD! or Banned by Net Nanny!
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
My Mommeh has an embarrassing admission to make: she has never once sent a text. I do not think she knows how.
Daisy´s last blog ..Sunday Comics with Daisy!
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 am
I don’t text very much because I like to use proper spelling and punctuation, and getting the buttons to do what I want is way too frustrating.
Ladybuggz´s last blog ..A Mountain of Books
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I have a cell phone but very rarely even use it. My daughter however is permanently attached to hers. This post reminded me of her, I could see her doing that
ann´s last blog ..What to do
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I never sent texts until I got my iPhone. I can spell the words and punctuation out in full so now I text often. When Mo is out I always text saying “Where are you now?” or other such stupid things. Many times she is on our drive! I’m sure if we carried our mobiles from room to room with us, I would text more often!
babs – beetle´s last blog ..From us to you!
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Yeah my kids and their friends will all be sitting right next to each other, talking away like normal people. But at the same time they are texting each other having subconversations within that same group. Distance means nothing to them with regards to texting.
Will´s last blog ..A Word of Warning: Site Changes
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Just a few days ago, I was at the Art Institute of Chicago (at the top of the grand staircase, actually). My son arrived from work to take me to lunch. He was at the bottom of the staircase–where he could clearly see me. He texted me that he had arrived and was waiting for me to come down the stairs.
Patricia´s last blog ..I’m Back!
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Sometimes I am too lazy to write a text so I’ll take a picture of where I am and email it to my husband to let him know I stopped for coffee so he won’t worry that I finally ran off for good.
We don’t text each other that much at home, but my husband and I and the oldest boy IM each other all of the time.
Tracy´s last blog ..2010 Won’t be another sequel
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
My sister and I often send texts to one another during our church drama team practices, when we can’t speak without disturbing the rehearsal. And it is not at all unusual for my husband to email me from his computer upstairs, if he knows I am online.
absepa´s last blog ..Christmas in my corner
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
So funny! I had a texting exchange at a concert the other night with my girlfriend – it was too loud to talk. But in my estimation, 30% of the audience was interacting with their cell phones at any given time…
Diane´s last blog ..Scrabble schmabble
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
This might not count, but Princess Gail and I play Lexulous (facebook Scrabble) practically every day/night. It has a little chat box so you can talk to your fellow players that could be a continent away. But we’re not. We’re usually in the same room, maybe even sitting on the same couch. Yet we still use the chat box.
“What happened to us? We used to talk.”
Ferd´s last blog ..Ricky Skaggs Family Christmas – Do You Hear What I Hear
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I’m so glad you did this post as it’s so true most kids today just don’t want to talk they only text and it drives me crazy….
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker´s last blog ..Our trip to the Movie It’s Complicated
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Heh heh heh…I’m sure I’ve been guilty of doing this myself, although I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I do remember once when I was in the restroom with my 3 year old son. He takes forever when he’s doing his business. We were at a restaurant and hubby texted me wondering if everything was okay. *LOL*
CrAzY Working Mom´s last blog ..Five Rules for Men to Have a Happy Life
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
EVERYONE: You guys are killing me! I guess the question is “who doesn’t text from 20 feet away?”
For those who don’t text, don’t start. Apparently, you’ll never stop and you forget how to talk.
For those who care about spelling while texting (including me), we need to get over it.
Ferd — That counts. You’re as bad as the rest of them.
CWM — That’s a valid use!
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:31 pm
No way! I hardly ever text anyone, but if I do, it’s got to be across more than twenty feet! Last one I sent was across The Pond – the nearest was probably in town to meet up with a fellow shopper.
Twenty feet??? Your sister’s really into this techno stuff, isn’t she? LOL!
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Nov. 2, 2004, standing in line to vote. I had been there over 2 hours when my oldest son who got in line an hour after I did. We were snaked around the school auditorium and he was across the room from me. I just wanted to know how his dentist appointment went.
Mary Wehrle´s last blog ..Happy New Year!
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I only text daughter. But I must admit I did once text her while she was in her room downstairs… her music was loud and I was tired of calling her “the old way” for dinner.
It worked.
Maureen´s last blog ..Marathon (Wo)Man
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Oh, and I forgot… Happy New Year Kathy!
Maureen´s last blog ..Marathon (Wo)Man
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I have texted my daughter from my bedroom when I’m having a migraine to ask for water or a cold cloth for my head. Sort of the 21st century equivalent of a bell by my bedside, but it saves my kiddo a trip!
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:17 pm
So far, I have not had to resort to texting people in the next room or the next car or whatever. My limit has been texting my friend in the next town so I don’t have to hear her husband’s commentary when we try to have a conversation. Which reminds me, I must see how many messages I have left for the month, since I’m too cheap to buy the unlimited texting package…
Kim´s last blog ..Kim’s 2010 NOT To Do List
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:31 pm
*blushes* we have texting disabled on our cell phones. We just don’t use it enough to make it worth while to pay for a plan with texting. I know, I know…we’re very old fashioned, but then, we are almost 50.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:59 pm
See!
And this is why I don’t text.
Of course, that could also be because I don’t own a cell phone – HA!
Sincerely,
Fred Flintstone
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I don’t think my phone has texting capabilities… never done it!
storybeader´s last blog ..Looking for blog topics – try Journal Swap!
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I tried texting on our phone- but it seems like way to much hassle compared to a quick phone call.
Michelle Gartner´s last blog ..Proof Positive: I am not dead or on the naughty list.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:04 pm
That’s right… that IS the post I wrote about. Thanks for the reminder!
http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2009/02/wont-get-fooled-again.html
Jeff´s last blog ..On The Road – Submitted Reader Supplement
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 pm
I consider myself a texting fiend. I much prefer it to actually talking to someone on the phone. For some reason I always feel awkward on the phone, and I generally just have one small little thing to say so it is easier just to text the message. I can’t say I’ve ever texted anyone in the same room or asked someone to text me because I couldn’t be bothered to walk a few feet.
January 4th, 2010 at 3:18 am
I am not that old, 31, but I don’t text either. My phone is not one of the mini keyboard styles so it is darn near impossible to text anything in any kind of timely manner. Plus I would rather talk to someone then pay for a text.
Jessica´s last blog ..A Little Snow
January 4th, 2010 at 5:00 am
My son bedroom is literally inches away from my bedroom, but I have texted him COUNTLESS times to tell him to lower his music, or clean his room. Honestly, it’s easier than yelling.
Oh, and once, my son and I texted each other while at the movies. But, it was because neither one of us had any idea what was going on IN the movie and we were trying to figure it out together – without talking/disrupting the whole theater!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Top Ten ‘Highlights’ of 2010 [so far]
January 4th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I haven’t used my cellphone for a long time now. I like telling my friends to email me instead of texting me.
Palabuzz´s last blog ..Carmina Topacio, the new Wonder Girl
January 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am
It’s funny, my daughter always texts me from her bedroom. “Mom, I’m hungry”. “Mom, when are we leaving”. Lazy. Seriously. The only time I get a text from her while she is in her room that i think is warranted is “Mom, I just puked”, in which I want her to stay put so that I don’t have to clean the mess when she misses! Better her garbage can than her floor…or the hall stairs…or the kitchen floor!
Happy New Year!
Lisa´s last blog ..Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s off to work I go!
January 4th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I love this facility and I have used it too. Why wouldn’t someone make use of this i wonder. I have texted my colleagues at work while we were in a meeting
and it was so much fun.
January 4th, 2010 at 9:30 am
I am of a different generation so I don’t text and have no desire to. I don’t even know the phone extensions of most of my co-workers because I’d rather get off my huge butt and walk to their cube and talk to them face to face. I have to look up my own cell phone number in my address book (the one at home on the counter) and I can’t find my manual for my cell phone, therefore, I cannot enter anymore people to my cell phone address book. Actually, the only time I use my cell is on vacation to call mom and describe where I am to her and what I’m doing. Yes, I laughed at Ann’s request and I am also laughing at the responses left on your blog. Happy New Year to Everyone !!!
January 4th, 2010 at 9:43 am
I have never texted and don’t plan to start. I am anti-text. I don’t mind receiving a text now and then so long as it is just something that isn’t expecting a response (and is spelled properly with correct grammar and punctuation). “Running late, be home in 30 minutes” – something like this is okay. But don’t text me if you want to have a conversation – you can call me or send an email. If you’re too lazy to do that, whatever you wanted to say isn’t that important.
And I’m not even an old lady. I’m 32, though I guess a crotchety 32. What can I say, I have an old soul.
Surfie´s last blog ..PhotoHunt: Lick
January 4th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I haven’t texted for anything like a towel but I have wished I thought to have the phone in the there when I get in, sit down, and then realize there is no TP. Could really use the text feature then.
January 4th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Some times when I think My life is crazy, I read your blog and discover that yes, my life is crazy but at least there is someone with a life as crazy or crazier and she has the gonads to put it on the Internet. Your one brave lady. Happy New Year.
Beamer´s last blog ..Breaking Tradition …
January 4th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
You know already that I only recently got my first cell phone– and I text NOTHING. NADA. Zip. Riente. I haven’t even used the phone yet…
Well, once. I called myself to see what it sounded like so I’d know it if it ever rang.
I know. Big ol’ L on the forehead. But hey, at least I know I have it if I need it! I’ll text you about it when I do.
Jenn of Many Cabbages´s last blog ..First Airport Goes Nude in the War on Terrorism (Blogger Idol Entry)
January 4th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I love that so many of you use texting as a way to be spylike with your kids around. Or to tell them to turn their blasted music down. Sheer brilliance!
Happy new year Maureen!
Debor — Bedside bell! Exactly!
Lisa — Ewwww.
Marlene — I’m all about actual talking, too. Seems just as efficient to me.
Jen — Now there’s a perfect use for it. If you’re the kind of person who brings your phone to the bathroom.
Thanks, Beamer! I think.
Jenn — I’m so happy you finally got a phone. Still can’t believe you drove as far as you did this spring without one. Now THAT’S brave!
Jeff – I knew I read that somewhere.
January 4th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Oh, and Sheila, yes! The lights were worth the effort. Although all my pictures came out crappy as can be.
January 4th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
“Hey can you lower the volume on your TV?” was a reoccuring text that I got when living at home at the same time as my sister did. Psch.
And “You awake?” because it’s damn hard to silently open the door and check it.
Wynn´s last blog ..Confusion
January 4th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
i don’t text, i prefer to hear your voice. and i would never, ever text during an argument. if you write something regretable, it can come back to bite you.
)
hugs,
puglette
January 5th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Kathy, perhaps this will help – http://bmw230.blogspot.com/2010/01/lady-is-truly.html
Beamer´s last blog ..Breaking Tradition …
January 5th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
If she was dressed in a big furry hat and Lara’s theme was playing, she is excused. Other than that, I think she should have extracted herself from the car. Years later, she wouldn’t have remembered the cold, just the warm memories of sharing a moment with her dear sister that can never be duplicated again.
vintagegent´s last blog ..Missing Any Hair?
January 5th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I don’t text a whole lot, but my husband and I chat on Facebook even though we are in the same damn house!
Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last blog ..Confessions of a Foot Flusher
January 5th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I know that this will sound rather dull… I do not text. I go into Annoyed Overload when I see the young kids doing it. Old I am.
Barb – WillThink4Wine´s last blog ..Look into these lovely green eyes and try to say “No”
January 5th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
If someone in the same group I am in starts texting…whether the recipient is present or not…I tend to get a little testy. I was taught that when you’re with someone you should be WITH THEM. There are reasonable exceptions, but they should be exceptions and not the rule.
The closest person I have ever texted was across town…as it should be. :0) I am getting to be a grumpy old fart.
Tarheel Rambler´s last blog ..Hang Up And Drive
January 6th, 2010 at 2:58 am
We had portable intercoms at my old house, but I really don’t know what became of them, so please be merciful.
When recovering from surgery, having a terrible bad back pain day, or sick, I will text from my 2nd floor bedroom to whoever is home to bring me whatever I need. And yes, I will even text for water when the bathroom is just outside my room. When the back is that bad the only reason to get up is to use the ‘facilities’. That and the vicodin makes maneuvering out of bed kind of dicey.
Lola´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – My Guys
January 6th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Oh she could have sent a text photo to her,LOL. My Hubby texts to my daughter from downstairs. She is only three floors up in her room! The new mobile intercom, I call it.
well I.m With your sister, If it is too cold, Below zero with chill factor, I stay in the warm car with heated seats:-)
Auntie E´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-The Bed Project
January 6th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I am sorry but that is seriously lazy.
The publicist comes and takes care of us in temperatures below zero and I never have heard her complain….much
Pricilla´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
January 6th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
That’s pretty funny and I must admit I have texted from my bedroom to my daughter in the living room. I’ve even called her. In my own defense, for some reason when I yell from my room no one hears me! And I have unlimited free texts. We’ve had entire conversations through text in the same house, but that’s only if the doors are closed or there’s some noise preventing the other from being heard. And, to me, it requires so little energy to text. LOL
Petula´s last blog ..Mind over matter
January 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I hate to admit it, but I have never sent a text message. My wife sends them all the time, but I rather dislike telephones, cellphones, payphones, walkie-talkies, and tin cans connected together with bits of string so I haven’t bothered to learn how yet. I keep wondering who I would send text messages to and what important events I would discuss. Since I haven’t thought of any events that seem important enough, I haven’t bothered to overcome my dislike of cellphones.
Billy O´s last blog ..Contigo 2 Pack 16 Oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Autoseal Stainless Steel Travel Mugs – Pink & Turquoise
January 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
How would you classify someone taking a picture and then sending it to your phone…but they are on the sofa next to you at the time. And the photo wasn’t taken on a prior adventure but of something in the room?
Chris@TheSnackHound´s last blog ..Ruth’s Chris’ Somethingorother
January 7th, 2010 at 12:41 am
Living in the middle of Silicon Valley, why does this not surprise me? I never texted before until all my friends started doing it.
AVCr8teur´s last blog ..Sunrise at Pigeon Point Lighthouse
January 7th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
My kids will text me from their bedrooms also!
January 7th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Heck with the picture. Her phone prolly has video on it. She could’ve taped the whole display.
MA Fat Woman´s last blog ..How You Doin’?
January 7th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I texted a “STOP BEING ANNOYING” glance to the husband…about 2 feet away. Apparently words were a stronger motivator than the actual, physical action…
January 7th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I have no clue how to text and don’t want to learn besides I don’t own a cell phone, I’m way behind the times. I’m with your sister if it’s cold I refuse to budge from warmth regardless of beauty.
Jude´s last blog ..Pet Grief/Our New Companion Obie
January 8th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
This sound funny but I myself do it in my everyday life.
Especially when I want to bad talk about someone who is infront of me to a friend just beside me.
lunaticg´s last blog ..Sea Life : Clownfish 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin
January 9th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
At first I thought that was crazy and lazy. Then I remembered some of the things I’ve done and still do. Now her actions make perfect sense to me.
Sherry @ EX Marks the Spot´s last blog ..PH: Could I Interest You in Some Furniture? Artwork? Odds ‘n Ends?
January 9th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
When I first read it i thought to myself who and why would someone do that but in reality it is very smart being that with a phone you could probably shoot a video of the sights and sounds of what was being missed. Brilliant idea if you do not like being cold I think. Thanks for the post, very humoring.
Brian´s last blog ..Niche Blueprint 2.0 Review & Bonus! Niche Blueprint 2.0
January 10th, 2010 at 9:01 am
That is the definition of lazy! I don’t text, but I have seen my silly little niece make a post on Facebook telling her friends to text her. What? if they are chatting on Facebook, and commenting each other on Facebook, what is the poing of texting? Just because they can? Maybe I am just too old.
Karen´s last blog ..Survivor!
January 11th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
You reminded me of the time in college when I used to IM friends a few doors away.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:30 pm
LOL I’m definitely guilty of this. I usually call though. “Dinner’s ready!” is one that comes to mind. One question I’ve always wondered is: Why do people even text when calling is so much quicker sometimes? (Especially when its 3 or more texts going back and forth)
Josh´s last blog ..Sleep Apnea Treatment Machines
August 31st, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Sometimes things are so funny you just can’t talk about them aloud in case of hurting someones feelings. When someone falls, when someones butt is hanging out. So for those types, I take advantage of texting!