Exlamation Points
Wow, the people at the Worldwide Peace Corps Blog Directory are very fast. This blog is already on it. It must be cause I linked to them in my application process article.
It’s funny how full of exclamation points the discussion boards are. For instance, we don’t want to type:
“I’m got my invitation. It’s for the Caribbean. I leave in August. Anyone going there also?”
It seems so normal. So ho-hum. Instead, we write something like this:
“OMG I’m SOOO excited!!! I got my invitation for the Caribbean!! I can’t wait to leave!”
I’m as guilty as the next person. But we wouldn’t really announce it in real life to people with the same enthusiasm. Well, maybe the first person, but not after the 9th person I tell. Really, I sound more like the first quote.
It’s also funny because my sense, almost my obligation (because who wouldn’t be super excited, and isn’t something wrong with me if I’m not), of excitement, extends to things that seem a little weird to be exclaiming about. For example, I recently wrote a post on a message board that went something like this:
“You’re going to Dominica? I’m going to Dominica too! I’m so excited!!”
I think the last sentence there was a little unnecessary.
But what’s with all the exclamation points? Am I excited I’m going to Dominica? Sure. But am I excited to be going with this particular person? Well, I have really no idea who they are, so while I’m excited that I know someone else who is going, I can’t say I’m super excited about them in particular. But I can’t put a period because then it sounds like I am unexcited about any of it.
I think as long as I don’t start adding exclamation points to the really mundane things, like this:
“You guys are bringing three pairs of pants? I think I’m going to bring four!! I heard cotton pants are a lot cooler! I’m also going to bring a picture of my mom!”
I’ll be ok.
its like the English language can’t handle electronic communication. We need a new symbol at the end of sentences meaning, “I’m pretty psyched about this, but I’m not yelling or anything.”
(in good humor)
congrats man…i’m a volunteer from ec77 and you should look forward to two of the most exciting years of your life. i have about 1 more year left and i don’t think i’ll be ready to leave when the time comes and times fly by fast. unfortunately you’re not on my island though so i’ll probably never see you. good luck man!
I’m nominated for the Caribbean Feb 2009 - originally Aug 2008, but the program was full. I suspect I’ll be heading to the EE or Jamaica because I don’t have enough Spanish on the ol’ transcript. So, I’ve been lurking EE blogs and I have to say you’re hysterical. I think I’ll bookmark you - so keep it coming. That’s a demand.