a new language

Ok, here's my opinion on this new-fangled computer/text/chat language that I'm finally discovering.  (I know it's been around for awhile, but I'm kinda late to the game.)  I just can't do it.  I just can't.  I spent way too many years of my life memorizing spelling lists and learning the difference between "your" and "you're," and "their," "there," and "they're" to chuck it all and write "ur" and "gr8."  Ok, "luv" is a little more natural, I suppose, but that's only because I used it all the time when I was eight (along with dotting my "i" with a heart!).  Besides, it takes me much longer to try to figure out the alternative, cool spelling of a word than to just write the word.  So it doesn't really save me time.  Now, abbreviations I can get behind.  A good "LOL" gets across a sentiment that's difficult to convey in written communication without hearing tone and seeing someone's face.  Though, I still feel a little weird using them.  I must be getting old.

P.S. I don't mean to sound snotty, and if you are an avid text/chat language user, then I actually admire you.  You must be successfully fighting the aging process!  LOL!