Missy Blog

OK. It’s purchased and activated and of course your parents made you put “HOME” as your first speed so now it’s time to get down to the fun stuff. Make your first cell phone extra special. Add some flair and have some fun. After all, it is the most important communication device in the world, right? Here are some quick tips to get you started.

First of all, have your phone say something about you. Bling it out! You can buy stick ‘em stones in any craft store to add some flash. Some specialty stores even sell cell phone decorating kits if you can find them. Once you’ve decorated your device you can move to the next step, ringtones. Ringtones are an awesome way to express yourself and the song choices are practically limitless. The good thing is that you’re not stuck forever with just one song. You can change it anytime the mood suits you. You can download ringtones from your cellular provider and there are many sites on the internet where you can download ringtones for free. Look at your owner’s manual and read your plan. You may have options that allow different ringtones for different callers enabling you to personalize your cell even more. Finally, you need to create your outgoing voicemail message. Put your personality into it. Whether you decide to be sweet, discreet, sassy or classy just remember to speak clearly and make it “you.”

Now that you’ve made your cell your own you’re finally ready to use it. You’re probably dying to send that first text message. Read your owner’s manual for the basic “how to.” Text messages should be short and sweet so the cyber world has created it’s own text message abbreviations to not only save time and screen space but make communicating fun too. Here are some common text message abbreviations to start you on your way and make you look like and old pro.

Text Message Abbreviations

• ASAP - As soon as possible
• B4N - Buy for now
• BRB - Be right back
• CUL8R - See you later
• FYEO - For your eyes only
• G2G - Got to go
• GR8 - Great
• HRU- How are you?
• JK-Just kidding
• WU? - What’s up?
• LOL-Laugh out load
• NP- no problem
• OMG- Oh my gosh
• OOH - Out of here
• PRT - Party
• RME - Rolling my eyes
• SLAP - Sounds like a plan
• SC - Stay cool
• T+ - Think positive
• TA - Thanks a lot
• TMB - Text me back

Test Message Symbols

• :) smiley face
• :( sad face
• ;) wink
• >-) evil grin
• :-# Smile with braces
• :-! Foot in mouth
• :-D laughter
• :-@ Exclamation What!?!?!
• (((H))) Hugs

Your first cell phone is a wonderful thing. Make yours unique and use it safely!