Can No Longer Spell

S

sparrow

Cathlete
Hey All:

So I'm experiencing this odd thing for the last six months or so: I'm having trouble spelling words I've spelled for years. Seriously. I find myself staring blankly at my computer trying to figure out how to spell "experience" and "proceed." I've always been a strong speller! And I don't notice the slow down in any other mental activities. Has anyone else ever had this?!

I have to say it's embarrasing. :(

Sparrow


Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
I remember a co-worker sent out a department wide email that ended with this sentence:

"Please bare with me. Thank you for your patients."

Is your problem as embarrasing as that?
 
Yes, and I noticed it a few years ago. It's gotten to the point where I sometimes leave a window for Merriam Webster open while I'm on the forums. I think it's because I don't write very often anymore. My grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary are slipping, too. Well, I was a staff nurse for a loooong time and nurses don't write in complete sentences, so I lost that skill awhile back. It does bother me, though. I think maybe I need to start doing crossword puzzles or something:D

I often can't remember what I want to say. Or I'll be mid sentence and forget what I'm talking about; or there's a word right on the tip of my tongue and I can't spit it out. I feel like a blithering idiot sometimes! :eek:

All this to say that you're not alone;)


Michele:)
 
I don't notice, cause I never could spell! Seriously though, I do have those Senior Moments when I walk into a room and have no idea what I'm doing there.
 
Yes Sparrow!!! I have been having the same problem. I was one of the best spellers when I was young. I won spelling bees, and could spell better than anyone. Now, I forget how to spell words I use all the time! For example, I never had a problem knowing the differences between
"shear" and "sheer" until recently. Now I have to stop and think each time I use the word. The difference between "affect" and "effect" was as clear as a bell to me most of my life, now I get confused. It's rather annoying. I keep thinking, what am I going to forget next??

-Nancy
 
Practice, practice, practice, ladies. I'm a writer, so I don't have this particular problem. But ask me to do math? I have to add on my fingers!!!!
 
You know, Shannon, I write all day long, but I think the problem is that I don't READ as much as I used to. I was a voracious reader in my youth, but these days it's rare for me to read a novel. I think if I were reading more my spelling would be better.

-Nancy
 
Well, Nancy. How could it possibly be old age when clearly you're not old? :)

And I think the saying, "Use it or lose it" applies to everything, in all facets of life.


Marla
 
Oh gosh, you really are not alone. Not only do I not spell the words correctly, but I goof them up constantly. A few weeks ago, I told my DH I wanted rid of my old phone and buy a "Blueberry." After he finally realized that I was really thinking of a "Blackberry," he nearly died with laughter. I just had to remind him that I'm older than him so he has to be nice to me and give me a little latitude;) No, I'm not going to live that one down any time soon....LOL.

Yep, this getting older stuff is not always fun, but it sometimes can be funny:)

Robin:9
 
At least you KNOW you are misspelling! Many people don't seem to!

I have problems with interference from French (which I teach, and which I'm fluent in). I will often start typing some words (like "mentioned") with double letters ("mentionned") because my finger are used to typing French all the time (and my brain doesn't switch easily.

Sometimes, I want to use a word, then realize I'm not quite sure how to spell it! Luckily, I'm good at rephrasing and finding another way to say what I want to say, because I'm in too much of a hurry to consult a reference book!


But, this thread allows me to give a short spelling lesson on a pet peeve of mine (not directed to anyone in particular):

The word "DEFINITELY" is related to the words "DEFINE," "FINITE," and "FINISH." NONE of them have an "a" in them! (rant over!)
 
I see your point, Nancy. My job also involves a lot of reading - primarily medical stuff. I'm getting pretty good at spelling those looonnng words! ;-)
 
Thanks for the lesson Kathryn!:) I know I've developed this problem as well...and I definitely can't spell "definitely" without really spelling it out in my mind first. BTW, I KNOW I've mispelled it as well!
I think that the more television I watch, the less inclined I am to spell things correctly and the more likely I am to forget a word. I really think it rots your brain!!

carolyn
 
>>Im a good speler so I do'nt worrie abuot thate kinnda stuf.
>

Haydee,
You are so bad!....ROFLMAO!!!.....

Robin:)
 
Hey Ladies!

Sorry for the slow response, I was in NY for a couple of days and deprived of Cathe.com :)

Anyway, thanks for all your responses. Nancy, that is exactly what I do. I almost blew a fuse the other day day trying to remember "affect" and "effect" myself. And, I'm a writer too, so it's not as if I don't get enough "word" time! I guess I will just chalk it up to a combo of a stressful year and aging (Ack!)

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
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