Writing Spaces in Everyday life

                As of 2008, the three writing spaces I use to write are pen and notebook, word processing, and instant messaging.  Whenever I’m using a pen or pencil it’s usually for a school assignment.  While using these tools I’m most likely either taking notes or writing out homework assignments, such as those in my French workbook.  Occasionally I’ll write a to-do list or scribble a note to a friend.  Pen and paper allows me to freehand, doodle, and use a variety of colored papers and pens; it feels more creative than the other writing technologies.  In the past I was much more inclined to hand-write.  I found it easier to express myself and create works such as poetry.  Eventually technology incorporated its way into my life more and more and I currently find myself needing to type, not hand-write.
            Every day I have at least one new Microsoft Word file saved onto my desktop.  This might be due to a homework assignment, but many times it isn’t.  Word processing makes for an easy to share and store thoughts.  It also makes it easy to find articles and quotes that I find interesting and want to keep to read in future times.  I have folders divided up with different events, journal entries, and past school assignments saved.  In fact, this writing I am currently creating will soon end up in its own special folder.  Word processing is convenient since it allows changes to be made quickly and easily.  The spell check and other reference features don’t hurt either.  For years teachers have taught me with computers and assigned typed papers.  Because of this, word processing has become a natural part of writing in my life.  It’s easy.
            I must admit that I am constantly logged onto AOL Instant Messenger.  Sure I might not always be by my computer, but my away message is up which allows any one of my friends to leave me a message at any given time.  Between classes, whenever I’m procrastinating, and whenever I’m just bored and on the computer, I find myself giving my buddy list a once over to see if there is anyone I’d like to talk to.  Instant messaging allows me to quickly and instantly converse with friends without having the character limits in texting.  The formality, or lack of, makes conversations light, easy and quick.  I can catch up quickly and share or read stories that my friends type to me.  It also makes room for expression such as buddy icons and profiles.  I myself have a profile filled with quotes and inside jokes.  AIM is a convenient way to quickly get in touch with someone I care about, and I love convenience. 
            Now as I previously said, these are the writing technologies I currently use frequently.  Over my lifespan they’ve changed and adopted.  This process, I’ve recently come to know, is remediation.  Of the three, I’ve been able to notice a change in pen and paper and AOL Instant Messenger.  In short, we use writing as a way of expression, as a means of recording and a way to communication.  In high school I would pass notes to friends; we didn’t have laptops with us at school.  However, things have now changed.  As I’ve grown older I’m no longer surrounded with the same friends I used to be with.  In an effort not to lose their friendship I make it a point to keep in touch.  I haven’t sent a letter in years, instead I send instant messages.  This newer form of technology pushes handwriting away.  When instant messaging is well, instant, there really is no reason to send out letters.  Not everyone can seem to make the time to write out a note and get it to the post office, but quickly typing one is easier to do.  Sure remediation may sometimes seem to occur out of laziness and convenience, but it occurs nonetheless.  Old technology must constantly be making way for new technology.