He was thoroughly surprised when I suggested that was part of why he was the captain's first choice, and the typing was probably just a bonus.

I miss you, Dad, and I'll keep telling your stories. The good ones, at least :P

(end)

But in our last time together, Dad told me more of the backstory. See, my father was a sweet, innocent, affable guy, never drank, never partied. When his squadmates would go out partying, he'd stay home and study for his radio operator test. (5/x)

"Good," the captain said, and promoted him to sergeant. He needed a training sergeant for the unit, you see, and he needed someone to type up the reports for him. Dad was always sort of baffled that he'd managed to make that rank.

And this is how I always heard the story growing up. (4/x)

He never had much to say about his active two years, except that late in the game, his Captain called him in.

"Dalberg," he said, "can you type?"

"Yes, sir."

(Dad typed about 120 wpm. It was impressive, especially because he was utterly useless with computers or, indeed, any technology.) (3/x)

probably could have gotten out of the draft on a medical because he had a moderately terrible skin condition. But for some reason he felt called to serve, and then, at the last minute, decided he did NOT want to get drafted and squeaked into the last available slot in the Marine Reserves. (2/x)

One of my favorites from my tonsillectomy. (I can also recommend Cream of Wheat/Cream of Rice, if you want more ideas.)

It is so far off that I had to read it three times before I understood what they thought they were saying.

Honestly I'd do it. trains are nice

...why would you bother to ask?

Hah! I will be surprised if I make it more than a few more chapters in, the gimmick is already getting stale, but I can see where it could have been influential for a certain kind of self-congratulatory dickhead

Truly you have triumphed as a character actor when your filmography can be used as a flawless generation sorter.

Oh, forgot the newsletter link: - buttondown.com/annleckie/ar...

I do think the book's overall point that Taran can't assume anything will be handed to him is a good one, but I also think this particular criticism is totally valid, and one I wish I understood better as a kid.

because they skipped a lot of the road they're trying to show you how to walk. They got there a different way - via intuition or biology or early-childhood exposure (and/or, really) and unless they've _learned to teach_, they often can't articulate the path. (2/3)

That's gorgeous

God I love a hollowbody electric. (And you're looking fantastic!)

My experience wasn't quite so broad but Aunt Helene is my mom's grad school best friend and Aunt Claudia is my mom's first cousin. Aunt Rosie was my great-aunt. Specificity was not a priority.

Yeah that needs to be big enough to cut a lot off :P