a;sldkfjghfjdksla;

Memorization comes with different content.  Some of them just plain weird!

In grade 8, I was living in Toronto, Ontario.  We had moved part way through Grade 7, and fitting in to school was a bit of a struggle.  I did have some new friends who quickly acquainted me with the “system.”  Steve Shields and Tom Meisner were just good people to hang around over lunch.

When grade 8 began we decided to take typing class together.  For those who are more oriented to the new millennium, that is what would now be called “keyboarding.”  There were a few guys in the class, but most were girls.  The pianists were quick to discover the finger patterns of the keyboard.

I, on the other hand, have always been a bit of a klutz when trying to make my fingers obey.  I was one of those who achieved 1o words per minute and thought I had been transported to heaven!

So, what could make me go faster?  Well, I love to sing.  Rhythm and lyrics move my body (although my wife says I look disjointed!).  I decided to learn the “home row” drill — the home row is where you place your fingers when you begin to type.  If I could sing it faster than I could type, maybe my typing would catch up.

I tried it.  Sort of worked.  But now, 40 years later, I can still sing for you the home row drill.  “a;sldkfjghfjdksla;”

Oh, and another thing that has stuck in my mind.  Our Moose Jaw (where I lived from 6-12 years of age) phone number from 45 years ago — 692-6833.  You may want to try it some day and see who you get!  Of course, I will disavow any knowledge of this number if the adventure blows up in your face!!

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