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!!