deuce-ish: I used to do this. And I used to be big into genealogy. But now that I’ve come to terms

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I used to do this. And I used to be big into genealogy. But now that I’ve come to terms

Posted by Philo

on October 1, 2026, 16:25:33, in reply to "A journal of one-page memories"

✏️ Center of the Universe

with the fact that I’ll never have grandkids, I’ve lost interest in it.

Previous Message

The thread about school dances prompted me to mention a work in progress I started two weeks ago after hearing the idea in a podcast interview.

I bought a journal and have been writing one-page memories from across my life. I am up to 115 entries, with more to follow in catching up. It's been fun and serious and an interesting exercise to think about what's worth mentioning, and who. Like there's one on my first date in high school.

Here's what I have about my years at Illinois so far.

* Picking a college
* My first computer programs
* Switch majors (to Engineering)
* Bronze Tablet
* Road trip to "The Who" concert
* Two on my girlfriend (a good memory and another on the breakup)
* Summer school one year
* My freshman dorm (Forbes)
* Ho Chi Minh Trail on campus
* Working at the Daily Illini
* A semester internship / study program away
* Streaking fad
* Illinois beats Magic Johnson
* The Four-Color Map math problem

Maybe I will say something about concerts or the bars or some specific people other than the girlfriend.

Message Thread | This response ↓

A journal of one-page memories - Potomac September 30, 2026, 13:15:55

My best friend wrote a book about our lives, years ago. Amazing what you forget - Mismysteri October 2, 2026, 06:48:53
- ^^^ Very nice. I should look for more funny stores to add. This morning... - Potomac October 2, 2026, 07:52:52
  - Wow, that is a neat story! Yes, you should add that, it was a very nice morning;)* - Mismysteri October 2, 2026, 07:57:36
I used to do this. And I used to be big into genealogy. But now that I’ve come to terms - Philo October 1, 2026, 16:25:33

My dad didn’t become a grandpa until he was 75 - WesMantooth October 2, 2026, 11:00:53
I think I understand the feeling - Potomac October 1, 2026, 18:00:55

My grandma handwrote us memoirs in 1989 and my mom gave me the book the - fratstud September 30, 2026, 15:48:58
- I have no idea whether anybody would ever care about this - Potomac September 30, 2026, 16:43:49
  - If nothing else, do it for yourself… - kokomojo October 3, 2026, 09:23:32
    - With the one-page limit, you don't need to recall a lot of details - Potomac October 3, 2026, 10:53:07
  - I think there may be more there than you are giving credit for. - GAIllini October 1, 2026, 08:28:40
  - Roll it forward every few years and leave it in the house. Someone will care* - fratstud September 30, 2026, 16:48:52
Just a few come to mind. - osklister September 30, 2026, 15:08:26
- I wonder how long the Ho Chi Minh Trail label lasted* - Potomac September 30, 2026, 15:39:27
  - I remember the HCM trail, vaguely… - kokomojo October 3, 2026, 09:13:56
  - Nm - kokomojo October 3, 2026, 09:13:56

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