One of my writing assignments this week was creating content for a firearms manufacturer. The topic? What is a Forward Assist on an AR-15.
Good hell. That’s like asking a vegetarian to write an ode to the Big Mac.
Do I like guns or even know the slightest thing about them? Hell, no. And assault rifles even less. But I soldiered on (pun intended), because I do like keeping a roof over my head and eating food. As Senior Copywriter for TobacCo (only copywriter, at that), I can’t pick and choose articles based on my moral principles. I give every assignment 100% regardless of my interest in the topic or personal feelings about the product or service, because my writing is a reflection of my talent. I’ll never half-ass an assignment.
And now I know what a forward assist on an AR-15 is, what it does, and how to use it. I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m marching into war somewhere.
At least it can never be said I don’t write about a very wide variety of topics.
Tara got to Nevada Wednesday without a hitch. She had to catch an airport shuttle at 3:45 a.m., which sucks, but that’s the whole reason she booked a hotel room in Milwaukee the night before. Driving her to the airport Wednesday morning would have meant hitting the road even earlier than that, and driving in the dark with the ever-present threat of suicidal deer, which neither of us wanted. Besides, it gave us an opportunity to grab dinner in downtown Milwaukee Tuesday evening. We tried a new sushi place and it gave my former favorite, in Sioux Falls of all places, a serious run for its money.
Scoff if you want about Midwest sushi, but I’m telling you, it’s been among the best I’ve ever had. Including the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest. Tara and I have enjoyed great sushi in Sioux Falls, Omaha, and now Milwaukee. Turns out we can do more than cheese and brats out here!
I’ve been doing pretty well on my own so far. No mishaps to speak of, though I keep texting Tara to ask where things are. Like our bag of flour and a watering can. Which makes sense, since she does the majority of the baking and gardening.
I picked up a turkey wrap on Wednesday and made myself a spicy Cajun piquant chicken last night, but I got smart: I cooked enough to ensure leftovers. After two hours in the kitchen yesterday, I’m beginning to see the benefit in ordering takeout or keeping it simple.
After dinner, I watched an episode of Naked and Afraid with a cat on my lap. Do I know how to party or what?! But the real excitement came when I was getting ready for bed. Every night since late May I’ve been looking outside after sunset, studying the yard for fireflies. I know they’re abundant in Wisconsin because I saw them when visiting last August.
Other than a few years in Ohio when I was in elementary school, I have never lived anyplace that had fireflies, so they’re a novelty…and I find them magical. Even my brother in Oregon has been asking if I’ve seen lightning bugs yet whenever we chat. Well, up until last night I had not, but when I glanced out the window this time, I saw it: a blinking light in the deepening darkness.
Then another.
I thought my mind might be playing tricks on me, so I stepped out onto the deck. Sure enough, there they were, lighting up the sky in our backyard. By the koi pond. Next to the Fat Albert spruce. Beneath the Eastern Redbud. Cruising past the Honey Locust. (Boy, I owe it to Dick for imparting this tree knowledge!) I’m not embarrassed to admit I gasped out loud. And spent the next 15 minutes watching them, even though I hadn’t bothered with mosquito spray. But I didn’t get bit, and even if I had, it would have been worth it. Tonight, I’m venturing out there after dark, to walk around the property and see them up close.
And in less than 30 minutes, my weekend begins. After logging out, I’m heading into Madison for a few hours. I’m taking myself out to lunch, then I plan to walk over to Memorial Union Terrace, grab a seat next to the lake, and take advantage of the gorgeous weather. I’m bringing my Kindle and my camera, though I may just end up people watching.
I’ll check in again before Tara comes back.
Mark My Words 
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