[A screenshot of an email sent in Gmail's standard web interface, with email addresses redacted. The name in the header is accompanied by an icon photo of a white cloud against a blue sky.]
Got your letter today, and I'm SERIOUSLY impressed. Forget timing -- it's hard to use a ballpoint pen with your hand, let alone your brain. When I suggested we write letters, I figured you'd use one of the kids' markers, or a Sharpie maybe, but using the right amount of pressure to write clearly with a ballpoint pen is like graduate-level shit. You're better at this than you think.
Basically, keep practicing. And if you get bored or frustrated, try focusing on a different skill. Remember: you can totally specialize. This kid I went to high school with could never lift anything heavier than a soda can. He's unbelievably nimble, though, and he's doing a brain-surgery residency at Hopkins now. (I'm actually not sure how that's going to work with his union membership? I know appallingly little about the union, it's actually really embarrassing. Don't tell your mom, OK?) (Do you think I could meet your mom when I'm out there next? I bet she's got stories...) (I hope that was okay to ask...?)
I promise I will send you a real letter next time -- I just can't deal right now and I figured you'd understand. Claw got out this morning, and I had to circle around for hours looking for her. There's a whole family of tuxedos that live in the neighborhood, so I kept dropping down to grab her and then realizing it was the wrong cat. It sucked, and I went through like a gallon of OJ, and I think I have a sunburn, but she's fine and I'm fine, just whiny and exhausted. Also now that Claw is safe I might murder her.
More good things! Erica's in town and we're meeting up. Is it okay if I show her your letter? She may have some ideas for you, but I don't want to share something you're not okay with, esp. since this is so new to you...?
PS: HEY LOOK A BONUS CHALLENGE -- write yourself a nice message on your mirror using soap or eyeliner or something. No hands, obvs. And send me a picture!!