Need help with topics

[eta_carinae]

So I signed up to adopt a soldier to write to, and I've been writing this guy since April. I've recieved one letter back from him (actually, pretty special, considering how busy those guys are). He's a seargent in the army, a mechanic I think. Anyway, I'm starting to run out of good topics to write about. Mostly I just write about myself, what's going on here, and the like. But I don't really know how much he wants to hear about my overly exciting life as a student :rolleyes: This forum is great at coming up with interesting things to talk about. What would you write to somebody you don't know, who likely will not write you back, and is stuck in a yucky situation (Iraq)?

[grinner]

just talk about the campaign to save FarScape... there are a bunch of letters right there. Or you can discuss the latest movies... without spoilers...

[eta_carinae]

Yeah, I've been telling him about movies I've seen. Sometimes it feels weird, cause it's not like he can go see them or anything, at least until his time in Iraq is up next March. I've talked about current events in the nation and Colorado, what kind of music I like, what books I like to read, Farscape, things I've been doing. I just feel like I'm talking about the same stuff all the time. Though I imagine getting a letter at all, even if it is repetative, is nice. I try to make sure I mention my boyfriend in every letter too, just so he doesn't get any funny ideas...

[LT Garrix]

Well, not exactly sure how things in the Army are, but in the Navy we have a Navy Media Center which sends out relatively (2-4 month old) new movies. These are on 8mm so we can play them on the site TV channel for the whole ship, so he might have seen some recent movies. I know that when we were in the Gulf we got movies on the newer side.

Perhaps if you could go into baseball. I know that for us news was few and far between. Once the Olympics start up that would be something good to write about. Most guys like sports.

[Judith]

Yeah, talking about sports would be a good thing to do. Keep up talking about the movies (give him suggestions for when he gets back) and current events. You can tell him about your family if you want.

Keep in mind, even though you feel like the things you are telling him is boring, he may not think so. Also, the thrill of receiving an actual letters must be pretty cool when you're that far away and homesick...I'm sure he appreciates when you write him even if you feel like you don't have much to say.

It's a really nice thing that you are doing, by the way.

[eta_carinae]

Oooo.... the olympics. That's a good idea. See, I knew you guys would be good to ask.

It's a really nice thing that you are doing, by the way.

Awwww, thanks Judith! :) I just feel so disconnected from it all, I wanted to do something to help. I actually got the address for the site I signed up at off this board (the I have a plan section) and I made sure to tell him all about it!

[Chryse]

It is a very nice thing to do. You're making his day a very special one when he gets your letters.

My bet, though, is that he does want to hear about normal, everyday things. Maybe some of that wierd news stuff that grinner and others post here would be good topics. Some are just odd enough to be worth sharing just because. ;)

re: Sports
the Tour De France is going on now. Lance Armstrong is currently in the lead, though tomorrow's phase is a very difficult mountain climb.
And while the Olympics is in August, many countries, including the US, are holding their Olympic trials now. A lot of atheletes are competeing in many events around the world for places on their nation's teams. There's quite a bit of talk about the early medals favorites.

[Third EYe]

God Bless you eta (if that's your real name?)

I think anything you write him is great. He's gonna be be hungry for any information you can give him. What TV you watch, what radio you listen to, what book you read, where you want to travel too in the future that you haven't been to yet, and places you want to return to.

You can tell him that I'm rooting for him, and all the allies, everyday I pray for thier safe return. Not just me of course, many of us do this as well. I think that would be good to mention.

I know there are other members doing exactly the same thing, and other similar things.

It's all appreciated, I'm certain of it.

[eta_carinae]

Hey Third Eye, thanks! I'll be sure to pass along your sentiments in my next letter. I try to write one every week. It gets tough sometimes, finding the time to sit down and actually write, with a pen and paper, and coming up with interesting stuff to say has been a real challenge. But you guys have been giving me some new insight.... I've never known someone in a situation like that, so it's good to get some perspective one it. I had a ball telling him about the Dick Cheney outburst, and all the attention that got (so silly). I even copied one of David Letterman's Top Ten Lists down that had a funny comment in it about that. I wish I knew more about him, so that I could tailor the letters a little better toward his interests. But I think you guys are right that any info, even the boring stuff I do, is probably nice to read about over there. And believe it or not, talking about sports never even crossed my mind.... I'm such a girl :D

[BaseLine]

re: Sports
the Tour De France is going on now. Lance Armstrong is currently in the lead, though tomorrow's phase is a very difficult mountain climb.

Which means he certainly wins.

[DRD2001]

Aside from Farscape, you could talk about your favorite authors and why you like their work. Tell about what they have written (without giving away plot) and what kind of style they have. The same with movies. Who is your favorite director and why. Describe scenes that you thought were well done. Make sure to ask him what he likes. Or who your favorite musicians are. What albums have they done. What is their sound like. Who else has a similar sound.

I think the important thing is, with what you share, tell him why and explain your interest. That way, if he hates jazz music, he can still understand and appreciate your feelings about it.

[eta_carinae]

I think the important thing is, with what you share, tell him why and explain your interest. That way, if he hates jazz music, he can still understand and appreciate your feelings about it.

I think that is a really good point, DRD2001. Especially since I have no idea what his feelings are about just about anything....

[AgentSun]

you know what? despite what you may think, i can imagine that talking about seemingly mundane things like taking out the trash, network tv, or pets, might take his mind off the things that are going on over there. things that may seem boring to you, probably are a slice of home for him.

otherwise, stick with things that are happening here. music, movies, tv, sports.