Ahh, that's the spirit.  I think we all forget about our first qso's, and how 
much we didn't know.  Even now, I still run across a strange unknown 
abbreviation once in awhile, although admittedly it occurs more often on a 
text message than in CW.

Steve, K8SP
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Megan McCarty" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: Most Memorable Ham Experiences


Hi all,

I've been thoroughly enjoying these stories, so let me share one.

My first CW QSO was rather memorable. My Elmer and I set up a sked the day
after we got my rig set up.  The QSO started off pretty well. I was really
excited to finally be on the air sending code.  But I was also extremely
nervous - so much that I was shaking as I sent the code and struggling to
focus well enough to copy what I heard.

Anyway, at some point, my Elmer sent something strange. BK - what kind of
weird word is that?  I waited for him to follow it up with some sort of
clarification or correction.  Meanwhile, my Elmer was waiting for me to
respond.  Neither of us said anything for a few moments and I got so nervous
that when my Elmer finally did get back to me, I couldn't copy anything he
was sending!

We ended the QSO on the phone as my Elmer apologized for forgotting to teach
me the prosigns.  By the time we had our next sked, I came prepared with a
long cheat sheet.  All my QSOs since then have ended quite successfully. :)

73,
Megan KB3RGW