My mom says I have a great memory for remembering the color of a weight bench. Its one that has been sitting in their basement for 20 years, its now time to get rid of it. To CL we go!
Remembering and Memory. The human brain is an amazing organ. I know a detail like a color, and then I can barely remember what I had for dinner last night! They say we can improve our ability to remember by using mnemonic devices, or muscle memory improves by rehearsal. Some people remember details others faces and names. I was never good at remembering names. Typically since I work with computers and operating software and programs, I find myself having to remember keyboard commands or troubleshooting routines. Usually if I get stuck I can Google an error code and find the web page with some brilliant developers little known fact or a lackey who was in a similar situation a year ago and made a plea for help. A routine to follow and "unstick" the problem. These are written like digital trail markers for all who might pass that way from here to whenever. Well there it is, my auxiliary memory bank. Now I can go back to remembering... what was it?
As for memories of childhood these I find deeper, more satisfying when it comes to actually wanting a trip down memory lane. And I do at times like to think of the good old days. (Being the ripe age of 35 now.) These memory trips are simple and enjoyable. it is not out of job necessity, or shall I say desperation. One that does not require me to "Get the darn thing to work now" or heads roll.
They say that the sense of smell is the most powerful too in that regard when it comes to our ability to recall the past. I would say this is especially true given that computers don't sweat, or give off a smell like dewy grass on a summer morning, or the heavy perfume of the lady in church. Maybe this is good, maybe bad. I suppose if computers did give off a scent every time it threw an error we all might be living less in our cubicles given the sewer like smell they might constantly emit. Well at least for most of us.
Childhood experiences are wonderful experiences, every kid should have them. Watching ants, daydreaming, swimming, trips to the park. I think of it as the stuff you will keep with you the rest of your life. and even though they say middle school is the worst time of you life, its also the best. you're 13, no job, no worries, if there is a bike involved, your world becomes larger and so do the possibilities.
