Why doesn’t the Tiger Balm pot ever run out? Have you noticed that? I’m sure I’ve bought Tiger Balm before – I remember buying some in New Zealand when I hadn’t brought mine – but I can’t remember ever HAVING to. There’s always some more left. I have one little jar of the ultra-strength that I can trace to a relationship nine years ago. There’s still plenty left. And I use it all the time! Not sparingly, either. Here’s the Ancient One:
Is it odd that I time things by relationships? Do others do that? I used to remember my hairstyles by the person I was with at the time. It’s been a busy year, though, so lately I’ve been remembering to get my hair cut by using dating as a clock. Oh, god, I haven’t talked to her in about eight weeks. I had just had a haircut then. Must be time to get another one.
Why can’t I simply remember it was December of 1999 when I cut my thumb so badly that I needed surgery? Why do I have to remember that Lynn and I were breaking up in order to place the date? Years don’t mean that much, I guess. People do. That’s the simple answer.
Of course, during the longer ones, two and three year relationships, I lose all track of time. I can trace particular cars owned and food likes and CDs bought only to time frames. Between 2000 and 2002. Somewhere around 1994 or 1996. I know who was IN said car or liked said CD, but that just narrows it down some.
It’s why I write so much, always have, in either morning pages or online: It’s because I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING. I’m legendary for it at work. I don’t remember a thing people tell me. It makes me a safe repository for secrets, I can tell you that much. You can’t spill what you can’t remember. Just yesterday, I was watching an early episode of Queer Eye with my sister Christy. When Jai (AKA QueerEye Candy, ‘cause he never gets to DO anything) came on, I got all excited. “Hey! You know what! He’s…. He can….. I think he was a singer…. or something…..”
Christy looked at me and said, “He was in Rent on Broadway. I told you that.”
Partners hate this in me. But they can tell me their best stories, over and over again…. That’s a plus, right?
I’m so rambly today. Have a lot to do to get ready for Strawberry and I’m not doing anything. I think I’ll read blogs and knit instead. I JUST managed to line up the cat-sitter a few minutes ago. Nothing like the last minute, says I.
Oooh – didja see? The Grammar Avengers webring is now official, thanks to Em! Link to right. Let me just state for the record – I know and understand most rules of grammar. But I either 1: break them on purpose for effect or 2: break them because I’m lazy. I joined because no matter what I say, I’m still obsessed with THINKING about grammar. Even if it don’t show much a’tall in practice. Yup.
And just for fun, here’s Digit a few minutes ago: (check out those extra toes….)
I have a really hard time remembering dates as well, but I haven’t been able to follow a system like yours. I really like the way you write about measuring time through relationships. I am able to remember a lot of little details and someone once told me that I was a great friend because I remember every little inside joke. Senility is going to be a kick in the pants.
That’s funny, Em. I’ve hurt so many friends’ feelings because I DON’T remember the inside jokes. “But don’t you remember?” Wail. “That was OUR thing, I can’t you believe you don’t remember….” Lord. Again, it’s why I write. 🙂
Great post. I tend to link memories to the songs that were playing. I guess I rely mostly on soundtrack. And now that you mention it, I’ve had the same tub of extra strength tiger balm for YEARS.
I do morning pages too. They help keep me sane.
I’ve written in a journal since I was ten, and I agree that writing helps with memory. But sometimes I wonder if it’s the other way around: I forget things BECAUSE I write, and I know I can always rely on that written record. It’s like how taking photographs can sometimes limit your memories to what’s in your photos. (Does that make any sense?) By the way, I never forget an inside joke. Five years from now I’ll probably write “GAWK on!” as a comment to one of you guys out of the blue. I’m warning you now.
Jai was in Rent? Wow! His lovable quotient just went up a few notches!
I always remember things by who I was dating too. The biggest things for me are perfumes/scents and haircuts/colors. I can remember exactly who I was dating when I was really into Estee Lauder “Pleasures.” I also remember when I abruptly stopped wearing it and changed to Acqua di Gio for women, which was about the time I cut off all of my hair. When I break up with someone, I tend to change my hair and my scent. It’s so strange.
As a child, whenever I told my mom we were out of toothpaste, she’d always say “There’s always one more squeeze in the tube.” She was always right…I hated that.