CONSEQUENCE OF MEMORY LAPSE

Chaos reigns but not where you would expect it. In this instance it applies to a chaotic mind, where confusion and anxiety go together.

It all started the day I broke my iPhone. Really, I should use the word SMASHED rather than merely broke. It was all the fault of an unexpected caller who literally crept up behind me, causing me to drop the phone onto a tiled floor. You should have heard the crash! You should have seen the mess! You should have seen my face!

Later, but not much later, I got in the car and drove to the o2 shop. o2 is an offshoot of British Telecom, which of course won’t be of any interest to you. I’m just writing this story as it is.

So the short long story goes like this……

I needed a phone, although looking back I ask the question WHY? I have a house phone, which is seldom used except by nuisance callers, and an iPhone in case someone needs to get in touch when out of the house. However, an iPhone isn’t just to make calls on, it is a diary, notebook, timer, news reader, list maker, and a load of other things, like reading email, but … a phone?  So, in order to continue something I was used to having, I needed another one.

 

The model I chose, still an iPhone, is smaller than the last and fits in the pocket easier but everything else is going to need a lot of getting used to.

But I am jumping the gun here…

One thing missing from the phone was the game of Scrabble, which I love, and which goes some way to keeping the mind functioning. I had to replace it, which proved easier said than done.

You will have noticed earlier that I mentioned email. I have three accounts and one of them was the one that kept me in touch with Apple, and Apple in touch with me. Trouble came when my new phone wasn’t recognised by Apple or the other email providers. Even though email addresses were the same, the phone had really upset the apple-cart (a UK expression and nothing to do with Apple the company).

I tried and tried to get through on the old password, but they weren’t having it. No, I had to provide a new one. Several times. Apple needed a new one, Yahoo needed a new one, as did Google. Fortunately AOL and Google were easy to deal with, no problem and as straightforward as they come. Yahoo and Apple needed new passwords because they were linked to each other by me, and Google because..... well, because it was Google! 

I panicked, then panicked a second time. By the end of several more panic sessions I decided to call on Luke. Luke, you may remember, is the young man who does odd jobs for me. It struck me that at his age he would be able to deal with the likes of Apple without the fear I felt.

It took Luke a couple of hours to convince them that I was a genuine case but eventually he managed it. What’s more he downloaded the Scrabble. GREAT!

I am okay now, but goodness only knows for how long. Apple keeps asking for my password as early as switching on the ipad or phone but I have to ignore it because Luke didn’t write down the various passwords! Now I’m wondering how long before it affects me. Next time he comes I will ask if his memory is good. 

Insertion: Did I say Google wasn’t a problem? Well, since writing that comment it has changed its mind. It has decided to BE a problem. Password not recognised – and the brain can’t remember, and it wasn’t written down. I think another call to Luke is due.

All this has affected the brain. I get nervous for all sorts of reasons, mostly silly ones. My friend – who is two years older than me – said it is quite normal and that it would (might?) diminish. She made me feel better, bless her. As for the brain, I guess there’s no hope of it ever behaving like it should. Forgetfulness is now the norm but thank goodness I can still write.

If only I could remember passwords!

A few hours later: Consultation with Luke revealed the password that I'd forgotten. Now noted in black ink, several times. All he does is press a button, whereas I have to sweat it out and get nowhere. Oh to be young again, even a jaunt back to my sixties or seventies would help me out. 

Anyone want to buy a new iPhone?

Valerie

ONE THOUGHT LEADS TO ANOTHER...

The other day I decided to clear and clean one of my kitchen cupboards. It’s a big wall cupboard containing three extra wide shelves. It’s a job I used to love doing but that was when I was steadier on my feet and could sprint up and down a set of steps. Not so now, I am extremely fearful of one step let alone three. However, I was determined to give it a go, carefully gripping the handrail with every step.

It didn’t take long to remove cups, glassware, jugs, saucers, dishes and plates and wash the shelves but putting them back was a trial. I thought I could remember where everything went, bearing in mind that some items were seldom used while others were used daily. Suddenly faced with empty shelves I was lost. First attempt was all wrong, as was the second and third. Isn’t it amazing how quickly one can forget?

The trouble is I am an organised sort of person. I like order and everything having its own place, essential these days with a memory that leaves a lot to be desired. I have always been the same; it drove Joe mad but then he was the untidiest person I ever met. These days regimentation is playing a big part in keeping the memory on an even keel. Memory is a powerful asset but when it starts to play up action has to be taken. My way is to write stuff down – all I have to do then is remember where I put the paper or pad!!

Seriously, taking notes has been and still is a godsend, it saves a lot of anxious moments when the memory fails. Heehee just hope I don’t forget how to write!

The iPhone is a useful thing to have, not just for taking pictures or phoning people but for making notes, keeping dates, even a timer when something is cooking in the kitchen. And a torch. Who would have thought you could use a phone as a torch? I have had this phone for a long time but am still amazed by its versatility. I mean, I can even read a book on the phone or buy and pay for stuff if I want to. I don’t do the latter – there’s too many villains around for my liking. I saw on television today that advice is being given for everyone to take a break from anything technical. Those advisors probably have good memories!!

But back to the cupboard, as you can see by the photograph below, it’s back to normal, tidy and clean, and everything in its designated place. I felt quite proud that I’d actually achieved something useful.

Odd bits of news

In a recent post about recycling I mentioned a Bra Bar. As you can see from the picture, it was totally the wrong name. It should have been a Bra Bank. Not the kind where you make deposits or withdraw funds, although in this day and age anything is possible. Anyway, since there was some doubt about there being a bra bar at all, I took the photograph on my next supermarket visit.

Had fun watching the crows the other day. It’s not often we see a black crow in the garden but it was blisteringly hot so he must have been attracted by the water in the birdbath and a few titbits on the lawn. The crow grabbed a morsal of food in his beak – either apple peel or biscuit – and flew onto the bath, whereby he dropped the food in the water. It was interesting to see him eating the soaked bits before flying off. 

The same day, while the birds were busy eating, we saw the fox in the distance. He was lying in the wild patch enjoying the sun and watching the birds at the same time. I expected him to attack but he just lay there ... watching. The birds ignored him as well.  

I have better luck photographing birds than bees. I tried all ways to get a clear picture of this one. If only he’d stayed still..... 

I have several diaries, in different places, to ensure that I don’t forget an appointment. Why then do I overlook some? I just about made it to the chiropractors at the allotted time but I wouldn’t have done so if Joe hadn’t been there to remind me. Perhaps I need audible alerts on some scheduled activities. Trouble with those is timing. If a reminder is needed, how far in advance should it be? Half an hour, an hour, a day? Too early and I could still forget to turn up for a specific engagement, and too close to call could be disastrous  So what should I do? Tie a diary to my ankle or wrist...and still forget what it was there for?

 Talking of memories...

I popped into the local supermarket and whilst waiting in the small queue to be served I saw a guy come in that I’d seen before. I just KNEW his face. Isn’t it awful when you can’t place someone? Was it my old doctor? Nah, I’d never forget him. Someone off telly? Nah, he didn’t look that famous. It bugged me that I couldn’t remember where I’d seen him before. Neatly dressed in a grey suit but no tie, highly polished shoes but no socks, greying hair flopping over his brow, he looked as hot and bothered as the rest of the customers. Well, I racked my brains, what few are left, and then it came to me..... Andrew Mitchell, my local Member of Parliament. So they are normal, after all! 

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