Absent mindedness

I just forgot what I was about to do. I just needed to do one thing before I did it, and that small act derailed me.

I tried retracing my steps. I almost remember, but not quite. I start getting that "ah ha!" feeling, but then the feeling itself distracts me and I don't capture the memory. Just a glimpse, as it slinks back into my subconscious.

The feeling of almost having remembered, having it on the tip of your tongue, is not so bad. Trying hard to remember and not having a clue, that's frustrating. Like fishing all day with no bites. At least you know you've got a decent chance, when you're getting nibbles. The longer it takes, the bigger the "ah ha!" moment will be, but it'll probably come. Sometimes it will even happen multiple times, before finally getting there. (I wonder if that's how it is for girls...)

When I come close to remembering, I'm usually fine with just waiting for it to click. Unless there's an imminent deadline, I can go about my business--it will usually come back to me at some point. Similar to déjà vu, it's not usually something one can consciously achieve. Trying harder is usually counterproductive.

I remember that I needed to go into my bedroom to do this thing, and it was something I'd been intending to do for a little while. Not napping, not cleaning.

Time to stroll back to the scene of the thought. It's a little risky, as the conscious effort of remembrance might only throw me further off track. Sometimes the familiar sights will lure it out again, and it's too tempting not to try.

Nope.

Now I'm totally off track. The only thing to do now is give up and wait.