Memory Lane

Be prepared, folks. As you approach 60, you will need a reliable memory back-up system to keep yourself on track. I used to rely on a lovely week-at-a-glance yearly planner from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its only drawback was its static placement in my kitchen "command center". Being a tech-savvy super adult (a friend reported the use of this reference on a fare schedule in Scotland, and I’m adopting it…so much better than senior citizen) I now keep track of life’s events on my computer’s Outlook calendar which syncs with my iPhone. This calendar, complete with its thoughtful little reminders that pop up 15 minutes before every scheduled event or task, is my personal assistant and social secretary. Every appointment, meeting, weekly work schedule, birthday, and weekend activity – even my reminder to submit my electronic time card every Friday - resides in the memory of my Outlook calendar (oops, I forgot to submit my time card yesterday!). My back up to the back-up system is an assortment of memo pads and post-it notes, as well as an occasional empty food wrapper on the kitchen counter reminding me to add that item to my grocery list. Don’t laugh. It works for me, and I can proudly say that I am on time for [most] appointments, I send birthday greetings on the correct date, and show up at baby and bridal showers on time. That is unless my computer and 3G network fail me.

One thing I need no help remembering is nearly every detail of my childhood. Those recollections are etched in my memory and as clearly as if they occurred yesterday! For those of you who are on this baby boomer journey with me, let’s take a trip down memory lane…who remembers these bits of 50’s and 60’s pop culture and history?

• Ed Sullivan Show (name your three favorite guests)
• Skate keys (on a shoe string around your neck, to tighten your skates to your saddle shoes)
• Hula Hoops (one of my 15 seconds of fame was introducing the first hula hoop to rural South Dakota kids when I was 8 years old – I was one cool Southern California kid)
• American Bandstand
• Engineer Bill and Sheriff John (this may be exclusive to my fellow LA area boomers)
• Oscar Meyer wiener whistles and the Wienermobile (how many of you can hum the wiener whistle tune?)
• Petticoats with layers and layers of crinkly crinoline, worn under your school dresses (no pants allowed for girls)
• Lunch pails (“whose” metal pail did you carry?)
• Toni permanents (I was cursed with naturally curly hair -  and longed for stick straight tresses, so I was always perplexed by girls who wanted permanents)
• Black and white televisions – and your very first color TV
• The few shows that were broadcast in color
• Father Knows Best
• Captain Kangaroo
• Sky King (and Penny)
• The arrival of the Beatles in the United States
• The Cuban missile crisis
• Duck and cover drills - apparently in the 50’s you were safe from the effects of a nuclear blast by simply covering your head and cowering under your desk. Seriously, this was the biggest fear of my childhood. I always wished that we had a bomb shelter.
• Where you were when you heard that President Kennedy was assassinated
• The Civil Rights March on Washington
• Nightly news reports on the casualties of the Vietnam war
• Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon

So many reminiscences…so little time. Suffice it to say that my long term memory is extraordinary – those slacker short term memory brain cells could take a lesson from their long term counterparts. Ask me about the 50’s and 60’s and I will sing theme songs, pinpoint my exact location when witnessing history, and recall days and dates with impressive accuracy. Ask me to find the everyday tablecloth that I tucked away last month for safe-keeping over the holidays, and all bets are off.

I have to admit that I really, really cherish my childhood memories – along with the recollections of young love, first kisses, our first home and new babies (yes, even those sleepless nights rocking and walking them for comfort). Super adulthood brings with it a memory cache chock-full of recollections of history and trivia – all of which have played their part in shaping our lives. As I approach 60, I am thankful for all of these memories, and want to thank everyone in advance for indulging me in sharing them. Give me long term memory over short term any day. If I ask you a question that you recently answered, be kind. Skip the "Don't you remember...?" lead in. Simply tell me again. And if I wax nostalgic with the same story more than once - please listen, nod and chuckle at the content as if you are hearing it for the first time. I must have forgotten that I shared it with you just LAST WEEK!