images2 My memory has definitely been showing some holes in the past few years, where I’ve been forgetting names of long-ago people whom I swore I’d never forget; where I forget where I leave stuff, or that I’ve bought something and then where I put the thing that I bought (this is especially frustrating around Christmas when I hide things so well I even hide them from myself).

Then some people began raving about this new tool called Evernote. Their motto is “Remember Everything,” which sounded promising. Supposedly it is a great tool for writers who need to organize quotes, research, freewrites, etc.

I downloaded it but then it just sat in my computer, unused, for a long time. I didn’t really “get” what I could use it for. Then somebody gave me a very brief tutorial and the light bulb went on. Ohhhh. It’s so, so cool. Then I saw a few YouTube videos made by people who described how THEY used Evernote, especially with their iPhones. DOUBLE COOL.

One thing you can do that is super useful, is to take notes when out and about. Especially driving. I often think of things when I am driving and listening to the radio. But I can’t stop, or type anything or even scribble. But I can record an audio-note on my phone.

This shows how holey my memory is. A few days ago I was driving around and I heard a bunch of things on the radio. I made several audio-notes and saved them to Evernote. Then I got sick for a few days.

Yesterday, when I felt somewhat well, I went to Evernote on my computer (OH YEAH: the program automatically, instantly syncs through the air between your computer and phone!) and saw a bunch of saved, untitled audio notes. I had no idea, I mean NO IDEA what they were. I hit “play” and one of them was a note to myself about this service that does recycling of electronic waste like cell phones, computers, monitors, etc. (we happen to have a few dead electronics around the house)  In my own voice. And I had absolutely no recollection of making this note until I listened to it. It was eerie. But very helpful.

Turns out that there is this man, a Catholic bishop, who has this terrible Memento-type amnesia, and HE is using Evernote to survive. I am nowhere near in as dire a situation as he is, but I feel myself tilting in that direction. And I do need all the help I can get.