@unstuffed, I think you’re right when you said “it's a matter of being too much 'inside my head', rather than focusing on the question I'm asking…”.

It’s as if I’m not really interested in their answer as I’m too much caught up in the conversation! But as you said too, I think it’s a good thing as we’re really listening to the actual conversation! That’s my excuse anyway!!

>> The more senses you use, the better chance it has of being embedded in your memory.

That’s a good tip I will try that next time!

@cornell, just read your very interesting “Applying GTD to aging gracefully - Improved memory!” article. Haven’t checked all the links in it, but I will do! Makes an interesting read. Especially intrigued by the “tip-of-the-tongue” memory loss!

>> Could this be a symptom of your mind's still overloaded by trying to track stuff?

Most of the time when this happens, I’m not so much in tracking stuff mode, I’m more in the conversation mode instead! I think I’m not even giving their answer the chance to get into my memory as I’m (wrongly) dismissing it as trivial or unimportant – as if I don’t even have to remember it anyway – they’ll tell me if I make the wrong drink anyway!!

>> So if the chatting is getting in the way, would it make sense to cut back on it until you've done your task?

I should! But sometimes I think they like the chat more than the tea/coffee!

>> Sometimes I experience the same thing - I'll get to another room and wonder "what was I going to do in here!?"

I know that feeling exactly!

>> Also, are you healthy, and getting enough exercise and sleep. The latter can really slow the brain down if missed too much...

No major change in fitness over last year or two, so I don’t think it’s related. But about 5 years ago I was the fittest I have ever been, a lot fitter than now. I was cross country running, cycling, very healthy low-fat eating, lots of cardiovascular exercise. That was when I was single, now with my partner, children and other commitments it’s not so easy to live the lean, mean, running/cycling machine lifestyle I use to live…

But it is on the Someday/Maybe list to get back into all the fitness thing – and you’re right it makes a HUGE difference to mental agility and overall feeling of well being. I find DA’s analogy’s between GTD and martial arts particularly interesting. Right now I feel a little sluggish, carrying a bit too much weight!

One active project is to finish repairing my bike and get back out on it to start the whole fitness thing going again – and I think you’ve just inspired me to focus on it this next week or so! At the same time get the whole fitness thing off the Someday/Maybe list and back on the runway where it should be! It’s possibly the single most important project I could ever have!

Fortunately not on any medication, so no change there.

> Hmmm. Wait-people do this ALL THE TIME!…

My little black “note-taker style” pad would fit the bill perfectly, shall try it next time – but if they see me using this they’ll want me in waiter uniform next!

> Hope that helps.

It certainly does – it’s inspired me to get going again on the fitness project!

@TesTeq, “Don't ask - just offer green tea to everybody…”
I like that… “You can have any drink as long as it’s tea... And green!”

@Stacey, LOL! I wish we did have diet-coke - but my partner's banned it from the house - she says carbonated drinks are bad for me! Oh well...

Thanks again to all, very much appreciated,

Best regards,

Andy.