Telephone
After my stroke, I was having trouble remembering ten-digit phone numbers in my head, in the correct order. I came up with a solution: interrupting sweetly.
Mr. Normal is on the phone. He says, “….my number is 1234567890.”
I cut in before he can finish. Friendly, I deliberately start the number over.
“123,” I say.
Mr. Normal, “….456… pause…”
“456,” I repeat, pleasantly.
Mr. Normal: “….7890.”
Parrot: “7890.”
“That’s right,” says Mr. Normal genially.
Works like a charm. Any other tricks?