When I need to remember something and don't have the opportunity to fully write it down, I often just mark an X on my hand. Seeing the X triggers my memory, and while it isn't a great method for schedule keeping, it typically works pretty well for me.
Yet yesterday I starred and starred at the big, black X on the back of my left hand, and could not for the life of me remember what the heck it meant. But it must have been important, because it was a much larger mark than I usually make.
"Is there something you are suppose to remember to do?" our son asked, in a very helpful tone.
"I'm certain there is. But I have absolutely no idea what it could be."
For the rest of the day I racked my brain - was it something I was suppose to remember to do that day ... or the next?
This morning , he again asked if I remembered what it was for. And still, I did not.
"Well," he offered. "Do you remember the other night, when you and I were watching the movie, and you fell asleep?"
"Yeah ... what does that have to do with needing to remember something?"
"Nothing. But that's when I put the X on you hand."
And the he laughed, and he laughed ...
And I laughed, too. I laughed at how impressive it was he spent an entire day subtly screwing with my head, as well as for twisted ways I'm going to have fun paying him back.