As I get older, my brain is turning in mashed potatoes. Over the years, there have been so many thoughts and ideas going in and so many thoughts and ideas going out … I guess it’s like the elastic on a sock that’s been worn too many times: stretched out and less effective.
Recently (partly because it makes people smile and partly to assist my mashed potato brain), I’ve started reintroducing myself to everyone I see. “Hi, Jamie Weaver, nice to meet you.” [Homage to “Ten Second Tom” in the movie 50 First Dates.]
From those who’ve known me forever, I typically get a chuckle because they need no introduction. From those I’m meeting for the first time, it is an excellent opportunity for them to non-awkwardly introduce themselves to me. And somewhere in-between, I guess it is a slight combination of both.
On a few occasions at my final TMEA Convention in San Antonio, I gave my typical reintroduction of myself to someone I knew and (as a comical gesture in return) they reintroduced themselves back to me. Thank goodness they did!!
I know I was supposed to know their name (I absolutely recognized their face), but for the life of me the swirling mashed potatoes in my skull sometimes just couldn’t access the information fast enough.
Once they jokingly reintroduced themselves back to me, I was able to piece everything together and avoid a potentially embarrassing situation that (sadly) would imply they weren’t important enough for me to remember their name - which was never the case. Everyone I know is important to me, but sometimes my mashed potato brain plans its own acts of defiance in regard to quick recall.
Regardless, I still enjoy the disarming chuckle the redundant introduction tends to solicit from others so I will continue. Doing so seems to relax the other person and the humor behind seems welcoming to others. I like that. I want people to feel relaxed and welcomed in my presence.
Sure beats feeling tense and uneasy.