my cross-indexed brain

My brain is a big fan of cross indexing, but it only seems to do it as the mood suits it. I have yet to be able to master control of the skill, and instead am often struck by memories that I am reminded of when I see or hear the right trigger.

One of the triggers is cars. Yes, that’s right, cars. Which happen to be a reference to people. When I see a Ford Aerostar, I think of my mom. When I see a Prius, I think of my college BFF, and occasionally the wife of an old work colleague. When I see a Ford Probe, I think of a guy I went on one date with even though he still lived with his parents. (He bought me a sandwich, and, over lunch, he said: “I enjoy working with kids.” For real? If you think I can’t see right through where you think that one is gonna get ya, you got another think coming. It was the fulfillment of a third-grade crush, what can I say …)

When I see a Toyota Matrix, I wonder if Michelle ever bought one. And when I see a Mazda RX8, I wonder the same thing about Kevin. Ditto for the FJ Cruiser and John.

White Accords pull double duty with two old work colleagues, as do black Accords. The new-style Honda CRV reminds me of a neighbor, as does the old-style CRV. Additionally, the old-style CRV reminds me of a past life, the first brand new car I ever bought. The old, old-style CRV brings up memories of yet another old work colleague.

Whenever I see an Xterra, I wonder how Angie and her twins are doing – even though I’m pretty sure she traded that car in years ago.

Mazda Tributes, Infiniti FXs, and the sporty little Infinitis all pull up hits for people I used to work with. Honda Odysseys are soon to be tied with Accords, with one neighbor, one past boss, and one past coworker all coming to mind.

This is only the surface of my linkages of people and cars. I have to say, it does make my commute a little more interesting, as the thoughts of everyone I ever knew go flitting across my mind, jumbled in with trying to make my mental shopping list (that NEVER works, I always forget something), contemplating the Heroes story lines, and trying not to rear-end the guy that just cut in front of me. Maybe someday I’ll hone my skill, but for now, I’ll just enjoy the ride.