25 Comments

That impulse when we misplace something to think it’s evidence of incipient dementia is only natural, given the level of ageism in our culture - and it’s gonna make some pharma execs a boatload of money. We need an anti-ageist mantra for the next time we lose our keys. Or our car.

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An astute observation, my friend. But that first impulse is strong.

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This gave me a serious boost in my anxiety level. It's a whole new frontier....taking on someone else's nightmares.

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Susie, please accept my apologies for adding more anxieties than you need.

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Apologies accepted.

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I lost my car in a parking garage in DC. It took a ride in a police car to find it. In a different garage! I’ve never felt more stupid in my life!!

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Susan, I know the feeling!

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I'll never forget wandering the parking decks at BWI, desperate to find my car and having no clue why it wasn't exactly where I'd left it. I'm sure I spent half an hour, panic rising, until somehow, I finally stumbled on it. A gremlin had moved it, I'm certain.

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Those darned gremlins!

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I’ve “misplaced” my car on three occasions since my early 30s. It happens! Nice piece.

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Thanks, Arnie!

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May 5Liked by Don Akchin

Parking garages now paint each floor a different color, and state the floor number in large print, but the best way is to write on the card you receive at the entrace the floor and aisle number. I've never had my car stolen, but I have had to hunt for it a few times. In our modern cars, you could push the unlock button on the key fob to hear the beep and see the flashing headlights. If only I could think of all these logical ideas when I am tired and dragging a bag and just want to get home.

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Having these ideas kick into action at once is the only thing that makes me excited about AI.

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Thanks for the map app tip. I lost my car in the parking lot of the airport once. Ever since I am very mindful where I park. Now I can use the map app!

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author

Happy to provide a tangible benefit!

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founding

Surprisingly, I have been spared the lost car dream (my recurring dream is not having finished a project assigned to me by your wife--and I choose not to analyze it). But I did recently "lose" my car twice in parking garages at the same hospital. So thanks for the map feature tip--I will definitely start using it!

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Let me know if it really works!

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What a great story! I also learned the hard way that I can take a picture of the car in it's spot - but I have to be in the right parking lot - it's true.

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Thanks, Janice. I never thought of that.

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I take a photo of the parking lot number like C4 so I can at least ask directions.

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Another good idea. Thanks, Robyn!

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May 4Liked by Don Akchin

As always, a great read! I actually experienced a car theft when Mary and I were staying at a Holiday Inn in Shreveport several years ago. We were there to visit both of my parents, who were in a nursing home near the hotel. When I got up the next morning to get the car and drive it around the front of the hotel all that was in the parking space was broken glass. I had left my cell phone in the car (never again since then) and the police were able to trace the car's location, but not until after it had been totaled and abandoned on the I-20 freeway. We still saw my parents, returning to our home in Arkansas in an Enterprise rental car! We have been much, much more selective as to where to stay in recent years - not just what hotel is located nearby!

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What a nightmare that must have been! I once thought my car had been stolen but discovered it had been towed for illegal parking.

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May 4Liked by Don Akchin

That must've been a very scary moment or two. And good bottom-line reminder that our cellphones have so much technology we're not aware of or familiar with. It serves us well to know what's possible & how to access a solution. It's my impression that if our phone or computer can't help us, it's often because we just haven't learned the right settings...yet. Let's get more tech-savvy to live more safely and smartly. Sweet dreams, Don!

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Wendl, good point! But it's really hard to keep up!

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