It was time to use the computer to get those flashes of facts under control. I created a table in MS Word. For example, a 45-year old would make the table 2 cells across and 45 rows down. In the first column would be the year. The vertical line can be moved over leaving the second part of the table for organized memories.
| 1958 | |
| 1959 | |
| 1960 |
I started with ages on the birthdays of each year.
| 1958 | I was born 7/4, Mother 30, Dad 34 |
| 1959 | I was 1, Mother 31, Dad 35 |
| 1960 | I was 2, Mother 32, Dad 36 |
When the children were born I added them.
| 1978 | I was 20 Mother 50, Dad 54, Susan Marie born 9/4 |
| 1979 | I was 21, Mother 51, Dad 55, Susan 1 |
| 1980 | I was 22, Mother 52, Dad 56, Susan 2 |
I also added grade, school and teacher when appropriate.
| 1968 | I was 10 in 5th grade at Lincoln Elementary, Mrs. Crane, Mother 40, Dad 44 |
| 1969 | I was 11 in 6th grade at Lincoln School, Mr. Brown, Mother 41, Dad 45 |
| 1970 | I was 12 in 7th grade at Truax School, Mother 42, Dad 46 |
| 1988 | I was 30, Mother 60, Dad 64, Susan 10, 5th grade at Parson’s school, Mrs. White, Eddie 7, 3rd grade Parson’s School |
| 1989 | I was 31, Mother 61, Dad 65 |
| 1980 | I was 32, Mother 62, Dad 66 |
As you can see, the cell expands to accommodate the facts. You might have to look up the year you changed schools, or the name of one of your teachers. You might even have to make a few calls, but you only have to do it once if you file the information in your table.
* Next: Adding Random facts.
