Lost Idea; Last Seen on Interstate 465

Ever had an idea so illuminating you wanted to pull your car over to write it down? Ever ignored that urge?

2:30 p.m. February 2012

I was half-way into my sixty-minute commute from the university where I served as a marketing professor. At the time, I was also writing my first novel. I was blasting the radio when – boom! The perfect resolution to one of my character's conflicts came flooding into my mind. I knew it was good. I should pull over; write it down.

Nah, I told myself, just get home where you can open your laptop and give the idea the focus it deserves. Here is how the rest of that evening played out…

3 p.m.

I arrived home, neurons firing in anticipation of writing the scene of all scenes. My heart pounded as I mentally planned the next hour I had to myself in the house before the chaos of my after-job-career began. I dropped my bag on the office floor and descended the stairs to the basement where the dogs were yapping crazily. The high-pitched scream of the smaller dog was painful. I opened crates and the little monsters darted up the stairs to the door where I let them out. After they performed, I rewarded them with hugs and chewy treats.

Silenced now, the dogs took their usual spot on the Persian carpet that served as a resting place for my desk. I opened my laptop and pressed the power button. I had at least a minute before it would come to life, so I passed through the office and made my way to the bedroom for a quick change of clothes. If I was going to write a masterpiece, I needed to be cozy. The dogs tagged at my heels, tails wagging – the little one stealing tiny kisses on my ankles.

The phone rang. I ignored it while I dumped my work clothes in the laundry basket, which I noticed was full. This bothered me. I carried the basket to the laundry room, passing through the office once more. I noticed the computer was at full attention now, ready for my fingers to tap out the brilliant scene. I started a load and, as I passed by the half bath, realized I needed to use the facilities. First things first.

The dogs were barking again. What now? 

The UPS man was at the door, package in hand. I signed, thanked him kindly, and set the package on top of my desk. I sat down to write but the package was in my peripheral vision, stealing my attention. Curious, I opened the package and unwrapped two books I had recently purchased. Amazon. I gave the books a quick once-over and set them on the bookshelf beside my desk – third row down, where the books I was determined to read next stood in line expectantly (in many cases, in vain).

The dull hum of the refrigerator a few feet away reminded me I was thirsty. I snapped open a can of Diet Mountain Dew and reveled in the sensation of the fizzy caffeine coursing through my veins. While in front the fridge, I noticed the meat I had moved from the freezer the previous night had not completely thawed, so I removed it and set it on the counter. It should be ready in an hour, I figured.

Crap. The microwave clock read 3:55 p.m. How is that possible? I'd have to thaw the meat with a little extra help. Just as I placed the meat in the microwave and pushed the start button, the damn dogs were yapping again. I heard the "beep-beep" sound of the bus backing up and, within seconds, the kids were barreling through the door.

"I'm hungry, Mom."

"I need you to sign my test, Mom."

"Can you help me with homework, Mom?"

I looked at the office where my laptop had now gone to sleep, the screensaver rolling some beauty shots of the campus where I worked. My head was pounding. The next hour was a whirlwind of kids and dogs and homework and cooking.

5:15 p.m.

My husband now home from work, we sat down to eat as a family. It was a quick dinner. I rushed to put on some workout clothes so I could get in some Yoga while my daughter practiced cheerleading for the next three hours. We were at the gym by 6 p.m. I crossed the street to LA Fitness where I stretched and sweated for the next hour. My headache was gone and I felt rejuvenated. I had nearly two hours left at my daughter's gym where I planned to transfer my brilliant idea to virtual paper.

I joined several parents in the viewing room and made polite conversation while we watched the practice for a while, assessing whether the team would be ready for their first competition next month. My small daughter, a “flyer,” was learning a new trick. (Flying – That’s what they called being thrown into the air and then, please God, caught by the ones who threw you). I was nervous so I watched for a bit to be sure I trusted her bases. They appeared to be a strong stunt team so I relaxed a little. Just a little.

I had one hour.

"Who needs to order shoes?" The question came from the team mom who said she could get us a discount if we ordered in bulk. I searched my purse for the checkbook and took care of placing the order. That reminded me to check my daughter's folder...there was a sleepover planned for the following Friday. Twenty dollars. We needed to order make-up and bows. Fifty dollars…

9 p.m.

I emptied the last of the folder contents and realized it was time to leave. My laptop wasn’t even in sleep mode now. I had forgotten to plug it in and the battery was completely dead. I packed it up and collected my tiny child. We were home by 9:15 p.m. I peeled off my sweat-soaked clothes and took a quick shower. Dried my hair. Corrected my son's homework. Stifled a yawn.

The clock blinked 10:30 p.m. and all I wanted to do was sleep…but I turned on my computer. Checked my e-mail. Responded to the most time-sensitive inquiries. I finally opened the folder containing my most prized possession – my novel. I scrolled to the scene I needed to complete. Fingers poised above the keypad, I realized in horror that my mind was blank – utterly blank. What was that great idea I had? Shaking my head, I closed my laptop and packed it for tomorrow. I could not for the life of me remember what had inspired me so vividly just hours ago. 

***

8 a.m. September 2017

I’m driving to work this morning – still an hour commute but now a Fintech company instead of a university. Something on the radio triggers an idea for an awesome thought leadership article. I tell myself to get to my office where I can open my laptop and give the idea the attention it deserves. I sit at my laptop and, fingers poised above the keypad, I realize in horror that my mind is blank.

Ever had an idea so illuminating you wanted to pull your car over to write it down? Pull the car over, friend. Pull over and write.

- Dr. D.