Of Maximizing Capacity

Gosh! Another year ending... it's a cliche, but yes - time flies! Haven't had the opportunity to write for almost three months now, and a lot has happened.. Wonder if I can recap. Nonetheless, let's try...


I'll just go through the highlights, though:


1. Clarins Matte Challenge


Ennie registered ourselves for an online contest.. and out of approximately few hundred teams (of around 2000 applicants), our team managed to get the top eight spot. Out of luck. Our team was actually placed ninth, but one team dropped out and we were slotted in.


So, the deal was the final round was to be a physical challenge. The five of us (three are Ennie's colleagues) were asked to show at Camp 5, OU. Wild guess? No need. It was rock climbing. Woohoo.


And of anticipation? The top four teams would individually receive an Acer laptop, Samsung handphone and Clarins product. Not so tough, we thought. Had our hopes high, of course!


Yeah, it was super cool. First time roughing the six metre wall was surprisingly scary! We first practiced how to spot and fall, then when Ijay went all the way up, we naturally wanted to follow. But when I got in the middle, it was like, shit, it's to high to fall down but I'm not sure whether I can go all the way up now!! What do I do? Panic! Panic! Panic!


Thus, opting not to risk a fall from such a high spot.. the only way out was UP. So, up I went, with Ennie and Kah Peng... and the exhilaration from achieving that? Priceless.


Now back to the challenge. Our team had to complete bouldering, monkey bar rope and the six metre wall within a limited time frame. At the same time, we had to carry along three items consisting of a handphone and some Clarins product. So, this is where all the fun was. We were all gushing and pushing and shouting to each other and just went headfirst for everything! Unfortunately, we dropped one item and our time was cut down one minute. Ennie and Kah Peng, unfortunately, didn't get to finish the relay.


Torn between going on the second round to attending my Kualiti Alam presentation, I wasn't quite sure what I was hoping for! I took half day leave to attend this event, and my half day was almost up. So, a part of me was almost praying that we didn't get the top four placing, but the other half was crying out for that free laptop!


In the end? We got fifth place. No laptops or handphones. We were disappointed, of course. Majorly because three out of the four top teams consisted of all male teams. And, because we knew we were quite good compared to the rest.


Overall? I was super contented! Not only I got a 'Check' under my 'To Do' list, I gained a lot of self confidence from the activity. My Kualiti Alam presentation (not to toot my own horn) was a bomb! (toot). Plus, there were a lot of eye-candies at Camp 5.. hehehe.. that made my day. Owh, plus, I was kind of tipsy that day because I couldn't sleep the night before. That made it more meaningful cause I achieved good things on that particular day!


2. UQ Scholarship Application


Boss cut out the article for me. UQ is in Australia and they were offering 100% tuition fees scholarship. I was running up and down to IDP for this one. Gathered referee letters and such and wrote some lame (but hoping not!) self-statement. Praying hard I'll get this one.


3. IELTS Exams


Part of the package for applications abroad. Was burnt out from too much travel and too much on my mind. Added with splashes of dysmenorrhea. Had horrible eyebags, body aches from tennis the night before and DID NOT study! Then, for my writing assignment? I definitely wrote outside the topic.


Praying hard (still) that I'll get at least 7.0!


4. MACP


Okay, contacted MACP, turns out that they still keep a portion for uncollected claims. Pheww.


Trick - had to get authorization letter from publisher. Translation? Boon Tan. Big sigh.


Shoot, I think I gotta leave now.. Sambung laters!





Hahaha.. so much about continuing later..! That was last year.. on 14 December, to be exact. Today's already 7 Jan.. but still holding much to the tag that time flies rapidly. It's a Monday - the first day without Jenny around and (surprisingly?) I'm in the office alone. Everyone's sort of dissolved and left me to meddle with my own thoughts...



Well, more to add to the titles below (and updates for the above).


5. KIOKU Family Day

Sunday, 2 December 2007, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa



Thank you to (in no particular order): Mr. Chris, Ms. Mala, Aunt Shan, Renny, Ennie, June (and her two cousins and friends), Jana, Saiful, Nayna, Diyana & Aina, Akmar, Mazlina & Mazlita, Didi, Kak Nora & sister, En. Arif, Kak Lin & girls, Dato' Ikhwan (for agreeing to sponsor two days before the event!).



KIOKU stands for Pusat Interaksi Latihan Orang Kurang Upaya (http://www.kioku-malaysia.com/). We first came in contact from helping Kak Ras during a paintball event with the disabled. Then, Mr. Chris Dass, the chairman, called us to help out for their International Disabled Day which will be centered on the Family Day too.

The task?

Help promote the event by selling out coupons to public - their interest is to get the public to mingle with the disabled.

Also, to get sponsorship. And, help run the show- wherever is required.

The reward?

Priceless.

Achieving my goal to do charity work - done! Those were few hectic weeks- finding enough manpower to volunteer was challenging (well done, anti-social!). But Alhamdulilah, on the eleventh hour, friends came up and helped out and these are some of the kindest people I know.

6. Travelling around the country for work

Let me see.. Various locations.. I think the buzz started with the trip down south to Melaka and Skudai. In November, we practically went to different states each week! Langkawi, Kuantan, Terengganu, KK then back to Johor.



KK was interesting. First, it was a first for Eve travelling to the state of Sabah. Quoting her to summarise the trip - "Feels like Amazing Race..."



It began even in KL, after breakfast we took our time walking to the departure hall. I sensed that something was not right when I didn't see any one at the hall. So, I ran to the check in counter - "Sorry, your flight has left. Where did you all go? I paged you three times to board!" was the reply we got to confirm our grief stricken faces.



Shit, shit and shit. So what do we do? What? How? How? This was on company's expense and I had wanted to have breakfast first, and I had wanted to have a smoke first. Big shit. Imagine the things running through my head.



Please, please, how do we get there in time?! *walkie-talkie buzzing*



Okay, Capt said okay..! Go, go, go! *grumble and hissing and grumble and sighs of relief*



So the gate opens, and out we ran. Kent was the only one keeping a cool head at this time. Either he hasn't sunk it in or he was really playing it cool.



Both Eve's and my heart were palpitating like it was going to pop out anytime. It was a mixture of panic which hasn't ended with the biggest relieve ever added with a punch having to speed on the runway - on the designated tracks, not forgetting getting hisses from the airport crew. Big whew, big THANK GOD and off we went. Love, love, love the feeling of floating of the runway.



Ok, we got to KK in one piece. All of us.



So, usual stuff.. Check in first- we had some leeway for us to relax first (after such an exciting morning). Contact car rental, prepare stuff, makan, did presentation, etc.



Our rented car - a piece of scrap metal running on wheels which had hot air for air-conditioning and sounded as if the engine was going to drop everytime it was switched on. Regardless, it was this "thing" on wheels that got us around, and allowed me to speed like hell the next day. Another race to the airport.



Yup, it felt like a video game, running on emergency lanes, whizzing in and out of traffic the next evening after we had done a trial unit installation. The installation was successful - with Kent's personal best of 20 mins - but our efforts to catch our flight in time was vain. We missed it - got scolding (again) from check in personnel - but (another) big THANK GOD for credit card and cancelled booking tickets.



Swiping about RM1000+, we managed to haul our asses out of Sabah that night on the last flight back to KL. Dear God, only You would know how thankful I was that night!



Now, continuing updates from tags above:

UQ Scholarship - I didn't get it. But I'm supposed to know by today whether my application to UQ is accepted.



IELTS - Alhamdulilah! Surpassed my expectations.. Got 8.0!



MACP - Got the letter from Boon Tan. Contacted MACP. Received new registration forms and docs. Pending to send back.



And, continuing more...



7. Sampras vs Federer

22 November 2007, Stadium Malawati Shah Alam, 8.30 pm



Me and Ennie each spent RM 83 to go catch these two heroes. Feeling during the event - hungry and tired. Even before Ennie picked me up from home I was purging. Don't know why. I had lunch - just bread but usually it was enough. So, I smoked to surpress the hunger. Didn't work - didn't even finish a stick.



So, yeah.. the event itself.. Federer won by small margin 7-6, 7-6 (i think.. can't recall hehehe). He was the one with more supporters but Sampras, eventually won the audience hearts simply by being funny and entertaining. When it first started, it just hit me and Ennie that this match could be a rehearsed one- since it IS for entertainment purposes. Luckily we didn't get the more expensive tickets! Ha!



We also thought that the ambience would not be the same if it were a real match. There was no real tension, no real excitement. But just to be there, live, and seeing with our own eyes two legends that would not possibly be in the same court at any near point for a REAL match.



All the while, I was holding my breath - not out of suspense of where the ball would go next - but of withstanding smells received around me. You got it - I was nauseous all the time and my tummy was doing its own jig along side Federer-Sampras. Oh, I was rooting for the elder, mind you and Ennie the opponent. When we exited the stadium and walking on the grass, Ennie checked on me, and I said I couldn't stand the smell of the grass.



I was not joking. I barfed on the spot. Yes, with people walking out all around me. One even went, "Yuck!" Hahaha. They must have thought that I was drunk when in reality I've never taken a single sip! Ennie was panicking, rubbing my back to get it all out.



Oooohhh.. but the relieve after the magnificent barf! Gosh! Unbelievable! I felt a bit light-headed but up to the spirit for more snappies with Ennie around Federer-Sampras posters! And, I guess it was the momentum I was in that time (KIOKU, work,etc) I didn't fall sick at all and proceeded with work seperti biasa the next day ;)

The date today? February 8th - second day of Chinese New Year.. Didn't expect this entry would take so long! It's like writing a short story? Or a novel?

Well, things have certainly looked different the past month. I've been on a personal high to almost a lowest low. The past week especially... I even took half day off earlier this week. Remember the stomach cramp I got during a bio paper when I was a student before? It came back. Unidentified source. But I got diarrheoa to compliment the doctor's stupid testimony. He didn't even check me properly.

So yeah, the diagnosis was I was down with "colic pain" or mengulas he said in BM. Damn ass stupid doctor. It's memulas, I told him. But nooooooooooo... my BM was not as good as his and it isn't even his native language. It's the worse WHATEVER case to dismiss, but then again his the STUPID DOCTOR. And who am I?

Which brings us back to the ultimate quarter-life-crisis question. Who am I?

This week, was also disastrous PMS week. Deserted my supplements. Curled up in bed wishing that I was numb (which I am today, now, having my limbs inactive for ONE WEEK!) and my brain too. Speech slurred, thoughts unorganized, bedroom a total mess (and not caring much about it) AND rejection. Rejection of the closest people to me.

Yes, I am admitting this openly. I was trying avoid Renny and Mama this past week.

I felt so depressed with everything. Like I'm in a bubble and I just wanted everyone to leave me be. Don't talk to me, don't even ask how I am, and if you do I'll shoot you daggers.

It's not just at home. It was at the office. It was with friends, if I still have any left. It was everywhere.

I was just watching TV, and reading fiction just to escape into another world.

The real world I was living in, I MYSELF made a living hell off. All by myself.

If only I'd applied the same determination for good cause.

I'd speak to God, but with half heartedness. I've left all my Arabic lessons the past week. My handbag's a waste paper basket. Got my ledgers tucked with spiderwebs in one corner of this unhealthy mind. The body's following suit. Dry skin, chapped lips, losing hair like crazy, dreary eyes, sore joints, shoulder and back aches.

I sound like a 60-year old.

And the below updates? Just not for me today.

But you know what? I went out with a couple of friends yesterday (bless their hearts for still sticking around with me) and it kinda cheered me up. Maybe it was too much steam I was trying handle all by myself.

Even had dinner with Nishnosh and Tisya and had a great time. It was all not so difficult at all. I was just being difficult to myself. Am I natural attention seeker and too egoistic to admit it? That I am nothing special really, and too egoistic to admit it? Too egoistic? Righteous prick rings a bell.

Regardless, today I feel much better - although I woke up at 11.30 in the morn! I watched TV with Mama and was picking up calls from Renny. I feel better. Alhamdulilah I feel better!

Not as hyped up as I want to be, room's still a mess, handbag's still thrashy but hey, I'm here.. blogging and blowing off a little more steam, making a little more room in my head and spring cleaning everything back to where it's supposed to be.

I need to get up, UP! Got a presentation at Johor Port next week and I need to be in top form. If not for anyone, then just for myself. So that I'd be making everyone else happy. OK?

Just make yourself happy, then you can give out happiness. Don't expect anyone to give it to you. OK?

Don't expect anyone to give anything to you.

By the way, I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's yesterday. Golly, oh golly, am I Holly Golightly!

So, yes, Go Lightly. And SMILE.

P/S: See how my thoughts aren't organized? Slowly but surely, I'll get my top form back! Soon! xoxo

8. Weddings

23 December 2007 - Ennie & Ally

25 December 2007 - Anas & Aini



9. Jenny's Departure



10. Pretty Parties



11. Baby Medina

Of Birthdays

Another day to thank Allah for the blessings that He's given. And, it's my birthday!

Nadia T wished me happy 5th anniversary of my 21st birthday and I told her it was the most accurate wish so far! Made me smile. And Papa, quoted one of my most favorite quotes (I found it last few years) "Happiness is wanting what you have". I even edited this quote to another favorite - a picture of an old couple, sitting on a bench watching people go by on a street and they had their arms around each other. How lucky to be growing old together and still be in love!

It's been a great day so far, well wishes from friends and family... I didn't think so many people remembered it! Even at work, Thana has been motioning it since last week.. It's an ordinary day - I'm at work, it's lunch hour - but it's fasting month. The month to accumulate extra points! (and to bear in mind - easy come, easy go) And in 3 weeks' time - it'll be Raya again. Without Faheem this time around. Our first family member absent. Hope he'll be doing fine come the day.

Oh, I was so bored the other day - I googled myself. And guess what I found:

http://www.fazrestaurants.com/

Beautiful restaurants located in San Francisco by Faz Poursohi. Cool kan? They even have specialty promegranate product line and candied pomelos! Love, love, love! One day I'm gonna have to go there.

Ooh, and I have to post one reminder - the thing that I've always longed to do on my birthday, is to plant a tree. Thought it was gonna be last year (25 on 25) but didn't happen. Wonder if it'll be executed this year? I think I wanna it to be a pokok kenanga, or bunga tanjung. Or perhaps a fruit tree? Something exotic like... uhmm.. got it - the fruit my mom always told about when I was schooling in Muar. Some sort of buttery tasting fruit but with horrendous fur that makes you itch like crazy. Hmm.. I'll ask her later today. Oh, we're going for dinner and tell about it more soon! Laters! (gotta search for a tree now)

Of The Beginning of Fasting

Nope, I am not using the name of the person who's named after the fasting month. Case closed.

Anyways, yesterday was my first day of fasting - exactly one week delayed from the rest of my fellow Muslims. Not on purpose, simply biological. And this year, I feel good and actually anticipating to perform fasting. My aim is for cleansing! Cleansing of mind, heart and of course the digestive system.

To begin my day yesterday, got a text early in the morning from Ms. Oon, my piano teacher. And, guess what? I passed my Grade 6 at 117! Alhamdulilah! Well, it was just a pass, but that was all I aimed for. Close to merit, though - only 3 points away. And distinction is at 130. Regardless, after reading the text I was smiling like a clam - ALL the way to work.

And tonight, will be breaking fast with Ajeep and Am at Bora Ombak. Tried scouting other places for makan, cause I'm not fancying buffets this year, and found few interesting places that should be checked out in future:

1. Izzi KL - in Jln Sultan Ismail near Bukit Bintang
http://www.izzikl.com/press_det.php?id=2

2. Ciccio Pasticcio Bar & Pizzeria - Changkat Bukit Bintang
http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/venues/ciccio-pasticcio-bar-changkat-bukit-bintang-kl

3. Bistro de Paris - Jln P. Ramlee

4. Little Bali - Desa Hartamas

Oooh.. and this year, our company buka puasa will be in Shang! Hehe.. nice change from Nikko or Prince. Looking forward to it, definitely.

Laters!

Of Predicament and Problem

Quoting my father;

"Difference between a predicament and a problem is that problems have solutions."

Unlike problems, predicaments are difficulties that you have to live with. But it does not mean that life has to be difficult, you just need a way around to live with the predicament. And Papa gave a striking example of his illness - which is a predicament to him (probable to the rest of us) but he has found a balance in which his life can be good.

Specifically, I thought that it was to spark me to classify my own difficulties to - Problems or Predicament. If it is the prior - find a solution. Life is that simple! Yes, when my idealistic self speaks, nothing is impossible! But of having stamina AND consistency (actually, they're both about the same) is another thing. Like the past month, has been invigorating. Everyday was in 5th gear. And I need to find out, HOW to keep it this way.

And, I also aim to be MORE SELFLESS, and think of others more often!

xoxo

Of Pure Kindness

Last few days, as I was driving back from work and grumbling in the crazy KL traffic, I saw a kindness that made me go "Awwwwwww...!" Aloud. Alone. In my car.

Well, it was in front of PWTC where the stupid traffic always gets bottle-necked because people are switching lanes to go to Mahameru and some to Jalan Kuching, etc. There was this policeman on a motorcycle who stopped by the right hand side of the road (mind you, right is the fast lane) nearby the road divider. And I was almost cursing him of being inconsiderate and ignorant due to adding more congestion that is already terrible to bear.

Then, I saw him reach out his hand... as if trying to grab something. I thought, he couldn't be grabbing for a piece of trash JUST to get it out of the way - but the way he did looked as if it was. And he kept reaching for it. When I past by him, I saw that it was a kitten! He grabbed it by the neck and held it up in his arms then put it in his motorcycle basket and drove off (the second part I saw through the rearview mirror).

My heart melted on the spot, I tell you! I didn't know this sort of kindness still exists! And coming from this policeman? Gosh, it was a rare sight for me. And, I felt lucky and thankful for the thought that at least someone somewhere somehow still cares.

Of Blessings and Opportunities

My brother, had the opportunity to meet the lead singer of PCD - got to hug her and took a picture. He had also met Jimmy Choo and got him to autograph a worn out sneakers. Lucky devil.

Reflecting on my blessings and opportunities, I too, had not done so bad myself. But not as glamorous as meeting the two above.

Today, I met the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in person... but with no Kodak moment to display. But, I was fortunate to be sent as a representative to the first ever Japan-Malaysia Business Forum held in MO earlier. It was attended by our very own PM, Pak Lah, and among others, the Chairman of Mitsubishi and Canon, BNM Governor, Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar, CEO of IRDA, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim. Hah. Funnily, this one, I have a picture to commemorate!

Being the nerd by nature I am, I also recalled last year - where I had a dream I met Tun Mahathir, outside a mosque, and I wanted to shake his hand badly but couldn't due to wudhu', I actually put my hand inside my shirt as covering layer! Renny AND Abg Saiful had a good time laughing about this dream. In line of mentioning blessings, few months down the road, I DID meet Tun at a wedding and got to shake his hand without having to seluk down my baju kurung for covering layer. Hahaha! I also met Tun Siti Asmah at the event.

And, I also met Megawati Sukarno Putri last year at a nasi padang restaurant launch, compliments of my boss.

On another geeky note, I managed to set a meeting with IMO in London and here's some evident on events that have made my life (I'd like to think) more exciting! I am TRULY grateful to count among much of the blessings I have been given.

Tie a Ribbon on My Finger

Faz, you remembered 72% of the information in the Memory Test.

But research shows there's a lot you can do to improve your memory. And if you do, it can help you function in more ways than you'd think. There are 6 main types of memory, which help us interpret and store different types of information. You scored highest in numeric memory. That kind of memory allows you to remember things like phone numbers, numerical addresses, and dollar amounts. You probably also have a knack for recalling people's birthdays, phone numbers and important dates in history, too. But this represents just one of the six categories of memory that keep your mind sharp and allow you to function every day. How well did you do in the other areas? How can you improve your memory to make life easier and keep your brain active? What does the way you process information say about you?


Understanding Your Memory
Why Does Memory Matter?Memory takes place in the area of the brain known as the hippocampus. You rely on your memory almost every second of every day, using it for everything from remembering which day of the week it is, to bigger things like how to do your job, or which bus to take or where to do your grocery shopping. Your memory allows you to remember the people in your life, all of the experiences that you have had, as well as what you plan to do each day and how you do it. Without memory, you would be a blank screen, stripped of all previous knowledge and experiences.How Memory WorksMemory can be broken down into two distinct parts: short-term memory, which lasts about 30 seconds, and long-term memory, which starts after that 30 seconds and can potentially last a lifetime. There are three factors that help your brain determine which information to transfer to your long-term memory. The first is your degree of attention and concentration. Multi-tasking obviously decreases your ability to commit something to memory since your attention is only partially directed towards one activity. For example, if you watch TV while you study, you will likely have a much harder time transferring that information into your long-term memory because you'll be stimulated by what you're trying to learn, by what's on the TV and by what's going on around you, too. The second factor is the meaningfulness of the information; if something impacts you directly or seems important or interesting to you, it's more likely to stick in your long-term memory. The third and final factor is how well new information fits with your existing knowledge. If new information builds upon something you've already stored in your long-term memory, it's more likely to associate with the existing information in your mind and lodge itself into your memory.Short-term memory, then, is seen as the gateway to your long-term memory. The more something captures your interest and attention, and the more important that information is to you, the more likely it'll be stored in your long-term memory. Information that is repeatedly used and built upon tends to become a stronger long-term memory. However, certain special information can lodge itself into your mind indefinitely without following these standard memory rules. Let's now turn our attention to these unique types of memories.Flash Bulb MemoryHave you ever wondered why you can remember certain days or events in your life so much better than others? How is it that you can sometimes hear or see something just one time, and remember it for the rest of your life? Scientists call these kinds of memories "flash bulb" memories. These memories stand out because of their powerful emotional content, a unique aspect that allows you to recall that memory that much more easily. For instance, Americans who were alive when President Kennedy was shot often recall the vivid details of when they heard the news — including who told them, where they were, how they felt, and other surrounding circumstances. Another example of this would be remembering with exceptional clarity a day of personal trauma, such as the death of a loved one. While these memories aren't always completely accurate, they do serve as an example of how emotional content can enhance the storage of a memory.
anchornav('improve');

Your Score
The 6 Dimensions of Memory
Understanding Your Memory
Improving Your Memory
Answer Key
History
Further Reading...
Improving Your Memory
The more information we can store and recall, the smarter we feel. Memory is crucial to the whole process of learning and retaining knowledge, both of which increase your perceived intelligence. After all, without memory, how could you show off your expertise in Renaissance Art or 1950's cars? However, a good memory isn't necessarily an indicator of a high IQ. Instead, it is a mark of effective learning and synthesizing strategies, as well as your genetic makeup.Since your memory can indeed be molded, the most important thing in strengthening your memory is to keep your mind active. Just as you exercise your body, you need to exercise your mind. If you continue to challenge yourself, your brain literally keeps growing. With use, your brain can develop new dendrites — the connections between the nerve cells in your brain — which helps your memory in retrieving and storing information.Although research does indicate that the strength of your memory is partially dependent on your hereditary genes, there are some specific things that researchers suggest for enhancing your memory.
What Was Your Name Again?
Are you one of those people who just can't seem to remember the names of new people? While it's a common problem, forgetting someone's name isn't the best way to make a first impression. Here's one technique to help you better play the name game:
Tell yourself to pay attention. So many of us assume we won't remember a name, or are so focused on what's going on in the situation, that we don't really try to remember the person's name. But our brain listens to us when we tell it what we want to take in; paying particularly close attention is the way to signal that important information is coming.
Associate the person's name with a defining characteristic. Our brains like to cluster information to solidify it. So instead of just thinking, "Sheila," try thinking, "Sheila, the pilot," or "Sheila, with those great hazel eyes." When picking something to associate with the person's name, choose something that interests you or seems intriguing (or, for that matter, unappealing or irritating). This will help the person stand out in your mind and cement the name in your memory.
Repeat the person's name. You can think the name and characteristic silently to yourself during the conversation. You may also want to say the person's name at least once, but probably no more than twice, during the conversation. Try to end with something like, "It was nice talking to you, Sheila."
Have a review session with yourself. Later, when thinking over the conversation, recall the person's name again to help further impress their name in your memory.
Forgetfulness Got Your Tongue?
You know you know it, you just can't remember it. It's on the tip of your tongue. How can you bring it from the deep, dark recesses of your mind? Here are a few ideas to job your memory:
Give yourself a break. Literally. Sometimes pushing to remember just drives the memory away, whereas taking a few minutes to let your mind wander or focus on something else can sometimes be more successful in allowing your mind to recall the word. Or you can allow yourself to think of something associated that leads you to remember the word.
Use the ABCs. If you're trying to remember a word, or the name of a street or store or person, try going through the alphabet. If you have a visual image of what you're looking for, hold it in your mind as you scan each letter of the alphabet. Some letters will be easy to discard, while others will linger in your mind, often leading you to recall the word you're looking for.
Try to scan your mind for associations. For example, if you're trying to think of the name of a store, imagine the clerk, the atmosphere, the products, the stores on either side. As you form a more complete memory, the image of the store's sign or logo may come into your mind. The basic idea is to find things that you've associated with the name, in hopes that those things will bring the name to the surface of your memory.
Numbers, Numbers Everywhere
Phone numbers, birth dates, addresses, dollar amounts, and passwords are just some of the ways that numbers flood our lives. Remembering these can prove challenging for many of us, because strings of numbers are more abstract than strings of letters. For example, memorizing "8583938759309354" is going to take much longer than memorizing the word "associations" or the name "Sheila." There are many intricate systems to help people remember longer numbers. One of the most basic ways is to associate each number with a letter, also known as "pegging." There are numerous ways to attempt pegging, depending on how long the number is that you need to remember. A simplified version of pegging can be used for remembering phone numbers, especially since most phones have letters on the keypad to correspond with each number. Here's an example:
Choose the number you want to remember. In this instance, say you get assigned the phone number 523-9369, and you want to come up with a corresponding word or phrase to help you remember it.
Write down the possible letters for each number on the key pad. For instance, for the 5, you can use J, K, or L. For the next number in the sequence, 2, you can use A, B, or C.
Once you have all the letter possibilities down, it's time to put your thinking cap on and get creative, making a word or phrase out of the number. With the particular number sequence, you can spell the words, "LADY FOX." It takes a bit of time to think up a good word from the letters you have to choose from, but once a word is in place for a number, you're much less likely to forget it. "Chunking" is another method that you can use to remember hard-to-recall numbers. It involves breaking up long series of numbers into more memorable sections, primarily by inserting hyphens. Phone numbers and social security numbers are already formatted in this way to make them easier to recall (555-9663 is much more memorable than 5559663).Whenever you're trying to memorize a longer number, you can group the series into smaller groups. For instance, if you have to memorize a number like 98584893939393904894, you can more easily remember it as 9858-4893-9393-9390-4894. To make it even easier, you could then employ your pegging skills to come up with five words that could correspond to these five sections of numbers.
Memory Food
The strength of your memory is based at least partially on what you eat. Here are some things that studies suggest can help feed your brain right:
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. A lack of water can lead to dehydration, leaving you feeling tired and making it harder to concentrate. Additionally, try to limit coffee and soda, as sugar and caffeine can interfere with your thinking.
Eat a well-balanced diet that has fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate amounts of protein, and complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread. Foods like these that are rich in antioxidants can nourish and protect your brain cells.
Consider taking one of the supplements believed to enhance memory power. Some of these include gingko biloba (which shouldn't be used by people on blood thinners), Calcium-Magnesium, or antioxidants like Vitamin C. As with any supplement, make sure you are aware of all potential side-effects.
Try to limit your alcohol intake. Drinking more than one or two glasses of alcohol per day can have a negative impact on the memory centers of your brain, thus impairing your recall abilities.
Stay Positive
You aren't the only one who has forgotten your best friend's birthday. And you certainly aren't the first person to spend hours searching for the sunglasses that were resting on the top of your head all along. So, don't be hard on yourself if you forget something. Remember that everyone has difficulty remembering things and very few people have perfect memories.The best thing you can do is to keep a positive attitude when your memory fails you. After all, if you start to worry that your memory is declining, that anxiety will only interfere with your ability to remember even more.

http://web.tickle.com/tests/memory/paidresult.jsp