tamisue,

You clowning is very common. Before PCS, we could do many tasks from an almost unconscious level of memory. With PCS, we often need to become more deliberate with our actions.

Your problems in the kitchen are just a version of what some of us call 'brain farts.' I can't believe I did that. It stinks. How can I stop it from happening again because everybody is looking at me?

You just have to laugh.

Driving is probably the most problematic task if your are having these problems. They can manifest as reversals of common actions, like hitting the gas when you mean to hit the brakes. Stress or being hurried is a common trigger.

When I drive, I need to be very deliberate. In my wife's car, it is so cushy and easy to drive that I can easily forget that I am driving. I have learned that if I leave her lumbar support the way she likes it, I never get comfortable and stay more attentive.

When we learn which hills to have a battle on and which to ignore, we lower our stress and have less of these problems. Putting socks in the towel drawer is not a worthwhile battle. Touching a hot pan is.

My wife has noticed how I become very deliberate when doing anything with risk to it. I used to be able to fly through tasks with very little mental effort. After cutting a finger off and other personal injuries or broken things, I have learned to slow down and be deliberate.

I hope you can find ways to reduce your serious brain farts and laugh at the rest.

I still do burn my fingers from time to time. An ice cube on the burn right away and then holding it there for a hour does wonders.

My best to you.