Different parts of the brain. My short term memory isn't that good but what is helpful is writing it down. Sometimes when I make a grocery list, I forget to take it but writing it down kind of helps me to remember even if I didn't bring the list along! When I am out of something or almost out, I usually remember to pick it up at the supermarket. What I forget is I already bought that item the week before and often end up duplicating. This often happens with spices, sugar, oil, stuff like that.
Truly, long term memory if often easier for us to recall. You notice older people often talk about things that happened in their lives when they were young. The brain is an amazing thing. The way it functions is not clearly understood by science or doctors. How we can retrain our brains after a stroke or head injury! My nieces daughter, my great-niece was born with a birth defect of her brain. During it's forming, it failed to separate into the two hemispheres. They predicted she would be totally blind, unable to walk or even communicate. She is considered mentally handicapped but she can walk, talk clearly and has enough vision to get by in life.
I don't try to remember all the numbers like pins, etc. We think we're simplifying things today but with all the things people need to remember anymore, it's a little crazy. Passwords, usernames, phone numbers, pins, codes, plus how to work some of these high-tech things. I don't even know how to do things like program my remote! So with all that brain clutter, it's no wonder we have trouble trying to remember to get gas or pick up the milk. Circuit overload!
