I have had many examples of pregnancy brain the past few weeks, but today was perhaps the most stunning example.

After work today I got onto the bus, just as I usually do. About ten seconds into the ride I started getting this sneaking suspicion that I was forgetting something. I took out my calendar just to take a quick peek and double check things. I opened up my calendar and took a quick peek at Wednesday. And, despite my sneaking suspicion, I was relieved to find that my schedule for Wednesday was clear.

I closed my planner, put it back into my bag and sat back to enjoy the rest of my ride to the station. Until, just a minute later I realized, today isn’t Wednesday at all! It’s Thursday!

As soon as I figured out the correct day of the week, I realized that I did, in fact, have something to do on Thursday. My Japanese teacher was going to be picking me up after school. So, I pushed the button to make the bus stop and got off. I was only two stops away from where I got on and I walked, as quickly as possible, back to school.

My teacher was there, waiting for me, and we both got a good laugh out of my forgetfulness. Then, during our class I explained to her the phrase, “pregnancy brain,” and asked if there was an equivalent phrase in Japanese. As it turns out, there isn’t. Apparently it is solely an American phenomenon. So here I cannot blame my stupidity on the infamous pregnancy brain, instead I have to take full responsibility myself. It’s a shame actually.