So there are certain things that will trigger the way-back machine, memory-wise. Specifically odors or music are the strongest. The right one of either of those will flood my head with memories of days past.

I discovered a new one today: maps.google.com. Yeah..I'm a geek, but for some I reason I decided to see if I could find my old house, 3 states away and 20 years ago, with the idea of seeing just how developed it was (we were one of the very first houses in the neighborhood).

Not surprisingly, the entire area was developed. What was surprising was that I spent the next 15 minutes traversing the sat images: following my route(s) to school, to different sports practice and game fields that I remember, finding injury sites (think bicycle jumping off a dirt mound in a (then) vacant lot), friends' houses, etc... It was just neat.

I have a feeling that the effect is more profound if you live away from/haven't been back to a former area for a while, but regardless was rather fun.

So check it out, and let me know if I'm on crack for getting this wonderful sense of nostalgia or if you got it too.