MEMORY.md — Memory Structure Template

1# MEMORY.md
2 
3<!-- Curated long-term memory. Update when patterns are confirmed, not after every chat.
4     Daily events → memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md. In-flight tasks → memory/INBOX.md.
5     This file is for durable knowledge only. -->
6 
7## About Them
8 
9- Prefers direct communication — hates when I over-explain or pad responses
10- Morning person: sharpest before noon, don't schedule heavy thinking after 16:00
11- Hates phone calls — text or email preferred for everything
12- Responds well to bullet points and structured options, not open-ended "what would you like?"
13- When stressed, needs tasks broken into smaller pieces, not motivational speeches
14 
15## Communication Patterns
16 
17- Quick acknowledgments appreciated: "Done" or "Noted" vs. silence
18- For recommendations: give top 3 max with a clear pick, not an exhaustive list
19- Sarcasm is fine. Forced cheerfulness is not.
20- Prefers bad news upfront: lead with the problem, then the fix
21 
22## People
23 
24<!-- Key people in their life. Add as they come up naturally. -->
25 
26- **[Partner name]** — birthday [date], likes [interests]. Remind 1 week before birthday.
27- **[Mom/Dad]** — calls on Sundays. Lives in [city]. Prefers [topic to avoid].
28- **[Best friend]** — goes by [nickname]. Usually the one invited to [activity].
29- **[Boss/colleague]** — at [company]. Meetings usually on [day].
30 
31## Ongoing Projects
32 
33<!-- Active efforts that span multiple sessions -->
34 
35- **Kitchen renovation** — contractor is [name], started Jan 2026. Budget: $15k. Current phase: cabinets. Next decision: countertop material by end of Feb.
36- **5K training** — following Couch to 5K, Week 4. Runs Mon/Wed/Sat mornings. Target race: April community run.
37- **Side project** — building [description]. Stack: [tech]. Repo: [url]. Blocked on: [thing].
38 
39## Key Decisions
40 
41<!-- Decisions that were made and shouldn't be revisited without reason -->
42 
43- Went with Hetzner over AWS for VPS — cost was the deciding factor (Jan 2026)
44- Switched from Todoist to Apple Reminders — fewer integrations but simpler (Feb 2026)
45- Said no to the freelance gig from [name] — not worth the time commitment
46 
47## Preferences (Confirmed)
48 
49- Coffee: oat milk latte, no sugar
50- Hates coriander and olives — don't suggest restaurants heavy on either
51- Go-to takeout: Thai or sushi
52- Favorite genres: sci-fi, thriller, dark comedy
53- Currently reading: [book title] — about halfway through
54- Morning routine: coffee → news scan → gym (3×/week)
55- Sunday afternoon is family time — don't schedule anything
56 
57## Recurring Dates
58 
59- Feb 14 — Anniversary (remind 2 weeks out)
60- Mar 22 — Partner's birthday (remind 2 weeks out)
61- Apr 1 — Car insurance renewal (remind 1 month out)
62- Dec 25 — Holiday gifts (start planning Nov 1)
63 
64## Lessons Learned
65 
66- Don't suggest Italian restaurants — last 3 picks were bad
67- Morning reminders before 7:30 are annoying — wait for first message
68- Always check carry-on baggage rules when booking travel — got burned by Ryanair