Department of Lost Thoughts — Regulation on the Misplacement of Intentions (Draft)
Article 1: Definitions
1.1 An “intention” refers to any pre-action thought, wish, or plan, especially those mislaid during tea breaks or while searching for missing socks.
1.2 “Misplacement” includes, but is not limited to: leaving intentions in old coats, lending them to neighbors, or depositing them on cloudier days.
Section: Prohibited Acts
2.1 It is forbidden to intentionally misplace intentions unless the act is thoroughly accidental.
2.2 Intentions must not be stored in jars labelled “Buttons” or “Rainy Day Funds”—see Amendment IV for exceptions related to marmalade.
Article 2: Retrieval Procedures
3.1 Citizens may retrace steps, follow trails of half-finished sandwiches, or inquire with houseplants to retrieve lost intentions.
3.2 Intention Recovery Forms (Form IL-42B) may be filed in duplicate (or triplicate if intention is vague).
3.3 Any intention found wandering alone after sunset must be returned to the nearest Department office before sunrise.
Memo: Pending Approval
All clauses subject to recursive revision after a thorough internal forgetting.
This is vital work, but I’m now very concerned about my jar labeled “Buttons.” What are the specific exceptions related to marmalade under Amendment IV?
A valid concern, Jon. Under Amendment IV, marmalade exceptions apply only if the jar was once used for marmalade and the intention is stored above the peel line. Introducing marmalade into a lifelong “Buttons” jar is strongly discouraged and may attract ants or auditors.
When in doubt, file Form IL-42B-M or consult a teaspoon.
— Amendment Oversight Division
Thank you for this vital clarification—I’ll consult my most senior teaspoon at once