For my entire adult life I’ve never been very far for a day planner. I’m not sure when this habit started, but my “problem” was enhanced with the masterful development and marketing of “day timers” which exploded in popularity in the 1990’s. At that time I was working for a consulting company in Dallas and our management team was filled with organizational freaks who liked to flash their busy schedules. I wanted to be just like them.
I’m trying desperately to transfer my habit to my iPhone, but am having only marginal success. Meanwhile, this sits front and center at my desk and I carry it wherever I go.
![IMG_2115[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_21151.jpg?resize=320%2C320&ssl=1)
Inside there are the random daily lists: things to do, things to think about, long-term goals, books I want to read. I even have a quilting goals list. If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t happen, right?
![IMG_2094[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_20941.jpg?resize=430%2C430&ssl=1)
Anyway, this list is old, since it doesn’t have an item called “pick up picnic quilt from Ms. G.” But I accomplished this undocumented goal anyway. I’m so excited!
![IMG_2099[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_20991.jpg?resize=351%2C468&ssl=1)
Picnic quilt returned from the long-armer.
![IMG_2105[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_21051.jpg?resize=321%2C428&ssl=1)
After work today (yes, I have to work on Labor Day), I’ll focus on figuring out whether or not I have enough fabric left over from the green border to make the binding. If not, I’ll be adding a new list item for next Saturday titled “Things to Buy at Material Rewards“.
Since I discovered bullet journaling I never go anywhere without my journal. I don’t really follow the bullet journal system but it holds my entire life. Like you I tried and failed with the same system in my phone.
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OH, I love my paper planner, nothing beats writing with a pencil or pen! Your quilt is beautiful
I agree with needing to write it down! I even get ideas for what I think are great blog posts while I go on walks, forgot to write them down and poof – out of my head forever! Thanks for sharing your list and photos of that lovely quilt! (I like how clean and dust the room is at the bottom where it should be – ha!)
Wow, I love the paper planner! Have you ever tried a bullet journal? I’m interested because I like the way they’re laid out, but every time I see one on Pinterest they always have perfect, cute handwriting and I know I would be comparing my “get ‘er done” handwriting to that and totally miss the point of the organization!
I did not know about bullet journals, I must explore. I’m with you on the handwriting thing..mine is deteriorating as time goes on. The first thing to go: my signature LOL!
I’m left handed so my handwriting – including signature – is pretty bad! There are lots of examples of bullet journals on Instagram and Pinterest. Oh, and I Googled “printable bullet journal pages” and there a couple of bloggers who have created things like the to-do list, monthly calendars and so forth. It looks like a great system.