I can't tolerate things that stress out my planner.
Showing posts with label pen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pen. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2016
Why I Added a Pen Holder to My Planner
***This post may contain affiliate links. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I can't tolerate things that stress out my planner.
I can't tolerate things that stress out my planner.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
You Can Solve Your Planner Problems
Some people have called me a planner guru. They tease me about how I have to write everything down and comment, "you're so organized."
HA HA HA HA HA!
I am such an imperfect plannerd!
Today's Flashback Post proves it. (Make sure to read it.)
Since then, I've changed the tip that I gave in that flashback post from writing computer-related tasks on a post-it app to using OneNote with my Surface Pro 3.
Depending on your laptop, you might decide to use a post-it app or OneNote.
Otherwise, though, I doing things the exact same way. The solutions still work years later.
If you learned something, please share on social media!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Sundays Down Under, Happiness Is Homemade, Simply Sundays, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Inspiration Monday, Mix It Up Monday, Much Ado About Monday, Motivation Monday, Mommy Monday, Manic Mondays, Meetup Monday, Marvelous Monday, Something to Talk About, Anything Goes, What'd You Do This Weekend, Making a Home, Tuesdays At Our Home, Tuesdays with a Twist, Amaze Me Monday, Tutorial Tuesday, The Not Just Homemaking Party, Homework Creative Party, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, A Little R and R, It's a Party, Weekend Retreat, Friday Features, Friday Favorites
HA HA HA HA HA!
I am such an imperfect plannerd!
Today's Flashback Post proves it. (Make sure to read it.)
Since then, I've changed the tip that I gave in that flashback post from writing computer-related tasks on a post-it app to using OneNote with my Surface Pro 3.
Depending on your laptop, you might decide to use a post-it app or OneNote.
Otherwise, though, I doing things the exact same way. The solutions still work years later.
If you learned something, please share on social media!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Sundays Down Under, Happiness Is Homemade, Simply Sundays, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Inspiration Monday, Mix It Up Monday, Much Ado About Monday, Motivation Monday, Mommy Monday, Manic Mondays, Meetup Monday, Marvelous Monday, Something to Talk About, Anything Goes, What'd You Do This Weekend, Making a Home, Tuesdays At Our Home, Tuesdays with a Twist, Amaze Me Monday, Tutorial Tuesday, The Not Just Homemaking Party, Homework Creative Party, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, A Little R and R, It's a Party, Weekend Retreat, Friday Features, Friday Favorites
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Erasermate Pens and the Many Ways They Suck
My weekly technology feature is a little unusual today. It's about a practically ancient technology - ink pens.
Frixion pens (featured on this blog over and over and over again) are my favorite pens. I need something erasable. In fact, I used pencil in my planners for years. But Pilot Frixion pens go beyond erasable.
They are bright, write smoothly, and come in many colors and highlighters.
So why try Papermate Erasermate pens?
Frixion pens (featured on this blog over and over and over again) are my favorite pens. I need something erasable. In fact, I used pencil in my planners for years. But Pilot Frixion pens go beyond erasable.
They are bright, write smoothly, and come in many colors and highlighters.
So why try Papermate Erasermate pens?
Well, they are cheap. As pens go, they are dirt cheap. My husband is a fiscal analyst, y'all. He has every penny we spend on a spreadsheet.
Also, I thought I'd take one for the team. Planner world, I did this for you.
It sucked.
The look? Well, see the picture above. I had to retrace my writing sometimes even to see it at all. There are spots where no ink hit the page at all, regardless of pressure.
Also, I thought I'd take one for the team. Planner world, I did this for you.
It sucked.
The look? Well, see the picture above. I had to retrace my writing sometimes even to see it at all. There are spots where no ink hit the page at all, regardless of pressure.
The feel of the pen on the paper is jerky. There is no cool scratchy sensation. Instead, the pen seems to get caught even on the softest paper (like my Quo Vadis pages).
Erasermate pens only come in basic colors. I tried the blue, and it is dull and harsh, all at once. (Yes, that seems impossible. But it seems impossible that I would use the word "suck" in a title on my blog. However, I am a truth-teller, and suck is the truth.)
Frixion pens are completely worth the slightly higher (but still reasonable) price.
I thought about given the Erasermates to my kid, but that seems cruel, doesn't it?
Erasermate pens only come in basic colors. I tried the blue, and it is dull and harsh, all at once. (Yes, that seems impossible. But it seems impossible that I would use the word "suck" in a title on my blog. However, I am a truth-teller, and suck is the truth.)
Frixion pens are completely worth the slightly higher (but still reasonable) price.
I thought about given the Erasermates to my kid, but that seems cruel, doesn't it?
Etcetera.
Linked At:
Linked At:
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
A Better Way to Bullet Journal
Bullet journals are the latest craze in the planner community.
Honestly, I kind of HATE the idea of bullet journaling as planning.
The hate doesn't rise to the level of my hatred for mayo, bare feet on carpet, lies on Facebook, or the violin, but it's still a pretty intense level of negative emotion.
As much as I love the orderly look of a bulleted list of items in a notebook or planner, I rely heavily on the visual impact of the planner pages, created by grouping items and using day and time slots.
I need symbols that I develop (so that the symbols make sense to my brain and so that I remember them).
And, no matter how much I try to brainstorm a reason to have a typical bullet journal, it just makes sense to separate tasks and events from notes. Bullet journals that mix in tasks only make sense to me as an initial brain dumb/capture device.
So I created a better bullet journal.
To be fair, I should explain how bullet journaling is done in the typical way. In a typical bullet journal, there is a running list of tasks, events, and notes. Using the codes seen below (on the green page to the right), a running list is created like the one below (same picture, on the orange page to the left).
The typical bullet journal strikes me as difficult to read. The list on the left (typical) appears cluttered and it is difficult to distinguish between separate items. Also, though it allows for some subgrouping, if one entry has a ton of information, it doesn't work very well.
Also, the little eye icon is messy and creepy.
Compare it to my bullet journal, on the right below. On mine, you can quickly see where each entry starts - wherever there is a box.
TIP: When creating bullet journal codes, put a box around them to make them stand out. Indent anything under the main entry (like additional notes or details).
My bullet journal is completely shown in the picture below.
It consists of three parts:
1. Notes (green)
2. Codes (yellow)
3. Events/Tasks (weekly planner page)
A closer look at my codes (yellow) would reveal:
Tasks = Circle
If the task is to set up a PROJECT, I circle a P.
If the task is to FILE an item (in files at home or in notes in the planner), I circle a F.
To mark a task DONE, I check the circle.
To DELETE, I X the circle.
To DEFER, I draw an arrow pointing forward through the circle.
To DELEGATE, I draw an @ symbol (which, in my mind, means that I will do something @fter someone else does).
TIP: Tasks go on the weekly pages instead of hidden among a bunch of random notes. Even if just a notebook is used, put the tasks on a certain pages and notes on another.
Events = #a/#p
#a simply means an a.m. time slot (e.g., 9a).
#p simply means a p.m. time slot (e.g., 2:45p).
An * indicates additional details (like an address or contact number).
Notes = Square
To indicate TELECOM, I write TC in the box.
To indicate EMAIL, I write e'm in the box.
To indicate MEETING, I write mt in the box.
To indicate Facebook, I write fb in the box.
Are you seeing a pattern?
A star means a note that does not belong to any of those subgroups.
An arrow indicates additional information under the note.
TIP: Always indent the arrow.
But please don't limit yourself to my codes! The best bullet journal codes are not the typical ones OR mine.
TIP: Don't skip the step of making a sheet like the yellow sheet as a reference for the bullet journal codes. It's important for memory creation and for reference.
The best bullet journal codes and methods are the ones that you develop, for you. Those will make the most sense to your brain and allow you remember them easily.
It's a lot like making a sandwich. World famous chefs will sometimes dress their very best sandwiches with mayo, but that sandwich is never the best one for me.
Etcetera.
Honestly, I kind of HATE the idea of bullet journaling as planning.
The hate doesn't rise to the level of my hatred for mayo, bare feet on carpet, lies on Facebook, or the violin, but it's still a pretty intense level of negative emotion.
As much as I love the orderly look of a bulleted list of items in a notebook or planner, I rely heavily on the visual impact of the planner pages, created by grouping items and using day and time slots.
I need symbols that I develop (so that the symbols make sense to my brain and so that I remember them).
And, no matter how much I try to brainstorm a reason to have a typical bullet journal, it just makes sense to separate tasks and events from notes. Bullet journals that mix in tasks only make sense to me as an initial brain dumb/capture device.
So I created a better bullet journal.
 |
| A Better Way to Bullet Journal |
To be fair, I should explain how bullet journaling is done in the typical way. In a typical bullet journal, there is a running list of tasks, events, and notes. Using the codes seen below (on the green page to the right), a running list is created like the one below (same picture, on the orange page to the left).
 |
| Typical Bullet Journal |
The typical bullet journal strikes me as difficult to read. The list on the left (typical) appears cluttered and it is difficult to distinguish between separate items. Also, though it allows for some subgrouping, if one entry has a ton of information, it doesn't work very well.
Also, the little eye icon is messy and creepy.
Compare it to my bullet journal, on the right below. On mine, you can quickly see where each entry starts - wherever there is a box.
TIP: When creating bullet journal codes, put a box around them to make them stand out. Indent anything under the main entry (like additional notes or details).
 |
| Typical Bullet Journal Compared to Giftie Bullet Journal |
My bullet journal is completely shown in the picture below.
It consists of three parts:
1. Notes (green)
2. Codes (yellow)
3. Events/Tasks (weekly planner page)
|
| Please consider pinning to Pinterest! Thanks! |
A closer look at my codes (yellow) would reveal:
Tasks = Circle
If the task is to set up a PROJECT, I circle a P.
If the task is to FILE an item (in files at home or in notes in the planner), I circle a F.
To mark a task DONE, I check the circle.
To DELETE, I X the circle.
To DEFER, I draw an arrow pointing forward through the circle.
To DELEGATE, I draw an @ symbol (which, in my mind, means that I will do something @fter someone else does).
TIP: Tasks go on the weekly pages instead of hidden among a bunch of random notes. Even if just a notebook is used, put the tasks on a certain pages and notes on another.
Events = #a/#p
#a simply means an a.m. time slot (e.g., 9a).
#p simply means a p.m. time slot (e.g., 2:45p).
An * indicates additional details (like an address or contact number).
Notes = Square
To indicate TELECOM, I write TC in the box.
To indicate EMAIL, I write e'm in the box.
To indicate MEETING, I write mt in the box.
To indicate Facebook, I write fb in the box.
Are you seeing a pattern?
A star means a note that does not belong to any of those subgroups.
An arrow indicates additional information under the note.
TIP: Always indent the arrow.
But please don't limit yourself to my codes! The best bullet journal codes are not the typical ones OR mine.
TIP: Don't skip the step of making a sheet like the yellow sheet as a reference for the bullet journal codes. It's important for memory creation and for reference.
The best bullet journal codes and methods are the ones that you develop, for you. Those will make the most sense to your brain and allow you remember them easily.
It's a lot like making a sandwich. World famous chefs will sometimes dress their very best sandwiches with mayo, but that sandwich is never the best one for me.
Etcetera.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
The Desk Reset
Whether you work from home or at an office, you likely have a table or desk where you work. I work from home (or in libraries or coffee shops), so I have a small bookshelf type desk that I work at, either blogging, novel writing, doing legal research, or planning and budgeting.
Every now and then, a desk reset is in order.
Personalize Without Fear
Don't make your desk something for others to enjoy. Make it shine with your personality. You have to work there. You have to love the space.
Yes, I am a lawyer and, yes, I do mean this in your stuffy law firm, too. Be the quirky one. You won't get fired for it, but you might get noticed. (Okay, you probably won't be fired for it. I'd do it anyway.) Of course, keep it tasteful and consider
whether only coworkers will see it, or if clients will see it, too.
I have my special basket designed by a quilter friend for stuff that leaves the house, like my keys and glasses (upper left hand corner), a personalized zipper pouch full of planner supplies (upper right hand corner), and my "READ MY BLOG" ornament (lower shelf, in front of the pens and scissors).
Maximize Desk Space
Desk space is limited. Use it wisely.
Even though I personalize my space, very little is just decorative. Notice the wipe/erase board, the hole punch, and all the other bits and bobs that I actually use almost every day.
Prioritize Placement
Place items that are used daily in the most convenient space, things that are used weekly in a less convenient place, and things rarely used in a different space.
Also, group like stuff together whenever possible.
I am very careful about placement. Things that leave the house go near my purse (the hanging blue one on the upper left hand corner). The space where I plan and write? It's not even in the picture because it just stays empty and ready for my laptop and planner.
Use Interesting Containers
Don't think that you have to use square containers from office supply stores.
I use an open mouthed glass canning jar for unprocessed receipts. I use my quilted basket for things to leave the house. My makeup travel bag is perfect for planner supplies. A purple pill case holds my magnet bookmarks, while a suction-sealed spice jar holds binder and paper clips.
It's a good time to reset your desk. Make it your own. You'll be happier and the desk will be an easier to use.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Essential Parts of a Planner
As a new year begins, many people make resolutions. They plan to workout or eat fewer calories or budget or finally write that novel. But real life makes achieving goals troublesome. Heck, real life makes getting anything done troublesome.
No, I'm not talking about a calendar, though a calendar can be part of a planner. No, this post is not about notebooks, but they can also be part of a planner. And while I am a fan of actual writing - a process that encodes the plan in the brain - an e-planner might work for some people.
Area for Actual Planning
Blank space is not enough. In order to plan effectively, you need a place to organize your thoughts. For me, I call that place my Projects section.
Files
A good system includes a place to file information for reference.
TIP: Put the whole system in one place - like a ring-bound binder from Filofax, Franklin Covey, or Daytimer - for easy access. But if you use different systems (like your calendar on your phone or a notebook for listing tasks), at least don't duplicate the information in two different places.
The best way to achieve goals and deal with the overwhelm of life?
A planner.
No, I'm not talking about a calendar, though a calendar can be part of a planner. No, this post is not about notebooks, but they can also be part of a planner. And while I am a fan of actual writing - a process that encodes the plan in the brain - an e-planner might work for some people.
The key difference between a planner and a calendar is that a planner is for making decisions, mapping out strategies, and tracking information, while a calendar is a simple way to note dates.
There are some parts of a planner that I consider essential in order to distinguish a planner from a calendar.
There are some parts of a planner that I consider essential in order to distinguish a planner from a calendar.
TIP: When setting up your 2015 planning system, consider including parts that serve these functions.
Quick Access to Writing Space
A good planner includes a place where you can jot a thought as soon as it enters your head.
Quick Access to Writing Space
A good planner includes a place where you can jot a thought as soon as it enters your head.
Area for Actual Planning
Blank space is not enough. In order to plan effectively, you need a place to organize your thoughts. For me, I call that place my Projects section.
Calendar
A calendar should be dedicated to time and date sensitive items. If you dump everything that you want to do on your calendar, the space gets overwhelming and doesn't do its job very well.
A calendar should be dedicated to time and date sensitive items. If you dump everything that you want to do on your calendar, the space gets overwhelming and doesn't do its job very well.
Some people use a phone or computer as a calendar, so that alarms go off.
Dedicated Space for Lists of Tasks
I use a weekly calendar to list tasks, but you might use a notebook for that purpose.
I use a weekly calendar to list tasks, but you might use a notebook for that purpose.
Dates Beyond the Calendar Area
Set up a Future section if you are using a paper planner, so that you are not confined by the dates in your calendar.
Set up a Future section if you are using a paper planner, so that you are not confined by the dates in your calendar.
Files
A good system includes a place to file information for reference.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Oops...Planner Mistakes (And Solutions)
***This post may contain affiliate links. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I am not perfect.
I'm pausing to let my real life friends stop nodding so hard. They'll get whiplash doing that! :)
Over the years, I've made many mistakes with my planner, in particular. Some of them just made it more difficult to use. Other mistakes meant that I didn't use my planner at all and experienced planner fail.
So that my Loyal Readers don't feel all alone with their imperfections, I thought I would compile some of my common errors for you, along with solutions.
I am not perfect.
I'm pausing to let my real life friends stop nodding so hard. They'll get whiplash doing that! :)
Over the years, I've made many mistakes with my planner, in particular. Some of them just made it more difficult to use. Other mistakes meant that I didn't use my planner at all and experienced planner fail.
So that my Loyal Readers don't feel all alone with their imperfections, I thought I would compile some of my common errors for you, along with solutions.