Trying Something Different

For years I have used a compact-sized binder planner (6.75" x 4.24") as my wallet.  It has worked well, but since I'm not homeschooling, I don't have much need to carry it around with me and was thinking I might like to start carrying a normal wallet again!

Earlier this week, I came across an Amazon deal for a hard and spiral-bound planner that I couldn't resist. <grin>  It has the sections I use the most (week on 2 pages and monthlies) as well as a few others.  It arrives tomorrow and I am looking forward to setting it up.

I can't imagine giving up my spiral-bound planner altogether, so thought it might work as a reference binder where I keep the things that don't change such as account information and contacts.  Might work!  I'm going to give it a try and I'll report back next week.

In the meantime, I'm going wallet shopping!

2022 Planner Setup with Harley

 I didn't create a lot of new inserts going into the new year but relied instead on inserts I already had and methods that have worked well for me in the past. The busyness of my life slowed down quite a bit once the boys graduated (and COVID hit), but I still use my planner just as much.  Reminders and routines help keep me organized so I don't forget any of the important things and when they need doing!  I'll try to briefly go over each section:

Inbox.  I use a laminated sheet of vellum for my inbox.  The inbox is a landing page where I keep my "if found, return to" information as well as a sticky note to write down items needed the next time someone goes to the store. Behind this is a few more sheets of paper for random information that will be processed later. I also have a brain dump page behind the inbox divider as well as a monthly log.

Calendar Pages.  Currently, I am using a week on 2 pages layout in my Compact (4.25 x 6.75") planner. If a day comes up that requires extra room for notes or details, I'll use a daily page, otherwise, this setup has enough room for my daily planning.

Monthly.  I've been using the same inserts for several years now.  I created a simple month on 2 pages with the week starting on Sunday. I can do weekly pages that start on Monday, but monthly pages have to start on Sunday! <LOL>

Projects.   I have a projects section but it is probably the least used area of my planner, but like knowing it is there.  Projects for me are things like planning our annual Thanksgiving get-together with extended family, or something I am working on in desktop publishing that requires more than one page of notes.

A to Z Notes. While some have a section for lists, I tend to organize mine under A-Z address tabs.  This is where I keep quarterly goals (resolutions maybe?), wish lists, a medication list, weekly and monthly review lists, etc.  I also write on the tabs bits of information that I access regularly.  This may be account information, hair and makeup product numbers or colors, post office hours of operation, etc.

My planner also doubles as my wallet, so I also keep my cards in the front and a zippered pouch in the back for cash.

I can go into more details regarding the sections of my planner and how I use them, but only if you ask! <wink!>

A Fresh New Start

It's a brand new year, and I am ready to do brand new things!  It's been 18 months since my guys graduated high school and our 13 years of homeschooling came to an end.  It kind of blows my mind that much time has already passed!  Let me give you an update.

My oldest son, William, is working full-time with his dad.  He has an artistic bent and is fitting into the painting world quite nicely.  My husband is pleased with the amount of skill he has gained in such a short period of time.  When he's not working out or hanging with the young adults from church, he is making music.  He has been a drummer since he was 6 years old (drums at our church) and is quite good (why yes, I am biased!).  In the past 4 years, he started playing the piano and this is the one that kind of blows my mind because he hasn't had lessons. He hears a song, starts picking at it, and pretty soon he can play it (He also plays at church).  He picks at the guitar also and is good, but it's not his passion.

Jonathan is a full-time student, and a sophomore, majoring in business and data analytics at the University of North Alabama. He loves college life and is very involved with several activities such as student tutoring as well as serving his fraternity as treasurer. He is also involved in the church worship band and plays the guitar. I sound like I am writing their graduation bios!  <grin>  Jonathan is one of the leaders in his young adult class and speaks every other week.  I think he could be a minister, but business is his thing!

I love these boys soooo much and am so blessed to be their mom.  I'm so thankful for the years I've had teaching them at home and enjoy seeing them flourish as they head into their future.

About the blog: as you can see, I've started all over.  I deleted everything!  I hope that doesn't freak anyone out.  I am still into planners and creating inserts and will be sharing them with you as I go along, but the blog won't be exclusively about planners.  I just like to write and document and I'll be doing a lot of that, so stay tuned!