I think it is pretty safe to say that most of us bloggers write for others to read our work. Granted, there are some who host private blogs, but the rest of us are hoping for someone other than just their fiance’s grandfather to be amongst the loyal readers (just kidding, Pop, love you!)
Fortunately, mainly through the amazing Philofaxy community, I have gained a few additional loyal readers. And while I love writing for you all and communicating with my blogger friends via Twitter and Facebook, you can’t even imagine how excited I was to get an email from Gretel last week- a reader I didn’t even know I had!
Not only did I receive an email from a reader, but she thanked me for helping her organize her insane undergraduate schedule. And I, of course, not only thanked her in return, but asked her to do a guest post on her new organizational system. I gotta say, for a girl who said she had never owned an actual planner, Gretel is catching on quickly!
Instead of just taking a peek at her new planner (not a Filo… yet!) I asked her to talk a bit about her overall system. I think we can all take a few tips here and there. So without further ado…
I don’t know how I found your blog but I’m so so glad I did. I’m trying to organize my crazy undergrad life and I have never owned an actual planner. Since reading your blog, I bought a great one from Target and bought FC refill pages from Amazon and my life feels strangely on track (totally not normal for me). Thank you so so much!
I use a meal planner on my fridge for during the week because sometimes I forget to bring my lunch. If I look at it the night before as I’m getting water or something, I’ll remember to look at it and pack for tomorrow. Plus it’s so pretty. 🙂
The activity planner is another reminder of to-dos and things that are not so important or pressing (like catching up on the ABC show Revenge!). Also, because I’m such a ditz, I keep a list of what I have under my bed and in my closet. I frequently forget what I put in those places since I can’t see them, so I don’t freak out the next time I’m trying to find my hammer or something (which is surprisingly often). The grocery list on the fridge is super-convenient and I just rip it off on my out the door to the mall.
The planner is my baby (I’m sure most of you understand 😉 ). It’s just long enough to put in a rent envelope and zip up completely (which I LOVE). And it looks like a cute clutch purse! I bought the FC pages on Amazon since they’re slightly cheaper there than the website, and it was free shipping. I mainly just put classes and club meetings, plus e-mails I need to send and specific homework I need to do. I usually fill it out the night before and at the bottom I put things to bring the next day and leave it open on the counter to see in the morning. At the end of the day in Daily Notes I write one thing that made me smile that day and names of people I met that day (so I don’t forget).
That is so great! Looks lovely! Congrats for both of you! Gretel is a very quick learner and you are a very efficient enabler! I honestly almost got those same inserts after seeing them on your blog. 🙂
Great post! Congrats on the new system! And welcome to the club. =)
@Lime Tree- Haha! I'm just glad I'm finally starting to do the enabling instead of constantly being the enabled!!!
@Kanalt- Now we just have to get her onto Filos…
thanks guys! I'm still working my way up to a Filo.. 🙂
@Gretel: WOW, I'm in love with the planner – like you, I haven't ever had a 'proper' planner and one of my biggest resolutions for 2012 was to get my life back on track and be much more organized. I've spent the past fortnight combing the internet (ltierally) for the perfect planner/organiser fit for a student: one that had an air of professionalism without being too businesslike and, oh gosh, seeing yours – I'm in love 😀
There's only one other place on the internet that, after looking around, I've seen this over here and I really really want it – as a student, I don't quite feel ready enough to get a filofax and batter it through the storm and rain of university but this one will do till then! However, I don't live in the states 🙁
Basically, what I'm asking is – is there anyone who can help me obtain one? That yellow one just – I am obsessed with it and in the past half hour, I've been transported to planner nirvana just imagining it. Can anyone help a poor, overseas, reader? From one planner junkie to another?
(By the way, J, I just want to say thank you so much for this blog – it's acted as my incentive and inspiration for many things and I've been delurking for a long time without ever having the courage to join such a group of fantastic people. It was seeing Gretel's kick-start that finally gave me that little push I needed to both ask for help and let you know just how much of a friend your blog, and your thoughts, have been so thank you. 🙂
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Thanks, RK! I'm so glad you are reading (and enjoying) my writing! One problem we niche-less writers sometimes face is having trouble gaining loyal followers. I'm glad you are finding inspiration here!
In terms of planners- first I have to say that you can have a Filofax as a student! I'm actually bummed I found Filofax after graduating! Not to mention they have several lovely binders that are non-leather and can take a pretty good beating 🙂
As far as the planner in the photo you posted- is it the same one Gretel has but yellow? If so, this planner (I believe) is unfortunately discontinued unless you have seen a link as to where it can be purchased?
Thanks again for reading!