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Maria Gracia

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In response to my:
August 31st Newsletter on the topic of There is Just Something So Special About a New Notebook , I received TONS of responses. I wish I was able to print them ALL, but in trying to keep each issue to under a 5-minute read, here are just a few...

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Thank you for your article on notebooks. I use paper notebooks as well as the notepad app on my phone. There is something very satisfying about making a list and being able to cross it off when complete. I have a small notebook on my nightstand, so as I think of things, I can write them down to let my brain relax and go to sleep. I use 'work' notepads (the type that are perferated at the top) for many things, but I also like a good spiral notebook. I got used to Steno notebooks while in tech school and find they make good list notepads as technically each side has two columns. I agree the tape-bound ones are not as nice to use because they don't lay flat and pages do not neatly tear out. I found having a few pages in my purse worked well especially when I had kids in school and they needed a note to ride home from a sporting event or to leave a note on a car/door.

Brains are wonderful but with so much going on, writing things down lets our mind focus on what we are working on.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Lydia Schumacher

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Hi Maria,

I was so glad to read that you still use a notebook. I worked for a government contractor for 30 years (retired for 31 years) and the first rule when answering the phone was having the notebook and pen ready to record the time of the call, the person calling, who they were asking to speak to or what information they needed or wanted to give. Back then, the notebook had to be locked up at the end of every day.

This practice became so engrained that I've continued most of these rules ever since...I just don't lock up the notebooks! It became invaluable when we first moved to a new area after retirement because I was able to record names and contact information for people or businesses here.

I have a bit of OCD so having separate notebooks for different major subjects eliminates going through several pages of notes to find the information for a particular answer. The notebooks are kept in alphabetical order by subject.

After my husband passed away in 2017, the idea of the notebook became invaluable when making sure all notifications were made. I attached an envelope to the back cover to hold notes, cards, etc. so that I could easily find whatever I might need. I also was able to keep a record of shop items I was selling. Having a notebook to record calls made for repairs, etc. has shown to be invaluable when I have to call a second or third time (when I can say what date I called, the time and who I spoke with eliminates a lot of hassle).

For the past few months, I've been making notes in a smaller notebook (I also always use spiral-bound) regarding some health problems one of my dogs is experiencing so that I can easily let her vet know how she is doing. Some notebooks I've kept forever, others that have information that's not necessary to refer back to I shred.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Becky Hurdle

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Regarding notebooks, I also am a fan. Although I use digital sources for notes, I still love good old paper and pen. I have notebooks with my church bag to take notes in church or in Bible studies. I have a notebook next to my computer to jot notes from Zoom meetings. I have a notebook with lists of purchases and updates to my home. And I have many notebooks with notes and outlines from books that I have read. Instead of underlining in the books (which might not even be mine), I like to take notes by chapter of the most important things to remember. And I do go back to review them from time to time, depending on the subject matter.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Linda Jacob

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Hi Maria,

I too love a spiral notebook. As an afterschool director, I find they are great for keeping notes on meetings, trainings or a child's behavior issue. It helps me review it and reflect on using a different approach to help improve the situation.

I also love them for keepibg a to do list and a shopping list for those 'not everyday' items you need, like printer ink, pens, dog flea treatments, and so on.

I also like using one to write down a worry or concern on my mind so I can release it and be able to go to sleep at night. Yes, I do worry a bit about family, friends and my students.

I buy a dozen spiral notebooks every year when they are on sale. They are super handy!

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Pam Fowler, Redding CA

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Hi Maria,

In response to your article on notebooks, I too LOVE new office supplies! There is something about a new pen, desk top organizer and yes, notebooks.

I recently changed companies. For the past 20 years I have been an independent consultant for a direct sales company and work for myself. Your organization tips have come in handy! In changing companies, I have spent a week purging. Most of what I recycled was paper that I filed and never looked at again. I am vowing that this next adventure will be more digital.

That being said, one of the first things I did was to get a new notebook and 3-ring binder to organize the materials I was being sent and notes from my training. It is mind-clearing and refreshing to have that new start. I also carry a 5x7 one with me when we travel and have a small one by my bed. I am a list maker! I have found that it helps me not forget things.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Lisa Barter

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Hi Maria,

I have been journaling and keeping Bible study notes, sermon notes and prayer lists in notebooks since I became a Christian in 1973. I now have two bankers boxes full, the earlier ones were simple spiral notebooks, with separate sections.

Today, I love the spiral bound 'blank books' that are beautifully themed, many with Bible or inspirational quotes, and easy to use. Ollies often has these for a few dollars, about half of gift store prices.

Now, my organizing dilemma is that the books are just in the boxes, but I have considered going through and noting each one with dates and numbered order, so I could re-read about a specific season in time.

Thanks so much for all your organizing hints and thoughtful sharing of ideas.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Norma, Christian, recent widow, loving my Lord and life

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Hi Maria,

Where do I begin? I began using spiral notebooks when my kids were young (now 30 and 28). I was driving my pre-kindergarten son to a gymnastics class and told him it was a 'makeup' class (due to a cancellation) and he whined, 'I don't want to put on makeup.' Another time when I was in the car and drinking my soda he said, 'Don't drink and drive mom.' Unless you write them down, you may not remember them.

I have a separate small binder for friends that have health issues to keep me updated and unfortunately when they die. I have one that documents the health of my parents...my mom's last words, my emotions when someone says something about a necklace of hers I'm wearing. I have a wired 5 x 7 notebook of scripture verses that I like and write in different color markers. Start writing, documenting, and enjoying. You will be glad you did.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Karen

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Hi Maria,

I have been using small daily calendar notebooks since the late 90's.. 2 years ago I started using the spiral notebooks, they are great for everyday use...the one with the pocket page is perfect to hold small notes on the run and write in the notebook later. I'm lost without my notebook. I love reading your organizing tips and use many of them. Keep up the great work.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Alice M.

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Hi Maria,

Oh oh oh! Loooove my notebooks! They're all disc bound. You would love them too because they're completely customizable, flexible and lay flat. Brands include Arc, Levinger and many more.

The best part is that you can, in seconds, rearrange pages, take a page from one book to another, or add dividers, folders, etc. to a notebook, to constantly make it more efficient.

Don't know what I would do without mine!

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Peggy Hodapp, Pegasus Organizing

To fast-forward to 501 Tips and Ideas for Finding More Time for the Things You Love, visit:

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Maria

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'I spend a lot of time preparing. I think a lot about what I want to do. I have prep books, little notebooks in which I write everything down before a sitting. Otherwise I would forget my ideas.' --Helmut Newton

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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