I love my diary (the schedule sort, not the journal sort). I have always loved using a diary, especially opening a crisp new one at the start of each year. Seriously, nothing more satisfying.
Heck, I love my diary so much it currently makes up my blog header.
But.
And I really, really hate to admit this.
I am choosing to use the various calender and list functions on my computer and phone more than my actual diary. You see, the thing with my diary is that in order for it to be useful, I have to have it with me all the time. I have to have it with me when I go to the shops so I can see if any birthday cards need buying. I have to have it with me to (a) write and (b) complete my extremely long, and legendary, To Do lists. And I definitely have to have it with me to have even the smallest chance of keeping the various appointments of my children (whose social lives are significantly busier than mine).
I used to carry my diary with me perhaps 90% of the time, which meant it was perhaps 90% effective as an organisational tool. But my phone is with me 99.5% of the time. Which, combined with iCal (Apple's calendar program) and Wunderlist (genius), mean it is (and please whisper this bit) better than my diary.
I know, I hate it too. But unfortuntely I can't make my paper diary remind me to days in advance to send birthday cards, tell me what we're having for dinner this evening and check my emails. Added to which I can alter my calendar using the computer when I'm at my desk, plan my blog posts, sync lists with Adam (shopping lists, To Do lists. There are a lot of lists in our lives. Had you noticed?) and manage my Etsy store more easily.
I am mildly heartbroken. I love paper diaries. In fact, I love stationery in general. And I love my fancy fountain pen (not that fancy. Actually a press gift, pinched from my journalist father. But I love it anyway).
Maybe I could indulge my passion for putting pen to paper in other ways. Time to start writing more letters, perhaps? Or start on that novel. They say everyone has at least one novel in their head, right?
