It’s no secret that I’m a Mac/Apple girl. Every computer I’ve ever owned has been a Mac. (And by the way, because of that I’ve never had a virus…knock on wood.) I have an iPhone. My laptop is a MacBook Pro. Don’s is a Macbook (which used to be mine.) I love everything about them.
The one thing, though, I’ve never been able to use for any length of time is the calendar, the appointments, the reminders, etc., that are part of the OS operating system. I’ve tried. It’s not that I can’t figure them out, I can. The truth is that I really like to write things down. If I have an appointment, I want to write it in a book. If I need to note a birthday or anything in my daily calendar, including reminders for book reviews, I have to write it down. Somehow it doesn’t seem real if I record it in a virtual medium. I remain old-fashioned that way.
Enter my beloved Filofax. Now, you have to understand that I haven’t always been true to my Filofax. I strayed a bit. I tried other agendas/calendars. I even tried a Palm Pilot (remember them?) Boy, with the advent of the smart phone, Palm Pilots disappeared pretty quickly!
Anyway, I had tried another agenda quite recently. I admit it, the aqua cover called to me. But when I was in Manhattan in June, working with the director of Much Ado About Nothing, I noticed her well-loved, slightly battered Filofax sitting on the table, stuffed with reminders and receipts and all the things one puts in an agenda. We spoke about how we love to write things down and how much we love Filofaxes. And I thought, “Claudia, what were you thinking?? Return to what you love. Return to the best!!”
And I did.
This particular Filofax is about 12 years old. It’s the Kensington model, which is no longer being made.
The leather is incredibly supple and the edges are worn. I like that. It’s been broken in. Truth be told, if I had to buy a Filofax today, I would go with something that is non-leather. But I bought this 12 years ago, when my beliefs and convictions about animal rights were still evolving. So I experience a guilty pleasure with this cover. I’ve also heard the older models were the best quality and mine sure is.
I first got a Filofax in about 1989 or 1990. I was teaching at Boston University and a woman who worked with me had one. She carried it everywhere; it was stuffed with all sorts of interesting things, I couldn’t take my eyes off it and I became obsessed. I wanted one. Since I was grossly underpaid at that institution, I had to go with a cheaper version of the cover. But I used the Filofax inserts. Eventually, I was able to upgrade to the one I have now.
Let’s open it up. The inside cover has slots for credit cards. I don’t carry my credit cards in the Filofax, so I stick my business cards there. Easy to get to. There’s a compartment underneath where I stash all sorts of notes, photos, you name it. On the right is the pencil-protector-type thing that comes with the Filofax. I store Post It notes and flags there, along with a photo of my late brother and me.
You know me, I always have a story. This particular photo is very precious to me. Years ago, again at Boston University, my wallet was stolen. I had mistakenly left my office door open for a moment as I ran down the hall to another office. When I returned, the wallet was missing. I panicked, not because of all my cards and ID, but because this photo was in the wallet and my brother had just died and I thought I would never see it again. Eventually, a guy working maintenance found the wallet with the cash missing but everything else intact. I keep it here now. It seems safer, somehow.
I jot down all sorts of stuff. In this case, coaching appointments and a reminder to post a book review on the blog. Excuse scrawly handwriting. Too many years of writing actor notes at a very fast pace, sometimes in the dark.
I also have a section where I jot down the titles of books that I want to read. If I rely on my already over-stuffed brain to remember a title, I inevitably forget it.
You can add all sorts of fun things to a Filofax. Here’s a fold out map of Manhattan. I use it all the time.
See?
Or how about a map of London?
Yep. I used that constantly when I was there. I keep it in the Filofax because I want to take Don to London someday.
And a map of the world is always a good thing to have on hand.
In the back, there are see-through pockets for business cards, another flap to store things in and a gusseted zippered compartment. I often stash my receipts there, especially when I’m on the road.
And of course, there is the loop for a pen.
Interestingly, I was about to write this post when I encountered another post on the same subject, on Tales of Ted and Agnes. She gave her Filofax a makeover using barkcloth! And if one googles Filofax, goodness! There are all sorts of sites devoted to a passion for Filofaxes. I don’t mind saying that I lost a few hours reading them, especially this one: Philofaxy. Such fun!
What form of reminder/calendar/agenda do you use? Are you all-digital? Do you write on a wall calendar? (I do that, too.) Do you have a favorite form of desk planner? Do tell!
Happy Sunday.
Claudia, Technology is great…but I truly love pen and paper. Always will. Glad you got the picture back…I try and try to warn my children about not leaving things to handy for the crook. When we were growing up…heck we never lock anything…but times were simpler. Blessings to you today. xoxo,Susie
You’re so right, times were simpler back then. Though I suspect there have always been thieves!
Claudia,
I love your post today….and it has helped me decide, as well, that the old fashioned way of doing things is sometimes (usually???) the best. I’ve been trying to get with the times by using (or attempting to use) my phone and computer as notepads. There are all sorts of apps I’ve downloaded yet do not use. I’ve lost notes, forgotten where I listed something, found virtual lists long after I actually could have put them to use.
I have a planner that sits near my bed. I haven’t bought a refill for it since 2011. After reading your post, I am going to buy a refill and put it back on the kitchen table. I love your Filofax and looked them up on ebay, gosh….the ‘vintage’ models go for a fortune !!!
Yours looks like an old friend, well loved, wrinkles, warts and all :)
Thanks again for another useful post!
Have a great day Claudia!
Lori
Thank goodness I bought my ‘vintage’ model when it was new! I think I paid around $40 for the whole thing – leather cover and inserts.
I’m the same way as you, Lori. I would put in reminders but I rarely, if ever, checked the calendar app. I need to see it, in my writing, on the page.
I use my i phone calendar, although I don’t like it. I am Chairmen a committee and I had to go out and find a yearly calendar I could write on…tactile! I have to touch it, why I do not know I am sure it is our age, baby boomer!
I’m sure you’re right! Although I see a lot of young Filofax users out there as I’ve investigated some of these sites. Maybe we’re not so old-fashioned after all!
I love technology, but still prefer paper for calendar items. I have always had a PC and never had a virus either.
Just keeping your protection updated and scan regularly is key, I think. Plus, having some common sense in not opening suspicious emails or links.
You’re so right. Some people are very trusting and they immediately click on a link, not knowing anything about it. I scan regularly as well and have virus protection software. I’m told you don’t really need it with a Mac, and that’s probably true, but better safe than sorry! (Gina, I haven’t had time to respond to your update about your furry one, but I will tomorrow!)
I, too, love to write things down. I used a Daytimer for years but have gone to computer now and , really-the truth is- I hate it- seriously hate not having a daily calendar. (they kind of become a journal for me, too). Dare I look at the prices of the Flofax? Okay-just did- They have a big sale going on but they are still pricey, aren’t they? But, if you love it it is worth it! Have a wonderful Sunday- xo Diana
They are a little pricey, but the cover last forever and you don’t have to buy a whole new planner every year. Just that year – on paper. About $10.00. I’ve even used Daytimer inserts in the past. They fit in the Filofax as well.
I like having everything together and I just can’t deal with doing it digitally. I never know where I’ve put things! And heaven forbid if my computer crashes….though I do back it up.
I gave up paper about 10 years ago and now use only digital calendars. I love that I can easily access it and the reminders pop up.
You are clearly someone who works well with digital calendars, Donna. That’s a good thing!
I think my line of work helped nurture that Claudia. As a teacher I was all paper, but with the advent of the digital gadgets I was forced to learn to use them as an administrator. Now it is just second nature. Although I still take notes by hand. Not sure if that will ever change.
xoxo
Wow, am I glad you did this post. I too tried the palm pilot, and went back to paper. I have a day planner, although over the years it has changed brands and size depending on what my needs were at the time and budget and what was available (moved a lot)
Mine looks remarkably like yours. First page is plastic pocket with sticky notes and photo of my kids. Then the calendar and addresses come after that. A plasticized map I took out of the phone book of the area. (Need that cause I can get lost in my own living room, and it comes in handy for yard sale searches.) Towards the back is a couple pages where I tape fabric pieces or embroidery strings so I can match up projects when I need new supplies.
I’m debating this year about going up to the next bigger size when I go to find next years refills because I would be able to read it better. Portability vs grabbing my glasses all the time. Portability is winning so for cause I picture myself in a few years dragging around a planner measured in feet instead of inches.
The link you posted did have some good ideas, and of course she had a couple links which also had some good ideas, and then their links – Well, I can see where my day is going today.
Catch ya later – Smiles to you – Linda
I struggle with the same thing. My handwriting tends to be big, rather than tiny and I run out of room frequently. A bigger size would be wonderful….but another heavy thing to tote around??? Not yet!
Hi Claudia!
Jumping through my email… I almost didn’t click over to read here at the blog… have lots to do today–and here it is almost 11 am!
It seems the busier I get “the more behinder I become!”
I could write a book on filofax (really never heard of it) I’m a week at a glance kind of gal. Though– in the last couple of years… I just seem to fly by the seat of my pants and can’t get back to the organization of taking notes and writing down appointments. I don’t know why? My life would be much simpler and my brain would be much more free to think about other LOVELY THINGS… if I would just go back to recording these things in a notebook. :)
anyway, the truth is
that YELLOW FABRIC with the eggs …it caught my eye! So I came over to chat with you. That is the cutest fabric, is it a duck cloth? or cotton… I really can’t tell. (truth is, I’m still not knowledgeable about fabrics yet…in my early stages of learning to sew)
Also… thanks to you, I have about 4 tabs opened up top that link to ‘Tales of Ted and Agnes’ …what an adorable blog. I am going to book mark it and read some more. She has the cutest little farmhouse! Love her style.
I’m so glad I followed through and came here today.
I hope you have a lovely day today…
take care now, Pat
I forgot to say what that fabric is! It’s a dish towel from Target! Just got it about a week or so ago. I bet you could find one, Pat.
You have brought back memories of when I first read an Alexandra Stoddard book and fell in love with her. She was all about her Filofax. Made me want one too but I ended up settling for some kind of generic look alike. Still, it was fun and I miss it, although not the weight it added to my purse. Now it’s a wall calendar for me, but then I don’t have a smart phone to put all that info into and probably couldn’t figure it out anyway! I love your Filofax, loved peeking into it.
Did you ever see in Mrs. Minerva, or was it the book, where a really big day to her is the day she chooses her new calendar diary for the year? It had to be just the right cover and feel to the pages.
I do have a smart phone, Dewena, and I STILL don’t put all the information in it!
Love hearing about Mrs. Minerva – I totally get that choosing her new calendar diary is a big day!
I feel like you just gave me permission to use what I love and I feel so relieved. I am technologically challenged and can barely make a phone call with my new “smart phone”. I still haven’t figured out how to hang up. My day planner and the calendar hanging on the side of my fridge keep my life and time organized (somewhat). I use a planner that zips closed, because I have so many loose papers in it that I don’t want them to fall out. I have a big day planner and a small day planner and bounce back and forth trying to decide which one I love the most. I love the size of the small one for carrying with me, but I love the big one, because it gives so much more room to write. Every year I buy calendar inserts for each. I have to make a choice and stick with it. I also love Mr. PaperMate.
I know – I would love a bigger one, which is what lead me to try something else. But I still love my Filofax. So I have to make it work.
Wow!! I thought I was the only one still using a Filofax!! I love writing in mine and also make little doodles (can’t really do that electronically!). When the year is over I bundle up the calendar pages with a rubber band and save them, it’s like a diary to me. My family/friends/co-workers think I’m in the dark ages when I whip it out. Jen ps I have the Manhattan map too even though I’ve only been to NYC twice in my entire life!!
I do the same thing with my calendar pages, Jen. We’re not in the dark ages. We just value the pen and paper.
I’m not familiar w/the Filofax, but it looks like a Franklin DCovey PLanner, which I tried and had very little success with. The three month thing just didn’t cut it. I think it’s because for years I used the Day PLanner and it worked great for me. Just filed it away at the end of the year and could access it easily if need be. Now I use a Susan Branch planner on my desk, and carry a little one in my purse. Very seldom do I put anything in my iPhone calendar! Just more fun to write it down! Great post!
No, it’s not at all like a Franklin Covey Planner. It’s more like a Day Timer or Day Planner. But you don’t have to replace the cover or buy a whole new planner every year. And there are all sorts of things you can add to it to make it even more functional. There’s no three month thing with a Filofax, Annette.
Time to come clean I guess…our family is and always will be Apple users. And my three sons, yes that was intentional, all use digital reminders, calendars and the like. But, the momma does not. I too, need to take pen to paper…I think it helps with my ability to remember things. I even use post it notes too…they can be found all over the place. I never saw a Filofax before…could really use one though. My life isn’t nearly as busy as yours, but I still have a lot of things to remember. And then all my notes would at least be in one place. I’ll be checking that out. I’m so glad you didn’t lose that picture of your brother…I can only imagine the heartache that might have caused. Enjoy your day! ;)
II use post it notes a lot! Sometimes, too much. Especially when I’m on the road, as I am now.
I also love to put pen to paper. It’s my outlet to sit down at the end of the day and write in a journal which is just a composition book because they are so cheap when school supplies are on sale. Since I work at home as a babysitter I don’t use a day planner. If something comes to mind I need to remember I use colored Index cards I get for $1 for a package of 100. I write on them with Sharpies. I tape the reminders to my computer desk or the fridge door. It’s a simple method but one that works well for me and since I’ve never had a really good memory being able to see the notes where they are highly visible helps me considerably. What a great idea to have your special photo where you can see it daily. So glad it wasn’t lost to you forever.
Don loves Composition books, Janie, and he writes in one every day.
I love a daily planner and use it all the time. I’m a jot it down person also! Love your filofax!
Thanks, Linda! Are you in Paris?
I don’t have much to keep track of anymore except all of my Doctors appointments so I just use one of those little two year planners..Gets the job done for me as I must also write these things down..I think writing them down helps me to remember them better..If I put them into some sort of device they would just disappear from the screen never to be thought of again..lol..With all of the things you have to keep track of I’m sure your Filofax is a blessing to you..
It is. When I’m home, I tend to write in it less, but when I’m working, I constantly refer to it.
I’m old fashioned in that area. I have a computer, an Ipad and a smart phone but I also have a little black book I carry in my purse. I’ve always said that if I ever lost it, my world would just crumble. I want it written down in pen and ink in that little black book. I keep birthdays, phone numbers, etc. right there. I also keep one of those big desk calendars mounted in the back hall that I attached Dr. appt cards, bills to pay, etc. all taped to the date they relate to. I just haven’t gotten to where I want all of that important data on my phone yet. Call me ancient!
Judy
I’m with you, Judy!
OMG I forgot about the PALM I had one before smart phones. Now everything is in my iPhone with an alert set to remind me. I live by my MAC products.
I use my phone sometimes for an alert. And I use it as an alarm clock when I’m on the road! Love my iPhone!
Hi Claudia,
Just like you, I NEED to write things down, on PAPER, as it makes me feel that they are part of me, things I must remember to do as a human, like eat, wash my hair or take the garbage out!! Tactile, and sometimes, tedious, yes, but I have to put pen to paper, albeit, in my ‘doctor’s’, scratchy handwriting, (as my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Smith, used to say). Somehow, writing it down in my own handwriting makes it unique, something that belongs only to me, and thus, I am the only one who can take care of the errand, remember the birthday, show up for the appointment! I really enjoyed all your Filofax fun today and to answer your question, my husband buys me a very stylish agenda/daily journal as a New Year’s gift every year, bound in rich red leather, but I always end up writing my ‘To Do’ lists on scrap paper that I frantically have to search for EVERY SINGLE TIME!!
xo
Poppy
I, too, have a doctor’s handwriting, Poppy! I love the way you put it – it makes it unique, only mine. Perfect way to describe it!
And I’m sorry to say, I write things down on scraps of paper all the time and then I can’t find them! I’m working on that one.
I’ve never heard of Filofax. Where have I been? Is it a brand more popular on the East Coast? I have used a Day Runner for at least 25 years, and would be lost without it. I have considered trying to keep everything on my iPhone or iPad, but like you, I like writing something down on a paper calendar. I am also an Apple girl. That’s all I’ve ever used, and can’t imagine switching. However, I think I may be shopping for a Filofax for 2014! Thanks for the info!!
You are very welcome, my friend!
Hi
Thank you for linking back to Philofaxy the home of everything connected with Filofax and all other brands of ring bound paper planners…..
As we say. A Filofax needs no instructions… no batteries… no internet connection… It just works
Steve
Because I work from home, at our local hospice and at my centre, I have 3 offices, which means 3 desks with 3 desk calendars, blotter type. I love those as I can write a lot on them and as someone who is visual, it’s great to see my day laid out in a large format. At the end of each day, in whatever office I happen to have been in that day, I review my calendar and make sure my iPhone calendar is the same, so I can carry my appointments with me at all times. Works really well and I don’t have to worry that I might have a family coming in for counseling into the wrong centre, on the wrong date, at the wrong time!
But I love your system too. Looks like it works really well for you. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Claudia – each year I purchase a ‘Moleskine Legendary Notebook’. I get the Weekly Notebook Diary/Planner – softcover in black. (Even though I spend a lot of time on my Mac I don’t really ever use it, or my iPhone, for notes – just like to write things down the old way).
I love the whole page for the week and across from it a blank lined page for notes etc. Adore the little additions such as a ribbon page marker, an elastic band to keep it closed when not in use, a gusseted pocket in back, colorful adhesive labels for events and dates to remember, plus plenty of pages in the front with international data for travel etc.
Guess each year of my life has been packaged in a slim little black book. I count on many Moleskine products such as assorted notebooks of different sizes and colored covers to keep my life organized. I also have a wall calendar in the kitchen – always buy the same one each year – Carl Larsson, the Swedish painter whose views of his home and family are so beautiful.
Hugs – Mary
When I was working in an office (last year and the 5 years prior to that), I always carried something similar to your Filofax. I didn’t have a smartphone at the time, but even if I did, I still prefer pen and paper to keep track of things. I now have a smartphone (sorry, not an Apple fan – I have the Samsung Galaxy S3 phone) and it has programs and such for appointments, notes, etc., but I don’t use any of them! My husband is the same way. We have a large desk calendar on the side of our refrigerator and write everything down on that.
I’m sitting here with my Filofax Pocket Finsbury in dark pink beside me. Your post made me laugh – so much like me. I’ve strayed, but always come back home to what I call my pinky book – nothing else works so well for me. x
DIGITAL? LOL that question reminded me : When my son was moving to his house I was looking for a notepad to start making a list with him…of things like spatula, potato peeler, etc….and he pulled out his phone to make the list. I was astounded :)
I am glad I’m not alone. My husband is forever trying to convert me to using the calendars on my phone/computer/tablet. I refuse constantly.
I love jotting notes on real paper. I love the jumble of miscellany stuffed into the back of the cover. I love post it notes and highlighters and ticking off lists.
Old fashioned? Maybe. But I too am steadfast in my resolve to remain a traditional Filofax girl.
I have a calendar hanging inside one of my kitchen cabinets..Always..Sometimes the old ways are the best..
I had never heard of the Filofax. We used Franklin Covey planners in my neck of the woods years ago. Yes, I must say I was digital when I was working, but not much is on my calendar since June. I am loving that very much! I keep a legal sized pad on my desk at all times. If I have several things to do in a day, I just them down to plan my day. I am always writing stuff on my legal pad. Interesting post, Claudia.