So most of you agree that I'm nuts for not using Endnote or something like it. I have another confession related to organizational conveniences: I have never, ever consistently used a planner or calendar. I just can't seem to do it.
I remember a scene in college when I asked a friend the date or something and she said, "why don't you check your planner?" and I said "I don't have a planner" and she was all, "what?! I have three! How can you live without a planner?!" Um, I dunno.
I've had planners before, with real intentions of being all organized and what-not. I'd write some things in it, and then never look back at it again. I have a calendar in my office, but pretty much all that gets recorded on it is travel plans, especially Advisor's trips. I seem to have a pretty good sense of time, which I keep in my head in a sort of spatially structured way. Or something. In general, I seem to know when events or deadlines are approaching and how they relate to other events and deadlines. Maybe I'm just not busy enough yet, but I kind of don't think so because other people who are not any busier than me seem totally dependent on some kind of calendar system. However, I think I might come to need one eventually as I get more responsibility. I admit that I've needed to refer to a calendar more often in the last year or two, but that's to anchor my sense of time rather than to record events for later reference.
Interestingly, although I always knew when my homework was due and I rarely miss other deadlines, I'm abysmal at getting birthday cards in the mail in time. Sending cards to each of my 28 family members was my New Year's Resolution this year, and although I sent cards for all but two birthdays (and there are two still to come), I was late on almost all of them.
11 comments:
never used to use calenders (though my busyness level is up for debate) however as someone who ALWAYS has to look at my computer at least once a day, I've found that Rainlendar is awesome! Just, you know, if you want one that will beep at you when you need to get the cards in the mail.
I was just thinking the other day how I keep carrying around this huge planner and I do write all my appointements and deadlines and meetings in it, but I never really look at it to see what I have planned. Like you, that is all in my head. I was even considering giving up on the planner-thing. Although it does come in handy when I want to know where certain things take place. I know there is a meeting this afternoon at two, but I don't know where exactely it is.
I say, as long as you don't need one that is just a sign that you are brilliant :)
I have always been a very diligent planner user. I think I just like the satisfaction of crossing things off and looking back on all that has been done already when I'm feeling stressed.
I'm a recent Google calender convert. I use it to organize my day-to-day experimental work as well as meetings, appointments, etc. The only draw back is now I am even more dependent on my computer/internet
Google calendar is your friend. It will e-mail you a week (or however long you want)in advance of events. With its help, I finally got birthday cards out on time this year. Sounds like Liz already knows the beauty of this system. :)
I'm pretty bad about using a day planner or calendar as well. I get them with the best of intentions, do a really good job of writing stuff in them for about a week and then I'm done. I have started using the iCal on my computer, but mostly just for the alarms. I don't really use it for day-to-day activities.
I always try to use a calendar but there are week long stretches when I forget to. I'm trying to integrate google calendar/computer/phone and then maybe it'll stick!
I have several calendars and planners, though none of them is complete. I've now started to use iCal, let's see if I stick with it. Especially for items like "dentist appointment in March" it does come in handy.
Google calendar is your friend! I also have access to Hubby's work calendar so I know when he would be able to join for lunch or trying to get ready for a 1pm meeting instead, etc. And we have a shared calendar for personal stuff (doctor appointments which I try to schedule around both of our meetings, personal travel plans), as well as everyone's birthdays so we can send cards/call people up on time.
Okay I backed you up on the Endnote, but this is unacceptable. You are insane :P
I too go through phases of trying to keep a planner. Since I switched to iCal though, I'm finding it easier to stay in the habit. It's just so easy to add things to my phone as soon as they come up! I use the Outlook calendar for all on-site work stuff though, just because it's easier to do that than to transfer Outlook meeting invitations onto another device.
I don't understand. Why do you waste headspace remembering appointments and such, where instead you can use it to think brilliant thoughts, work out that dissertation problem etc. The beauty of writing things down is they are out of your head and you never have that "OMG I really need to remember such and such." Ok so that is a bit of hyperbole but I've always used calendars and todo lists, best is in one place. right now its on my laptop (I love iCal and Taskpaper) used to be a Moleskine weekly calendar and notebook. That way I can plan my shopping and going out around appointments and things I want to do. It makes saying. Sure lets go out to coffee then. so much easier.
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