Is there some irony in the fact that before writing this Monday’s entry, I did a Google search to see if I had company in feeling the way I do? Indeed, the irony is in the fact that I used an electronic search about my problem of letting go of something non electronic. The search confirms that I do have plenty of company–those of us who can’t let go of our paper calendars, even though electronic calendars are neater and cleaner and always appear on demand. No more “where did my calendar go?” (usually found buried under the pile of books and mail) and frantically digging under the piles to make an entry in my calendar before forgetting the details.
Let go? I can’t do it. I have many of the electronic toys popular in today’s world. The electronic calendars appear on each of the devices that I use, but my paper calendar remains on my desk. A smaller calendar travels in my purse. The paper calendar is my non religious Bible–(terminology still up for review, perhaps it is worship in some form) as in keeping up with daily events is probably a religion of a kind. It certainly takes a significant part of my daily routine, energy and concentration.
I do not remember living without a calendar, from middle school forward. Letting go of the last year’s calendar is also difficult for me. Recently I pledged to keep only the past year and reducing the clutter in my drawer. Of course I can refer to many prior year calendars on the electronic version as well, but–letting go…not easy for me. Most recently, my paper format of choice is a spiral bound weekly calendar with ample space in which to write and beautiful images of artifacts from the collection of the Jewish Museum in New York City.
Thinking back, I remember my parents maintaining a wall calendar with notes crammed into the small space and my dad carrying a pocket calendar recording his RPO rehearsal and performance schedule, his violin teacher schedule and so much more. The historical development of the concept of calendar is brilliant and long, leading to the advent of personal calendars as we know them–a few results from my Google search;
Next on my plan for today is to open my paper-back book and indulge in a favorite pass time, reading. I have chosen to occasionally pick up a paper based book and give my Kindle and Tablet a bit of a rest. I hope your Monday was fulfilling and memorable.
I watch the calendar dance as you shift items between your three calendars, the two on paper and the electronic. I too lived with a paper diary for many years. I had to toss 15 years of boxes when we prepared to move out of the Townhouse.
On the other hand, once I had a usable digital calendar and was at a desk with a functioning computer much of the day I rushed to discard the paper one. The computer calendar would remind when I needed to leave for a meeting or when a client would be arriving. If I needed paper reminders for the day or week, I could always print them out for use while away from the desk this was before cell phones that fit in the pocket.
I'll finish this comment and pick up my tablet to read a book you recommended.