Yes, so about the Moleskine planner...

..that I got last summer and didn't know what to use it for.

Well, considering that there's only two weeks left for the year to end, I decided to try it out on Wednesday, instead of my trusted Pocket Filo.

So you won't have to remember which format I got, it's the 'Weekly Notebook Diary/Planner, July 2010 to December 2011', Pocket Size. It's got a week on a page and notes on the other page.

I have been writing in it daily, using a pencil at first (OCD me is afraid to ruin it if I use ink, even though I'm not planning on ERASING my scribbles!).

My first impressions are mixed; I like the size of it, and the fact that it is a notebook.

But I have to adjust to it, as I don't have a Notes nor a To do section in it. So I'm having to write everything into the daily space, which isn't big at all! I'm glad that I have a separate work Filofax, or else, this little book really wouldn't be enough.

I know that the size issue can be 'fixed' by going up one size, but for those who know me... I don't do BIG! All my Filofaxes are either the Pocket or the Mini size, except for the work one, the Personal Scanda, but because it is only available in that size.

Next issue: the LACK of pockets. 

I know it has a 'memento pouch' (I've always though this was a silly name) on the back, but I haven't used it yet. Maybe after some time I will.

But what I'm missing the most is a pen loop. These days I've been carrying a small aluminum mechanical pencil from Muji, attached to the elastic closure. If I want to use another pen though, I don't think that would be the best way to carry it.

And not to mention the fact that I can't add or remove sections...

So, why am I actually enjoying it? 

I guess because it's not even a week that it's been in use and I'm still blinded by the novelty of a new and different system. Because I am approaching it more as a notebook (fun) rather than a planner (work). Because I have started this as a 'fling', knowing perfectly well that once the excitement is gone, I will return to my 'steady' Filo.

Or will I? 

Sneak Peak at the Midori

As always, time is NOT on my side, and will need to simply write a few words about my new BABY!!!

I was going to wait for tomorrow or some other day to write about it, but I don't know if tomorrow I will actually have the time (mindset) to do so.

A relative went to Japan last week, and ever since I found out he was going, I asked nagged him to please bring me a Midori Traveler's Notebook with a few inserts. 

Finally today, I was able to go pick it at his mother's house! 

Turns out he didn't get me the classic one (large) but the 'Passport' size, which at first I thought wouldn't appeal to me as much, but as it turns out, it is PERFECT!! (I should have figured this out before, knowing how I always use smaller notebooks..)

The Notebook is, I tell you, A THING OF BEAUTY! I think there is a phrase that sort of goes like 'beauty in simplicity', (if there isn't one, it should!) which truly defines 80% of my taste. And this baby is the perfect example for it.

The supple brown leather cover, the colours used all around the notebook, and the concept! Easy to use and maintain, refillable, and customisable!

I am so in love with this little thing that I am seriously considering to start using it VERY soon in lieu of my trusted Filofax, even though I had planned on using my brand new Raspberry Fins from the 1st of January '11.

Anyway, it's already past my bedtime, so I'll leave you for now. If you want to know more about my new japanese best friend, check out my flickr. (Sorry, can't be bothered to include a link, but you know how to get there, especially from here. If not, then your brain's just being lazy!)

Goodnight!

To Do: Buy 2011 Day per Page!!

I just realised that I still need to buy Day Per Page refills for my Pocket Filo!

And here I sat happy with just my QuoVadis inserts that Steve so kindly brought from France for me :)

I know, it's been an awful long time without updates in my blog. I've not only been busy with a new job, but also, I must confess I've been feeling un-inspired, despite the Filofax bloggers Event I attended with Jess AND the long-awaited Philofaxy London Meetup!

I've also been mentally stressing about having to write about these two events, but as far as the Meetup goes, others have done a way better job writing about it than I ever could. And mentally stressing about something is really not good for me, as I end up NEVER doing the thing I'm stressing about!

So I have decided to approach this blogging thing from a different angle: I'll simply write when I feel inspired, about whatever stationery-related topic that is occupying my mind, even if it is just a couple of phrases.

Like today's topic: 2011 refills, or rather, the lack of.

Like I mentioned, Steve brought me some beautiful QV weekly inserts which I plan on using once the year starts. I did consider using them straight away, as they are not 12, but 18 months format. 

But when I looked at my already (scarcely) filled pages of my current WPP, I felt I really couldn't just kill those pages after having served me so well!! So, yes. They will stay until the 31st Dec... or rather, the 29th, as the 30th is already on a new page...arghh I really hate these stupid dilemmas!

I honestly don't know if I really need to have two formats now that I also carry a work Filofax, having my Personal Filo more empty since then. But I'm getting tired of changing, even if it is a silly little thing like my planner issues. So I will stick with my two formats choice I've been using for almost two years now. Maybe in one year's time, I will re-address this issue and decide then.