My diary is a fairly complex beast. You may think it old-school that I
'still' have a hard-copy diary, but I've found that most organised
people actually do. I work inconsistent ("flexible") hours, so I use the
same diary for work and personal engagements.

I've had a number of different diaries over the years and have settled
on this one due to availability as much as anything else, but I'm rather
happy with it. I used to use a Debden Elite Pocket Week (the name says
it all) but at the end of 2016, I couldn't find one anymore. (I think
the year before I had to order one in.) So I went and got some
week-to-view inserts and a Filofax 6-ring binder. Ironically the inserts
are still made by Debden.

I've stuck with this arrangement for, well, exactly a year now, and I'm
quite happy with it. I've augmented it with a few other bits and pieces;
that you can do this is one of the cool things about a binder.

Right now, I have:

Filofax Academy 6-ring binder

It's a funky mid-90s vinyl binder in red, green, and blue. Fits in my
handbag perfectly.

Milford (formerly Debden) week-to-view inserts

Week-to-view (that's a week across two pages) gives me just the right
amount of space for the amount of appointments I tend to have.

Filofax note paper

I keep a few sheets right at the front. Right now, it's pink unlined,
although I generally prefer lined.

Moleskine address booklet with thumb index

I had a Moleskine diary back in 2008. It wasn't bad. This is still the
same address book from that diary. I've stuck with it because it has a
thumb index (the ones that came with the Debden didn't) even though some
of the addresses in there aren't relevant any more. I had to repair the
binding once, with a needle and thread. It slides into the little pocket
at the front of the binder.

Debden ribbon

I stole the ribbon from my old Debden diary. Super handy.

Leuchttrum 1917 pen loop

The binder actually has its own pen loop, but I like one up the top that
I can slide the pen's clip (not the whole pen) into.

Backing card I made myself

Has the ribbon and the pen loop stuck to it.

Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil

This is a wooden pencil that slides into a little cover with a pen clip
that you can also keep its little sharpener inside.


This all just works together, 'cause a binder lets you do that. It's
funky and it keeps me organised.