I have an “In and Out Box” on my desk.  That would be a good thing, if I only kept the items that needed immediate attention in the  “In” part of the basket.   However, the “In” part is on top, and easier to reach, so almost everything turns up there.

Occasionally, I do browse and toss away things such as ; a playbill from a play I attended (but slept though the second act), a note telling me that my secret code will arrive by mail—What secret code? And, song lyrics such as, “The Impossible Dream,” from MAN OF LA MANCHA. 

The “Out Box” has a notice that my auto insurance payment will be taken out of my checking account three months ago.  No wonder my check book didn’t balance. Also, there was an article from the Detroit Free Press, a 2024 calendar, and my haircut appointments for 2025.

Whether it’s “In” or “Out”  there’s always plenty of room for itty-bitty pieces of paper with notes to myself— including at least 25 names which I intend to memorize. These are folks who have recently moved in. However putting their names with the correct faces can be challenging.

Also, my trust level is low, so until a problem is solved— such as, “Which restaurants will be open on which days?” or “Clarifying the terms of  my new health insurance,”  I make copies of almost everything. Some stuff may be important some day! Consequently, I felled  more trees than Paul Bunyan. I admit that I have lots of material in file folders. Granted, my filing system leaves much to be desired.  However,  I do brag that only one of my files is labeled, “STUFF.”

Impossible as it may seem, I do know where to find most of the information I have filed away —-unless it’s been filed in the wrong place. And everyday, I put a note on my kitchen counter to remind me of my next day activities.  

The bottom line is that I keep three calendars and faithfully check them for scheduled events such as my birthday. That way I rarely miss anything!  It’s a system that works for me and happily, so far, I haven’t missed anything really important such as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Esther Blumenfeld