Paperwork

/ J. F. Riordan

My niece and her husband—both executives at a big company—run a paperless home. They don’t write notes on paper; they receive and pay their bills electronically, and, well, I don’t know what else, because I cannot imagine living that way.

This is not a criticism. It is a confession.

My husband and I are writers. But while we both use computers most of the time, we do regularly make handwritten notes. When I need to download information for myself, I find that the simple writing of lists in a notebook is somehow refreshing to my mind. My notebook sits next to me now as I write, and on my bedside table at night. I carry it with me into the grocery store and prop it up on the seat of the cart. It often sits on the passenger seat in my car. It travels with me, so I can write on the plane when electronics are prohibited. I will use my phone to make notes if I have to, but I always prefer paper.

My preference for paper extends to a preference for a particular notebook, which seems no longer to exist anywhere in the world, but of which I have an extensive backstock. Occasionally in an idle moment I still search for them, but my hope is gone.

I like pens, too, and I am particular about them. This is not to say that I prefer anything expensive or fancy. The office cheapo store has perfectly fine pens. But they have to feel right in my hand, and they have to move across the paper in a certain way. When I had a day job and traveled often, there was a certain luxury hotel in Washington D.C. whose conference room pens I absolutely coveted. I still have two, and try to spare them for special occasions. The truth is, I love office supplies of every kind, really. Since childhood I have enjoyed a leisurely meander through the aisles of paper, pens, and whatnots. I have always been drawn to those bound accounting books, even though I have an absolute horror of accounting. I don’t buy them, but I eye them speculatively. I am also drawn to boxes of crayons.

But the thing is, we are drowning in paper. Most of it comes in the mail, and it is of no interest whatsoever. That’s easy to get rid of. But aside from the advertising stuff or the solicitations for donations, much of it—despite its unimportance—is unsafe to throw away. It has account numbers, or personal information that you really don’t want floating around. I used to have a shredder, but after a few iterations the shredders went the way of my robot cleaners: Fun while they’re working, but that’s not for long. And so the paper sits around on my kitchen counter, and later slithers out of the bonfire burn bag in the closet and escapes under the door, making a mess in the back hall. You know why I can’t wait for snow? So I can have a big bonfire and get rid of it all.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

And Now for Your Gratuitous Dog Photos

Everybody yawn.

49 thoughts on “Paperwork”

  1. You’ve exposed me. I’m such a sucker for the office store myself. I can just wander and wish. Although I’m a computer geek, I still love the feel of pen & paper and will often write out my ideas before committing to the tools of the e-world.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I’m not into electronic notes either. I prefer using the small legal pads for mine.

      Thanks for the gratuitous dog pictures. I miss them on Twitter, or X, whatever it’s called these days.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I have 2 bonfires every year, spring and late fall with a bit of snow on the ground. Along with dead wood, branches and twigs ( no leaves, never ) go all sensitive documents.

    Love the photos, please keep them coming

    Regards

    P

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I am exactly the same as you with paper lists, paper notes and my preference for writing down what I need. My husband, on the other hand, uses his phone for all lists and notes. Go figure!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I am so happy to have your posts in my email. Your pups are just as much a part of our family as my own two dogs. Thank you!

    Like

  6. Beginning the day with gratuitous photos of Eli & Auggie is one of the best ways to start. Thank you for sharing them.

    This morning’s post speaks to me in a language that touches me deeply: paper, pens, crayons. I use and appreciate technology, but it far more satisfactory to jot down notes in the small notebook which I carry in my handbag. In an emergency, I will use my phone, but it is never as satisfactory as using pen and paper.

    I have lived in Phoenix and its surrounds all my life, i.e. 75 years so far. Years ago there was a stationer here on West Indian School Road; and prior to its closing, it was my favorite place to roam the aisles. I found so many treasures there.

    My love of crayons began as a very young child and continues to this day. The colors, the scent, the feel of the paper-wrapped stick in my hand – all put a smile on my face.

    Not everyone understands my love of these objects, but you have reminded me this morning that there are others like me. Thank you.

    Like

  7. I have the same issue with paper. Luckily, my local bank has shredding events. 

    <

    div>Kiss the pups for me and Bella 

    Sent from my iPhone

    <

    div dir=”ltr”>

    <

    blockquote type=”cite”>

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Not sure if this will be a duplicate reply. I appreciate knowing there is another soul in this world that loves to stroll through the aisles of an office supply store. The feel of a pen on paper needs to flow and when you find that perfect combination you don’t want to let it go!

    Cheers to you, and Charlie, Auggie, Eli and sweet Pete and Moses!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Once or twice a year my town organizes a paper shredding event. A large truck from a commercial document destruction business comes and we usually have a bag full of paper saved up and take it over.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. As I sit here making my “to do”list on the little notepad that was sent to me by one of the conservation/animal focus nonprofits to whom I give a pittance periodically, I laughed out loud. Everything you described resonates so completely, including the plan for the bonfire. My husband insists on sending me grocery lists by text on the phone, and it drives me crazy because it is very difficult to pull that thing up as you’re in there produce department looking for a good tomato. So my pockets are full of crumpled up lists and my desk is piled high with the notebooks which contain thoughts both grand and small. Anyway, thanks so much for giving putting a smile on my face this morning and making me realize that a paperless life is not in the cards for me at 75!

    Betsy Julian

    Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Yes! As a teenager, I used to wander around our Miller’s Office Supply Store. Loved the smell, the pens, pencils, and notepads. They carried art supplies, and I was taking oil painting lessons, so I was there often.

    Today, decades later, I use a bullet journal, a 5×8 inch notebook into which I place my to-dos, thoughts, comments, etc.

    Computers are great, but nothing can match that feeling of pen on paper. You captured that feeling perfectly!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I love all of your emails. Miss you on Twitter but this is a good substitute! And the pictures are always welcome. So glad Augie is doing well!

      Liked by 2 people

  13. So nice seeing your missives once again and enjoy seeing Auggie and Eli. I agree with you on the use of paper. I make lists of things to do and keep them on a promament place on the kitchen counter so they are always in sight. May be a generational thing for those of us were raised with paper and pen, although I can barely write cursive anymore, Thank you for sharing! Sharon

    Liked by 2 people

  15. You are a kindred spirit! I take notes on specific paper, and I like specific pens. The only difference is that we have a heavy duty shredder that makes perfect confetti. My mother had beautiful handwriting. Going through her handwritten receipes brings back lovely memories.

    Like

  16. Well well we have love of paper in common. I do pay all my bills online but I love making lists and writing things down. Reminders, random thoughts, grocery lists etc. I cannot walk past a stationary store without going in. I am always I. Search of a better pen or prettier file folder. Can’t explain it. I just do. I have a backlog of notepads which I also love to buy even when I don’t need them. You’re not alone.

    Like

  19. A day without dog pictures is not worth having. I’m stuck in the middle with paper. Moving slowly to online but bless my little yellow pads for to do lists. And an 8 by 11 notebook by month to remind me to add potassium to water softener, etc. 🤷🏼

    Like

  20. Both my husband Dennis and I have been collectors of books, paper products, and pens for our entire lives. His stems from working in both computers and as a aviator in the military. Both required their own specialized paper (especially the computers over 50 years ago!). While I worked almost 50 years in pharmacy. The favorite gift of drug reps are note pads and pens! I believe our entire supply found its way across the Atlantic to our new home too. I love those gratuitous dog photos! Eli’s pensive stare out the window and crossed legs is so comforting. And here’s a couple of gratuitous ones in return. Barón was 4 months old on Saturday. Gretel is now 9 but he has her prancing around like a puppy again. We had our first fire in the chimenea last night as if was a little chilly with the dampness in the air. In this last one Baron is watching football with Daddy! I hope you have a great week and thanks for your posts. I really enjoy reading them. JoAnn

    Like

  21. I have boxes of pen, both bought and collected. I have expensive pens in elegant boxes and cheap pens from workshops. My current favorite is a Dr Clic gel-ink pen. It glides over the yellow paper pad making my every thought and note wiser and more meaningful.

    Like

  22. I can so relate to what you’re saying. I am constantly making written notes. On the table next to ‘my chair’, I have four notebooks of various sizes. I kid you not. And, I always have a written grocery list. My kids have everything on their phones. I could never do that. I also worked in an office and got to order the greatest pens. I think a couple might have followed me home.🤫 Thanks, too, for the photos of Auggie and Eli. They make my day. ❤️❤️

    Like

  24. I miss the dogs’ photos on Instagram. I make lists as well. I have binders full of noted goals starting in 1979. I still have my driver’s learning permit too, but my paper is organized. My mom wrote in a journal everyday as well. Peace!

    Like

  25. I still write notes on paper. I use the computer too; but I find taking handwritten notes helps me learn/remember things. I also have an appreciation for how a pen feels; if I sign the credit card slip at a restaurant or after a purchase and I like the feel of the pen I always check it and write it down so I can buy it. They know me well at my local Staples as I frequent it for pens and paper.

    Like

  26. I suspect our affinity for paper has to do with age – I use computers frequently, pay bills online, etc., but at 81 I still love my paper lists! And there is something soothing about writing a note or a journal page – it seems to cement it into my memory in a way something written on the computer doesn’t. I’m glad you have resurfaced. I left Twitter a while back and had missed your posts. I saw your post recently about the loss of Twitter and I agree – it was such a neat community. I mourn its loss – or at least the loss of what it once was. Loving the dog pictures and so happy about Auggie’s recovery. pb

    Like

  28. I miss your tweets but I’m thoroughly enjoying your web posts. Ditto on the love of all things paper, etc. & the puppies

    Like

  29. JF

    This ! I am the same way with paper and pens I think I only journal so I can collect them all in various patterns lol Anyway it’s been a tough day and I wish Twitter was better but today I’m grateful for your email All the best Mary

    Like

  30. I am a home health physical therapist and we do most of our documentation on laptops. However, we are not completely paperless. I don’t even know if it is possible. Like you, I prefer making notes to myself on paper. Maybe it’s a generational thing.

    Like

  31. I love your daily essays and loved this one! I am currently doing a temporary job where there are many computer programs so I don’t miss any deadlines. I don’t trust them. So I bought a segmented notebook with my own reminders!😂😂🙄🙄 Auggie looks great!! Eli too!💔💔

    Like

  32. Gorgeous photos of Eli and Auggie. They bring so much joy. I really missed seeing them. Equally so with missing your warm and graceful writing. Speaking of writing, I love notepaper and pens. In October I was in the hospital awaiting surgery. The surgeon arrived with a clipboard and documents to sign. He handed me his gorgeous fountain pen to use for my signature. It was like my hand was skating across the paper. We had a nice chat about penmanship! Thank you for today’s post and pictures.

    Like

  34. It’s been so comforting to read your thoughts about paper and pens today, J.F., along with the replies from everyone who feels the same. Bless you all; I identify with you, and I do believe it’s a generational thing. I, too, am ecstatic to see Auggie and Eli grace my phone again. So very happy to know Auggie is in good health and he and Eli have become closer. ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

  37. The dogs never disappoint. Thank you. The paper situation is an ongoing problem.
    I still love sitting with a newspaper spread out on my breakfast table or desk. I am transitioning to getting at least two papers online. The note pads and shopping lists are mocked by my children who use phones and computers for everything.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. I am right there with you when it comes to paper, pen, crayon, paint, etc. I find it comforting to write with paper and pencil (pencil because I love the feeling of it dragging across a textured piece of paper). The photos of Auggie and Eli are wonderful.

    Like

  39. I also love collecting pens that feel right and have way too many of them! I loved using fountain pens when I was younger, the ones with the ink cartridges that fit into them, but had a fountain pen nib. I got some a few years ago again, but found that unless I buy really expensive heavy paper the notebooks and paper made now are thinner and the ink bleeds through too much, making it hard to read the writing. Very disappointing.
    Our local Office Depot closed recently and I’ve noticed that most drugstores, which used to carry at least a couple of rows of notebooks and other kinds of paper carry little or none now. There aren’t any nearby stationery stores, but the local independent bookstore does carry moleskine notebooks.
    I confess I tend to feel uncomfortable about having everything on a computer or phone. I wonder what would happen if some day the internet went down, systems got hacked, and our electronics weren’t working. Paper seems more durable than 1s and 0s in a thin box.

    Like

Comments are closed.