Brief Summary
Lindsey discusses her 50-day experience using a Traveler's Notebook system, highlighting both the positives and negatives. She shares her preference for the standard size over the passport size, and the need for a system that allows for change. She also talks about her plans to experiment with a bullet journal in a pocket size notebook, combined with a Hobonichi Techo for daily memory keeping, and a separate notebook for processing thoughts and emotions.
- Standard size is preferable over passport size.
- Need for a system that allows for change.
- Experiment with a bullet journal in a pocket size notebook.
Intro
Lindsey shares her experiences and insights after using her Traveler's Notebook system for 50 consecutive days. As she prepares for the 2024 planner season, she reflects on what she has learned, what she enjoyed, and what she plans to experiment with next. She acknowledges feeling overwhelmed by constant changes but also recognizes a growing sense of boredom with too much consistency.
Positives of the Standard Size
Lindsey expresses her newfound love for the standard size Traveler's Notebook, contrasting it with her diminishing interest in the passport size. She enjoys using the vertical weekly insert with MD paper, incorporating micro journaling, and reintroducing stickers into her routine. She also appreciates the Midori MD cream paper in her "dear diary" insert, quickly filling it with entries and happy mail tip-ins.
Using Planner Pages and Monthly Recaps
Lindsey shares how she has been intentionally using the planner pages in her standard size Traveler's Notebook. She uses the month-at-a-glance pages as a micro habit tracker and the monthly logs to record when and what she journaled about. She also uses the blank pages in the back for monthly recap spreads, which she finds enjoyable and plans to continue in future systems.
Dislikes About the Standard Size
Lindsey discusses her dislikes regarding the "dear diary" insert in her standard size Traveler's Notebook. She notices that her journaling in this insert tends to be stream-of-consciousness, lacking the meaningful memory-keeping aspect she desires. She attributes this to the undated nature of the notebook and the temporary feel of a single insert. Additionally, she finds it irritating to write around the ridge created by the elastic band once she passes the halfway point of the insert.
Passport Size and Habit Tracking
Lindsey shares that she has fallen out of love with her passport size Traveler's Notebook. She credits the habit tracker from Peanuts Planner Co as a helpful tool for maintaining consistency in using her passport notebook. She acknowledges that she enjoys change in her planners but has grown tired of her annual setup in the passport size.
Craving a Fresh Start
Lindsey expresses her craving for a fresh start and recognizes that she prefers opportunities for more frequent changes in her planning system. She reveals her plan to focus on bullet journaling in the coming year, considering both notebooks and Traveler's Notebooks. She intends to use sticky notes for habit trackers to easily move them between notebooks, allowing for more built-in fresh starts.
Halfway Point Irritation
Lindsey reiterates her complaint about reaching the halfway point in her quarterly insert for the passport size, experiencing irritation similar to what she felt with the standard size. Despite trying various adjustments, she finds herself ready for something new once she flips past this point.
Next System Experiment
Lindsey announces her next system experiment, which involves bringing back a system she used earlier in the year: bullet journaling in a pocket-sized Leuchtturm1917, a Hobonichi Techo A6 for daily memory keeping, and a separate support notebook for runoff journaling. She plans to set up the pocket bullet journal as an August start, anticipating it will last through November, aligning with her preference to start planners in December.
Pocket Bullet Journal Details
Lindsey shares details about her pocket bullet journal setup, including using printable habit trackers attached with Washi tape for easy transfer between notebooks. She also notes that she has missed the bigger grid size of the Leuchtturm1917, finding it easier to locate tasks and allowing her eyes to relax. Additionally, she appreciates that the paper holds up well to watercolor and dries quickly.
Hobonichi Techo and Runoff Journaling
Lindsey discusses her use of the Hobonichi Techo Avec for memory keeping, noting that she writes differently on dated pages and enjoys flipping through them. She also explains her need for a separate notebook for brain dumps, processing emotions, and other types of journaling that require more space. She has picked up a pocket Leuchtturm1917 for this purpose, appreciating its fountain pen-friendly paper and portability.
Expanding the System and Future Plans
Lindsey acknowledges that she is expanding her system to include a pocket bullet journal, a Hobonichi Techo, and a runoff journal. She intends to trial this setup for a month or two, comparing it to her Traveler's Notebook experience to determine the best system for 2024. She emphasizes the importance of consistency in the coming year and is investing time in research and development to achieve a smoother planning experience.
