By now I reckon we’ve mostly got our 2015 diaries, or at least decided which one of two theories we adopt. Half think it’s important never to have two diaries, or you find you’re supposed to be having tea with Mary in one when you’re having a drink with Peter in the other. But some, me included, absolutely have to have two, so that one is still in the kitchen when the handbag one gets lost. Those who have the whole thing on an iPad think they need nothing else – well, I admire their trusting faith.
For paper diaries there’s the question of what you should put on the front page: “Blood group”, yes, “OK to take organs”, yes, emergency phone number, yes; but years ago I was fool enough to fill in “car number”, so when my handbag was stolen off my shoulder in my own street, the thief had no difficulty in knowing which car to then steal with the keys he found in the bag.
There’s also the question of whether a diary is for leaving an account of what has happened, writing which can seem much too much like work; or just future engagements, which is at least useful.
Putting what is going to happen gives us the feeling that we’re actually controlling the future – which we’re not, but it’s a harmless delusion and does make life look more organised. At least you can see what day of the week your birthday falls on. Good luck to it.
What do you think? Have your say below
