Steno Books vs. Post it Notes

As many of you know - I haven't posted about work, even though some of you have asked that I do and would probably look forward to some comedic essays I might create about the fun I have. But I have too much respect for my company and my job. (And it IS a good company and a good job.)

But this week, I'm tottering near the edge. Don't get me wrong...the people I work with are great. There is a lot of comraderie, support and many gifted and talented people working there. I LIKE my job!

But we have a practice - and that is to use a steno notebook every day to record everything. On my first day, before I learned how to use the phone system I was given my very own steno book. A vote of confidence in my abilities, I'm sure.



Now, I've resisted since day one - okay I've tried TWICE to use it, but failed miserably. I try to write notes in it, phone call messages, and reminders of what I need to do and then turn the page. Well, when you turn the page...what happens??? It's like reading a book. You finish the page and move on. You forgot that you have things on the previous page that need to be taken care of. I spend too much time wondering if I should write things in the notebook or on our files - on the "While You Were Out" pads, or on a slip of paper to throw IN a file. Help!

See, when I use little pieces of paper, I can attach them to the pertinent files, put them on my computer as a reminder or stick them where every I need to. I change the colors of the notes, based on it's urgency. I've got a system.

When the task is completed, I can throw out the paper. Efficient. Clean. If I have to scratch out a mispelled or messy note, I can toss it and forget that I made a mistake. But with the "Steno Notebook" it's all there! All the mistakes and scratches and messy things I wrote. A constant reminder that I'm not perfect and I don't like it!

I promised my boss I would work on this - thank goodness I already had my probationary review. I'm struggling. It's not easy to play stenographer. It's worse to have all those messy records available for anyone to read. What if I get hit by a bus and someone has to go through my notes ???? What if they have my doodles analyzed???

The final blow was when Nanook told me that he needed to get a few more notebooks for work. He showed me how he kept all his notes and could refer to them at a moment's notice. Oh geez! I can't conform! I'm not normal!!! I have to get this thing under control! I didn't see anything in our handbook about this, so I'm hoping I won't be terminated for gross misconduct . But, why is it so easy for everyone else? Maybe other people have perfect handwriting, don't doodle, and don't make mistakes. Hmmm...