Shannon over at RocksInMyDryer (see my Blogroll) hosts a weekly idea-generating post called “Works-For-Me-Wednesday.” Until now I’ve never participated, but I have perused the ideas and come away with a few creative tips I’ve actually implemented. So today, when I was reading The Lazy Organizer’s “Sleep Training” post, I realized I had a perfectly usable idea to toss into the Works-for-me-Wednesday collection. So even though my blog has never been about recipes and organizing tips, I couldn’t resist offering you this one.
My MP3 has a recording option that has become my organizing/Works-For-Me-Wednesday-and-Every-Day tool of choice.
I originally bought it for my freelance writing business to record interviews. But as a writer, I’m continually thinking through my projects–generating ideas, developing topics, coming up with the perfect wording for a title or a great blog entry. I’m often in the car when inspiration hits, and it’s not convenient or safe to scribble everything down while merging with interstate traffic. Or I’m on the stairclimber and don’t want to stop.
So I keep my MP3 player next to me on record mode. When something comes to me, I flip it on and speak my ideas into the microphone. It’s a great way to get rough notes down, or even a to-do list item that I might otherwise forget. I just transcribe them later when I have more time at the computer.
I can also capture my kids singing adorable songs or telling funny stories.
Author Anne Lamott advises writers: always carry a pen (and notecards). My new recommendation is to always carry a recording device.
Now if I only had a secretary to do my transcriptions…
That’s a great idea Ann. I keep my player in my purse so I could record ideas when I’m driving. I think I would feel a little weird about leaving myself messages on it at the gym! You must work out at home. The only problem for me is that I don’t carry my MP3 around the house all day (which is where I work) but I do carry my cell phone. Ok, I just checked and my phone does do recordings! What I really need is a cell phone that is an MP3 player. Someday I will be that high tech. Oh, I almost forgot that it needs to be waterproof. Dang it but I always get my best ideas in the shower!
Now my Mp3 player has a recorder, but I had absolutely no idea what to do with it. What a brilliant idea! Thank you so much for sharing!!
That is a fabulous idea. I finally got my act together on notepad in the purse and around house– this will be perfect for on the go.
Waving hello! My very first visit to your blog
That’s pretty cool. My iPod doesn’t have a microphone/record capability, but if it did…
Lara: You’re right. I do workout at home, so no embarrassment except when my five-year-old son asks me to pipe down because he wants to focus on his LEGOs. Hearing his mom talk to herself can be so *distracting*.
Carol: Don’t know if you read Lara’s post above yours, but she realized that her phone can record. Maybe you could try that? Or just get the iPhone. Sounds like it does everything short of folding the laundry.
(Everyday Mommy: waving back!)
thanks!!
now you can download mp3 here.