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Pick up almost any magazine these days and you will find, somewhere between the front and back covers, some person (famous or almost so) extolling the virtues of “stuff they can’t live without.” As I read them over, I can hear Julie Andrews singing “My Favorite Things” in my head. But, even though the items on these lists are so far removed from raindrops on roses and whispers on kittens, they (the lists) interest me for a variety of reasons. Usually there are quite a few items I’ve never heard of. Even so, it’s fascinating knowing that what someone else treasures as “critical to one’s existence.” Naturally it gets me thinking about what I would put on my own list. Which got me to actually keeping track of things for about a year now. So, without further ado (and in no particular order), I present to all of you my list of “What I Can’t Live Without.”
1. Palm Pilot. I started using my first Palm in 1998. It was smart technology and, most importantly, lightweight, allowing me to walk around with a “calendar/contact system” that didn’t weigh over five pounds. The expense program continues to be a lifesaver for capturing my daily out-of-pockets. Overall the PDA represents a kind of poetry in the simplicity of its functionality. (In the spirit of full disclosure, my Palm III lived the good life until last May. A regular V that was lying around the house was pressed into service until I decided what next to buy. There may be a Tungsten in my future.)
2. Kitchen Cabinet. This is not of the cupboard variety but my group of trusted advisors and friends who are there to counsel and comfort when the need arises. They endure reading copy for typos, offer suggestions when I’m stuck, keep me from going over the edge and lead me to soar as the occasion warrants. I cannot imagine my business or my life without them.
3. Paris. Paris is one of
the cities in the world that truly has my heart. I can spend hours just roaming around, sitting in cafes and trolling the aisles of my favorite department store, Le Bon Marche. I can’t speak a word of French but that never gets in my way. The pulse, vibrancy of color, the design and presentation of everything really energizes me.
4. A Really Good Mystery. It started with Nancy Drew – my passion for the “whodunit.” I can spend hours reading good mysteries and never tire of finding new authors as well as settling in with old favorites. And some day, when the time is right, I’ll set down words for the series that has been rolling around my head for several years now. Until that time, I’m content to read Parents, George, Muller, Evanovich, et al.
5. Digital Pen. An inveterate note taker, I have filled thousands of notebooks with client meetings, creative thoughts and action items throughout my career. The problem was getting that info to “jump into the computer” for further use and manipulation – without hours of retyping. Having tried every (and I mean every available tool) with no success, I was surprised to run across an ad for the Logitech io Personal Digital Pen. An ink pen with a computer chip, the image of your handwriting on special paper is captured as you write. This info then “jumps into the computer” when you put the pen in a special cradle (like a hot synch operation). You can have real image of your writing or convert to word, email or an Outlook action item. What a timesaver! And I feel very futuristic when I’m using it.
6. My Car. I drive a 1999 BMW M Coupe, a two-seater sports car that looks like a miniature station wagon on steroids. It goes like stink and gives me great joy as I drive around. There were only 2700 produced and I really like having a car that not many other people do.
7. Seth Godin. Credited with creating the concept of permission marketing, Seth Godin continues to be my marketing guru. His current book, Free Prize Inside, offers limited edition cereal box packaging. (Go to www.800ceoread.com/fc to order.) He’s an example of what walking your talk means. And his ideas always get me thinking better thoughts.
8. TV du Jour. As a writer and creative type, I’m always looking for some creative ways to procrastinate. My current sanctioned break time is to watch the Ellen Degeneres show. The guests don’t matter to me as much as the individual segments. They appeal to my sense of humor and there’s nothing wrong with a laugh or two to get you through the day.
9. Computer Jan. It’s become a necessity for all of us to have reliable IT support. My computer wizardess keeps my systems humming along, integrates all my tech toys (the pens and the line) and keeps me from going bald in the fight against the worms, parasites, viruses and spam we all battle each day. Through her efforts, I can do my business – without fighting with the technology. It’s a very freeing feeling.
So there you have it -- the top nine items on my list of “Stuff I can’t live without.” While there may be a few others that rotate off and on (that’s the nature of the beast) these always make the cut. So what about you? What are some of the things, stuff, people, ideas that you can’t live without, that inspire you, keep you going or get you unstuck?
Copyright Randi B Enterprises, Inc., June, 2004. All rights reserved.
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