I can haz an organized?

This is actually a really timely post for me - I recently finished a diy project I'd love to share! I've been having some trouble keeping track of dates in my head (a sign of too much stress for me - normally I have no problem remembering to, say, pay bills on time and return library books before they are overdue) so I decided what I needed was a planner. I've been without one for about two years, because really, what did I need it for? My schedule at work generally stayed the same and everything else was whenever I felt like it. But now, with all the things I'm trying to cram into this summer it was definitely necessary!

I looked into buying one, but let's face it - none of those are ever exactly what you want, or if they are they're those "build your own" kits that cost you $50 by the time you finish getting everything you want. So, I decided to make my own, using the binding skills I learned at work!  I started with what pages I knew I'd want in the middle. Obviously a weekly schedule is a must:

Then, since there's going to be a lot of studying going on, both this summer and come fall, I gave myself a two page spread devoted to assignments (eventually, they'll go on the day they're due, but right now I'm just doing what has to get done that day):

Since I am now attempting (and kinda failing) to wrangle three different blogs at once, I figured I'd better have a couple pages devoted solely to blog work:

I also hunted around the internet for a few pre-made free download type things (Oh Pinterest you lovely, useful, terrible timesuck!) I found a monthly calendar for the rest of 2013, which is right at the front, as well as a meal planner page. I also formatted some to-do lists and notes pages to match.

And then I sewed all the signatures together (an adventure, since I'm generally used to only doing one) and added a cover. It's made out of cardboard cut down to size, some pretty scrapbook paper to wrap around it, and duct tape for the binding (because I'm lazy and an actual bound spine sounded difficult. Besides, duct tape really does do everything!) Then I used double stick tape to put in some end papers and attached a piece of elastic under the back one and voila! A pretty, incredibly useful, exactly-what-I-wanted planner, and best of all I made it myself! I'm a little proud... can you tell?