Stationary

 After a gap of 1.5 years, physical meetings started to get more and more common place. I find myself visiting customers more often to assess plant conditions, discuss on retrofitting and greenfield projects. Given the number of online trainings and meetings I had sat through during the pandemic, I got more serious about note taking.

Meeting in person got me to take more notes on the little diary I carry around. I guess it was in 2021, for the first time I finished my diary - full of notes, observations and sketches.

Whenever I sit down and review the notes for design or to mail an MoM, I think to myself, “Hey, this felt good, the notes look good too! I should write stuff outside of work more often.” Then I’d think to myself of getting a better pen than the ₹10 Roritos I carry around. Maybe a Uniball or a Lamy. For how neat they look and smooth they write. Given my day to day work, I could not find time to journal and well the thought of getting a better writing instrument gets pushed to the back.

Writing with a pen on a paper felt strange. I was so used to typing on my laptop or my phone. Even when I  was an undergrad in college I guess I’ve probably typed more words than I’ve written with a pen! There’s something very convincing and intense while writing with a pen and a paper. 

I was in a meeting today and as I fished for my pen in the bag, I realised I left it back in the office. I took mental notes of all points discussed. In a quick gap I swiftly jotted it down on my phone so that I don’t forget. At the end of the meeting as I summarised all points, my client retorted, “But you didn’t write anything. You must be having a very good memory.” And I said, “Yes I actually do. But don’t worry, I have noted in on my phone so I could review it later!”

See what I mean? People really dig pen and paper.

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