My mother has always used index cards for all sorts of notes. She always has a little bundle clipped together with a binder clip in her purse, and she’ll whip it out to record how much she spent on lunch, or to note something she wants to mention to my uncle next time she speaks with him. Her grocery lists are kept on index cards, and a running to-do list, as well. She’ll even tape an index card to her front door to remind herself to grab something as she leaves the house. She’s had a Palm for years now that she uses, but still those index cards are her go-to organizational tool.  Kind of like a Hipster PDA before they were hip. Or something like that.

About a year ago, I started carrying around some index cards, and as much as I fear the whole “you’re becoming your mother” thing, I do find that they are perfect for on-the-go note taking. I end up using them in all the ways my mom does, but I also find that they work for notes left on someone’s door, quickie bookmarks (beats using grocery receipts), or impromptu flash cards when the kids  or I need to memorize something.

Making (just a little) room in my purse to carry a small packet of index cards is something that I’ve found makes my life just a little easier.