I've always struggled with the portability issue. I've wanted a small planner I can keep in my pocket. Yet, I write big and I'm a visual thinker. I need a large space so I can organize sub-categories. Linear planning and outlining have always been a struggle.
After all the things I've tried (boy, have I tried them all!), I decided to go back to a humble composition notebook. I created a Catch All, where I can write out my plans for the week, my to do lists or flip to the next page and glue in a recipe or staple in a business card. A composition notebook is big but thin. I can't stand writing where I have to balance my wrist on a tall stack of paper. This style of book fits in my work bag and purse.
However, the *big idea* is to incorporate index cards with the planner. I can capture random ideas on a stack of index cards I binder clipped to the front of the composition notebook. I can either use them when out and about (grocery list, list of errands, etc.) and either glue them into the corresponding topic page or put them in a pocket at the front and sort the information at it's home location.
I also carry 10-15 index cards with me. Instead of using the large size binder clip, I've found a medium size. I attach it to the bottom of the stack, folded the stack in half, and slide it into my pocket. It's the most portable and sturdy pocket contraption I've used EVER and I love it. The index cards are sturdy enough to act as their own backing and instead of flipping the pages up, I flip them toward me, which for whatever reason has rocked my world. So much easier to write on and I can see everything on the top part. The cards do not fall out of me this way.
It's not an 9 am appointment, noon luncheon type of set up, but as a teacher, I have my schedule and work tasks in when I can get them done.
I should also mention I have a yearly calendar that our financial adviser sends us annually that I use for calendar planning. It's about the size of a 3 brad folder, so I have big boxes to write in.
I'd like to thank the DIY inserts for helping me come up with my own layout which I simply draw out in a pen/pencil/whatever is handy and Susanbeth's awesome posts on Index Cards! It has been a road of experimenting to get here!
Ostrander
=)