First Day of the Month

Happy February 1! 

(and Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law)

I love the first day of the month. And one of the reasons is {nerd alert} turning the calendar.
If you know me well, you know I have a thing for 'desk supplies'. Paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, paper clips, binder clips, calendars, envelopes, address stamps, staplers, tape dispensers...well, really anything you can find in the 'office' or on a 'desk'.
When I was younger, a secretary at my dad's work had a file drawer in her office where she would 'recycle' things to. I would go in and empty the drawer, taking home treasures that I would use in my pretend office and secretary play.
My dream job for much of my childhood was to be a secretary. Well, actually, I wanted to be a secretary in the morning, a teacher during the day, and a nurse at night. Phew.
I do feel like I have the best of all 3 of those in my current job. As in most jobs, there is office work, and I make sure I always have a supply my favorite pens, colored binder clips, and beautiful file folders.
And the appeal to being a teacher & nurse, was to aid, help and work with children.
So, like I said, I think I have the best of all 3 of my 'childhood dream jobs' in my current job. Funny how life works out.


But, back to flipping the calendar. I love calendars and think they are so fun; they are beautiful AND practical. 
Here are 6 of my favorite and most useful calendars.

This one sits on my desk at my apartment. I use the wooden box, and silver clip as shown  in the 3rd row.
{from Anthropologie} 

My mom & I picked up this calendar at a little paper shop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire last year. It hung in my bedroom. 
Now that 2011 is over, I can send out 12 beautiful postcards!
{by Linda & Harriett}

This perpetual calendar sits on my desk at my apartment. I write my to-do lists, travels, and all non-work related plans here. I like that you write in the dates yourself. If I scribble something down sloppy, I can re-write the week & when I'm out of town, it doesn't take up a page!
{from Paper Source}

This is my #1. It sits on my desk at Camp. I love the size, the kraft paper and the simplicity. It is perfect for penciling in meetings & summer staff interviews, as well as writing fun plans and events in big, bold colors.
{from Paper Source}

I love the vintage design of this kitchen calendar. I received this for Christmas, and it is a perfect addition
to my kitchen.
{from Anthropologie}

This calendar hangs on my bulletin board at Camp. I love the fun, kind of random designs. You never know what you are going to get when you flip over to the next month! Also, there are guide lines on the back,  so you can cut & fold these pretty designs into file folders or pillow boxes when the month is over!
{from Paper Source}

Well, who knew each of my desks need at least 2 calendars, but I appreciate the fun designs & beautiful art this useful & practical 'office item' adds to my day. 

And, each first day of the month, I love going around 'flipping my calendars'. 

It's like checking off a whole month of to-do lists! 

It brings both a sense of accomplishment of the past month, and a sense of excitement for the month to come.