Slapdash and Muddle

The Disheveled Notebook 2

                                                                                        Chapter 2

                                                                     The Disheveled Notebook

Has anyone ever told you that you keep a disheveled notebook? What's that you ponder?

I'm guessing your mother. Am I correct? Mine also. I've been told from a teacher and a few classmates that my notebook was disorganized. Lori informed me that I am a sloppy writer. Dad said, "Boy, your notes are unreadable." Even my cousin put his two cents in and mentioned on one occasion that I shouldn't consider my handwriting to be legible.

Mom pulled the wisp from the caterpillar with the phrase, "A disheveled notebook." Sure, I have a few papers protruding out of the sides

of the binders. I'm quick with a pen and pencil too. I know what I write, and read it very well. So I don't understand what all the hoopla is all about. Why should anyone be concerned about how I'm writing, in my own book anyway? Far be it from me to say mind your own business. As long as I understand what I need to do, it shouldn't matter right?

Then it hit me. My teachers grade my papers. How would I get a decent grade if my teachers can't understand what I've written? My mother reviews the assignments that I'm given. How will she comprehend what I'm supposed to be doing, if she can't read what the tasks are?

For a while I was just plain selfish. Only thinking of myself. My books, my notes, my work. The truth of the matter is, I never thought how my notebook affected anyone else. I'm guilty of the me, me, me, syndrome.

That's right folks. I have an attitude adjustment to make. Considering others is very important, and I missed the mark on that one. Did I assume that anybody could read my handwriting, because I am able to? I don't think so. I just didn't give it any thought at all. I'm a little sad now, but rather than get all depressed about it, I'll change!

I'll prepare a declaration that states: I, Machlan Buscami, otherwise known as Clutterbrain Macky,

1. I won't promise perfection, but will try to be neater.

2. My organizational skills will get better.

3. I will strive to achieve the ultimate organized notebook than can be expected from a novice neat freak, such as myself.

Signed Machlan D. Buscami

The D in my name is a middle initial. It doesn't stand for anything, just an initial. My parents told me that having an initial for a middle name is distinguished.

Lori's middle initial is an A. Mom calls her Lori Ann though.

Maybe she should have just added two more letters to that A, then calling her Ann would be validated. Hmmm, just a thought. Oh well, I will keep this declaration to myself as a reminder; framed and on the wall.