The other day, my daughter was discussing the benefits of a paperless system for, well, everything. 
It should all be computerized, she thinks.
She’s young and idealistic and has been raised around computers. I’d expect nothing different from her, actually.
But I am, well, not young, and didn’t use computers with any regularity until I was about 20. And I worked in an office-supply store when all that was sold in office-supply stores was office supplies! (Yesterday I went to an office-supply store and bought earbuds for MP3 players and a surge protector–not things we used to sell in that little store where I worked.)
I have a computer and a PDA smartphone that syncs with the computer and shares the data, so I am never without my “cyber-brain” that contains all my contacts, shopping lists, and other bits of information I might need. And that technology is a wonderful thing. However, I can’t break myself of the need to write things down on paper.
When I teach language, I always tell my students that the more ways you handle information, the more likely it is that you will retain it. I advise them to say words out loud, spell them out loud, and write them on paper or flash cards. For some reason, typing them into the computer doesn’t seem to have the same effect.
My desk always looks like it’s been the victim of a paper tornado, and I’m not expecting anything different anytime soon. For me, paper is a tool of the trade.
COUPON TIME
Shop these deals if you need to stock up on the tools of your trade.
15% off your order at OfficeDepot.com 
Use this link and enter Coupon Code 58078640.
Valid through: July 27, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Excludes most technology items. This offer is limited to one per customer and is valid for one-time use on delivery-only orders placed online. Valid on in-stock items only. Not valid for purchases: 1.) by contract customers with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards; 2.) from www.techdepot.com; 3.) of Gift Cards; 4.) of any technology items (including but not limited to all computers, monitors, printing machines, networking, peripherals, cameras, memory, software); 5.) of postage stamps; 6.) of product protection plans; 7.) of HP ink and toner products; 8.) of wireless, satellite, internet, technology and installation or mailing, shipping or third party services. Cannot be combined with other “dollars off” or “percent off” coupons.
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$30 off a purchase of $200 or more at OfficeDepot.com
Use this link and enter Coupon Code 71762588.
Valid through: August 10, 2009 11:59pm ET
Excludes most technology items. This offer is limited to one per customer and is valid for one-time use on delivery-only orders placed online. Valid on in-stock items only. Not valid for purchases: 1.) by contract customers with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards; 2.) from www.techdepot.com; 3.) of Gift Cards; 4.) of any technology items (including but not limited to all TVs, computers, monitors, printing machines, networking, peripherals, cameras, memory, software); 5.) of postage stamps; 6.) of product protection plans; 7.) of HP ink and toner products; 8.) of wireless, satellite, internet, technology, installation, mailing, shipping, or third party services. Cannot be combined with other “dollars off” or “percent off” coupons.
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Free Shipping on Office & School Supply orders of $50 or more at Sears.com 
Valid through: August 29, 2009
Free standard shipping applies to mailable items only. Offer applies to merchandise shipped via normal UPS ground service only (most items under 150 lbs). Not valid on items purchased from landsend.com, kmart.com, Sears Parts Direct, Sears licensed partner websites, digital services, Sears Presents, and Shop At Home catalogs. Shipping is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico.
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Free Portable MP3 Speakers with orders over $25 at InkGrabber 
Use coupon code SPEAKER25 during checkout.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
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$10 off $50 or more of Post-it products at Quill.com 
Use this link for more information.
Add coupon EBR to your order at checkout.
Valid through: July 30, 2009
Manufacturer rebate. Can be used once per customer. Offer is subject to availability; a substitution of equal or greater value may be made. Cannot be combined with other sales, discounts, free offer deals, special order items, coupons or promotions. Not valid on prior purchases or payments.
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Free Shipping on orders over $50 at Avery 
Use coupon code AVERY20.
Valid through: Unknown
Online only. Valid for standard shipping only to orders shipping within the contiguous United States.
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