Q and A a Day: 5-Year Journal (Q&A a Day) Diary – Day to Day Calendar, 28 Dec. 2010

I really wanted to start writing a diary, not so much to document my life, but just for something to look back on in years to come. I'm no good at the traditional method of keeping a diary because 1) I never know what to write that isn't the same mundanestuff. 2) I usually always give up within the first week or so.This 5 year journal is perfect for people like me. It gives you numbered pages but with 5 blank year dates so you can start at any time of the year (just simply turn to that day) and even if you stop and then start again later down the line, it doesn't matter, it'd just mean you might not have the same years written all throughout the journal. For example I started it half way through 2011, stopped after a month or so and then started again 1st January 2013. I did read through some of the answers I'd written 2 years ago, and it was interesting to see how things have changed since then, and also to have a nice reminder of some joyful memories I had forgotten about.People might not think that they can change within the space of a few short years, but the answers you will write in this journal for each day for 5 years, is proof that you can! It's also a nice way of jotting down some special things you don't want to forget.Some example questions include:What is your mission?What is the last TV show you watced?Jot down a news story from today.How much spare change do you have?What was your favourite day this week?What's your hairstyle?Today you wore _____Where do you think you road is going?Bad news: sugar coated or straight up?Who is the last person in your missed calls?Halloween plans? What's your costume?What time did you go to bed last night?Did you meet someone new recently? If so, who was it?Yes or no: everyone should have a back-up plan.This journal is a great way of getting to know you, and how you've changed over the years. It asks both insightful and random questions, so every aspect is covered. It also makes a nice memoir of yourself to read in later years or to give to your children etc.My only problem is that I cant wait to answer the question for the next day!

This 5 year journal is very similar to the "One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book" by Chronicle Books.I managed to whittle down the vast range of 5 year journals available to these two.This one won and I am so glad I chose this one.Both "Q&A" and "One line a day" are very similar, with both being:- the same size- the same quality thick pages- the same quality binding- the same gold edge finish to the pages- available to start wherever you are in the year, not just Jan 1stBesides the cover, the only difference is that the "One Line a Day" book is just that. Blank every day, ready for you to complete.It has 4 or 5 lines per day, repeated per page, and the year 20___ for you to fill in on each entry.The reason why I chose Q&A is that it also has this, but it has a random question at the top for you to answer, or not.On a day that is relatively uneventful, I choose to answer the question rather than write a few lines about my average day.It makes a change. It breaks the monotony of keeping a diary.On days that I would rather remember, I decide not to answer the question and jot a few lines on my day.Simple!The cover is similar quality and feel to brown parcel paper and feels like it can withstand a battering.The pages are a nice creamy off-white colour, and thick and smooth. I would hazard a guess that they are around 100gsm.You cant see through if writing with regular ballpoint. and the pressure from writing on the page doesn't protrude through either - of course, this depends on how hard you push, but if you push too hard, maybe you need a easier flowing pen.The lines are tight though, about 4mm. You may need to learn to write real small, but due to the size of the book, I am very happy to adapt my writing since I find the book to be a perfect size.It will not take up too much room in the bag when I travel, or even on my bedside table.It feels like it will last 5 years or more.I dont plan on throwing it around the room to test its sturdiness but it feels like it would survive an accidental drop of two.The label on the back cover was easily removable, and has revealed a blank back cover.The same pattern and frame as the front cover, just blank.I'm thinking of putting an encapsulated photo of my family there...Or maybe an ongoing doodle...Or just waiting for inspiration for something else to go there.Its a nicely framed space so it would be a shame to waste the frame!I absolutely love this journal.If I had to pick a negative, it would be that it could do with a nice black ribbon marker so I know what page I am up to.There is currently nothing that comes with the journal. Good job I have plenty of bookmarks.

The media could not be loaded. This i a beautiful 5 year journal - hard coverThe book size is 16 L cm x 10.2 W cmThere are 4 lines for each day/yearGood quality paper pagesThe lines are about 4 m - the space is enough to write some notesSome of the questions in this diary are:- what is your mission?- what you are reading right now?- What makes a good friend?- Today you cancelled ……- Who is your best friend?- What song is stuck in your head- Salty or sweet?I like the gilded page edges which makes the book stand out and make it more special.I wish the journal had a marker ribbon.It will be fun to have an insight of the 5 years of life thoughts and answers. Really Cool