The Particulars - On My Desk

A Little List

Little bonus piece this week as I wanted to write about the must have items for my desk. I adore stationery and adore this type of desk/work-related content so am giving in. Hopefully you do too, and if so, would highly recommend Holly Garber’s newsletter, especially this piece Hello Holly #5.

A Monitor

Covid did this to me. Before that hellhole I was totally happy to hunch over the laptop screen, now I am a two-screen person. In fact, I don’t understand how people can only have one screen – this is how out of touch I’ve become. The second screen is generally for my student work/results spreadsheet, online research when writing or creating resources and, unfortunately sometimes, email, which I wish I didn’t open as much as I did. So, the monitor has led to a keyboard, mouse and mousepad becoming necessary as well. I don’t make the rules.

A Coaster

I just like having my drink on a coaster, it makes less mess, and it just says ‘this is where your drink goes’ and sometimes I need that kind of direction. I cannot stand it when someone uses your desk and thinks it’s okay to leave coffee rings on it, ditto the ‘teacher’s desk’ in the classroom. Instant jail time.

Tissues (preferably in a tissue box cover)

Tissues in a box are fine but I just like having mine in a tissue box cover that says, ‘Cry Proudly’. It’s a small way to make the banal more exciting. I also work in a school, so someone is always pretty much crying.

Hand Sanitiser

Okay, so I was into this before Covid but now it seems more socially acceptable. I just like being able to clean my hands (see the bit about working in a school) but also use it on paper towel to clean my desk and all the tech accessories! I currently have a fancy one (it was a gift!), however, this is not essential.

A Timer

This is a sometimes thing because I am not always insanely strict with myself but if I need to get work done, I don’t know what else to do but set a timer. I get a bit self-conscious because it beeps, and you know what it can be like when you share an office. I wish I could link the exact one I have (it’s from Tokyu Hands in Japan and whilst it was the most random purchase of the trip, it was also my favourite), but it pretty much looks like this, and let’s be honest they do the same thing. I also use it in the kitchen sometimes, but I really hate baking so that’s not often.

An Evil Eye

It’s just one of those things.

What are your desk essentials?

Also if you like stuff like this, let me know because I’m thinking of making The Particulars a thing, so can do lots of topics like TV shows, technology etc.