My Accounting Notes: A Masterpiece! Pen-casso!

​I have this piece of art hanging in our living area that my son painted in pre-k.  If I can say so myself, it’s absolutely amazing! 

Every since I’ve hung this piece of art, I referred to him as eVan Gogh. Just when I thought all that he inherited from me was my love for numbers, now I realize he gets his artistic, creative ability from ME as well!

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Once upon a time, in the world of ledgers and balance sheets, the tools of the trade for accountants and bookkeepers were simple. A pencil for tentative numbers, perhaps a black or blue ink pen for those final, decisive entries. The color palette of accounting was, let's say, rather conservative (boring). Fast forward to the remote-era we find ourselves in today, and my approach to note-taking during the endless Zoom and Teams meetings has evolved into something ... unexpectedly vibrant.
 
Before you judge, hear me out! My notes have transformed into what I affectionately call my "Accounting Coloring Book." No, I haven't lost my math aptitude. Yes, I'm still talking about the same notes that track financial discrepancies, budget revisions, and the thrilling world payroll entries. The difference? Color! Lots of it! And not just any colors, but the kind that make you wonder whether I'm plotting the fiscal year's budget or a color-by-number guide.
 
Here's the method to my madness: I kick off by jotting down the date and attendees of each virtual meeting in one color. Think of it as setting the scene in a warm magenta. Next, I jot down the tasks at hand in a calming turquoise, they actually compliment one another.
 
But wait, there's more. Once I've brainstormed and determined my action plan or solution, it's time for another hue to make its grand entrance. This is where it gets serious— hot pink or lime green serious. By the time I've mapped out my responsibilities and deadlines, my notes are a kaleidoscope of commitments and decisions.
 
The result? A masterpiece that ranks in complexity and color diversity of a kindergarten art project. But don't be fooled; appearances can be deceiving. Every shade has its role, highlighting the critical from the not-so-critical.
 
In this remote work era, my colorful approach to note-taking is more than just a silly habit; it's a survival tactic. Calm down, no one's reading it but me! It keeps me engaged, organized, and, surprisingly, more efficient. So, while my notes may resemble a coloring book more than traditional notes regarding financials, I think I’ve encapsulated the essence of modern accounting: vibrant, dynamic, and, dare I say, fun.
 
So, to my fellow accountants embarking on another Zoom call, armed with your trusty PaperMate pens, I say: Embrace your inner artist. Let your notes be your canvas. After all, if we're going to navigate the complexities of finance, we might as well do it live and in living color. And who knows? Maybe one day, these colorful ledgers will be on exhibit as the masterpieces they truly are. Until then, happy coloring!

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