Something really horrible happened a couple of days ago. A tool that I use everyday just stopped working. This tool is so important that I keep a second one on my desk and it stopped working on the same day. Oh no, what am I going to do!
That’s right, I’m talking about a ballpoint pen. A tool that most of us use quite often on a regular basis. We probably don’t realize the importance of something as simple as a pen until it stops working.
Now in my case, I knew there was a drawer in the office where we keep a package of new pens. I looked and the package was empty. I finally dug through my trade show goodies until I found a pen that would get the job done until I could do some shopping.
I settled on a pack of colorful uni-ball pens (shown above right). No, they aren’t the least expensive package of pens out there. But they are comfortable and last for a long enough time that I’m shocked when my stockpile has run out. Just a reminder to all of us that sometimes the tools that are some of the most important are ones that we take for granted. Now to find a pad of paper with some empty pages…
It may be a mundane subject (ball point pens), but it is also important to me. I researched them because I didn’t like any of the give-away pens I had used, either from work or trade show vendors. I ended up with a Uni-ball Signo Gel 1.0mm (207). The Gel gives a very dark, uniform color and the 1mm makes for a bold signature. I also have a 0.8mm one for when I’m required to fill out tiny forms. I can get them for about $1.25 in small quantities and they usually last me a year since I don’t write too many essays (by hand) at this phase of my life.
Kirk, glad to hear that I’m not the only one who places importance on the quality of the everyday ball point pen. Thanks for sharing your favorites.