I'm an addict...

I admit it. I'm completely obsessed. Addicted even. There is nothing more satisfying than ripping open that new packet of pens that you've been wanting for ages, only to line them up side-by-side on your desk and test each one out individually by writing the same word, or drawing the same line repeatedly. You have to make sure that you use each pen the same amount, sharpen each pencil so it as at the same level as its neighbor. When the packet is new, it's slander to put them back in anything other than in the order of the color spectrum. The moment you decide to throw away the packet, and just keep the pens in a pot on the side of your desk, is huge, you've either decided you want a different set of pens that you'll cherish forever, or you'll regret the moment forever. Stationery addiction is a very real issue. You are not alone. You are not the only person who gets a tingle up your spine when you walk into Paperchase, or when you walk into a specialist pen shop. My friend once commented, on entrance to a pen shop, that "a pen's a pen," - she made a lucky escape to remain a friend.

 As a student, I am unable to regularly purchase beautiful new stationery, and I am now finding that my collection is rapidly depleting. The main difference to university from school, is that upon entrance, every shred of organization that you learnt in school goes straight out the window. It is extremely unfashionable to carry a bulging pencil case into a lecture hall: the fashion is to stumble in five minutes after the lecture has started and scrabble around your bag until you find an old cracked leaky biro. This is a stationery addict's worst nightmare, but frankly, in order to fit in, some sacrifices need to be made. Consequently, my beautiful trusty collection of Stabilo highlighters that have kept me going since secondary school has become fragmented, and I frequently fear for the whereabouts of orange, peach and bright pink. Instead I have ended up with an old green, and two blues. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Trust me, on this occasion, losing the packet was the worst thing that ever happened to me.

If found, please return peach, orange and bright pink

Nevertheless, this term I have decided to make some changes. My friends have come to terms with the fact that I am a stationery hoarder, and they are no longer surprised when I whip out a shark shape stapler in a seminar. Last week, I purchased a magnificent yellow safari Lamy. The reaction's have been diverse. Some friends have simply asked "What's a Lamy?!" to which I reply with a glassy stare. To others it has been a relief, they too have been able to carry their fountain pen into the lecture hall with pride and hold it up high when its time for the ink cartridge to be replaced. My diary takes pride of place on my desk, where my kindle can slot nicely in, and even my tutors remark on my inspirational organization skills.

I can have more pens than I will ever need, and the pain when one runs out is too much to bear. My first paycheck will probably be diminished in Paperchase, on a lovely holder for my paychecks, and I will never stop mourning for those pens that manage to go walkabouts from their perfectly complete set. So here I am loud and proud, coming out as a stationery addict. If you are too, throw away those obligatory manky Biro's: hold your head up high, pop your Lamy in your pocket and always carry a complete set of pens and a shark-shaped stapler with you.