5 OCTOBER 2002, Page 64

Q. I am a busy working mother with a

number of projects on the go at any one time, and am constantly multitasking. Regarding vital things that I must not forget, I have always written reminder notes to myself on the back of my hand in black felt-tip. The unpleasant truth is that, although this system works efficiently, these days (I am almost 45), the back of my hand is not an area that I wish to draw to other people's attention, the texture of it becoming somewhat crocodilian. What do you suggest, Mary?

HR., Devon A. Why not use the meeting point of your right thigh and kneebone as a scribbling pad? The average woman goes to the lavatory every two hours, a procedure which usually involves gazing at this precise area. In this way, each time you go to the lavatory or even think about going to it, the reminder image will flash into your head.