Bag Lady is on the very last page of a journal that’s taken maybe 12 years to fill.

I’ve only written down my life’s absolute highlights.

Kidding. I actually rediscovered the journal about two years ago and have since been jotting down the occasional reflection at night. It’s fun to look back on old entries, and I haven’t journaled so much since I was 11. (Blissfully, those pages have been lost to time. The only thing I vividly recall are sketches for my elaborate future headstone. BL had a bit of a dark side back in the day.)

No amount of Googling turned up a sister journal — the design has likely long since been retired. So, my hand was practically forced.

I had to shop.

In addition to the journals, I took a bonus spin around each store’s clearance rack.

Marden’s

* Lang journals, $1.99

Lots of fun cover designs. The lines on the paper inside are a little close together for BL’s taste — I refuse to be contained! Also, I’m getting old and it’s hard to write so small — but it might work for you.

* Boston Red Sox deluxe journal, $4.99

Faux leather-bound with a ribbon bookmark and stamped logo on the cover. It’s on Amazon.com right now for $11.99. (Dear Diary, I’d like the Sox to make the playoffs and I’d like to save $7. Love, BL.)

Favorite find on clearance: *Tie* Greg Norman black men’s shorts or Caribbean Joe swim trunks, assorted sizes, $2

The shorts are wrinkle-resistant, soft, just dressy enough. The swim trunks are blue, red and a sunset color with a tie at the top and pocket on the side. In a few months, both will be scarce and pricey, and you, sirs, will have pale chicken legs, so let’s focus on the now: $2. Sun. Go.

Remiss if I didn’t mention: Lots of J.Jill in the ladies’ racks, one of Bag Lady’s and Good-Buy Girl’s favorites.

Books-A-Million, aka BAM!

* Listography, $16.95

The broad pages have suggestions like, “List your personal fashion trends” and “List the professions you’d like to try.” For those who prefer to ease into journaling.

* Peter Pauper Press 16-month planner, $12.99

Birds on the front, ample room for notes and addresses inside. Sort of journal-meets-daily-life. And the 16 months begin in September 2012. Basically, you have to buy it now for maximum value.

FFOC: “Eulalia!” by Brian Jacques, $5.97

Don’t judge a book by its cover, yes. But this book has a badger wielding a pitchfork. A badger wielding a pitchfork. That’s intrigue. And maybe a wicked day in “The Wind in the Willows.”

RIIDM: “My Dysfunction,” $15.99

Every other page starts with the writing prompt “Why I am dysfunctional today.” For the hyper-self-aware. Gift with caution.

TJ Maxx

* Punch Studio journal, $5.99

With glitter, robins, a flower magnet closure — basically off the girlie charts.

* Girly notepad and clipboard combo, $2.99-$4.99

Not quite a journal, but good for general listings. When “cute” and “clipboard” can follow one another, it deserves an honorable mention.

FFOC: Harley-Davidson After the Ride Spritz for Dogs, 4 oz., $2

“Detangles, deodorizes and cleans,” according to the package. It’s been a long ride, you’re feeling matted. Fido is, too.

RIIDM: Silver skull egg timer, broken, sold as-is, $5

What’s for dinner? Death! Ha, ha, ha. Have a slice. (That dark side? Still there.)

Best find: Nifty Diner spiral notebook, Marden’s, $1.99

Winner! Wire-bound, eclectic, sepia-toned with coffee and menu designs, wide-lined white pages inside. Bag Lady’s chronicling can recommence.

Think twice: About life passing you by unnoted. And, maybe, that egg timer.

Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who have not gotten the memo about fall’s impending arrival and continue to shed) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.