How do you keep track of your game?

I have 16 households, all related in some way, that I rotate through. That number will grow with the next generation. I keep a Word document with a page for each household, I only keep very basic info on each sim, but it does help me stay on top of things. I also keep numerous paper notepads near me for making quick notes about things I see when I go to a venue or someone's house that need fixed and things I might see here in the forums that I might want to try.