I've been indicating the Retention miles (or dollars) in the Bonus received column, but lately I've stopped looking for retention bonuses. I've been canceling all my cards by e-mail, as I really can't stand the "Retention" experience. I realize I'm forfeiting some miles, but I can't stand having that conversation once a week and my wife was really balking.

I skip a line between the cards that are active or applied for and then list the next 6 or so cards that I'm planning to apply for with the date to apply. I've considered linking it to my iCal so it sends an e-mail alert on the day, but I realized that I look at the spreadsheet every few days so it isn't necessary.