My current work lives here: Oddball Empire - Rock on.
I carry a plain Moleskine notebook for over three years now. In it I write ideas that I later use for blog posts.
It is a notebook. You know. The one you use with a pen. But I need to emphasize that it is a “Moleskine”. Not just any other notebook.
You see, this black cover with a strap band around it, is too expensive to be just another notebook. It is a statement.
“Moleskine® is a brand that encompasses a family of nomadic objects dedicated to our mobile identity…”
Nomadic. Mobile identity. Oh yeah. That is me. Or more specific, it is a part of my identity I would like to develop. 
The notebook … sorry … Moleskine is a cue. It is an object that actually reinforces that part of my identity by using it.
Seeing the cue is a reminder.
Same goes for the MacBook I am writing this blog post on. Every MacBook has a bright Apple logo to beam the creative identity. Sometimes you beam it just to convince yourself.
Same goes for the Flipcam I carry. I can record movies of everything every time with this little video camera. I don’t. But I could. I am prepared.
I was looking for a name for all these gadgets.
And than I read this article: “Has The Age Of Totemic Gadgets Passed?”
Yes. That is it. Totemic gadgets.
And from this article, I ended up browsing a website called “Everyday Carry“. Pictures of the things people have in their pockets, just to be prepared.
Moleskines. Victorinox knives. Crazy watches. Firearms (?).
It is not just about the gear. ” ….it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness.”
I wonder what a Project Manager would carry.
What are your totemic objects?
Totemic Gadgets! Love that phrase. We are what we carry around with us. LOL. I’m an Android.
“We are what we carry.” Exactly! I don’t have a mobile phone
Wonder what that means.
Well, I am in my way to work and have; Android, $20 note, some coins, a bag with laptop, sharper and post it notes, a manila folder with work in progress, a pen a notepad and a handful of business cards. And there is a tie in the bag as well. You never know…
Haha. The tie is worth some discussion on it’s own
And of course, the manila folder… cool!
Perhaps we should do something similar as everyday carry and take pictures?
If I am what I carry, I am truly a nerd:
* iPhone
* Moleskine (these are the best)
* Sharpie pen
* Macbook or iPad
* Sometimes my Canon Rebel
* Chapstick
(and of course a wallet with some cash or an ATM card)
Hey Brett, that is a nice collection… and yes, Moleskines … what can I say
But you are certainly a Mac fan.
I guess we are all nerds than …
(had to look up Chapstick … never heard of them before … but, yeah… essential.)
For me it is a smart phone (Windows based of course!), wallet, notepad (not moleskin I’m afraid…), fountain pen, business cards…. oh, and most days some clothes, and a tie
Haha. Thanks Edward. Almost forgot the Windows users
I’m totally a freak, then.
Just to give you an idea that you might be more normal than you think.
List:
- mobile phone keyboard (yes, mobile phone keyboard, foldable)
- small prayer book (always a good time to remember of the One above)
- notebook, small one, with a pen attached, made from recycled paper. Even the pen
- GPS receiver, extra long life battery
- multi-functional pliers, together with small screwdriver
- glass wipe
- retractable ruler, 1m
- 1-2 pens (not recycled, unfortunately)
- some handy medicine
- business cards, only the last added, and my own
- wallet, with coin and receipt compartments
- Symbian phone, Windows Mobile crashes often, Iphone has no keyboard (how useless can it be?…), BB to be tested
… and not to forget in the small pouch around the belt:
- of course (daaah…), small swiss army knife, with flashlight
- keys, plenty
- credit cards
- id card, driver’s, …
and a small safety pin
The small bag has about 1kg, 15cmx15cm. Ready to wear. A bit worn out right now, though, need to give it a refresh…
What would I be then?
Hey Cătălin, I would say, you’re totally prepared
My Sheaffer Imperial fountain pen ! Can’t be a better Totem than that
@Krishna, nope that is the Ultimate Trophy. Show it to the world!