This week: random (and short) thoughts on AI and builders; the crunch of busy; and sketchy software.
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Some random thoughts about software, AI and being busy.

My new favorite task app.
You can use Apple’s Reminders on the web, through iCloud.com, but only if you also do not use Advanced Data Protection. So, you turn off that and you have a pretty sub-par way to get at Reminders. Ok, fine, whatever. I didn’t really need reminders on the web, it was just annoying to not see my tasks on my Linux machines. Then I started to use the Framework a lot more, and well the system was falling apart.
I spent weeks trying out different setups (and migrating all my reminders between them) to see what would work. I was done with ecosystem locked tools, I needed something that worked cross-platform. I needed something with really nice apps too.
I ended up on Todoist.
For the first week it felt very much like a “whatever, this is fine” type of thing. And then the little bright spots started to show up, and suddenly I felt like I had been missing out not using Todoist.

Clothing and tools this week.

Nomad, but maybe also Daylight.

Let’s have a chat about pens.

Let’s talk about selling my iPad Pro and why.

How the best photographer shoots.
I started trying to explain what I’ve always struggled to: art for me has never been about the materials or the gear. It’s never been about the settings or the surroundings. I could explain the way I use light, motion, angle, and framing— and I have, many times. But truthfully, it’s always been about the story I can tell with my own voice, with instinct that takes over, as I capture the emotion between the subjects.

An excellent pair of breathable pants for active use.
Note: this item was sent for review.
I’ve been wanting to grab a pair of these to try for a while now, so when Himali offered to send me this review sample, I was pretty pumped. That, coupled with the unseasonably warm weather, meant I was able to quickly put these pants through the paces.
These are a fantastic lightweight pair of jogger-adjacent pants, which breathe well, move well, and offer some solid protection. They are a strong contender for my warm-weather go-to pants.

A few new gear items, and some thoughts on a few gear categories.

A random bit of thoughts from clothing to AI, to remote work.

I did a pretty good job when I moved to Boulder making fun of how many people wear this Atom Jacket. I mean, it couldn’t be that good such that people wore it that much. Nearly a year ago I bought this jacket for next to nothing when it was being cleared out in this…
I did a pretty good job when I moved to Boulder making fun of how many people wear this Atom Jacket. I mean, it couldn’t be that good such that people wore it that much. Nearly a year ago I bought this jacket for next to nothing when it was being cleared out in this color. I figured worst case I’d use it for rucking or hiking.
Well, I have to say to all those people I mocked: I get it. This is a pretty fantastic jacket.

What would happen if I ditch the iPad Pro, and other computing thoughts.

One of the best leather bags I’ve used.
Note: this item was provided for review.
I am not a huge leather bag guy, but I can say that there’s a very wide variety of experiences you can get from any given leather bag. Some seem overly heavy with leather so stiff you are not sure it will ever wear in. Some are so thin and soft that you find it’s really the nylon lining that’s giving the bag any hope at durability. Thus, it is very difficult to try to ascertain what you are getting from a product website.
This was the case with the Zeppo Solo when Bleu de Chauffe offered to send it over. I quickly accepted and made a request for the navy variant. When I got the bag, I was pretty blown away. There’s no lining, it’s not overly heavy, the leather is very supple and pliable.
It all seemed pretty good. And then, I used it, and I quickly realized that this bag was much more than pretty good — it’s quite excellent.

I now have software made exactly for me, for the price of a gallon of gas.

Note: this product was provided for review. The number of trips I take where I need my passport is very low, but passport wallets are really great for passport-sized notebooks, as well as for an auxiliary wallet when you’re traveling (extra cards and cash, etc.). Which is exactly how I’ve been testing this wallet since…
Note: this product was provided for review.
The number of trips I take where I need my passport is very low, but passport wallets are really great for passport-sized notebooks, as well as for an auxiliary wallet when you’re traveling (extra cards and cash, etc.). Which is exactly how I’ve been testing this wallet since receiving it.
It’s impressively compact, and I’m in love with the materials choice.

A few new items; and some flashlight thoughts.

Things I keep following and one that sucks.

A fantastic wallet with some clever features to make it feel like it is your wallet over time.
Note: this item was provided for review.
As I mentioned in my Best List roundup at the end of 2025: there was no pick because I couldn’t stand behind anything I had been using. I’ve been cycling through loads this year, which is why I was excited when Pioneer Carry reached out to see if I wanted to test the Division Bifold. It’s a really great wallet — large, but easy to use and capable.
I’m a fan of this one, and it’s what I’ve been using the most.

Perfecting a couple of travel kits.

Coding small apps while on vacation, wild shit.