Often, I find myself reading different lists of must have items for people. I find them rather interesting, and take joy in seeing if the things I find essential to my day to day operations is similar to those of famous people or political figures. Usually, they aren’t.
Still, I thought it might be fun to muse for a moment on some things I’d simply rather not live without. I’m not putting a lot of thought into it, but instead just naming a few things that come to mind.
1. iPhone- My iPhone is the key to it all. I mean, seriously. Everything. My calendar, contacts, emails, news. It all filters through my iPhone. For the record, mine is white with a minimal bumper on it. I didn’t choose an elegant piece of tech to wrap it in an otter case. Ugh.
2. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots- This may be premature since I’ve only had them two weeks, but I can say with relative confidence that they will be worn until the day I die. Comfortable, rugged and stylish, they have replaced my old brown British Doc Martins. Let’s face it, once Martins stopped being made in England, they weren’t worth a damn. The 1000 mile boot is by far the best show I’ve ever owned.
3. Saddleback Leather Briefcase- No matter where I’m going, the SB case goes with me. 100 year warranty, minimal moving parts, heavy leather. If Indiana Jones were a real person, this is what he’d carry.
4. iPad- the iPad replaced my laptop a long time ago as the computing device that goes with me everywhere. For the majority of what I do, the iPad is the easiest, quickest, most efficient way to work. Plus, clients love it.
5. Ford 150- My truck is a full size 2000 F 150. I love sports cars and motorcycles to be sure, but neither of those things would have been of much use when the Tornadoes blew through our county last April. This truck is tough in an understated, get it done, sort of way that I really appreciate. Now that she has heat again, it’s even better.
6. Old Navy Boot Cut Jeans- I have some super expensive jeans. They don’t have the comfort and fit level my old navy’s do. I wish I could argue otherwise, but I just cant.
7. Colt Defender .45- I’m from the school that we have certain freedoms in this Country that we shouldn’t ignore. Carrying a gun is one of them. I’m no gun-toting crazed hillbilly, but I do like being able to know that if push came to shove, I can shove pretty darn hard.
8. Blue- As I write this, my Great Dane/German Shepard Blue, is sitting in my lap. He enormous. He eats too much. He poops too much. But he is my constant amigo, and when I’m driving around town, he is always happy to ride along. He is sweet to the kids, but growls at folks who approach our front door. He doesn’t bite, but if he did, you’d lose an arm.
9. St. Croix 4 weight Ultra Legend Fly Rod- Fly fishing is really the only true hobby I have, and the proper gear is essential. For the southeastern rivers I fish, the ultra legend is the perfect rod, balancing power, precision and delicate presentation. I have landed huge trout on this rod and had just as much fun landing tiny trout. If I could have only one fly rod, this would be it.
10. Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angel Chronograph- When I was young, my dad took us to the Sears Tower in Chicago to watch the air show. The highlight of the entire event was watching the Blue Angels fly beneath us through the city of Chicago. I’ll never forget it. Years ago, my wife bought me the Blue Angel Citizen watch and I never take it off. It looks good, sure. Even banged up and scratched, the watch oozes cool. But more importantly, it keeps time. One a day, the watch syncs up to the main time station in New York, ensuring that it is never more than .5 seconds off actual time. Pretty neat.
11. Case Pocket Knife – My Great-grandfather, Grandfather and father all carried Case knives in their pockets. I have all of their knives in my collection now, and a pocket worn Case Trapper is my every day use knife. I know there are many knife choices out there, and lots of knives that are “tougher”, but for me, the knife is a tool, and keeping it simple is the key to using it properly. I open boxes, cut rope and even use it occasionally for a steak knife when I eat.
Well, that’s it for now. Hope you enjoyed this list. I could pick many more things, but 10 seemed like a decent place to stop. What are some things you wouldn’t live without?