Preface: Every year I get a Valentine’s gift for that special someone. Unfortunately, that “special someone” has always been me. Or perhaps fortunately…? One year it was luggage (travel.) Another year it was golf clubs. And another year it was a longboard skateboard. It’s become an annual tradition.

This year, I got myself a Filson Original Briefcase. For work I prefer a briefcase over a backpack. It makes me feel more professional. I had a classic leather briefcase for over 10 years. Really liked it, but the hardware (clasp, internal zipper, strap clips, etc.) couldn’t stand up to the abuse. Decided to go with a more durable option: rugged twill + bridle leather, “beefy” brass clips, and a YKK zipper. Looks gorilla-proof. I wanted to be a little more minimal and intentional in all that I do.

So here’s what I carry…

13″ MacBook Pro. School issued. Indispensable for my job in EdTech. An absolute workhorse. With it comes a bevy of electronics:

• Laptop charging brick + cable.
• USB-C forces you to use adaptors. One dongle for presentations and a 2nd dongle for media (SD cards, HDMI, etc.)
• USB clicker for forwarding slides in presentations.
• Apple Earbuds for video conferencing.
• Extra iPhone charging cable.

To organize this mess, I have a Delfonics Utility Pouch. Pockets inside-and-out to keep everything from tangling.

iPhone 7. Would love to upgrade to X, but can’t afford to at the moment. Still, happy with the 7. It takes video in 4K and has 128GB storage. I do not use a phone case. My iPhone has everything I need (time, weather, socials, music, alarm clock, camera, and even a bible app.)

My wallet is a Bellroy Note Sleeve. It has RFID protection (although not necessary.) There were just better color options in this model. It’s slim & sleek, but still able to carry business cards and fit foreign currency.

Got a carabiner valet keychain. Really minimal. Separates my truck key/fob from my apartment key/fob. I live in a walkable neighborhood, so I don’t always carry around car keys.

Everyone needs at least one good pen. I have the Montblanc Starwalker. My everyday pen is either a Pilot or a “freebie.”

For paper I use Field Notes, because it’s pocket-sized. I have a soft cover Moleskine Notebook for journaling & doodling, but it’s not an everyday carry.

Cole Haan leather card case. Business cards are extremely important! Can’t stress enough…

Hydro Flask. I keep one at school, so I don’t need to carry one in my bag.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers. I have the black frames w/ the “Coke bottle” green lens. Super durable. If I lost these, I would definitely purchase another pair.

Burberry compact umbrella. I really hate the rain. Comes with a cover. Fits into the stow pocket of the briefcase.

Baby Altoids. Cuz my breath’s not bad enough for the regular size. LOL.

KS ID badge + lanyard. (The lanyard is the M.O. in the education world.)

Finally, I keep my school keys on a key ring to go either into my pocket or onto the lanyard.

What you have in your bag is important, because it’s your mobile, portable, office-on-the-go. But more importantly, what you carry everyday is an expression of who you are.