From time to time I’d love to highlight some products that I love. I use several products in a given day, but a few stand out above the rest. This is one of those products. (Read those last two lines twice. Once as a Steve Jobs keynote, and again as the opening to Law and Order.)

Field Notes

My first experience with Field Notes was courtesy of a Gowalla giveaway. At first I thought I had no need for a pocket-sized notepad, especially since I almost always have my phone with me. After deciding to carry a Field Note pad around for a week, I quickly realized that this might be a new staple in my back left pocket.

About the Company

Inspired by the vanishing subgenre of agricultural memo books, ornate pocket ledgers and the simple, unassuming beauty of a well-crafted grocery list, the Draplin Design Company, Portland, Oregon in conjunction with Coudal Partners of Chicago, Illinois bring you “FIELD NOTES” in hopes of offering, “An honest memo book, worth fillin’ up with GOOD INFORMATION.”

How I Use It

I have mainly used mine for idea mapping, lists, sketches and as a second brain for short term memory. They come in a variety of colors and paper styles (my latest order was three cardboard cover with blank paper.) You also get a couple of fun surprises with every oder!

More Pics

Have you used Field Notes before? Know of any similar products I should consider?

Do you blog (somewhat) regularly about things we both think are interesting? If so I would love to share you with others who read this blog! Head over to the “Friends” section to find out more!

Project: The Nicene Creed in 24 Days

This project started as a devotional for Young Life Work Crew at the Camp Viv and I will be working at this summer. It has grown into a collaborative effort to write a 24 day booklet that walks through one of Christianity’s great Creeds useful for those new to the faith or who want an overview of what Christians really believe.

Need:

Cover and Layout Designer

Content Writers

Copy Editor

Due:

June 28th, 2010

Leave a comment and send me an email if you’re interested in helping out in any way!

Thanks to:

@Tyson_Guthrie, @lukesammons and Drew Armstrong for their help so far!

For more info on projects I would love your help with, visit http://collab.jonjordan.com

I am super guilty of saying “I don’t have time for ________” when what I really should say is “I didn’t/won’t make time for _____.” We all have the same 24 hours each day. If you want to do something, and you consider it important, make time for it.

Here is one small adjustment I have been trying to make in order to “make time” for school, side projects, fun etc.

Drumroll please (badumdumdumdumdumdumdumdum…..)

Wake up earlier. Know when you need to wake up in order to be on time, then make an effort to wake up well before that time. Two disclaimers:

1. I know I am fortunate that getting up at 7 on a week day is “before I need to”

2. This doesn’t always happen (just ask my wife, Zack or Simo), but overall I have loved the extra time each day.

What are some changes you have made in order to “make time” for things you want to accomplish?

I am taking a class in Washington, D.C. from April 26-30th, and Viv is planning on joining me from the 29th through May 3rd! We did a one day segway tour last June as part of our One Year anniversary trip and got to see a broad overview of the city, and now we’re headed back for more! At least a couple of the nights we are staying at a place we found on Airbnb, which is worth checking out next time you travel. We have a few things in mind for sure (including Newseum), but we need some suggestions! Here’s what we’re looking for:

• FOOD! We love trying new places and would love some tips on local restaurants…
• Attractions! Besides the obvious and basics of D.C. is there anything you know of that is worth checking out?
• Surprises! Anything else you can think of that would be great for us to hit while we’re there. Other than puppies. I’m not hitting a puppy.