(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best composition notebooks

There are the usual's, set up a place to study, reduce distraction, yadda yadda, and that helps to a degree, but for me, I can't just have one place to study, sometimes my usual place just bugs the crap out of me, so have a few places you can study, like in your room, at the table, at maybe at the library or something similar, I used to love going to my local bookstore/coffee shop until the hipster crowd decided it was "in" and now it's crowded all the time (good for the store owners, not so much for me).

Next, take stock of the things that distract you. For me it's sounds more than anything, so I use the headphones and grey noise to mitigate that. Plus using the headphones habitually helps to train my brain that when their on, it's time to focus. There are also acoustic soundtracks on youtube and spotify that are designed for study sessions, give them a listen, you may find they help you focus better.

My biggest problem, and a huge reason that studying felt like smashing my head on a brick wall, is because I have issues with visual processing. Things that feel visually cluttered, too compact, or otherwise "off" will make it nearly impossible for me to register what I'm trying to read. This means I can read something a million times and it's just not going to sink in if it's not formatted properly. So, when you can, get your books in e-format and adjust the size of the font, this reduces the visual noise that comes with small font. Also download a blue light filter like lightbulb, and put on an antiglare screen protector to reduce eye strain. Some e-books/e-readers also have an audio option where you can listen to the text as you read along and this can really help a lot.

When e-books and audio books are not an option, try using a reading guide like this one, this one, or made out of a piece of paper with a slot cut in it to help you focus on just one line at a time. If your problem is visual clutter you'll notice a difference in a hurry using these methods.

On top of these methods, when you are reading/studying, take one paragraph at a time, read it, then write a single sentence that summarizes the paragraph. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular, it can be as simple as "birds dance and sing to attract mates" to summarize a paragraph describing the mating ritual of the peafowl. This forces you to break up large amounts of information into bits small enough to process easily. Then when you go back over your notes you're more likely to recall some of the finer details from the chapter, even if you didn't specifically write them down.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. You know you are smart, your brain just processes differently so you have to find what works best for you. Once you do, you'll do a lot better and things will start to fall into place for you. But the journey to get there can be hard and very disheartening, so don't give up.

Hate to burst your bubble, but this is from a company called Eccolo. I know because I have one, haha. I absolutely love it and I've had it for about 12 years. I bought it through a watch company called Stauer. It's still available on Amazon, here.

Edit: Burst your bubble wasn't right to say. I'm glad you love it as much as I love mine. Enjoy. PS: The threaded binding around the edges wears away after decent use. I replaced mine with a brown shoelace and it looks awesome.

Good list, with the pen get some notebooks like the scout book. Have him draw maps, plans, sketch is "camp", journal, draw plants and leaves, etc in them. Every time he fills one up, give him another. Encourage this behavior, every time he comes in from playing, ask about the journal, and show enthusiasm for what he did, get excited for him. Basically teach him to love doing it. Maybe take a mapmaking course with him, then take a hike and map your area as you go.

Oh, and along with this, maybe get him some cargo pants for his adventures.

The knife is a great idea, and a good thing to do. If you are unsure, use the boy scout/cub scout program as a tool to teach, and make up a card like they do for him. Unfortunately, with todays climate, you also have to teach him where and when a pocket knife is appropriate, and where it isn't (no taking it to school ever, etc).

Your excitement is the best thing.

It sounds like your aunt is trying to intimidate you by making it look like she’s going to play hardball (or maybe she just is playing hardball). If that’s the case, you need to show her you’re ready.

As others have already said, do not call the lawyer in your aunt’s email. Tell your aunt that if her lawyer wants to contact you, he should do so in writing. If you receive a letter or email from your aunt’s lawyer, or if you receive a summons to court, get a lawyer (you might want to start looking now, maybe someone will give you a free or low cost consultation). You could either see if you father/his family can recommend someone or get a referral from your state’s bar. If you do get a letter or email from your aunt’s lawyer, verify that it’s legit by googling the firm name and the lawyer’s name.

Avoid communicating with your aunt (and grandmother and others on mom’s side) on the phone. Communicate as much as possible or exclusively via email or text so you have written documentation of any conversations and take screenshots and save them to multiple places. You might want to find out if the state she lives in (and your state too) requires 2 party consent for recording phone calls. If it’s a one-party consent state, consider getting a recording app to record any calls with her (and grandma, and others on that side) just in case. If you receive anything in writing from her lawyer, give it to your lawyer and let him contact her lawyer.

You might also want to get yourself a composition notebook (the type of notebook is important because the pages are sewn in and you can’t remove pages without ripping them out). Use this to write down any events that happen with regards to your aunt/grandmother in chronological order (calls, conversations, emails, receipt of any correspondence, etc). It’s a good way to keep a timeline of events, it helps you to remember everything that happens, and may be helpful to your lawyer and/or in court.

Like I said earlier, your aunt might be trying to intimidate you or she might be bluffing, or she might be serious. You need to show her you’re ready for her. If she backs down, then fine. But if she doesn’t, you’ll need to be prepared and show her you’re taking this very seriously.

You've gotten excellent advice on inks, and some on notebooks. You mentioned being overwhelmed by the choices, but wanting a sturdy notebook that can handle fountain pen ink. There are a few choices mentioned in here, but perhaps I can help summarize this. Key thing you will want is a high gsm (Grams per Square Meter), since a high gsm means thicker paper.

• Red and Black: 96 sheets, standard ruling, 90gsm, casebound, hardcover. Personally, no experience with this, but I've heard there's no bleed through with fountain pens.
  
  
• Seven Seas "WRITER" A5 Journal: 240 sheets, ruling is 7mm, 52 gsm Tomoe River paper, thread-bound for binding, cover is impregnated cloth (but you can buy a leather cover). Also no experience with this either.
  
  
• Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover A5 Notebook: 125 sheets, ruling can be either lined/graph/dot grid, 70 gsm, thread-bound, hardcover with some sort of leather covering. I've been using these since 2013, and in my first notebook, my handwriting hasn't changed from the day I had written in it with Diamine Ancient Copper. You would still want sturdier ink than what I had used. The paper is cream colored, and smooth. Bleed through is rare.
  
  
• Rhodia Webnotebook A5: 80 sheets, ruling can be either lined/graph/dot grid, 90 gsm, thread bound, leatherette hard cover. I've always enjoyed Rhodia paper, and while I haven't used this particular product, the paper is much smoother than the Leuchtturm1917, and there's less ghosting. The paper also appears whiter to me than the Leuchtturm1917.
  
  
• Rhodia Goalbook A5: 112 sheets, ruling is dot grid, 90gsm, thread bound, leatherette hard cover. Throwing this in the options list, since you get a few more sheets. Also wanted to point out that the cover appears to be flexible.
  
  
• Scribbles That Matter, Pro: 100 sheets approx, ruling is dot grid, 100gsm, thread bound, vegan leather hard cover. The sheets are smooth, and a bit brighter than the Leuchtturm1917, but a bit more ivory than the Rhodia. Great paper, and the cover feels more durable and pleasant than the L1917. With fountain pens, I have yet to bleed through this paper, and the ghosting (seeing what is written on the other side of the sheet) is very minimal. If I push you towards any notebook, it'll be this one. It also comes with a penloop that is not useless, unlike the L1917.
  
  
• Lemome Thick Classic Notebook with Pen Loop A5: 90 sheets, ruling is either dot grid or lined, 90 sheets, 125 gsm, thread bound, leatherette cover. Just got this the other day, and the pages are thick and smooth so far. No bleed through or ghosting with fountain pen ink yet.
  
  
• Lemome Hardcover A5 with Pen Holder: 92 sheets, ruling is dot grid, 100g, thread bound, leather hardcover. Just an option to put in here, it has a pen loop, and the paper seems to be slightly less thick than the prior Lemome notebook.
  
  Wishing you and your daughter the best during these hard times.

I am doing like 10 dollar gift cards to starbucks or target probably, since we have two kids and like 6 teachers, and then I have bought little trinkets over the year when I see them (like a couple tote bags that are matchy but not identical, pairs of nice slipper socks, maybe a bottle of wine).

You will also run into Teacher Appreciation Week, and I filled these with all sorts of goodies the school had recommended (favorites candies and drinks and I did facemasks). Though a giftcard would fit nicely too!

Amazon! I have the same one, I got it over Christmas last year to sketch in. However, it's not a good sketching journal and I use it for notes now.

I'll find the link, but I'm fairly certain if you just search Amazon for a "leather journal" this one, and several like it, will show up.

Edit: Here's a link, but I'm sure there's many more sellers of the same journal. Additionally I've seen it in witchcraft-like stores.

Keep in mind it's little. Fits basically in my one hand.

Apparently this is the "newer" version on Amazon. Don't know what that means, but it's DEFINITELY BIGGER. Just pay attention to the sizes.

I use evernote for a lot of things but I also use these things these things. They smaller ones fit in your pocket and they will last forever or at least until you fill them up.

Being in the military I took a lot of notes on various things and having a phone isn't an option if you work in classified spaces. These things are great and I have a pretty good size box of them that I can always go back to if i need something. I put the date on the back so i know when i started and inished using a particular notebook.

Item which would most make you seem like an old posh Englishman from the Office Space list

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Thanks for the contest, guys!!

This is my dedicated writer-on-the-go kit, separate from my daily pocket/purse carry, which I'll post eventually because, yes, I carry a knife. Someone mentioned more hobby EDCs a while back, so...

• Alphasmart 3000
  
• Blueberry Larabar
  
• Altoid tin (with skullcandy headphones inside)
  
• Blank ReWrite Notebook, hidden under
  
• Planner by Poketo for Target, 2013 Collection
  
• Purple bic ballpoint pen
  
• Aladdin Recycled and Recyclable Thermos, with coffee
  
  The alphasmart is the dorkiest but most useful thing in the fucking world. It's super light, durable, and fast. On that ancient baby I have written countless short stories, a book about a gaybro werewolf, and about a dozen scripts for short shitty horror movies that never get made. :) The ReWrite notebooks are great, too--all recycled materials and the perfect travel size, with paper that has just enough tooth to make writing smooth but enjoyable.

I prefer these awesome graph paper composition books.

Really good when I get inspired to jot down some notes for ideas of experiences I would like to create and it's perfect for sketching out levels or brainstorming some vector math.

edit: I should have read past the title! :)

I have purchased a TON of dot journals to figure out the best one for me. B5 is my favorite size. It isn't as small as A5 or as huge as A4. The only weird part is you can't find B5 in a hardcover. I am currently using this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Journal-Notebook-Planner-Expandable-Bookmarks/dp/B074G5R57B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526478475&sr=8-1&keywords=zen+art+supplies+bullet+journal

I love it. I can DM you a couple spreads if you wanna see what they look like on it. (Also the dots are lighter and paper is thicker)

Wow, your mom does not sounds like a happy person honestly.

So my father in law is similar, so I said fuck it and got him a lock picking set. Seems fun, inoffensive and useful.

The other go to inoffensive gift: BOOKS. Of course, since she has no declarable interests, I would be difficult.

So the ultimate inoffensive gift, fancy pen. Maybe with a fancy notebook too.

This is the funniest prank I've ever seen. Sorry if anyone already posted these items, I'm too tired to check -

• Fluffy princess pens
  
• Some pink paper clips
  
• A pair of cute pink scissors
  
• Some pink baskets to hold everything
  
• Pink staples
  
• And a little baby pink stapler
  
• Thumbtacks
  
• A high heel tape dispenser
  
• Minnie Mouse stationary
  
• A princess planner
  
• Princess pens
  
• Glittery pencils
  
• Pink highlighters
  
• A pink letter opener
  
• A pink white out pen
  
• Pink markers
  
• A bright pink dry erase board
  
• To decorate the office
  
• To stay nice and hydrated
  
• Some more adorable decorations
  
• Pink paper
  
• Hello Kitty stationary
  
• A hello kitty clock
  
• A leopard Hello Kitty notebook
  
  pink is the new black!

Faber-Castell is an excellent brand, no worries there. So they like pencils? Moleskine and Paperblanks sell nice sketchbooks. Fixative is a good idea. And erasers, like kneading erasers and pen erasers are useful.

These. If you use all of these then you know you're serious about keeping it and can upgrade to something nice. I like cheap ones better. Nicer journals always make me feel like I'm defacing them if I draw in the margins or copy down a phone number someone gave me because they're supposed to be some sacred tome twenty years from now when I look back at them.

Sorry for the long link

https://www.amazon.com/Marbled-Composition-Notebooks-College-5color-5pack/dp/B013TY3NQQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1500759505&sr=1-3&keywords=composition+book+college+ruled

1. Don't think you know everything going into it.
   
   
2. Listen to your manager.
   
   
3. If they do something the "wrong" way in your opinion, there has got to be a better reason for it, only bring it up after you have got your chops and reputation there.
   
   http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2015/ask-your-bartender-job-insecurity/
   
   You'll be on your feet a lot, get some good non-slip professional shoes with comfort inserts. I prefer Nunn Bush shoes for my non-slips. Very comfy.
   
   Get this
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Address-Pocket-Legendary-Notebooks/dp/8862930321/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463499465&sr=8-1&keywords=address+book+moleskine
   
   And take notes on all the weird recipes you come across in the bar life, the best ones, etc... if you haven't done this yet.

I got bought a stone notebook a couple years back as a xmas present and it's been my goto ever since

Being designed with chefs in mind it has little features like conversion tables and a pocket to stick printed recipes in which is a bonus as it saves me googling conversions every time I need them but my favourite bit it is the paper it's made using a byproduct of quarrying and is waterproof /greaseproof which in a kitchen notebook is great as don't have to worry about loosing everything as a result of the splashes and spills which previous notebooks have eventually fallen victim to

​

If your not bothered by the extra features if you search for stone paper on amazon there's quite a few options and if not office supply stores like staples will probably carry some

I personally use this case with SIMILAR notebooks. LOVE it.

Refillable Leather Pocket Notebook - Mini Composition Cover - Fits Standard 4.5 x 3.25" Mini Composition Book (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ITXOCLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FeNHzb4F7ETNJ

Mini Marble Composition Books, Thread Bound Notebooks, Red, Blue and Green, 12-ct, 600 Total Pages by Greenbrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0127TV3NE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xjNHzbRH50EQK

These are 50-page ones. I use 80-page ones. The 80 page ones fit better in the book. I found them at walmart. Important to note, they are THREAD bound and not glued. They are extremely durable. Even without the case, they lasted 1-2 months of heavy abuse and daily back-pocket carry. The case is more because i wanted a cover that i could incorporate into my EDC long term, like my Case Peanut.

I use Mead Five Star Composition notebooks, graph ruled. Whenever Target has their late summer back to school sale I'll buy five or six of them in different cover colors to last me through the year.

I keep a notebook open all day on my desk at work to write down notes, create checklists, and to make quick diagrams of something I'm working on. I found that if I used an expensive notebook, I would worry that things had to be perfect or somehow "deserving" of going in an expensive piece of stationary. But with the cheap composition books I can freely scribble, tear out pages, and just not worry that I'm somehow wasting something expensive.

Is the paper as nice as a Rhodia or some of the other notebooks you'd find on JetPens? No. Does my checklist for the next steps on the project I'm working on need fancy paper? No. I just need a place to get stuff out of my head so I can move on to whatever I'm doing next, and the Mead notebooks work perfectly fine for that.

A composition notebook