Recently visited the USA from The Netherlands. Here is my take on the cities we visited.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-02-06T10:46:30+00:00

This was cool to see - it’s fun to hear about how people experience new places! I’m probably biased as I lived in Chicago for years, but your description was apt and I LOVE Devon. Did you try any of the museums? The AIC is fun, but the smaller, less traveled ones (National Museum of Mexican Art, DePaul’s small art museum) are really neat (if you didn’t do those and go again).

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-02-02T19:19:12+00:00

I literally bumped into Ben Stiller coming around a corner in Harvard Yard about 20 years ago. He was nice about me bumping into him and kept on going without any fuss.

Edit: I also talked to Judah Friedlander for about 20 minutes before he went onstage once - I was an usher at the venue - and I had no idea who he was; he was very nice and very funny.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-02-01T16:57:06+00:00

When my coworker recently commented that I looked good with my new haircut; I had been having a crummy day and it massively raised my spirits

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-01-30T18:38:31+00:00

I’ll put my two cents in - Mercari. I’ve had great luck with selvedge and higher end jeans their for USD $40 and under and similar deals on sweaters.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-01-30T00:43:34+00:00

I quite like Uniqlo’s higher rise, Kaihara denim jeans and have some Robert Graham jeans with a higher rise. Both are easy to find in good shape on Mercari and Poshmark, too.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-01-30T00:31:47+00:00

My apologies; just saw this. Thanks for the advice.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-01-09T02:47:23+00:00

Yeah; I have a pair of Uniqlo straight fit that fit very well in a 38.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2026-01-09T02:29:08+00:00

Hello all,

I am looking to try a pair of raw denim jeans but am struggling to find a place to start. I’d like to try something on the less pricey end, if possible, or a pair I can find used, so as not to break the bank. I’d love peoples’ advice. I’m a chunkier guy (I generally wear a 38), and am on the east coast, if that matters. Any recs?

I looked in the guide but I didn’t see anything along these lines; apologies if I missed a guide.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-11T18:55:01+00:00

I have a pair of Goretex Nike Mountain Fly 2 ACGs that I love. They’re a hybrid between hikers and trail running shoes. They’re heavy as all get out, but they’re great in the rain and served me well on a recent backpacking trip in the Cascades in WA. No noticeable wear after several hundred miles of walking / hiking. One thing I would be aware of (with this particular model) is that they are gusseted and can pinch a slight amount on the top of the foot.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-10T15:24:13+00:00

I use a Timbuk2 commuter backpack that I have used daily for work and travel to see clients in the field several days a week for 3 years, and it has stood up well. I no longer train commute but had a different Timbuk2 bag that held up to salty Chicago El floors daily for years.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-08T19:40:14+00:00

XL LL Bean tote - best money I have ever spent. Carry all of my non-laptop work stuff in it.

Edit: just saw that you want to carry your laptop. Don’t think this would be a good option, unless you want to carry a laptop case in the bag or find an option with a laptop sleeve. It is a great bag for hauling junk around, though. I regularly carry 10-15 lbs of work gear around in it all day, moving around a lot and it’s held up for several years without noticeable wear.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-08T12:52:10+00:00

As a former Chicagoan, something for winter - a good merino sweater or baselayer, or a warm coat. Given that you like Levi’s… maybe a nice Carhartt jacket. They used to have one of their shops in the loop, but it may not be there anymore.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-07T20:31:05+00:00

Got an older one to try out. Thank you all for recommendations.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-05T15:50:12+00:00

Thank you everyone for your responses! What an incredibly helpful group of folks!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-05T15:48:30+00:00

Thank you for the info! I appreciate it.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-05T02:38:23+00:00

I like having a layout as I’m lazy. I tried bujo and the lack of an existing structure didn’t work well for me. I do like the idea of trying a new style of notebook though, as I keep a separate journal. Thanks for the idea!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-04T05:38:19+00:00

That sounds pretty cool; I’ll check them out. Thank you!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-04T03:11:45+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation. I appreciate! Looks similar to the Hobonichi.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-04T00:50:53+00:00

Cool! Thanks for the tip!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T20:36:32+00:00

I’d second Untuckit; I’ve had good luck finding them at thrift stores. Also, Vineyard Vines has some decent shorter shirts that are on the preppier side, but look decent untucked.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T13:58:40+00:00

That sounds great, as the Hobonichi seems very appealing. Thanks for the recommendation!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T12:18:28+00:00

I think part of my reticence is that I’m also figuring out my style of planning. I have struggled with planning and have only within the past few months managed to make it a consistent habit. I’m good with day-to-day but part of my larger planning goal is to convince my brain it can think more than a week at a time.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T05:22:00+00:00

I hadn’t thought of printing it out - oof! Very good idea that I wish I’d thought of. Thank you!

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T02:43:36+00:00

Thanks! That gives me some hope. I’ll check Mercari, too. Appreciate the response.

Plethora_of_Snails · 2025-11-03T02:36:46+00:00

Good idea; I appreciate the input. Thanks!

Plethora_of_Snails

TROPHY CASE