I have tried for years to carry a notebook; to have something to write in when I get ideas in waiting rooms, eating lunch, or talking with friends. I have tried (with an equal lack of success) to input notes into a phone. I bought nice, leather-wrapped notepads while in Beijing, but they were too thick and I only carried them when I was wearing a jacket. I carried little metal ring notebooks, but they got torn up in my pockets. I’ve finally found something that has worked for the last eight months:
Moleskine, two for five bucks and quite sturdy. Checklists go in front and story, essay, song, and other creative project ideas go in back. The pages tear out.
Molinski books are great! I use them myself as well. Not too big, quality of paper pretty good.