I've come to a conclusion over the last few days. I've gotten anal in my old age. We're getting ready to go on vacation. I remember a time in my life when I could decide to take a trip and one hour later be on the road with everything I needed in one bag. Oh, that time is gone and gone forever. I've been sitting here trying to pinpoint when my spontaneity disappeared. Like many things in my life, I'm thinking it was around the time I had kids.
Something about traveling with children changes everything. I could no longer shove everything I needed to survive for a week into a backpack. It now required paraphernalia - bouncy seats and high chairs and special food and diapers and toys and favorite blankies and clothes for every possible weather event.
My problem is that my kids are well out of the baby stage. You'd think that without all that crap that maybe I could go back to the way things used to be, but life doesn't exactly move backwards. Instead of baby stuff, I've discovered that my luggage is now filled with electronics. I can't travel anywhere without cell phone, laptop, nook, alpha smart and all the separate power cords, connectors and tidbits that go with all of these things. Even on vacation I must stay connected...even if my people are sitting right beside me.
I do normally have an excuse. My job allows me to work no matter where I am and I often find myself wanting to take advantage of the slower pace of vacation time to squeeze a few hours of creativity into my day. When inspiration strikes I want to be ready!
The problem is that all of this stuff must have a specific place in the luggage so that I know when we pull out of the driveway I have everything I need. And so that when we repack to come home I know I'm not leaving anything behind. This is where the anal part comes in. I've gotten picky and cranky over the years. I didn't realize quite how much until I told Zilla that he couldn't help me pack because I wanted to make sure everything got where it was supposed to be. Like it really matters if Baby Girl's tennies end up in the bottom of the suitcase instead of the top.
I know we're going to have so much fun on our vacation. My family really needs to get away and spend some quality time together...that is if I can make it out the door without my brain exploding. Wish me luck! Are you a planner when it comes to vacations? Or do you fly by the seat of your pants and just enjoy the ride?
Instigator
6 comments:
Planner here. I make a packing list, though lately I've stopped obsessing over little things. Unless I'm going to a remote island, if I've forgotten something I can go to the store and buy it.
I do understand about certain things being packed a certain way. I have a small bag I use for tech items and accessories. My camera, cell phone and iPod chargers go in there and that way I know where they are.
I always pack too much, but I've been trying lately to "design" an outfit for each day (i.e. jeans, white mock-T, navy fleece top) and that keeps me from packing too many clothes. I'll pack an extra shirt just in case I spill something, but this has worked well for the RWA conference because the last two years I've come home with only one or two unworn items, and those were the just-in-case items.
Have fun on your vacation!
I'm a planner too. Have to have lists. I use to always overpack - just in case. I've finally gotten somewhat better at not overpacking but then I don't get to go places as much as I did. Just last month I finally bought myself one with wheels - so much better and way overdue.
Planner? Check. Overpacker? check. Yep, that's me. And I can't seem to get over it. I couldn't go away for even overnight with just a backpack. Not happening. :)
But you know what, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't hurting anyone (unless you count my back when I haul all that stuff to conference), so I don't worry about it.
Angel
Oh yes, I'm very spontaneous. I even have a pre-made packing list on my computer in the event of a spontaneous trip.
Have a fantastic time, Instigator! The hard part is getting out the door. Once you're gone, everything else doesn't matter. ;)
I'm with SP. The packing list on my hard drive makes spontaneous trips much easier...
Post a Comment