Packing Problems

It's almost midnight and we're leaving tomorrow at 6 a.m.  A few hours ago, V threw a few things into a bag and he's good to go.  By now he's impatient to get some sleep--and he doesn't get why my clothes are spread all over our bed.  Nor does he get why I am so bitchy before leaving on a trip.  Even after 14 years of marriage. 

I approach packing like I do everything else--at the last minute.  And I have a system.  I take out everything I might possibly want to bring---and then eliminate everything that doesn't fit.  That could either mean it doesn't fit in the suitcase-- or doesn't fit me.  Which in my world, is a perfectly sensible reason to wait till the last minute.  

Thanksgiving presents special challenges.  The Sees' candy alone would fill up a whole duffle bag.  At least choosing clothes is less painful than usual.  In theory I could get away with nothing but sweats and pajamas.  All our family does over Thanksgiving is eat and sleep.  When we're not eating or sleeping we're on the couch in the family room.  Possibly eating or sleeping there.

 To make myself feel a little less guilty for doing nothing, I knit.  Actually this is another family tradition of our Thanksgiving.   For me the main benefit of knitting is that It's extremely difficult--although not impossible--to eat while knitting.  Plus I think knitting might burn a few calories. (??)

It's unlikely I'll burn them in any other way this week.  Right now I'm trying to decide whether to bother bringing exercise gear--since I know I won't work out.  I always bring it--but I haven't worked out yet in all the years I've been going to my sister's for Thanksgiving.  The only exercise I'm sure of getting over the holiday--other than knitting or chewing--is walking....from the couch to the refrigerator, and back.

Comments

[Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky]

I would think that the baggage fees the airlines have imposed this year to improve their bottom lines would help focus the mind regarding how much to take.

Bon voyage!

[kat]

I know how you feel. I pack at the last minute too and I always over pack, thinking of every scenario in which I might need (fill in the blanks). But unpacking the last few trips has felt so painful that I'm not remembering when I pack, how much I'll have to unpack. Enjoy your trip. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Darryle Pollack]

Yes those baggage fees probably help everyone feel more motivated to take less. And Kat I've had the same feeling about unpacking which is almost as bad sometimes as packing. Last night I was so tired by the time I finished I have no idea what I took. But I made it safely and that's what counts.
Thanks to both of you for commenting, and Happy Thanksgiving.