Packing

What kind of packer are you? Do you feel you are a good packer, an over packer or just a poor packer in general. How long does it take you to get packed and ready to go? Do you always have snacks and water ready to go out the door when you do?  

When I pack for a trip, I pack. Many people say, "I have my clothes laid out". Not me, my clothes are locked and loaded. I have become a carry-on person when traveling and I know how to roll things tight to get lots in the bag. Now, unpacking, I could shove the suitcase into the bedroom and leave it there forever. I literally force myself to empty it in the first hour I am home, or it may never get my attention for days.

I was on a flight once where we diverted to Sudbury, Ontario instead of landing in Toronto. The woman behind me asked the attendant for food for her daughter. The little one was maybe 4, her mom hadn't packed a thing for her to eat, drink, or keep her entertained for what was supposed to be a 2-hour flight. We were now into the flight for 4 hours, and I have to say the little girl was very good, but she was becoming hangry. It made me appreciate the parents that come on a flight with their back packs stuffed with items to keep their kids watered, fed and entertained for the trip. 

When I fly, I take time to make sure I am going to be nurtured during the flight. It means food, a journal, a book to read, and lots of coins for vending machines. I will save a book that I know will be a good book to read when flying. It has to be the type of book that I can give away when I'm done reading. I am always impressed with how I pack going. Now coming home is a different story. Unless I am staying with family, I usually buy a book in the airport bookstore and hit the vending machine for food. 

A former colleague's daughter had a chronic condition that meant emergency treatment at any time of the day or night. That emergency treatment was 3-5 hours away. She said it took her 12 minutes to get packed and ready to go. 

When I worked with students, our clinical days were usually 12 hours. By the time the post conference came we were all starving. We, as in me, the students, were prepared. They would pull out their massive back packs and start to unload the food they had packed. It was good food, not anything I would have packed if it were me at that age, or at my current age, apparently. Every weekend I would cook and pack containers to make sure I was ready for the work week ahead. My lunch bag was complete with containers of microwave food, I just never got the hang of organizing post conference food.  

A few years back, dozens of vehicles were stranded for 2 days on #1 highway between Brandon and Virden. I doubt that anyone would ever have enough food or water to live in their vehicle for 2 days, unless you had just bought groceries. Who thinks when you strike out, even in poor weather, should I pack food and water just in case I get stranded on the highway in a blizzard for two days. 

In retirement, I have decided when I travel, I will pack a food bag with water and other snacks. I have become the muffin queen and have introduced myself to those individual cheese snacks and tiny oranges. Throw in some licorice and it will last me for a very long time. I always have muffins in my freezer. I even have a basket in my cupboard marked, "snacks". I am noticing families have entire cupboards devoted to snack food. They have half of Costco in there. Believe me it will serve your children well, when they have to pack food for university or travel.

Over the years I have watched how people prepare to stay with a family member in hospital. Some literally move in, and they look very comfortable. Others not so much. There is nothing more uncomfortable than spending an overnight in a hospital room without your things. What I have seen people arrive with are: their own blanket and possibly pillow, sleepwear, book, some have journals, slippers and of course there is food everywhere. Having water is key, if you are staying with someone there are usually lots of tears, so hydration is important.  

I spent a night in ICU when Mom was a patient there. This is how it went; I spent the night in the dress I arrived in, on a rock-hard cot, under one hospital blanket with the air conditioner blowing very cold air on me. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated having the opportunity to be there, but the cold air was brutal. I was down at the coffee bar in the middle of the night, cold, hungry and exhausted. It wasn't even worth it to risk my life and go get clothes from the car. I had packed wrong and brought clothes for the 30-degree heat, not the frigid room. I spent over 24 hours in that dress, it went from dress to nightwear and back to a dress. The lesson here is: if you are staying in a hospital, think it through, go to your car or the store and get what you need to build a nest.  

I have a bag that is half packed, and ready for an overnight stay, two at the most. What stays in it all the time are: a jewelry bag, a journal, light housecoat, night wear, socks and underwear. It has a make-up bag with it's own supply of makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste, Tylenol, gel, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I use very little makeup so having a second supply isn't a big deal. I throw in one outfit, and I am packed. I doubt it takes 12 minutes with this system.   

I can't even imagine what you are thinking about this post. Are you thinking, do I have a ready to go overnight bag? Do I have food and bottles of water just ready for a trip? Or are you thinking that was an incredibly long post about packing! In closing I hope you enjoy the quote that pretty much sums up gender packing.