The word alone sends shivers down your spine. It is a challenge never enjoyed and rarely successful. Even with the impending joy you are about to experience, the pressure to pack the RIGHT things is always overwhelming.
It’s the contingency packing that takes up the space. rainwear, a jumper in case, an extra scarf, togs in case, gear for a night out, better take stilettos, joggers for a walk, slippers for the room, vest for the chill, suncream, mozzie spray, medication for every eventuality, a hat, towel in case, thongs maybe, extra cosmetics, dryer and straightener, more knickers and bras, extra clutch for night and handbag in a different colour, and of course at least 2 changes of jewellery each day.
And when you pack with kids…..well you take a trailer. You have spent 2 weeks writing lists, grabbing bits and pieces as you wash or from the chemist and shops, you finally get everything you need in 27 bags, you look a wreck, but the kids stuff is done, the house is tidy ready to return to, 4 eskys of food, and your husband/partner who has been absent through all this says – ‘oh my god, we’re only going for a week’. And that’s when the fight begins….
This week-end we are away for sport so it’s only 1 night and I feel I have excelled. I only had to pack for myself of course, but I packed all black. Black trench coat, 2 black leggings, 3 long black shirts, and added 2 black and white scarves, 3 knickers and 1 extra bra. Boom! 1 bag. I also fit a small make up bag, deodorant and toothbrushes. It took 5 minutes and my partner said: ‘Yes I’m very impressed you only have one bag for one night. Very Good’. I detected sarcasm….
I travelled around the world for 12 months when I was younger and slimmer and had no kids with 1 bag. You are naturally vivacious so you don’t need contingencies. If you get wet you laugh. If you get cold someone will offer you their jacket. You never got sick and if you did alcohol fixed most ailments. You only needed one pair of shoes and the jewellery you had on. If you needed anything extra you’d grab it at an op shop then regift it. Life was so free.
But maybe it goes full circle and in 2 years, when the boys are done, I will run away and back pack for 12 months with just one bag again.
