I had surgery in July, and I was only going to be in overnight (and I ended up being too groggy to do anything other than doze the entire time), but I brought several books, a couple of different aromatherapy vials, nail polish (what was I thinking?), pajamas I didn't wear, my own tea and a mug (the hospital tea was fine and I couldn't keep much down anyway), and slippers and a robe, which I did use. When I got home I made a list of things to bring if I ever have to go in again, while the memory of what I needed and what I didn't was still fresh. For work I carry a purse with the usual purselike things -- wallet, keys, lip balm, sunglasses case. And then I carry a tote with at least two books (I have a horrible commute and I'm always worried it will be so bad one night that I'll just pull off the road and go sit in a cafe for hours, and I will need something to read; also I keep thinking I will take an actual lunch break and steal some reading time), a CD player, five to seven CDs, my small black planner, pens, and makeup. I can never decide on the perfect vessel for all of this. I have a beautiful Coach briefcase that seems too upmarket for my stuff; I've got a Land's End nylon briefcase that seems better but has nooks and crannies where things disappear. Right now I'm using a canvas tote bag from the Monterey Aquarium, which is sort of soothing (reminds me of a restful day among sea creatures when I'm battling traffic or depressed about work). For trips I always carry way too damned much. Between two and six books, since I can never decide what I will feel like reading, sometimes my laptop, always too many clothes -- I can't get organized enough to work out outfits perfectly, and I live in fear of forgetting something and being without clean clothes. The first time I went to England (for three weeks) I brought three suitcases, but on my second trip for two weeks I managed just a duffel bag -- I think I only brought one book, knowing I could hit English bookstores! But going to visit the in-laws in Texas over Memorial Day, my husband and I brought four bags. I did buy some bulky stuff in Mexico, but we had too many clothes and shoes and I too many books, as per usual! Somehow, though, we always end up having to go to a drugstore to buy something, even with all this luggage! I love those Visa wallet ads too. Mine isn't very exciting -- driver's license, donor card, insurance card, Chevron card, one of those cards with the Virgin Mary on it from my father's funeral, trade slips from a used bookstore in Berkeley, a few business cards, and checks. Back Home | Index | Notification | Webcam | Dreams | Mood Swings | Tea Leaves Books | Music | Reflections | Guestbook | Postcards | Web Design Copyright © 1998 Willa G. Cline