In Packing Denial…Again
It’s happening again. I’m staring down a gigantic, empty suitcase. At some point in the next twenty-four hours, this suitcase needs to be filled with a carefully chosen mix of fabulous outfits and interesting accessories, an organized selection of cosmetics and personal care products, and all the extras and essentials I want and need for the next ten days.
Fine, who am I kidding? the truth is that I am probably going to toss in a jumble of whatever I can grab, cross my fingers, and hope for the best. If I’m lucky, I’ll have both pieces of a two-piece swimsuit. If I’m really lucky, those pieces will match.
I’m totally a packing procrastinator. I don’t know why I wait until the last minute. Am I waiting for inspiration to strike? Hoping that more fun, fabulous pieces will find their way into my wardrobe while I’m not looking? Wishing that someone would just do it for me? Yes. All of the above.
Instead of packing, I find myself cruising Polyvore. I tell myself it’s for inspiration. But really, do I need packing inspiration? That sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud. I would definitely “tsk,” snort, and roll my eyes if someone admitted that to me.
Nonetheless (I love that word), here I am. On Polyvore again. I’m wasting time in the most ridiculous way. I even created a visual list of what I will pack in my beach bag. If I can manage to get off Polyvore.
Wish me luck.
I just got and have used for two trips now – AND LOVE – the packing cubes from ebags. I have two sets, the medium 3 set and the assorted (L, M, S). Packing became a whole lot easier because you only have to worry about packing a small space, not a huge empty suitcase. I bought different colors for each member of our family. Clothes come out looking fabulous and unpacking is a breeze. I highly recommend them to you.
I enjoy your articles. You put a lot of info and are brave enough to put your vulnerability out there and I admire both.
I’m loving your blog!.. and all your tips. You should check out PINTEREST for packing ideas… this one will save you for a 10 day beach vacation.
http://pinterest.com/pin/146578162844644314/
Madhavi – Wow, I had never even heard of packing cubes. Just took a peek on ebags and I am intrigued! Thanks for the tip. Also thanks so much for the compliments. Comments like yours are very motivational 🙂
Robin – Thank you!! I’m so glad you are loving the blog. That is so nice to hear. And love the Pinterest tip. Just checked out the link – it’s great. Maybe it’s even making me feel like starting to pack 🙂
I don’t feel like I have fabulous outfits and interesting accessories in my closet. But your blog and these extra tips (thanks commenters!) are inspiring me to make it happen!
Pinkisnice – I agree about the comments. Thanks everyone!
I agree, thanks for the tips from Pixie + readers! I travel a ton and am not the best packer by any means.
In fact, I have to tell you a short story. I was in my 2nd marathon training cycle, the first having been 5 yrs prior, so this was like first all over again. We had our long run of 20+ miles one Saturday before I was to fly out to Prague. I don’t know why I didn’t pack earlier, but I didn’t. Clearly my mind was on hydration and food for my 20 mile run – which if you haven’t done in awhile can be a bit daunting. So anyway, finished the run with a group of friends and felt nearly dead by the end. Ok maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I was totally exhausted. With only 3 hrs to pack and get to the airport, I was close to calling off the trip. Seriously, who waits until JUST before leaving to the airport to pack for an international trip? Uh, that would be me. Thankfully my friend Tori came to the rescue, shuttling me home to shuffle around and throw a few things in a suitcase, shuttle me off to the airport and somehow I managed to make the flight. phew.
Despite my heavy travels, I’m still a horrible packer and still wait til the last minute. I always figure if I forget something I can just buy it.
I just checked out the packing cubes and what a great idea! I think I am going to order some today. Perhaps there is hope for me after all. Ta-ta for now, have a lovely trip!
Second on the ebags. I travel lots now for work, and they make a) compartmentalizing my packing easier, b) collecting laundry on the trip simpler, and c) more fit (and better) in my garment bag. I use 3 mediums on just about every trip. Gave some to Dad for Christmas, and he loved them. Keep up the great blog!
Mr. Ginger – Fun to see you on here!! Your endorsement of the packing cubes is a definite seal of approval for me, cuz I know how you do your homework 🙂 And thanks for the compliment. Sorry your comment was in limbo for so long – we are in HAWAII!! Woo hoo!