geeky stuff
Now that I'm getting back into the swing of traveling, I've put together my list of must haves to make travel easier and more enjoyable. This list isn't all-inclusive by any means, just things I wouldn't want to travel without.
Travel Purse/Carry On Bag
Most major airlines allow you to have one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. I get that most guys don't want to carry a purse, but we'll cover that next! Even if you aren't a large purse person, I suggest investing in a large tote-style bag for traveling - you can even put your small purse inside, if that's more your style. I have a large Coach leather tote in black, similar to this one that holds a book or magazine, phone, headphones, wallet - everything I want access to during my flight. Mine can even hold my iPad or laptop if I want it for a longer flight.
Travel Laptop Bag
Laptop bags have 3 categories, backpacks, messenger bags, and roller bags. I am not a fan of roller bags as they rarely roll down the aisle well and seem to take a beating as they bang into every seat down the aisle. I'm pretty sure I look like the worlds largest 2nd grader with my backpack on, but it is a comfortable way to carry a laptop. chargers, and other travel items. When I travel internationally, I throw in a change of clothes, just in case my luggage doesn't arrive when I do. I have this bag, which has a TSA-approved compartment for my laptop, so I can just unzip the panel and send the bag through the x-ray without removing my laptop. Not an issue if you have TSA PreCheck, but a really convenient feature to have. Some folks prefer messenger style, so I picked these three designs with a little bit more style than the standard Samsonite bag. I usually put my backpack in the overhead bin, so I don't pack anything I'd want during flight in this bag.
Travel Shoes
I'm a fan of comfortable shoes everyday, but they are even more important when traveling. From ease of taking off and putting back on at the TSA checkpoint and slipping them off during a long flight, you also want shoes that will let you run across the airport to catch your connecting flight when your first flight was delayed. Some friends rave over TOMS, but I'm partial to Crocs (clearly I can't be trusted for fashion advice) for their non-skid soles and arch support.
Must-have technology for traveling
My technology picks are all based on my preferences, but there are so many options out there for you when it comes to brand and features. Here's my favorites:
1) I'd be totally lost without my iPhone while traveling, in addition to using it for movies, games, and podcasts during flights, the mobile apps for airlines and hotels have changed the way I travel. I get real-time updates on flight status and gate changes, can check-in and change seats, and use my phone as my mobile ticket. I also get text alerts from the airlines if there is a major change or delay - this is a huge change from the hours I'd spend at a gate with updates every 15 minutes about our delay. The airlines' apps usually work while in-flight, even if you didn't purchase wifi, and United's app has movies and shows you can stream for free.
2) Santa brought me an Apple Watch for Christmas (I got the Series 1, 38mm Space Gray/Black). I know I'm not getting full use of my Apple Watch yet, but I love the world clock when I'm traveling between time zones, getting airline updates, and seeing the local weather on my wrist.
3&4) I love my iPad mini for watching movies in-flight, or watching Netflix in my hotel room. Some DVDs include a free digital copy, or you can rent or purchase from iTunes, and Netflix now allows downloading some shows/movies for offline watching. Amazon's Kindle Fire has a much more wallet-friendly price point.
5) I recently splurged on a Macbook Air, mostly for travel. The long battery life (8-10 hours), and quick boot up have made using on the airplane so much more enjoyable. My work laptop is more powerful but is also slowed down by the security software and has some restricted use. Others may find the Chromebook as a better choice for their needs.
6&7) I think everyone needs a hobby they can enjoy while traveling, and mine is photography. I don't like to travel with my professional gear (it's heavy and expensive), but want a bit more control than my phone offers. Before our trip to DC, I purchased a Sony a6000; a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It's small (fits in my purse easily) and can be used with manual controls, or in full auto mode. I can also transfer images and video directly to my phone through the Sony app to post on social media, which is nice. This Sony camera is just as powerful and a bit more compact.
Miscellaneous Travel Necessities
1) When traveling somewhere with a greater risk of pickpockets, I like having some of my money/cards concealed. I purchased scarves with concealed zipper pockets for my sister and bonus kid. The pocket is large enough to hold your phone plus some cash or cards and would be great for running errands when you don't want to carry a purse.
2) I got a similar inflatable travel pillow before my long trips to Asia, and I would absolutely recommend. Since they're inflatable, they don't take up much space when deflated, but this one has a soft over so no scratchy edges. This one includes and eye mask, ear plugs, and carrying bag.
3) The TSA allows up to 1 quart zipper bag filled with containers less than 3oz (yes, that includes airline sized alcohol bottles...) and these silicone bottles are great for toiletries. Be sure to put them in your open carry-on bag as you'll remove and place them in a bin.
4) Many people don't realize you can carry an empty water bottle though security and fill at the drinking fountains past the TSA Check Point. A nice insulated bottle like this would easily fit in your carry on and help keep you hydrated on long flights.
5&6) Headphones are key for listening to podcasts and watching movies during your flight, but can also help block out the noises around you. I like the earbud style, this one has an in-line microphone for making calls as well. I also have these over the ear headphones that generate white noise and do a fantastic job of blocking out engine noise and crying babies.
So these are my must have travel necessities; what do you think my bag is missing? Leave me a comment!
My 2017 Travel Necessities
Friday, April 14, 2017
Now that I'm getting back into the swing of traveling, I've put together my list of must haves to make travel easier and more enjoyable. This list isn't all-inclusive by any means, just things I wouldn't want to travel without.
Travel Purse/Carry On Bag
Most major airlines allow you to have one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. I get that most guys don't want to carry a purse, but we'll cover that next! Even if you aren't a large purse person, I suggest investing in a large tote-style bag for traveling - you can even put your small purse inside, if that's more your style. I have a large Coach leather tote in black, similar to this one that holds a book or magazine, phone, headphones, wallet - everything I want access to during my flight. Mine can even hold my iPad or laptop if I want it for a longer flight.
Travel Laptop Bag
Laptop bags have 3 categories, backpacks, messenger bags, and roller bags. I am not a fan of roller bags as they rarely roll down the aisle well and seem to take a beating as they bang into every seat down the aisle. I'm pretty sure I look like the worlds largest 2nd grader with my backpack on, but it is a comfortable way to carry a laptop. chargers, and other travel items. When I travel internationally, I throw in a change of clothes, just in case my luggage doesn't arrive when I do. I have this bag, which has a TSA-approved compartment for my laptop, so I can just unzip the panel and send the bag through the x-ray without removing my laptop. Not an issue if you have TSA PreCheck, but a really convenient feature to have. Some folks prefer messenger style, so I picked these three designs with a little bit more style than the standard Samsonite bag. I usually put my backpack in the overhead bin, so I don't pack anything I'd want during flight in this bag.
Travel Shoes
I'm a fan of comfortable shoes everyday, but they are even more important when traveling. From ease of taking off and putting back on at the TSA checkpoint and slipping them off during a long flight, you also want shoes that will let you run across the airport to catch your connecting flight when your first flight was delayed. Some friends rave over TOMS, but I'm partial to Crocs (clearly I can't be trusted for fashion advice) for their non-skid soles and arch support.
Must-have technology for traveling
My technology picks are all based on my preferences, but there are so many options out there for you when it comes to brand and features. Here's my favorites:
1) I'd be totally lost without my iPhone while traveling, in addition to using it for movies, games, and podcasts during flights, the mobile apps for airlines and hotels have changed the way I travel. I get real-time updates on flight status and gate changes, can check-in and change seats, and use my phone as my mobile ticket. I also get text alerts from the airlines if there is a major change or delay - this is a huge change from the hours I'd spend at a gate with updates every 15 minutes about our delay. The airlines' apps usually work while in-flight, even if you didn't purchase wifi, and United's app has movies and shows you can stream for free.
2) Santa brought me an Apple Watch for Christmas (I got the Series 1, 38mm Space Gray/Black). I know I'm not getting full use of my Apple Watch yet, but I love the world clock when I'm traveling between time zones, getting airline updates, and seeing the local weather on my wrist.
3&4) I love my iPad mini for watching movies in-flight, or watching Netflix in my hotel room. Some DVDs include a free digital copy, or you can rent or purchase from iTunes, and Netflix now allows downloading some shows/movies for offline watching. Amazon's Kindle Fire has a much more wallet-friendly price point.
5) I recently splurged on a Macbook Air, mostly for travel. The long battery life (8-10 hours), and quick boot up have made using on the airplane so much more enjoyable. My work laptop is more powerful but is also slowed down by the security software and has some restricted use. Others may find the Chromebook as a better choice for their needs.
6&7) I think everyone needs a hobby they can enjoy while traveling, and mine is photography. I don't like to travel with my professional gear (it's heavy and expensive), but want a bit more control than my phone offers. Before our trip to DC, I purchased a Sony a6000; a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It's small (fits in my purse easily) and can be used with manual controls, or in full auto mode. I can also transfer images and video directly to my phone through the Sony app to post on social media, which is nice. This Sony camera is just as powerful and a bit more compact.
Miscellaneous Travel Necessities
1) When traveling somewhere with a greater risk of pickpockets, I like having some of my money/cards concealed. I purchased scarves with concealed zipper pockets for my sister and bonus kid. The pocket is large enough to hold your phone plus some cash or cards and would be great for running errands when you don't want to carry a purse.
2) I got a similar inflatable travel pillow before my long trips to Asia, and I would absolutely recommend. Since they're inflatable, they don't take up much space when deflated, but this one has a soft over so no scratchy edges. This one includes and eye mask, ear plugs, and carrying bag.
3) The TSA allows up to 1 quart zipper bag filled with containers less than 3oz (yes, that includes airline sized alcohol bottles...) and these silicone bottles are great for toiletries. Be sure to put them in your open carry-on bag as you'll remove and place them in a bin.
4) Many people don't realize you can carry an empty water bottle though security and fill at the drinking fountains past the TSA Check Point. A nice insulated bottle like this would easily fit in your carry on and help keep you hydrated on long flights.
5&6) Headphones are key for listening to podcasts and watching movies during your flight, but can also help block out the noises around you. I like the earbud style, this one has an in-line microphone for making calls as well. I also have these over the ear headphones that generate white noise and do a fantastic job of blocking out engine noise and crying babies.
So these are my must have travel necessities; what do you think my bag is missing? Leave me a comment!
I'm lucky and I know it. Travelling in 2012 is way easier than it was 50 years ago - heck easier than 10 years ago! Fifteen years ago, I would have called home every Sunday (when long distance rates were cheaper) for a few minutes and maybe some cards and letter exchanged in between. Ten years ago we *might* have emailed but it would be days between responses.
Staying in touch from Manila isn't much harder for me than when I'm home; I work 8am-5pm central time (9pm-6am here) and have access to free video and phone calls, not to mention constant access to email.
Phone calls haven't gotten much cheaper, but using a VOIP phone service, I can make free calls to any US number. I use Google Chat, a free feature within gmail to place calls and video chat. In fact, I just got done video chatting with my parents 8,000 miles away. Besides some minor video lag, I could hear and see them - for free. To improve the sound quality, I purchased a headset and microphone for about $4 on my last trip here - a great investment.
Our office also has free long distance, so I try to call my mom each day during my lunch break to check in. I've found a few short check-ins each week makes us both happier than extended periods between phone calls.
Text messaging isn't cheap here, but I can use Google Chat as well - however carrying around my laptop isn't exactly practical. My sister and I email quite a bit; between her desk job and cell phone, it is about as quick as text messaging, but at a fraction of the cost. Add in other emails and Facebook messages, its like I'm just around the corner.
I recently met someone who had over $2,000 USD in cell phone charges on an international trip - my methods of communication is MUCH cheaper, without having to sacrifice. In addition to the means of communication, I'm lucky to have so many loved ones to keep in touch with!
Keeping in touch
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I'm lucky and I know it. Travelling in 2012 is way easier than it was 50 years ago - heck easier than 10 years ago! Fifteen years ago, I would have called home every Sunday (when long distance rates were cheaper) for a few minutes and maybe some cards and letter exchanged in between. Ten years ago we *might* have emailed but it would be days between responses.
Staying in touch from Manila isn't much harder for me than when I'm home; I work 8am-5pm central time (9pm-6am here) and have access to free video and phone calls, not to mention constant access to email.
Phone calls haven't gotten much cheaper, but using a VOIP phone service, I can make free calls to any US number. I use Google Chat, a free feature within gmail to place calls and video chat. In fact, I just got done video chatting with my parents 8,000 miles away. Besides some minor video lag, I could hear and see them - for free. To improve the sound quality, I purchased a headset and microphone for about $4 on my last trip here - a great investment.
Our office also has free long distance, so I try to call my mom each day during my lunch break to check in. I've found a few short check-ins each week makes us both happier than extended periods between phone calls.
Text messaging isn't cheap here, but I can use Google Chat as well - however carrying around my laptop isn't exactly practical. My sister and I email quite a bit; between her desk job and cell phone, it is about as quick as text messaging, but at a fraction of the cost. Add in other emails and Facebook messages, its like I'm just around the corner.
I recently met someone who had over $2,000 USD in cell phone charges on an international trip - my methods of communication is MUCH cheaper, without having to sacrifice. In addition to the means of communication, I'm lucky to have so many loved ones to keep in touch with!
- Those stupid key cards - on a three week trip, I go through about five keys. Either my phone deactivates them, I lose them or I lock them in my room.
- Crappy hotel TV. Thank god most have HGTV
- Undoing the hospital corners of my bedding. I HAVE to be able to poke my feet out!
- Having to unplug a bed-side lamp to plug in my phone charger. And the hotels that have the nifty lamps with the built-in outlet? The outlet is in a funny position and won't work for my blackberry or iPad/iPod charger.
Last year, I stayed at the Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia where I saw this beauty and I wondered why I didn't think of that - more specifically, why every hotel doesn't have this!
Here's a more detailed pic:
The end of the entertainment unit had two outlets, plus hook-ups for just about every type of video input. No fussing with the back of the TV! They even made it pretty fool-proof by adding a button next to the input slots so you don't have to find the corresponding channel with the remote. So if you want to hook up your computer for a video conference, just plug it in at the VGA spot and press the button next to it! Same for HDMI or the old school red/white/yellow input. Oh, and aux input too.
The connections were easy to access and super handy as a place to charge my phone and iPod. It was super convenient solution to a problem or annoyance I just thought I had to deal with.
Why didn't I think of that?
Friday, March 30, 2012
- Those stupid key cards - on a three week trip, I go through about five keys. Either my phone deactivates them, I lose them or I lock them in my room.
- Crappy hotel TV. Thank god most have HGTV
- Undoing the hospital corners of my bedding. I HAVE to be able to poke my feet out!
- Having to unplug a bed-side lamp to plug in my phone charger. And the hotels that have the nifty lamps with the built-in outlet? The outlet is in a funny position and won't work for my blackberry or iPad/iPod charger.
Last year, I stayed at the Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia where I saw this beauty and I wondered why I didn't think of that - more specifically, why every hotel doesn't have this!
Here's a more detailed pic:
The end of the entertainment unit had two outlets, plus hook-ups for just about every type of video input. No fussing with the back of the TV! They even made it pretty fool-proof by adding a button next to the input slots so you don't have to find the corresponding channel with the remote. So if you want to hook up your computer for a video conference, just plug it in at the VGA spot and press the button next to it! Same for HDMI or the old school red/white/yellow input. Oh, and aux input too.
The connections were easy to access and super handy as a place to charge my phone and iPod. It was super convenient solution to a problem or annoyance I just thought I had to deal with.
Maybe it is the unusually spring-like weather, but I’ve been feeling really inspired lately. I’ve been motivated at work by some pretty cool projects and my photography business is keeping me busy and helped me save for a new camera. I’ve been inspired by other blogs to improve my travel blog;
Young House Love – I love their optimistic
and positive outlook on life. They are
full-time bloggers raising their first child and renovating their second home. I'm really looking forward to their book that comes out this fall.
Bower Power Blog – Part home, part
lifestyle blog, this adorable southern lady doesn’t hold much back. Plus, she loves bacon (a girl after my own
heart)
Slugs on the Refrigerator – A
fantastic photographer, craft-er and mother; Kat keeps things real from her home
in Scotland. Not every post is rainbows
and sunshine, and it always sounds like she has a million projects; but you can
tell she wouldn’t want it any other way.
My good friend Melissa’s blog about
living abroad – their life may seem like a fairytale, but Melissa keeps it real
with stories of bugs, travel nightmares and other third-world surprises as she
documents life in Nigeria.
Journey with Judah – a high school
friend, former journalist and current law student documents her life with her
two year old son, Judah, who suffered severe brain damage at birth. Powerful topic, great insight and incredibly
well written (its almost like she's a journalist or something...)
The Bloggess - Her tagline is "Like Mother Theresa, only better." and I couldn't say it better myself. For an introduction to her awesome-ness, check out this post. If you didn't laugh out loud, then we probably can't be friends in real life.
The Bloggess - Her tagline is "Like Mother Theresa, only better." and I couldn't say it better myself. For an introduction to her awesome-ness, check out this post. If you didn't laugh out loud, then we probably can't be friends in real life.
All five blogs are written by talented, creative people with
so much to say and exceptional writing skills.
Sometimes I get down on myself, I have lots of room for
improvement in my own writing. Ugh, I
read through some of my older posts and cringe.
I do the same for photography, constantly doubting my ability; yet after
every shoot, I am pleased with the work I’ve created. I think we all go through these phases where
we question our ability and it motivates our desire to improve.
I remember sitting on a plane for my first business trip,
feeling a bit overwhelmed. I had just received
the biggest promotion in my career and on the first day in my new role, I was
flying to Texas. As I listened to my
iPod, a song from The Frey came on, a line from the chorus sings “Everyone
knows I’m in over my head, over my head.” and I chuckled. I totally felt like I was in over my head,
but soon I was doing quite well in my new position, everyday learning more and
more.
Yesterday I booked travel for El Paso, Texas and I am
shocked that it’s been two years since my last visit to the Lone Star state. I started thinking about how much of my life
has changed in the last two years and how much I’ve grown in my professional
career. I didn’t mention this before,
but I’m currently in a pilot promotional position as an Associate Performance
Consultant, and I hope this role become permanent in July. I’m in the driver’s seat for some pretty fun
projects with all eyes from the Senior Leadership Team on me. Pressures on and I love it!
I can only hope for the grace and talent of the blogs I
follow, and try to do my very best. Life
is too short to let fear hold anyone back.
I’m adding a “Blogs I Follow” link on the right hand side –
what other blogs should I check out?
Inspiration
Monday, March 26, 2012
Maybe it is the unusually spring-like weather, but I’ve been feeling really inspired lately. I’ve been motivated at work by some pretty cool projects and my photography business is keeping me busy and helped me save for a new camera. I’ve been inspired by other blogs to improve my travel blog;
Young House Love – I love their optimistic
and positive outlook on life. They are
full-time bloggers raising their first child and renovating their second home. I'm really looking forward to their book that comes out this fall.
Bower Power Blog – Part home, part
lifestyle blog, this adorable southern lady doesn’t hold much back. Plus, she loves bacon (a girl after my own
heart)
Slugs on the Refrigerator – A
fantastic photographer, craft-er and mother; Kat keeps things real from her home
in Scotland. Not every post is rainbows
and sunshine, and it always sounds like she has a million projects; but you can
tell she wouldn’t want it any other way.
My good friend Melissa’s blog about
living abroad – their life may seem like a fairytale, but Melissa keeps it real
with stories of bugs, travel nightmares and other third-world surprises as she
documents life in Nigeria.
Journey with Judah – a high school
friend, former journalist and current law student documents her life with her
two year old son, Judah, who suffered severe brain damage at birth. Powerful topic, great insight and incredibly
well written (its almost like she's a journalist or something...)
The Bloggess - Her tagline is "Like Mother Theresa, only better." and I couldn't say it better myself. For an introduction to her awesome-ness, check out this post. If you didn't laugh out loud, then we probably can't be friends in real life.
The Bloggess - Her tagline is "Like Mother Theresa, only better." and I couldn't say it better myself. For an introduction to her awesome-ness, check out this post. If you didn't laugh out loud, then we probably can't be friends in real life.
All five blogs are written by talented, creative people with
so much to say and exceptional writing skills.
Sometimes I get down on myself, I have lots of room for
improvement in my own writing. Ugh, I
read through some of my older posts and cringe.
I do the same for photography, constantly doubting my ability; yet after
every shoot, I am pleased with the work I’ve created. I think we all go through these phases where
we question our ability and it motivates our desire to improve.
I remember sitting on a plane for my first business trip,
feeling a bit overwhelmed. I had just received
the biggest promotion in my career and on the first day in my new role, I was
flying to Texas. As I listened to my
iPod, a song from The Frey came on, a line from the chorus sings “Everyone
knows I’m in over my head, over my head.” and I chuckled. I totally felt like I was in over my head,
but soon I was doing quite well in my new position, everyday learning more and
more.
Yesterday I booked travel for El Paso, Texas and I am
shocked that it’s been two years since my last visit to the Lone Star state. I started thinking about how much of my life
has changed in the last two years and how much I’ve grown in my professional
career. I didn’t mention this before,
but I’m currently in a pilot promotional position as an Associate Performance
Consultant, and I hope this role become permanent in July. I’m in the driver’s seat for some pretty fun
projects with all eyes from the Senior Leadership Team on me. Pressures on and I love it!
I can only hope for the grace and talent of the blogs I
follow, and try to do my very best. Life
is too short to let fear hold anyone back.
I’m adding a “Blogs I Follow” link on the right hand side –
what other blogs should I check out?
Wow - this trip is happening fast! I can't believe there is only a week before I leave for The Philippines! I've mentioned before that I want to be totally honest on here, what I'm thinking and feeling about my travels - its not always glamorous and fun. I've been a little stressed/anxious about getting things done, shopping, packing and actually getting to Manila. I'm coming to terms with the personal relationships that will be put on hold while I'm away. I know that I will relax a little when I board my flight in Des Moines; but in the mean time, I'm surviving on lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-pack lists and a list to keep track of my lists (just kidding!).
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
because of two very curious puppies. Thankfully, they didn't do any damage. I knew it was time for me to start organizing my purchases. My shampoo and conditioner from Costco came in huge bottles (probably way more than enough, but I'll leave any left overs for my buddies traveling after me). I realized that the bottles were too large for even the gallon size Ziploc bags. Boo! I don't want to risk getting shampoo all over my clothes! Then I remembered my mom has a Food Saver - you know where you can vacuum seal bags shut? Light bulb! The roll of bags means that I can make a bag large enough for my shampoo & conditioner bottles!
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
 |
| See the notepad? Yup, another list! |
Yes. I vacuum sealed all of my liquids.
Make fun all you want, I deserve it. But here is my logic. I suck at physics, but since the containers are vacuum sealed within the bag, they shouldn't leak, right? And if they did, the spill would be contained to the individual bag!
Or it will fail miserably, but it will be a really funny story!
One Week!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wow - this trip is happening fast! I can't believe there is only a week before I leave for The Philippines! I've mentioned before that I want to be totally honest on here, what I'm thinking and feeling about my travels - its not always glamorous and fun. I've been a little stressed/anxious about getting things done, shopping, packing and actually getting to Manila. I'm coming to terms with the personal relationships that will be put on hold while I'm away. I know that I will relax a little when I board my flight in Des Moines; but in the mean time, I'm surviving on lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-pack lists and a list to keep track of my lists (just kidding!).
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
because of two very curious puppies. Thankfully, they didn't do any damage. I knew it was time for me to start organizing my purchases. My shampoo and conditioner from Costco came in huge bottles (probably way more than enough, but I'll leave any left overs for my buddies traveling after me). I realized that the bottles were too large for even the gallon size Ziploc bags. Boo! I don't want to risk getting shampoo all over my clothes! Then I remembered my mom has a Food Saver - you know where you can vacuum seal bags shut? Light bulb! The roll of bags means that I can make a bag large enough for my shampoo & conditioner bottles!
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
|
| See the notepad? Yup, another list! |
Yes. I vacuum sealed all of my liquids.
Make fun all you want, I deserve it. But here is my logic. I suck at physics, but since the containers are vacuum sealed within the bag, they shouldn't leak, right? And if they did, the spill would be contained to the individual bag!
Or it will fail miserably, but it will be a really funny story!
Happy New Year!
- Two posts a week, every week - I have gotten in the nasty habit of only posting while I'm away, and I want to become a more consistent blogger
- Improve my writing skills - This really is a terrible goal as it would be difficult to measure, but I'm making a conscious effort to develop my skills as a writer. I want to improve my
abuseuse of punctuation and make an effort to differentiate my writing voice from my speaking voice. - Learn how to do at least one cool HTML thing to improve the look of my blog - no clue what kind of functionality I want to add, but I'm sure going to try!
Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!
New Years Resolutions!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year!
- Two posts a week, every week - I have gotten in the nasty habit of only posting while I'm away, and I want to become a more consistent blogger
- Improve my writing skills - This really is a terrible goal as it would be difficult to measure, but I'm making a conscious effort to develop my skills as a writer. I want to improve my
abuseuse of punctuation and make an effort to differentiate my writing voice from my speaking voice. - Learn how to do at least one cool HTML thing to improve the look of my blog - no clue what kind of functionality I want to add, but I'm sure going to try!
Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!
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