The Suitcase Decision

Well, we're a week out from wheels up, and we're already stressing about what suitcases we'll take.  (I know, first world problems, right?)

We could pack jointly in one large bag.  Except it's winter, and [my] sweaters, jeans, skirts, tights, boots, two purses, walking shoes, hats, gloves, toiletries and make-up take up a lot of room.  So, two big bags it is!  Except one of our two giant bags has a broken handle.  Urrrrgggghhhh.  And now Joe needs a serviceable carry-on.  I traveled a lot in my last job, so I have a plethora of useful bags in various sizes, but all of them are too girly for Joe.  Double urrrgggghhhh.  Time to run the gauntlet of Christmas shoppers to buy something for ourselves: a large bag and a boy-friendly, wheeled carry-on.  Not really what I wanted to spend money on right now, but the broken-handle bag was one we've had for over 18 years.  I guess we got our money's worth out of it.

Those of you who know me, know that I am a fanatical list maker and, of course, have already started my packing list for this trip - as witnessed in the previous paragraph.  But this is going to be a pretty long trip with not much hope for a laundromat, so I/we need to be particularly mindful as we pack.  The other night while waiting for sleep to come, I ticked off about eight outfits...I'm halfway there!

If you know me, you also know this: I am a shopper and will need to prepare for the inevitable additions to the suitcases for the trip home.  It might be tough to fit in several of those big warm fisherman sweaters, a couple of kilts, one of those beef-eater costumes, and a half-dozen bottles of scotch!

We're gonna need a bigger bag.