Dear Packing

Dear Packing,

I'm about to go on a little weekend trip to Seattle. I'm leaving today (Friday) and coming back Sunday. I am headed out in a couple hours. But before I'm ready to do that, I have to do a little bit of you. And the strange thing about that is that I'm putting a lot of thought into you.

Why? Why is that strange? Two different questions. I'll answer them in reverse order. It's strange that I'm putting really ANY thought into you because it's such a ridiculously short trip. There should be a maximum of TWO clothes-changes over the course of the entire visit. So two shirts, two socks, two pairs of underwear. We all know that I wear pretty much the same pair of pants every day, so there's no need to put any thought into it. So that should be it. Nothing more. My packing should be done in a 5-minute time-span. Which it probably will be, once I actually physically DO it.

But that's the issue. For some reason, I keep putting it off, as if it's some sort of "Big Deal." I'm thinking about it as if there needs to be any further thought thrown into it. As if I need to prepare myself to do some you. Which is absolutely ridiculous. It's this strange, pre-travel ritual I get going. I make sure I have my ticket and any important information the night before. Then I try to think of all the things I might need to entertain myself while I'm in the act of travelling TO or FROM my intended destination. Then I think about all the random things I might like to do while I'm ON the trip. Then I think about the possible weather, and how prepared I need to be for that. Do I dare bring one pair of pants if it's going to rain? Because then I might get my pants all wet, and then I won't have a way to change. Should I bring a pair of athletic shorts? Because what if I have the opportunity to swim or something (which I'm supposed to be doing to keep my f-ing knee strong), and I didn't bring them? Is the reading material I have with me sufficient for this length of trip? How long do I foresee myself reading in one go?

All of these things go through my head. Which is probably a good thing if I'm going on some multi-month travels to a foreign country. That makes sense. Got to be prepared. But it doesn't make so much sense when I'm going on a two-day trip to another city three hours' drive from me. That's just silly. But I do it all, nonetheless. No matter the length of my trip.

And for all those who know me, this probably comes as a huge shock. I'm not one to really stress ANYTHING at all, let alone the act of you. I'm not some anal planner and organizer that worries about things being just so. If I forget anything, I'll have no problem rolling with it. So who cares? Why does the CVT, of all people, give a flying f- about you, Packing?

Well, it's because I have this strange compulsion. What is that compulsion? Well, it's convenient that that question was asked because I was about to answer that. Should I? Why - I shall.

My compulsion is the need to pack as lightly as possible without leaving out something vital. I'm all about minimal uncomfortability while travelling. And that generally entails limited baggage, so there's no struggle involved in carrying it around town, or the airport, or wherever. If I can get away with just a backpack - I'm going to do it. Sometimes, even if I can't get away from it. But at the same time, I'm all about having a well-stocked, easy-to-access, while-I'm-in-transit bag. This is a smaller bag with all the important things I need for my travelling pleasure while in the physical act of travelling. That means music, journal, reading material, etc. And it has to be easy to access and light.

So I'm always sweating every detail and trying to decide what I can go without on a particular trip without regretting it. Therefore, the question about weather is always a big one for me. Because cold-fighting gear is generally bulky, I always want to leave most of it at home. But that's a big risk because if the weather turns, and I'm not ready for it, it can be a disaster. Such difficult decisions I have in my life, no?

But the decision has been made for this trip. Sweatshirt and vest. If it rains, it rains, and I'll just have to get myself out of it. If my shoes are soggy, it just gives me the excuse to stay inside all day tomorrow and watch college football. And if my teeth don't get brushed - well, I never do that, anyway.

Just kidding, Packing, in a minute I'll be you a toothbrush. After all, it's pretty light.

Moving into Phase Two of You,
CVT