It’s that time of year again. Summer. Vacations. Packing. It used to be that I loved summer. School was out and I could finally hang at home, work on my tan, and read books. Perhaps there was a vacation or two planned, which was great.
Of course that was all before I was the lady of the house and no longer a (young) lady of leisure. Now that I’m all grown up (when did that happen?) I find comfort and peace in other seasons of the year (fall, for example when the little ones head back to school). But I digress. Now that I am “the mom,” it’s up to me to make sure the summer fun happens and that everyone gets packed for the big event.
I hate packing. I think it has something to do with my perfectionistic tendencies. I like order, “Even her junk drawer is organized,” my then boyfriend-now-husband commented to his parents upon my first meeting with them. Ugh…caught me. So, packing represents disorder. I have to pull everything out from their well-appointed storage spots and determine what goes, what stays…and get them all neatly into the suitcases and duffle bags. I might throw around a few f-words while I’m at it.
Bet you do, too. It’s down-right aggrevating to try and pack a household up for a camping trip, a Disney excursion, a class/family reunion, a beach retreat all with little people at your feet. And you’re waaay too pooped to do it “after hours” when the kiddos are tucked in bed. Helllloooo TiVo.
Well, I have streamlined the equation a bit to make it a little easier and maybe even fun. I cringe as I type this, because no matter where you are going, I still don’t think of packing as fun. Here goes…
The F-words of packing:
- FUN: Whatever you need to bring along to assure your kids are having fun (iPods, DVD player, hand-held games, books, crosswords, small toys, etc)
- FOOD: Snacks for the car, special things only your kid can/likes/has to eat–add in vitamins and meds to this category, too.
- FASHION: An outfit a day keeps the laundromat away. Pack entire outfits (socks and undies, too–if you have girls toss in matching hair do-dads) in storage sized Zip-Locs, one for each day you are gone + an extra.
- FANNY: Anything for your Peanut’s bottom. Diapers/Pull-Ups, wipes, bottom cream, etc.
- FATIGUE: Sleepy kids away from home need more than just a bed. Pack the pacifier, special blankie, lovey, jammies, and whatever else you might need to assure a good night’s rest. Maybe even a nightlight??
- FAMILY: Hometown-bound trips require a special F-word…family. Maternity clothes for your pregnant sister, the book your dad loaned you, your mom’s Birthday gift, the straight A report card from your child you need to brag on…
This neumonic helps me and I bet it will you, too. No promises, though that you won’t throw around the real f-word as you are preparing for a relaxing time away. Bon Voyage!
