October 21, 2016

  • Looking at the Empty Suitcase

    I am scheduled to travel to North Carolina for the national meeting of the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science. I will be flying. Since I will be gone for 7 days I will need to pack judiciously if I intend to get everything into the suitcase. The big issue is the weather. Right now they are having a high in the mid 70s to 80s and the low temperatures are hovering between 60 and 45. I think layering is the way to go but that takes up space in a suitcase.

    My clothes are in neat stacks and have been arranged by day and anticipated weather conditions. I wasn't going to pack more than one pair of shoes but the prospect of the opening ceremony red carpet theme will require "glam attire". That of course will require a pair of fancy shoes. And a fancy and possibly sparkly dress. Hopefully something that doesn't shed glitter in my suitcase and doesn't wrinkle either. This is what happens when you fly instead of drive.

    The plan also includes doing some geocaching in downtown Charlotte. I've looked at caches online and selected some likely ones close to the convention center and near the hotel. I will travel light and only take my GPS and a few TOTT (tools of the trade). Again I am limited by airline and TSA regulations. That means I likely won't be bringing my telescoping mirror, big magnet on a stick, my walking stick, and the multi-tool with a variety of sharp pointy things attached.

    I have the suitcase open and ready to receive my final selections. I'm delaying the actual packing until the 10 day forecast is available. I will have everything ready to go by Oct. 27th at the latest! So you can see that I've planned ahead. I just don't like to "fly by the seat of my pants" like some folks.

    All this gnashing of teeth is probably unwarranted. The bottom line is that I will be dressed professionally. I only hope that others representing our facility dress appropriately.

Comments (10)

  • Oh, my -- I used to travel a lot when I was working -- couldn't often wait for the 10-day forecast! I kept a suitcase packed with cosmetics, etc., and threw clothes in the day before the next trip! I'm not sure I'm so good at it now -- for a short trip, I pack the night before, but a longer trip would take more time and effort.

  • Hope the weather will be nice, and you will have an enjoyable time (especially the geocaching.) You are smart not to bring the multi-tool with sharp pointy things.

  • Don't think I've every seen you in a fancy, old-dog-sparkly dress. I'd be especially curious to hear if you go geocaching wearing it. :D

    • You made me laugh! No geocaching after dark - the dress will be worn for the evening keynote speaker and the following opening reception... Then if I'm lucky it will be folded away until I get home. I'm hoping I'll only need to wear it for a couple of hours and then be able to change into comfortable clothes (and shoes).

  • You are so much more organized and prepared than I. I just pack a day or two before I go, yes, even for long trips.
    Would love to see photos after your trip. Enjoy the fancy night as well as the geocaching. I think both are good for you.

    • I'll try to remember to take some photos. I've entered all my sessions into my calendar. If I'm lucky I'll have lunch on one out of 5 days. I would rather get to sit in on a panel/seminar/lecture than eat over priced cold sandwiches anyway... Unless a vendor is footing the bill.

  • I think packing to fly is such a hassle anymore ~ we much prefer driving ~

    • I'd rather drive too but not for 8 hours in a car with the boss and her husband. Flying will give me some time to geocache once I get there!!

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