I have a confession...I’m early.
I’m early when I have an appointment.
I’m early when turning in books (this is one of those confessions that makes other writers hate me)!
And I’m someone who packs for a trip early.
I’m leaving on Tuesday for San Francisco. It’s the big RWA Conference. I’m doing two workshops there (Confessions of Series Killers: Weathering Line Closings and Other Career Changes w/Tanya Michaels and My Writing May Be Art…but My Kids Need Braces w/ Nancy Warren...if you’re there, I hope you’ll stop in). There’s a big signing on Wednesday night (if you’re in the San Francisco area, I hope you’ll come out...I'll be signing August's Same Time Next Summer and Everything But a Bride) and lots of parties and chances to meet with friends.
Ah....and the friends. My kids refer to my writing/reading friends as my invisible friends. They question my sanity when I talk about them as if I’d just had lunch with them that day. And most, I only see at RWA Conferences! But a friend is a friend, no matter how far away they live.
But I was talking about being early. Here’s my suitcase today. Every time I think of something I need, I toss it in. Then I mull it over. Sometimes I pull it back out. Sometimes I add more. But I’ve heard of some of my friends–some of whom are going to the conference–who don’t pack until the last minute. They wait until sometimes just hours before their flights, throw some clothes in the suitcase and go.
I get hives just thinking about it!
So, how about you (my invisible friends) are you an early bird, or someone who waits until the last minute??
Holly
Hey, Holly. I'm an in-betweener. And anal, too! I don't start till two days before the trip. But for weeks ahead, I make lists of what I need to include.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in SF. Not going this year and already feeling sad about it...
I guess I would be called an early-last minute packer. Some things I pack early but some things I pack at the last minute. And by last minute I mean the morning I am leaving! But I have a list I use every time I pack to go someplace of things I always take. And I have a cosmetic bag that always contains shampoo, deodorant, hair brush, mouthwash, and other essentials.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteAh...a new category. An in-betweener! LOL Sorry you won't be there! Maybe next year in DC??
Holly
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteLOL Love your designation!
Holly
I'm leaving for RWA on Tuesday, too, so I'll be packing on Monday afternoon. My only bow to organization is my toiletries pack, like Ellen's, that's always ready to grab and go. Yes, this means I may have occasion to go shopping in SF!
ReplyDeleteShari,
ReplyDeleteLOL Well, I guess your way is a great excuse to do some shopping! Wonder if you can write-off the purchases as a business necessity?? LOL
Holly
I am a planner and heavy packer! Days ahead of time, I make a list of everything I need to pack. I pack anything that I might possibly need, too. My husband loves to travel with me because I am so organized, and we never forget anything.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time in SF!
Cheri,
ReplyDeleteYour dh is a lucky man!! LOL
Thanks for the San Francisco wishes...can't wait!
Holly
When I'm packing to go away I start early too or I'm definitely going to foreget something.
ReplyDeleteMaureen,
ReplyDeleteThat's how I feel. I try to tell myself it doesn't matter...but I fret anyway! LOL
Holly
I start packing early, cause if I don't I'll forget something!
ReplyDeleteEstella...welcome to the early bird club.
ReplyDeleteSo what's the worst thing any of you have forgotten? I once went to a conference and forgot my make-up bag. Now, the no make-up was bad enough, but seriously, if you'd ever met my Medusa hair first thing in the morning, you'd know the loss of brush, products and flat iron was oh-so much worse. Needless to say, I went shopping! LOL
Holly
If I'm going somewhere where the weather is opposite, than I pack early and wait for the day to arrive, otherwise, I'm halfed pack and finsih the night before.
ReplyDeleteDina,
ReplyDeleteYou're an in-betweener like Christine!
Holly
I'm a little of both. I have everything ready to go in piles around the bedroom and then the night before I scramble to get it all packed (or if I'm leaving late in the day, pack same day) and then I realise there are some items that I still need and I quickly get them together. For my carry-on luggage, it is strictly for a few neccesities and books. If they lose my luggage, I can survive, as long as I have my books.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I was going to the RWA in SF. But, no money for that. I was lucky enough to go to the RT in Pittsburgh.
Thanks Holly, I wasn't sure, but now I know. :)
ReplyDeleteKim, I wish you were going, as well! Maybe next year in DC? The last time RWA was in DC was my first conference. I'd just sold my first two books and went at the last minute. I roomed with three women I'd never met before (they were lovely and are still friends) and had a blast! I'm looking at next year like an anniversary!
ReplyDeleteDina, LOL Glad you know. So, basically, we have early birds, in-betweeners and last minuters. LOL
Holly
I can be early, but not that early. . . my Mom, yikes, does she like being early. Always wants to make sure I guess. . . we haven't been on a trip that needed packing in ages and ages, but yeah, she'll start a month early. I just can't be that early -- I can't sit and wait for an unspecified amount of time! LOL :)
ReplyDeleteLois
Lois,
ReplyDeleteWow, Your mom even out earlies me! LOL
Holly
I am much more last minute and pack one night before my trip.
ReplyDeleteNathalie,
ReplyDeleteI leave Tuesday morning and I'm ready now! LOL It's a sickness, but there it is!!
Hope you all have a good week!!
Holly
I am a late minute person usually, so pack one day before travelling.
ReplyDeleteHave a good trip :)
Lilly,
ReplyDeleteI'm just back...had a great time! And just like I pack early, I like to unpack early as well...it's all put away already!
Must nap!
Holly