Packing

     When embarking on a long trip, there are many things to be considered. Plane tickets are essential, as is the ability to withdraw money. Passports are always key, booking where you are staying, and the knowledge of what you are going to do there is always rather helpful. There are many more little details that must come into consideration, among which is packing.
      Yes, I know, packing is not a little thing. But how many people think months before the trip, "I need to pack!" We realize we need to do it, we create an appointment with our suitcases, but it is something that, at least to me, is not a very stressed about issue until the day of. Then, it is chaos.
      There are many stages in the packing process. Everyone does it differently, but here is my method. First, there is the decision on what size suitcases to bring, and how many. Next, is the shopping for essentials that you do not already own: ie. a warm winter jacket and snow boots. Then there's the finding of a space. Especially when packing three suitcases, it can be very difficult to find a place to put them while packing. Once that is decided, the real packing can begin. I start with throwing in all my pants, shirts, pajamas, underclothes, and all the obvious articles of clothing that one would need in a cold climate. When that is done, there is a lull. My laundry basket is half empty, full of things that need to go away. Discarded clothes are scattered all over my bed, and my closet floor is a disaster. This is where I am now. Next comes the necessary time of gathering the little things that don't at first seem obvious, but are very essential. This step requires even more clustering, for my other two pieces of luggage must enter the black hole.
      Looking at my room right now, I know that once everything is packed, I am nowhere near done, for the great cleanup must then ensue. Since my room must be prepared to be vacuumed by tomorrow morning, I know I have a long day ahead.