Jul 28, 2009

Ten-Word Tuesday. The Packing Edition.

In a few brief sister mercy is it ever brief days, Bossy and her family will depart for their annual camping trip. You would think Bossy and her husband would remember what to pack by now since they’ve been repeating this same vacation year after year sister mercy after so many years, but no.

In terms of clothes, Bossy has one guideline when packing for her camping trip: nothing cute. Time after time sister mercy after even more time and then more time, Bossy dupes herself into bringing cute new shorts or her favorite dress only to sit in a pile of melted marshmallows five minutes after setting up.

In terms of the stuff necessary for camping, Bossy keeps most of it packed and stored in the basement from one year to the next, but over the weekend Bossy’s husband located a camping website online and printed out their list to ensure nothing important gets left behind.

At first glance, the website’s packing list makes all the sense in the world:

Aluminum foil, good one. Trash bags, yes, Bossy always forgets these.

Yes, this would seem to handle all of the condiments necessary for dipping a bar fry. Good job. But this is when the camping website packing list gets a little wonky:

Bossy can sum up her packing-for-camping experience this way: Dump the hamper into the suitcase. Bug spray, bug spray.

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you list some of the things you pack when going away?

And don’t forget to check back later today for the listiest comments on the web.

If you missed the last Ten-Word Challenge, press this link to see how Bossy’s commenters described their thirteenth birthday and transition into the teen years.

permanent link to post

97 comments

1. 1
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
   David said:

   Contact lenses, underwear, phone charger, nail clipper, toothbrush, my troubles.


2. 2
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
   Jenni D. said:

   White-noise machine, tylenol p.m. (me); kiddies’ ibuprofen, loveys (them)


3. 3
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:18 am
   BOSSY said:

   Pack from toes to head: shoes, socks, skirts, belts, blouse, etc.


4. 4
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:18 am
   corrie said:

   Asthma inhaler, moisturizer and my pillow (if possible) or then just my pillowcase.


5. 5
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:25 am
   BOSSY said:

   If plane travel: too many small tubes of beauty crap.


6. 6
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:26 am
   Almudena said:

   Hair dryer, make-up, heels. I rough it at the Marriott.


7. 7
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:30 am
   Ariel said:

   What is the website for the camping list?

   Mascara, wine, gin and tonic water, potato chips, marshmallows, Advil.
   Yes. I have priorities. I wear mascara when camping.


8. 8
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:35 am
   BH said:

   PocketKnife, Matches, Wits.

   MacGUYver


9. 9
   on July 28th, 2009 at 11:35 am
   BOSSY said:

   If she’s traveling to BlogHer, Bossy packs a back-up liver.


10. 10
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:37 am
    janice said:

    As long as I have money, I will be okay.


11. 11
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:38 am
    krg said:

    when travelling by car I must always pack my featherbed.


12. 12
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:38 am
    TanyaK said:

    Utah hiking trip. Packed only dress shirts?! Went shopping immediately.


13. 13
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
    Kate said:

    Chapstick, TP, coffee, flannel, bug spray, a sense of humor.


14. 14
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
    Bobbie said:

    Our motto: “if it fits in the suitcase, it goes.”


15. 15
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
    Kirsten said:

    Xanax, winelets, ipod with relaxation music, four books, kid pix.


16. 16
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
    chiquita said:

    my squishy pillow. can’t sleep without it.


17. 17
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:51 am
    Hokie Deb (www.WebSavyMom.com) said:

    –>Child, husband, dogs, blackberry, charger, book, beer, and bathing suit.

    http://www.WebSavyMom.com


18. 18
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am
    hollygee said:

    Go somewhere away from home? As in travel some place?

    Love the creative spelling ’spatchula’.


19. 19
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:54 am
    Stacey Ball said:

    For camping: Skipbo, book, hammock and all alcohol in site.


20. 20
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:54 am
    vuboq said:

    5 socks. No underwear. 15 shirts. Nothing matches. Drunk packing.


21. 21
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
    Michele said:

    A ridiculously large bag of toiletries. Too many clothes. And a book.


22. 22
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
    Audubon Ron said:

    I never go away; I forget to make a list.


23. 23
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
    Audrey at Barking Mad said:

    Xanax, bug spray, cell phone, far too many clothes.


24. 24
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
    Marjorie of Connecticut said:

    Domestic: trail mix. Overseas: money belt. Both: quick dryng underwear.


25. 25
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
    Reeb said:

    Carry-on stocked as if we’ll spend four days on tarmac.


26. 26
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
    Reeb said:

    PillowS. Europe: travel VERY light. U.S.: take everything I own.


27. 27
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
    KM said:

    never camped but for other travel;

    good book, corkscrew, underwear, sense of humor, eye mask. Bliss….


28. 28
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
    Debby said:

    Cruise every year, follow my spreadsheet and I am packed!


29. 29
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
    Debby said:

    Air travel: Xanax and $ for drinks. Kindle a necessity


30. 30
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
    Blairie Lou Hoo said:

    1. Journal.
    2. Toothbrush/paste.
    3. Contacts/Glasses.
    4. Deodorant.
    5. Lexapro.
    6. Undergarments.
    7. Swim Suit.
    8. Flip Flops.
    9. Ipod.
    10. Blankie.


31. 31
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
    Summertime said:

    Why do I always forget: contact solution, tweezers, sunscreen, hairties?


32. 32
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
    k said:

    beer, church key, sunscreen, clothes, more stuff for family too


33. 33
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
    Liz said:

    Plan outfits carefully. Then add entire contents of closet. Indecisive!


34. 34
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
    Little Miss Sunshine State said:

    Antidepressants, Aromatherapy
    iPod, Book, Camera
    Curly Hair Products,
    Too many clothes


35. 35
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
    Dree said:

    Snacks, booze, snacks, booze, snacks, booze, snacks, booze, Off!, satinpillowcase ))


36. 36
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
    Jennifer said:

    clothes and shoes all around, food, drinks- forget the frown.


37. 37
    on July 28th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
    chocolate and whine said:

    All items from closet and bathroom. And all electronics, too.


38. 38
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
    Smalltown Mom said:

    Do not put the corkscrew in your carry on bag.


39. 39
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
    ZDub said:

    I make my husband pack everything, can’t neglect my drinking.


40. 40
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
    Krazy Kitty said:

    Passport, visa, I-20, birth control, plug adapters, chargers, camera, antacids.


41. 41
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
    Martie said:

    Panties. Vodka. Soft pillow. Asprin. Bug Spray. Toliet Paper. Stud.


42. 42
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
    TanyaK said:

    Utah – $70 gin. Stopped at Costco on way to airport.


43. 43
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
    TanyaK said:

    Do you know they sell beer by the CAN in Utah?


44. 44
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
    Emily said:

    extra bag for new purchases from american stores like Target!


45. 45
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
    Fabs said:

    sleeping mask, earplugs, and moisturizer.


46. 46
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
    Have the T-shirt said:

    phone charger, laptop charger, can you tell I don’t camp?


47. 47
    on July 28th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
    Cactus Petunia said:

    Sketchbook, watercolors, brushes, pens, camera, battery charger, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush.

    Oh, shoot. Forgot the corkscrew!


48. 48
    on July 28th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
    wendi said:

    new rules. forgot. scissors. hubby stopped. loose tampons upon opening.


49. 49
    on July 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
    kmkat said:

    I did a double-take at the photo — looks remarkably like where I have spent several weeks already this summer. Our pop-up camper is a little smaller, though.

    Camping, in order of how I pack: knitting project(s), books, iPod loaded with audiobooks, corkscrew, my own personal pillows (2), down comforter (none of those nasty confining sleeping bags for me), earplugs, dog tie-outs, my meds.


50. 50
    on July 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
    dgm said:

    Espresso pot, Peet’s coffee beans, my own pillow, neti pot.


51. 51
    on July 28th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
    Jen W. said:

    Good knife, cutting board, all the books I can carry.


52. 52
    on July 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
    Suzanne said:

    iphone, netbook, journal, vanity fair, book, toothbrush, underwear, swim suit, sweater


53. 53
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
    sugarpie said:

    book, floss, spf70, underwear, socks, $, my soap, equilibrium, librium.


54. 54
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
    Well Read Hostess said:

    earplugs, advil, anti-anxiety meds, hemlock in case it gets really hairy.


55. 55
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
    sugarpie said:

    After first airline luggage loss, always surprised when it isn’t.


56. 56
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
    Kathy from NJ said:

    Bring half the clothes and twice the money
    (Stu Leonard)


57. 57
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
    Amelia said:

    Camping in Arkansas in July = massive sunburn. SPF 10000000000!


58. 58
    on July 28th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
    anne marie in philly said:

    clothes, knitting, book, folding umbrella, rain poncho, bedtime bear, medications.

    PS – yes, I DO sleep with a small teddy bear, TYVM. LOL


59. 59
    on July 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
    Jennifer said:

    earplugs, sleeping pills, ipod, sleep socks, secret cigarettes, chapstick, pix


60. 60
    on July 28th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
    DebbyABQ said:

    Food, wine, too many clothes, hiking boots, a good book!


61. 61
    on July 28th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
    Domestic Goddess (in training) said:

    Camping gear for husband and kids, hotel reservation for me.


62. 62
    on July 28th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
    Biddy said:

    as little as possible. biddy & heavy suitcases don’t mix


63. 63
    on July 28th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
    lauren said:

    list of everything i packed (so everything makes it home).


64. 64
    on July 28th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
    Sue V. said:

    Camping…hahaha….camping here consists of kids and Dad pitching a tent in the back yard. List for that:
    tent, flashlight, sleeping bags, pillows, Dad, kids.
    List for me: Girly movie and a bowl of ice cream.


65. 65
    on July 28th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
    Maureen in IL said:

    Lots of camping = lots of wine. Nothing else matters.


66. 66
    on July 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
    kay said:

    I don’t camp, but books go everywhere. I’m boring.


67. 67
    on July 28th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
    Texas Susan said:

    MacBook, iPhone, D300, lenses, book, clothes, maybe kids, possibly husband


68. 68
    on July 28th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
    Grace said:

    iPod. Credit card. Epi-Pen. Inhaler. Everything else is optional.


69. 69
    on July 28th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
    Reeb said:

    We “camp” on our leetle boat. It stays stocked! Nice.

    (Except for wine which comes along in plentiful quantities, and books that we read while drinking said wine, and food that we consume in mass quantities, and my pillows.
    sorry.
    Couldn’t restrain myself to ten.)

    Bossy will you tell us more about Blogher some time?


70. 70
    on July 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
    Michelle said:

    When I go on vacation I pack on the pounds.


71. 71
    on July 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
    The Zadge said:

    I travel nude. makes going through security a lot faster


72. 72
    on July 28th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    Ruth said:

    Make up bag, moisturizer, water pills, vitamins, undies, Nightgown, toothbrush, robe, Deordorant and a decent book.


73. 73
    on July 28th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
    Catherine McP said:

    Dont camp outdoors anymore, icechest, beer, swimsuit, flipflops, dress, JWMarriot’s.

    Used to love camping. Now just love priceline 4star resorts!


74. 74
    on July 28th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
    The Mister said:

    All the band’s gear and clean socks for the roadie.


75. 75
    on July 28th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    When I travel I pack a keen sense of adventure.


76. 76
    on July 28th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
    suzi said:

    Packed for family. Forgot own underwear. Washed and wore daily..


77. 77
    on July 28th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    A keen sense of adventure usually means I forgot underwear.


78. 78
    on July 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    Forgetting underwear when camping with no shower is not recommended,.


79. 79
    on July 28th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
    Happily Employed Susan said:

    The small fan that is pointed at my face as I stand at the bathroom mirror gets packed first.


80. 80
    on July 29th, 2009 at 12:48 am
    queenoqueens said:

    Alcohol. So I could deaden senses to horrible camping conditions.


81. 81
    on July 29th, 2009 at 3:32 am
    Sallie said:

    Live in an RV. Take it all along with us!


82. 82
    on July 29th, 2009 at 4:30 am
    tina de luxe said:

    as you can see, ten words is hardly enough for anyone.


83. 83
    on July 29th, 2009 at 4:59 am
    Sven said:

    Clinique, hair product, and (clean pants x days away) +1.


84. 84
    on July 29th, 2009 at 8:56 am
    tina de luxe said:

    tinas (not that) little sis says security blanket, security blanket.


85. 85
    on July 29th, 2009 at 9:11 am
    Mary Alice said:

    Kettle, french press, hand bean grinder, cups, pillow and blanket.


86. 86
    on July 29th, 2009 at 9:25 am
    sherry said:

    Pack as if never returning because you just never know…


87. 87
    on July 29th, 2009 at 10:12 am
    TLB said:

    alcohol, onesies, noise machine, bathing tarp, sunscreen, books books books


88. 88
    on July 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
    Gette said:

    Just camping anew, list evolving: off, swimsuits extra dry stuff!!


89. 89
    on July 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
    foolery said:

    I took a piano to Blogfest, oh yes I did.


90. 90
    on July 29th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
    Cindy said:

    Rum, whiskey, tequila, margarita salt, can cozies, ibuprofen, ’nuff said.


91. 91
    on July 29th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
    lori said:

    Camping…
    sleeping bags, pillows, charcoal, propane lanterns, food, books, ipod, swimsuits, dogs, husband/beer


92. 92
    on July 30th, 2009 at 7:29 am
    janet said:

    Take camping: Cats, ferret, pregnant gerbil, potted plants (not kidding.)


93. 93
    on July 30th, 2009 at 7:32 am
    janet said:

    Bring home from camping: Cats, ferret, 9 gerbils, potted plants.


94. 94
    on July 30th, 2009 at 7:36 am
    janet said:

    I’d take the family, too, but not enough words allowed..


95. 95
    on July 30th, 2009 at 9:41 am
    janny226 said:

    I was thinking I’d just say money, but now I’m too freaked out that someone else who is also named janice already said exactly that.

    A week ago I was packing money, a cute dress, and my BlogHer conference confirmation. None of which I needed. Fortunately, I also packed the granny panties and the ugly long dress, because I did need them. Let’s just say it’s a long story that shall remain untold for everyone’s benefit.


96. 96
    on July 30th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
    Sofia said:

    Medicine, medicine, support socks, extra underwear, computer, ipod, book, metal water bottle.


97. 97
    on August 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
    Cupcake Murphy said:

    Too many bras and twelve back issues of Oprah.