About Ashleigh McKenna
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Packing and Procrastination
girl about t.o. Toronto
(Apr.09.09)
Confession: I have been a procrastinator for as long as I can remember.
In Grade 5, I once woke up and came downstairs crying that I didn't think I had enough time left to make my Mi’kmaq journal project perfect. I also hadn't mentioned the project to my parents until that point.
Instead of treating me like I was crazy (though I wouldn't blame them if they thought it), my mom taught me the concept I still use in times of stress: Chip away at it.
Basically, no project becomes too big when you work on little chunks at a time (yes, even if all at the last minute). Count your progress as you go - and go until it's done.
But the one thing that still throws me for a loop more often than not - Packing.
Whether it's an apartment, cottage weekend, carry-on or extended vacation, I still find myself staring at piles of clothes on one side, an empty bag on the other and it feels like never the twain shall meet. (Heck, I'm not even good at bringing a lunch every day.)
With vacations, it's my love of options that brings me down. I'm in awe of people who can pick a colour scheme and stick to it, or take 4 convertible pieces and suddenly create 197 combinations but I like deciding what to wear the moment I need to wear it.
That said, there has never been a trip where I wished I had more (I don't want to admit how many there were that I knew I had too much) so I'm learning to be less worried by it.
I'm currently packing for a visit with my folks and taking one pair of flats, one pair of sandals and sneakers to go running. No heels, no options and really, no real need for more. (This suitcase might seriously be it once I add my makeup bag. Normally it would be bursting for six days out of town.)
I'm trying but I know there are some secrets that I'm missing (I won't even get started on suitcases and my spatial reasoning skills).
How do you approach packing and how far in advance are you ready to go? Login and let me know - I'd love the tips!
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