Packing is seldom fun. It should be an event filled with great anticipation, but the stress of forgetting something usually ruins that.
K is getting ready for a trip to Polska, leaving tomorrow. I tell her, “Except for the moonshine, there is nothing you’re taking that can’t be replaced in Poland should you lose it or forget it.” And as for the shine — bought in a liquor store with an official seal, it can hardly be called shine, so even losing that’s no big loss.
“How I dislike packing,” she says. “How I used to like packing when I was younger. It was a sign of adventure. Now, it’s just trouble.”
Is she taking both kids? Are you joining her at some point?
Packing is hardest in your age category. Tell K that it will get easier once the kids are out and it’s just the two of you again. Ed and I do fine with just backpacks for a three week holiday. Ten years ago that would have been unthinkable.
K is taking E with her, but L is staying with me. L and I will most likely be going for an extended visit this summer.
I recall those days of packing only a backpack. K and I did that during our non-parental years. Heck, our honeymoon was a week trip around the Balaton region on bikes, which severely limits packing. That kind of travel is fun, and I think we both look forward to its return, but for now…