A little rant here. :) We had our regional this weekend (AZ) and it brought to mind a situation that keeps coming up for burner and burner-like events. People ragging on me for "packing too much" or "taking too long to pack". Actually, just *guys* slagging me for "over packing".
Mind you, these are the same guys who then proceed to use the shade that *I* planned, the drinks that *I* packed, the towel *I* remembered, benefit from the plans and organization that *I* did. Totally oblivious to the obnoxious irony that while they're snarking on my packing they're not only using those very items, but relying on me to bring them. (Or not needing to because they're camped with a large theme camp that has provided these items for them, just like their Mommy.) *rolls eyes*
The same guys who forgot to pack a toothbrush, or socks, or soap, or a coat, or a light, or food and beverages for the drive, or that extra blanket that was really needed, or effing WATER. But then smugly point out how much I packed. Or how long it took me to pack. Usually while borrowing one of the aforementioned missing items. Again, without any sense of irony. Makes me want to scream.
Seriously.
I. do. not. over. pack.
Really.
I'm the one measuring out 4 days worth of gatorade and oatmeal into tiny containers to save space, rather than taking the whole huge box. I'm the one planning meals so we have some variety and options, but not bringing a week's worth for a 3 day trip. I'm the one carefully planning my outfits so as not to pack a whole bag of clothing that remains unworn. I'm the one condensing things into travel size containers and stacking cups in bowls and bowls into pots. And I'm the one who took the time and forethought to pack similar items together so the lanterns are with the batteries, and the fuel is with the stove, and the mallets are with the stakes. So your (and my) experience is smoother when we arrive.
That's not packing too much. That's just called packing.
It's this thing we do when we have to be, you know, prepared. and um, self reliant.
And news flash people:
Burning Man is not, nor has it ever been, about backpack camping and minimalism. Radical expression, huge art, community contributions and costuming are not signs of a minimalist event. There are no prizes for bringing the least amount of stuff. It's about building and creating something in a difficult environment. This is a concept that by its very nature is pretty much antithetical to 1-bag- and-a-tarp camping. Of course, this isn't even addressing the fact that burner events are totally unpredictable, requiring you to pack for everything from 100 degrees to freezing, from manual labor to fabulous parties. So even if I had over packed -- which I didn't -- that's kind of the flipping point you asshat. ;)
Is it just me, or does anyone else get this?
This weekend I'm got to the point that when anyone remarks on my "over packing" I no longer even start to justify it or point out the obvious logic flaw. I just answer "fuck off". I'll smile if I'm feeling generous. ;)
Mind you, these are the same guys who then proceed to use the shade that *I* planned, the drinks that *I* packed, the towel *I* remembered, benefit from the plans and organization that *I* did. Totally oblivious to the obnoxious irony that while they're snarking on my packing they're not only using those very items, but relying on me to bring them. (Or not needing to because they're camped with a large theme camp that has provided these items for them, just like their Mommy.) *rolls eyes*
The same guys who forgot to pack a toothbrush, or socks, or soap, or a coat, or a light, or food and beverages for the drive, or that extra blanket that was really needed, or effing WATER. But then smugly point out how much I packed. Or how long it took me to pack. Usually while borrowing one of the aforementioned missing items. Again, without any sense of irony. Makes me want to scream.
Seriously.
I. do. not. over. pack.
Really.
I'm the one measuring out 4 days worth of gatorade and oatmeal into tiny containers to save space, rather than taking the whole huge box. I'm the one planning meals so we have some variety and options, but not bringing a week's worth for a 3 day trip. I'm the one carefully planning my outfits so as not to pack a whole bag of clothing that remains unworn. I'm the one condensing things into travel size containers and stacking cups in bowls and bowls into pots. And I'm the one who took the time and forethought to pack similar items together so the lanterns are with the batteries, and the fuel is with the stove, and the mallets are with the stakes. So your (and my) experience is smoother when we arrive.
That's not packing too much. That's just called packing.
It's this thing we do when we have to be, you know, prepared. and um, self reliant.
And news flash people:
Burning Man is not, nor has it ever been, about backpack camping and minimalism. Radical expression, huge art, community contributions and costuming are not signs of a minimalist event. There are no prizes for bringing the least amount of stuff. It's about building and creating something in a difficult environment. This is a concept that by its very nature is pretty much antithetical to 1-bag- and-a-tarp camping. Of course, this isn't even addressing the fact that burner events are totally unpredictable, requiring you to pack for everything from 100 degrees to freezing, from manual labor to fabulous parties. So even if I had over packed -- which I didn't -- that's kind of the flipping point you asshat. ;)
Is it just me, or does anyone else get this?
This weekend I'm got to the point that when anyone remarks on my "over packing" I no longer even start to justify it or point out the obvious logic flaw. I just answer "fuck off". I'll smile if I'm feeling generous. ;)
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 3:09 PMI totally get it!!
My honey kept saying *I don't think we're going to need that*, but I packed it anyway and guess what, it got used, eaten, worn Etc.
One time he said he would take care of everything, pack everything get it all ready, everything we needed and all I had to do was show up.
Yeah, he brought beer and pretzles and none of my substantial shoes or what *I* wanted to drink.
That's not gonna happen again.
Next time someone says you pack too much, then needs something, tell them no, you didn't bring enough for everyone.
**Snicker**
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 2:47 PMI'm always worried I'm gonna want something I don’t have or that I'll somehow be under prepared. I guess I do over pack to some extent. Due to this, “I’m afraid I’ll forget something” syndrome, I have a bad habit of taking too long to pack. Tuck and I decided to make up an emergency burner bag. Filled with all our camping gear pre assembled bagged and labeled costumes, any non-perishable non-needed daily items and a list of all the other stuff we need to pack so we can leave in a shorter amount of time.
We also have major drama before events due to the packing and both of our anxiety for leaving. He wants to be on the road an hour ago regardless of when we were supposed to leave and I hate leaving because I think I forgot something. We are both fine once we are out the door, but getting there is an issue. I over pack and he under packs; Yin and yang.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 5:30 AMI'm with you on this. If they have such a problem with how much you pack then simply don't let them use it. When they have to pack their own or do with out they will very quickly learn to appreciate you as well as learn what it *should* look like when you pack right. Take heart and keep doing what you feel is best for you. Let the others figure it out for themselves. I know it sounds b@tchy but it works.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 3:32 PMEeee! I've been on the other side of that!
My BF & I were going on a road trip, and I was getting impatient to leave. He kept trotting back to the garage to grab just one more thing.. and just one more thing... oh, and we should bring this... I was teetering on the edge of losing my temper, but held on for the sake of a pleasant start to a vacation.
And ya know what? We used ALL of the stuff he went back for. I was VERY GRATEFUL for all the stuff he went back for. I will forever remember that lesson, and good for you, Ms. D, for standing up for yourself!
p.s. I am a bit of a compulsive "over-packer" myself now!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 3:56 PMwe ALWAYS pack tooooooo much stuff, BUT, even if we don't use it most often someone else has a need for it.... so, better to be over packed than need it and not have it..
Bare
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 8:45 PMI pack my car so full that I have to take the back seats out of it. lol! -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 9:45 PMsometimes i wish there weren't any seats back there... you know, make room for more important stuff. ha! -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 11:32 PMI am one of those people that probably DO pack too much-I always have these grand plans to do more at Burning Man than I actually feel like doing once I get there. One year I brought a "tikibar" in the box, but didn't feel like putting it together, and for 2 years I brought a shade structure I couldn't be bothered to put up (I just hung out under a friend's). I am trying to learn from my overpacking mistakes, however, and last year I think I used ALMOST everything I brought (I also loaned some out-like the shower structure for my friend that was geting married and wanted a pre-wedding shower) so I think it was all somewhat worth packing. I am the one everyone comes to talk to when they need something, and usually I have it!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 3:29 AMi like to be organized... i'm in thailand right now, and when i pulled out my checklist at home when my daughter was visiting, she said "you're so organized!" and i was like, well, yes, i don't want to find myself somewhere that i need something i didnt bring, or lug around stuff i'm not going to use... (of course, i still show up and have no idea what happened to my tiny makeup case with stuff i can't get here, and i put one of my phone chargers in an unlikely place and thought i didn't have it and had to buy another one). and i still fogot my bungee clothesline, dangnab it!
on the playa, i'm as minimal as possible with some things (like food) but more freeflowing with other stuff (like clothes and tent decor). one of my friends makes me nuts when he packs the frickin' kitchen sink for a simple camping outing, but then i find myself hogging that comfy chair he threw in since it's so much more comfortable than my folding camp chair.
with your friends, every single time they want to use something you packed, i would only offer it if they will publicly pledge to never again tell you that you packed too much. groveling, that's the ticket ;^) -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 10:16 AM"with your friends, every single time they want to use something you packed, i would only offer it if they will publicly pledge to never again tell you that you packed too much. groveling, that's the ticket ;^)'
haaha.. Leslie.. I love this!!! And knowing Ms. D. she'll have just the right costume to accept the groveling :)
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 5:34 AM>with your friends, every single time they want to use something you packed, i would only offer it if they will publicly pledge to never again tell you that you packed too much< ooohhh I like that one! I'm so going to have to use that.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 6:00 PMI know my guy is guilty of packing a LOT of stuff
so then it's really bad when we both bring a lot.
But then again, no one else has to carry it around
but us so who cares.....
and you're right if anyone else says anything about
how much stuff we bring I will kindly remind them
that's its really none of their business precisely at
the moment when they come back to ask if we
happen to have brought a can opener, or an extra
towel. lol It always happens....
Vixxen
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 10:58 PM>Is it just me, or does anyone else get this?
I've gotten this in the past (a little bit). In past years with my now-ex-boyfriend, we had ample space to bring comfort-stuff, and I was always the one who did the obsessive planning, packing, list-making, organizing....etc. And yes, most of the stuff always came in handy, and the other stuff was there just in CASE we needed it. (like, the fire extinguisher, and the first-aid kit, and the tent repair stuff, and the extra grommets for the shade structure, etc etc). Often, others end up using some of it, and I felt good for having it and being able to share.
This year, I'm going to be on the other side of that for the first time, as I'm now going to Burning Man pretty much single and hitching a ride with a friend. I'm paring down my list into necessities, some fun participation stuff, but definitely not the "JUST IN CASE" stuff. I'll be theoretically relying on those compulsive, organized packers this year, if something happens and I need something unusual.
So, I salute you, Just-in-Case people! Fuck anyone who says you overpack.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 11:33 PMPacking to much is when you can't get it all into the car. -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 7:50 PM"Packing to much is when you can't get it all into the car. "
Ha thats what lugage racks are for!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 7:59 AMpacking too much is when you've got the car packed (including the luggage rack) then realize you forgot the passengers.
That's what trailers are for!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 8:18 PMI under stand, I understand!! Excellent articulation btw.
Over the past 3 months I've packed a bag (essential survival & costume stuff), gotten the international drivers license & hire car sorted, a global roaming SIM as well as business cards & shwaaaag.....and there's still 98 days to go......
Better to be overprepared than under, I say (especially if you're coming from another country).
I would suggest telling afore-mentioned wanker/s to bugger off with their 'you pack too much' comments :D -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 10:06 PMYou should have seen my stuff on the way to Vegas for a business trip I combined with pleasure. I borrowed my neighbor's huge old suitcase that was clearly designed before homeland security and weight limits. That suitcase was green and carried 150 lbs worth of stuff.
i'm a backpacker and outdoor survivalist, so I can pack lean with the best of them. It just depends on my mood and our destination, and all the details that go along with them.
I will probably bring a ridiculous amount of clothes to Burning Man this year, because I like to change a lot, and I'm not careful with clothes. I'll probably thrash everything in short order. Besides, we have lots of temperature change to deal with.
I'm sure Chad and I will both be bringing a lot. He likes to pack light, in terms of food, whereas my ex liked to pack and cook gourmet meals. But he also likes to dress up and be prepared. It's what he does. He's sexy and a fireman, and a pretty anal retentive one in terms of organization.
But I know he's so self sufficient and methodical about these things, it'll go well. I have no doubt he'll give me shit for the amount of stuff I'm going to take, but I will remind him that this is my way and these are things I want, and I'm sure he'll hush up. He's not mean spirited.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 9:04 AMI always seem to be the biggest "packer" of health/safety/first aid kind of things and people kind of rib me for it. Like, i have one of the ann'l medical airlift insurance policies - but I hike alot, do long haul driving trips out in the boonies, my parents live WAY out in the boonies and they are active, outdoorsy people so it makes sense to me. -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 8:03 PMI love how you think.
It's not kosher to expect everyone else to take care of you, like not packing water, like not carrying insurance and letting the health industry eat the bills.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 11:10 AMI'm a chronic "over"-packer as well, but my bf gets it, and calls me the GirlScout. We just plan to have more than we thought we would, and pat ourselves on the back when we have just the thing for any particular scenario.
But what IS critical for us plenty-packers (I like that euphemism better) is organization, which we do struggle with still.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 7:47 PMHa!!! yes I get it all the time, and very likley from some of the same guys giving you shit about it as well.... However when anything ever goes down or is needed who do they come running too??? Me or you :-) The funniest part is I used to bring more but I stoped bringing as many extra coats etc because I got tired of people excpecting me to take care of it. I do admit I pack alot of clothes, But aside from that everything is neatly and precisley packed. -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 9:30 AMMy ex complained about me bringing too much.
And then he brought a living room set.
Seriously.
Couch, coffee table, end table, chair, ottoman.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 6:22 PMaw man, thanks for the encouraging and funny responses. :) glad to see there are other well-planned packers and happily just-in-case and over packers too.
naughtykitty, fun sway,
*L* yeah, I think if I left the packing completely up to my guy we'd be nearly beer and pretzels, too. I mean, he has a ton of amazing skills, many I don't have. But packing and organizing... well, not so much. ;) like fun sway's situation he under-packs. like "can I borrow your toothbrush / I need to buy socks" under-packs. ;)
leslie and naughtykitty,
I like your suggestions. ;) yep, either pubic groveling or sorry, not enough to share. ;)
Anne,
thanks for the view from the other side and the support to keep on packin'. ;)
rapunzel, thriver,
*L* well, I have a hatchback so technically I'm not really taking the seats *out*. I mean, they're still there, just flat, right? :)
Linda,
> "Packing to much is when you can't get it all into the car."
that's awesome! and reminds me that I'm always amazed that no matter much has been crammed in there, there's always room for "just that one last thing". ;)
Munky,
> "huge old suitcase that was clearly designed before homeland security and weight limits."
lol! so true. :)
Freedom,
> "they will very quickly learn to appreciate you as well as learn what it *should* look like when you pack right."
ha ha. right on! hee "should look like"
Blysse,
after this trip we were talking about how to make Burner Merit Badges, like the girl scouts and boy scouts. ;)
Gigi,
you're totally right on both accounts. it's probably the same people. and they do probably come to us. or Vanya. hee. :)
Gabster,
> "telling afore-mentioned wanker/s to bugger off"
gee, might you be British? hee. ;) btw, I think there have been some tips here or on the virgins tribe for international folks re: packing gear and such if you find yourself stuck.
Armadillo,
wow. that's... so... funny. maybe he took that bit about the "kitchen sink" to heart. ;)
Girl B,
I'm now picturing you driving to BM with a car full of gear and 4 passengers stuck in the U-haul trailer. ;) -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 6:54 PMHa, story on "packing too much"
so I too am a just in case medical packer. I also belive in following my gut, so 3 years ago as I packed my med kit... this is way beyond first aid :-) I saw the lotrmin athletes foot cream and tucked it in the box.
Well that particular year I had an unfortunate incident with a DPW dog biting me and allthough I am one good girl scout i still did not have 10 days of major wound bandaging... so daily I had to go to the med tent to be dressed.
So one day I am there this guy comes in and is saying I have horribel foot fungus do you have anything here.. the med guy says they have a foot wash camp for playa foot, the guy says no you don't understand I don't have playa foot, I got athleetes foot just before coming and it has gotten really bad and I have nothing with me... the med tent guys says sorry nothing here.
I happily wave my arm and say come back to my camp I have a tube of lotrmin for you :-)
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 7:05 PMLOL. I heart Gigi. the woman carries athletes foot cream. ;) and i think it's ok if you didn't have 10 days worth of dressings in your kit. that alone would fill up the whole kit.
btw, I think that monistat vaginal itch cream -- that OTC cream to relieve the itching that comes with the yeast infection medicine -- is the same or similar stuff as the stuff for jock itch. I wonder if it's similar to athletes foot cream too. I don't have them here to check the ingredients. but might be worth looking into. could be a multipurpose cream for first aid kits. :)
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 7:13 PMMy boyfriend has the same affliction....He packs way too much.....but I will never complain! He's the one with the amazing fresh squeezed margaritas, hospital quality medical bag, the most elaborate and cool shade structure (complete with misters), and for dinner....well do you want french, Italian, mexican.....camping with him is luxurious even when we are out in the middle of the desert! I admire people who have the forethought to imagine what will be needed...... -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 8:12 PMWildsage,
holy crap! and you'll be camping where? ;P
I can't believe he sets up misters in the shade structure. how does he do that? it must require so much water.
funny thing about packing is that I can go super minimal if needed. like a toothbrush and a pair of clean underwear. but once you start talking about misters and fresh squeeze things and french, italian or mexican I start thinking you know, minimal is so over rated. ;) -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 20, 2008 - 8:45 PMMinimal doesn't work for him...it works for me. All i need is a toothbrush and some clothes seriously! The drawback! It takes him a long long time to get ready! I expect that very soon he'll be wanting to do an experimental BM camp. Which means setting the whole thing up, and living in it for a weekend. It gets a bit maddening.....but it will probably be heaven on the playa!....we'll be at Homeslice this year! and believe it or not we're Virgins.....
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 7:43 AM>>He's the one with the amazing fresh squeezed margaritas<<
Wild Sage, were you guys at Fuente this spring??
My man is still talking about some one handing him a freshed squeezed margarita one night down there. It would be too weird if there were two of them! -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 4:16 PMNo we weren't at Fuente.....Saline Valley is his usual springtime getaway....and I have to be honest! His Margaritas are AMAZING! well researched and tested too!.... -
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Re: "you pack too much"
Tue, May 27, 2008 - 12:20 PM>>No we weren't at Fuente.....<<
Then there are two of them out there! Wow!!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 7:09 PM<gee, might you be British? hee. ;) btw, I think there have been some tips here or on the virgins tribe for international folks re: packing gear and such if you find yourself stuck. >
close - one of the colony's anyway :) i'm aussie & coming with some people that have made the trek a few times but are completely disorganised!!! That's why I'm trawling the net for all the advise/tips/idea's i can find!!
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 11:37 AMHa - I got this rant from my fiance (who does overpack a bit - BM bigger badder going for the bang type) and I thought, ya know, you're right.
Moochers the guys sound. Ungrateful or totally oblivious.
Pack and Smile - Cause you're in the shade, that you brought. In the fabulous costumes that you packed and damn it - screw it.
Then gift it.....but I'd not gift to them - enable them when they are being shitty is just :-((.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 11:48 AMA couple of my girlfriends and I pack like this, but no one complains because "we" are who people come to for things they forgot. Our friends know the benifits of having organized women around. Besides, we'd have to cut them off and kick their asses if they bitched ;~)
Not to mention if you do it right the first time you don't have to re-pack, so I say take your time packing especially if it's your vehicle.
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and another thing
Wed, May 21, 2008 - 11:59 AMI'm actually going to start packing this weekend because in August I have to work 2 positions at my job because my supervisor is going on vacation and I get to do her job in addition to mine. -
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Re: and another thing
Tue, May 27, 2008 - 11:48 AMI'm a complete "over packer"
Since I'm out there for a month (I do DPW) The amount of stuff that I take is HUGE!!! I don't even try to make people understand anymore. My husband has learned to keep his mouth shut since it's usually me packing all of the stuff, making all of the lists, checking all of the supplies, etc.
I sleep with my list next to the bed usually starting in July because I'm constantly waking up remembering things. :)
I have devised the rubber maid packing system that allows for some time savings, but It still takes me at least two weeks to pack.
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Re: "you pack too much"
Wed, July 16, 2008 - 9:56 PMi went alone and ranted to *myself* back and forth about whether i was packing to much or not. i packed first aid that wasn't needed - but i don't regret that for a minute! i packed two outfits that weren't worn - not bad for a first timer.
a friend of mine found me.. he had packed but never took his gear out of the car in which he'd carpooled. he was constantly asking for spare drinks, food, and clothing. at his camp he could rely on their communal food, clothing, and drinks but at my camp he was relying on my having brought more than one person needs. luckily he's adorable and snuggly!
anyway, just saying packing just enough plus a little more worked for me and i would be none too thrilled if anyone squawked about the fact i filled an SUV :)
[not only do the gents seem to expect us to pack extra, they seem to ask us to carry things around for them too, eh? we do baby them so.]
