Kimra Traynor Herb

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Kimra Traynor Herb
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Two suitcases aren’t enough

I am packing to accompany my husband when he goes out of town on a business trip and I am already up to two supersized suitcases stuffed to the gills. Meanwhile, I can't help but think that I have forgotten something- probably the most important item of clothing that I most certainly will need and miss desperately while on vacation.
Yikes.
"You just wear the same things over and over again." A woman in my cycling class was explained how it is that she is able to take one tiny bag with her when she leaves for France in a few days. "Mix and match; a couple of outfits will do." Everything she needs, she hinted, will fit in a small suitcase with very little trouble. The implied thought process here is (or as I perceive it) "When you look as great as I do; you don't need a bunch of flashy clothes."
Well, yes I do. Weather is always an issue for me. Here in Alabama, it is a given. If it is April through November, it will be hot, mostly likely sunny and certainly humid. You want to wear as little as possible and save the sweaters for inside the mall- you won't need them outside down here. But other places, I have found, have actual variances in temperature. Summer days can mean cool 60's (which feels downright frigid to my Southernfied blood) or scorching days like I am accustomed. But there is no way to be SURE of weather, and OCCASIONS- well, let's not even go there. Because what will I be doing on this trip? Who even knows? What will I wear to do these unknown social activities? It's a toss up! I had best take LOTS and cover my bases.
Rich folks I know say that they will take the one or two outfits and an empty suitcase for new clothing, bought on demand and for the purpose of covering any occasion. Now, my friends, that would be the life. I could definitely buy into that line of thinking..... except, oh yeah, we don't really have the money for that. Which is why, by the way, I am sneaking along on an economy fare ticket to my husband's business trip for a little pseudo vacation for him and a real one for me.
Which brings me to my next packing problem. My husband. His clothes, I tell ya, or GIGANTIC! He needs pants for every day, shoes, belts, socks, casual clothing, bathing suits- do you realize how much ROOM his stuff is taking up in the suitcases? His shoes, I am here to say, take up more space than three or four pairs of my own, and yet; I guess I can't cut the guy off, cold turkey, from shoe wearing. He might look a BIT silly roaming around the ole convention hall barefoot. But all that stuff of his is cramming up the suitcases and leaving very little room for the truly important items- my stuff.
Now, you may ask, a three day trip surely couldn't involve TOO much clothing, could it? Thoughtful of you to pose that question, and the answer would be: YES. Too much clothing is the order of my packing. I need flirty skirts, sensible shorts, khaki pants, dress pants, alluring dresses, every day dresses, beach clothing for day, beach clothing for night, sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes; exercise clothing (I can't eat all that food and expect not to exercise, can I?)..... the list goes on and on.
The last time we traveled we got hit with a $25 fine per suitcase for the bulk and heft of our bags. I felt this was unfair because as I see it, I weigh 120 pounds, my hubby 175- together we only equal one substantial-sized human being. Those people aren't being charged extra for their "carry-on" weight- why should I suffer a fine just because I happen to be bring a few pairs of shoes?
The unfriendly skies of Delta didn't see it my way as I explained it. "That will be fifty dollars; cash or credit?" She said, through narrowed eyes. Apparently she had hurt her back or some such nonsense trying to load my suitcases onto the conveyor belt. SHE probably travels with three pieces of clothing, all in neutral colors; because as everyone knows- you certainly don't need a lot of flashy clothing to travel. You are going to wear the same things over and over again anyway.

Except for me. One day I'll be able to afford that empty suitcase, fill 'er up with new clothing option; but for now it is a careful game of cramming as much stuff in as possible without paying the "extra heavy suitcase fine."