smellyia
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2012
- Messages
- 565
Packing, or the steps that lead to the actual function of placing items in luggage for travel, is a process for me. I think I mentioned prior that I start about two weeks beforehand....well, that's a lie.
I start the moment I know I'm going on a trip. I just keep it to myself. Why?
Because my family (mama, gigi, DH, etc) are constantly finding reasons to laugh at me, which I generally deserve and find comical myself, but mostly because I try to keep my crazy down to a minimum.
I'd bet my favorite pair of post partum body shaping undies (you know the pair that doesn't feel restrictive - all you mommies got 'em) that breaking out the suitcase 5 weeks prior to travel would be pushing it...and possibly securing an appointment at our local psych-in-the-box.
So when a trip is confirmed, I start to think instead; not daring to put any plans in written format lest they be found and I be taken away. I play this little mind game where I start to tick off in my head all the little errands and "needs" we might have for two weeks of travel. Right about now in my time frame is where the lists come out and there are multiple pieces of paper in my purse, jacket pocket, on the back of the toilet. Occasionally, even DH will pick one up (generally the toilet one) and make remarks....once I even saw his terrible chicken scratch in blue ink (not the black fine point I prefer) on one of the lists left in the garage by the dog food bin.
I also keep one list on my iPhone which is my master shopper...it has all our "needs" and what I use to refer to when checking out my coupon/deal sites...which is what I am starting to do this week.
Notice I say "needs". Yes, this is one of those supposed mind tricks, but ineffective because I know with certainty that I don't "need" any of this crap to go on a trip. I could make do just fine without a doubt, but for some reason, my female brain is wired in a way that I must be prepared for all eventualities on a trip....and this trip is no different except in the respect that it is highly exaggerated by one simple fact: the Swagger Wagon.
You see, with us driving and taking a VAN, sky is the limit! You know how much CRAPPOLA I can fit in a ride like that?
Freak snow drift in June? No problem...I've got our coveralls.
Stuck in a mud pit because you KNEW your ride would make it through off-roading regardless of its 2-wheel drive capabilities? Just slide on my Vasque hikers...nary a drop of mud shall touch your skin.
Hankering for a back massage? Ride got a bit bumpy and you strained your latissimus dorsi or gluteus maximus? Well, let me just grab my travel friendly shiatsu chair for you.
Need satellite connection....I'm going to go ahead and stop here before it gets ugly.
As you can see, I can find a lot of stuff for a lot of situations that will most likely NOT occur, but for some reason in the throes of my packing maelstrom, I will convince myself that my family will be as good as stranded on a deserted island...without rum...if I leave the socket wrench kit at home. (Poor Cap'n Jack; I will always sympathize with you in that first movie.)
But not this time.
You read that right....after the last Panhandle packing debacle where one weeks worth of goods completely blocked our entryway, I will not fall prey to this predator...
Can you tell I'm watching game 5 with the Preds right now? Someone just threw a dang catfish on the ice and this awfully ballsy chick in a fit I couldn't wear before my own gluteus maximus traveled seven inches south of the border just swooped in and scooped it up like she was dancing at the Lincoln Center....sorry, tangent done.
Back to the basics....which is exactly my goal here. I am going to do my darndest to stay focused and more importantly...reasonable during this endeavor. Over the next few weeks, our family will make purchases, random and intentional, in preparation for our visit with the Mouse. I'm going to combine these "stories" "journeys" "embarrassments" with my packing plans/debacles because that just makes sense to me.
So please join me for some Persnickety Packing and Splendiferous Shopping...
It's no secret that women like to shop.
Okay, that may be a stereotype, but if you haven't figured it out yet; ME = Predictable. Thy middle name be cliche.
A little background....
Nashville had no local Disney store for a long time, like if you searched store locations on Disney's site, closest you got was ATL. This sitch sucked to say the least. Even prior to Opry Mills flooding in the Nashville 2010 flooding, the Disney outlet there had already closed...
Flash forward to 2012...4/19 to be exact and I'm walking into our shiny new Disney Outlet at the re-opened Opry Mills!!! Fist. Pump.
Our whole visit to Opry Mills centered around this (and also to Off Broadway to get DH some new boots with a coupon and a gift card I have, but we forgot to even go there in all our post-dis euphoria). We parked on the opposite side of the mall, knowing we would end our trip with lunch at the Aquarium restaurant (sub par meal, but cool ambiance) and a visit with their Guitarfish named Gibson (come on, it's Nashville) who somehow magically survived the flood - actually about fifty percent of the fish did which for some reason made my day so much sunnier.
Most talkative fish ever.
For her sole viewing pleasure
The trek to the outlet had many hurdles to cross and I believe we met each challenge successfully;
First the mini Carousel
Then Big Daddy Carousel (I almost vomitted - you can totally see my green)
Eventually, we made it over to the Outlet and DD was all about it Commando-Style...the style with undies...
This shopping trip, aside from getting our fix on, had a purpose: T-SHIRTS.
Yes, I wanted to match at least once, but in theme only and particularly for our MK day. I scored with these:
The kids shirts were only $6/ea - I cant find that price at Tar-jay for Disney items!So DD got a haul and insisted and trying on at home immediately...
I stuck with Jack and DH insisted (he will deny of course) on Capt. America for our IoA day.
While I am utilizing tremendous brain power in deciding whether or not THIS jacket (Park Merch) is worth 14 bucks or if I really need that Disney Nerd clearance purse, DH is corralling DD like a champ and ends up talking to a CM (I had explained to him on our walk over that all employees are referred to as a CM and Disney has a standard - which makes it worth being loyal to the company as a consumer imo - of customer service and being in character).
Let me just give you a personality profile of DH....you know the guy everyone LOVES and talks to EVERYBODY, especially the surly rude businessman in front of you in line at the gas station, and gets them to respond at least somewhat? (Now this response could be a lovely Bite Me, but its there nonetheless)...yeah, thats DH. I talk to no one. We are a pair made in heaven.
Anywho, he chats up this nice middle-aged CM lady and somehow gets her to assist in watching DD as she barreled through her store and merchandise. DD gently dislodged a Minnies Bowtique playhouse from its case and the CM apparently just laughed and helped DD play while her neglectful mother contributed to the economy.
It takes me about 15 minutes to make a decision on the jacket (I bought it after looking up online its regular price of $50). And catch up to DH, DD and the CM who starts a long drawn out conversation with me regarding the details of our upcoming trip in which she is already aware of all pertinent details - courtesy of chatty cathy DH.
As we are walking out, DH turns and looks at me....
Did you know people buy stuff at the outlets BEFORE going on their Disney World trips? Thats what that Cast Mate told me.
I stare.
Like, we could SAVE MONEY doing that.
Start to purse my lips and hand him the bag of NEWLY PURCHASED DISCOUNT MERCH FOR OUR TRIP.
Im surprised you havent thought of that, honey.
Yes, you are so smart, I reply right before I accidentally step on his foot.
Final Haul:
~4 shirts for DD ($6 table)
~2 shirts for DW (2 for $20 special)
~2 shirts for DH (2 for $20 special)
~1 Park Jacket ($14.99 Clearance)
I start the moment I know I'm going on a trip. I just keep it to myself. Why?
Because my family (mama, gigi, DH, etc) are constantly finding reasons to laugh at me, which I generally deserve and find comical myself, but mostly because I try to keep my crazy down to a minimum.
I'd bet my favorite pair of post partum body shaping undies (you know the pair that doesn't feel restrictive - all you mommies got 'em) that breaking out the suitcase 5 weeks prior to travel would be pushing it...and possibly securing an appointment at our local psych-in-the-box.
So when a trip is confirmed, I start to think instead; not daring to put any plans in written format lest they be found and I be taken away. I play this little mind game where I start to tick off in my head all the little errands and "needs" we might have for two weeks of travel. Right about now in my time frame is where the lists come out and there are multiple pieces of paper in my purse, jacket pocket, on the back of the toilet. Occasionally, even DH will pick one up (generally the toilet one) and make remarks....once I even saw his terrible chicken scratch in blue ink (not the black fine point I prefer) on one of the lists left in the garage by the dog food bin.
I also keep one list on my iPhone which is my master shopper...it has all our "needs" and what I use to refer to when checking out my coupon/deal sites...which is what I am starting to do this week.
Notice I say "needs". Yes, this is one of those supposed mind tricks, but ineffective because I know with certainty that I don't "need" any of this crap to go on a trip. I could make do just fine without a doubt, but for some reason, my female brain is wired in a way that I must be prepared for all eventualities on a trip....and this trip is no different except in the respect that it is highly exaggerated by one simple fact: the Swagger Wagon.
You see, with us driving and taking a VAN, sky is the limit! You know how much CRAPPOLA I can fit in a ride like that?
Freak snow drift in June? No problem...I've got our coveralls.
Stuck in a mud pit because you KNEW your ride would make it through off-roading regardless of its 2-wheel drive capabilities? Just slide on my Vasque hikers...nary a drop of mud shall touch your skin.
Hankering for a back massage? Ride got a bit bumpy and you strained your latissimus dorsi or gluteus maximus? Well, let me just grab my travel friendly shiatsu chair for you.
Need satellite connection....I'm going to go ahead and stop here before it gets ugly.
As you can see, I can find a lot of stuff for a lot of situations that will most likely NOT occur, but for some reason in the throes of my packing maelstrom, I will convince myself that my family will be as good as stranded on a deserted island...without rum...if I leave the socket wrench kit at home. (Poor Cap'n Jack; I will always sympathize with you in that first movie.)
But not this time.
You read that right....after the last Panhandle packing debacle where one weeks worth of goods completely blocked our entryway, I will not fall prey to this predator...
Can you tell I'm watching game 5 with the Preds right now? Someone just threw a dang catfish on the ice and this awfully ballsy chick in a fit I couldn't wear before my own gluteus maximus traveled seven inches south of the border just swooped in and scooped it up like she was dancing at the Lincoln Center....sorry, tangent done.
Back to the basics....which is exactly my goal here. I am going to do my darndest to stay focused and more importantly...reasonable during this endeavor. Over the next few weeks, our family will make purchases, random and intentional, in preparation for our visit with the Mouse. I'm going to combine these "stories" "journeys" "embarrassments" with my packing plans/debacles because that just makes sense to me.
So please join me for some Persnickety Packing and Splendiferous Shopping...
In Where We Are Teased By the Motherships Dignitaries: Day 1
It's no secret that women like to shop.
Okay, that may be a stereotype, but if you haven't figured it out yet; ME = Predictable. Thy middle name be cliche.
A little background....
Nashville had no local Disney store for a long time, like if you searched store locations on Disney's site, closest you got was ATL. This sitch sucked to say the least. Even prior to Opry Mills flooding in the Nashville 2010 flooding, the Disney outlet there had already closed...
Flash forward to 2012...4/19 to be exact and I'm walking into our shiny new Disney Outlet at the re-opened Opry Mills!!! Fist. Pump.
Our whole visit to Opry Mills centered around this (and also to Off Broadway to get DH some new boots with a coupon and a gift card I have, but we forgot to even go there in all our post-dis euphoria). We parked on the opposite side of the mall, knowing we would end our trip with lunch at the Aquarium restaurant (sub par meal, but cool ambiance) and a visit with their Guitarfish named Gibson (come on, it's Nashville) who somehow magically survived the flood - actually about fifty percent of the fish did which for some reason made my day so much sunnier.
Most talkative fish ever.
For her sole viewing pleasure
The trek to the outlet had many hurdles to cross and I believe we met each challenge successfully;
First the mini Carousel
Then Big Daddy Carousel (I almost vomitted - you can totally see my green)
Eventually, we made it over to the Outlet and DD was all about it Commando-Style...the style with undies...
This shopping trip, aside from getting our fix on, had a purpose: T-SHIRTS.
Yes, I wanted to match at least once, but in theme only and particularly for our MK day. I scored with these:
The kids shirts were only $6/ea - I cant find that price at Tar-jay for Disney items!So DD got a haul and insisted and trying on at home immediately...
I stuck with Jack and DH insisted (he will deny of course) on Capt. America for our IoA day.
While I am utilizing tremendous brain power in deciding whether or not THIS jacket (Park Merch) is worth 14 bucks or if I really need that Disney Nerd clearance purse, DH is corralling DD like a champ and ends up talking to a CM (I had explained to him on our walk over that all employees are referred to as a CM and Disney has a standard - which makes it worth being loyal to the company as a consumer imo - of customer service and being in character).
Let me just give you a personality profile of DH....you know the guy everyone LOVES and talks to EVERYBODY, especially the surly rude businessman in front of you in line at the gas station, and gets them to respond at least somewhat? (Now this response could be a lovely Bite Me, but its there nonetheless)...yeah, thats DH. I talk to no one. We are a pair made in heaven.
Anywho, he chats up this nice middle-aged CM lady and somehow gets her to assist in watching DD as she barreled through her store and merchandise. DD gently dislodged a Minnies Bowtique playhouse from its case and the CM apparently just laughed and helped DD play while her neglectful mother contributed to the economy.
It takes me about 15 minutes to make a decision on the jacket (I bought it after looking up online its regular price of $50). And catch up to DH, DD and the CM who starts a long drawn out conversation with me regarding the details of our upcoming trip in which she is already aware of all pertinent details - courtesy of chatty cathy DH.
As we are walking out, DH turns and looks at me....
Did you know people buy stuff at the outlets BEFORE going on their Disney World trips? Thats what that Cast Mate told me.
I stare.
Like, we could SAVE MONEY doing that.
Start to purse my lips and hand him the bag of NEWLY PURCHASED DISCOUNT MERCH FOR OUR TRIP.
Im surprised you havent thought of that, honey.
Yes, you are so smart, I reply right before I accidentally step on his foot.
Final Haul:
~4 shirts for DD ($6 table)
~2 shirts for DW (2 for $20 special)
~2 shirts for DH (2 for $20 special)
~1 Park Jacket ($14.99 Clearance)
About Hot Topic! I agree! 
Because I'm not so sure that he'll buy the "honey, we need this for our next trip (
) to see what they suggest that I just *need*. Funny enough the last time I went to WDW, 2 years ago, I decided to join my parents that day at work and packed in an hour before heading off. (Boy was that difficult for me! My family figured I should have that list down pat in my head and were amazed that *I* did it! And crazy--I didn't have to buy anything new for the trip beforehand either 
Bought new Tevas two weeks ago, along with other little items. Now today I'll need to go pick up some more sd cards for the cameras and batteries.
It was a blur, all I know was I was hyped up on the leaving for Disney
And I only have to pack for myself. . .so it was just a quick running through of what I usually did in a day and throwing it in bags as I went. Luckily it was a Wednesday--which is my Monday for work, so I had all my laundry caught up, or Ida been in troubles 
) they are uber comfortable. Right now I'm still pondering if I should take my baggalini or find a new one, but not a back pack. Running out of time, and pretending I'm not 
