Thursday, September 24, 2009

Leeeeaving On a Jet Plane...

Okay, maybe not so much a jet plane as Kelly's husband's Honda Element, but it is pretty nice.

Most of you know by now that I'm headed off (sans bebes!) to Nashville with my friends Kelly and Erin to the big MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International conference.

I have a dilemma. My dilemma isn't a decorating dilemma. My dilemma isn't about leaving my kids with T for 5 days.

Yes, I am a bit nervous about that.

I know that there will be at least one day my children will be paraded through a Chick-fil-a or Bass Pro Shop wearing some form of non-seasonal pajamas, mismatched shoes, and sporting unbrushed hair.

There may be a few frantic voicemails on my cell phone asking me where we keep the canned green beans or how much TV is too much TV.

But my real dilemma is what to pack.

I know I can share this with you, because some of you may understand.

I suffer from FOPS.

Flagrant Overpacking Syndrome.

I can't help myself. As many of my life experiences can be summed up in a Seinfeld episode, I found this perfect clip from "The Trip." If you're a real fan, you'll remember it. This will give you an idea of the disease which afflicts me.



Hotrollers, Hair Dryer, SHOES, jeans, yoga pants, pjs, sweater, sweatshirt, going out to dinner outfit, make-up, pillow, jewelry (!), purse(s).

I can't stop!!!

T gets soooo mad when he sees my suitcases when we leave on trips, but he's the guy who used to throw some boxers and a toothbrush in a backpack and call it a day. That was before we were married.

Now I overpack for him too.

I promised Kelly that I *might* not pack any heels, since this thing is supposed to be pretty casual anyways. I said "might" because that of course leaves me a window. I know I'm bringing the PINK tennies, but what about my black slingback heels? If I have an opportunity to wear them, I will.

I'm so glad we're driving to Nashville and not flying. It's been a year or two since I've flown, and I hear that they charge you by the weight of your bag. That's just not fair.

In fact, it's downright discriminatory. What about those of us who suffer from FOPS?!

It's not like I want to pack my faux zebra print flats with the hot pink ribbon. I am compelled to pack them because they would go so nicely with my jeans.

I hope Kelly and Erin don't charge me extra in gas money for the extra 500 pounds by bag(s) will add.

Anyone want to wire me 50 bucks?

{I don't know how much access I'll have to my lap top in Nashville, but I promise to catch up and return visits when I get back to good old Virginia! I have some new posts lined up for while I am away!}

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14 comments:

  1. FOPS! Hilarious! I suffer from that too but it's usually my "front seat bag" or my "craft/stuff-to-do-in-the-car" bag, full of magazines, books, crochet gear, ipod, etc. (that is usually the same size of my toiletries, clothing & shoes bags) I hardly EVER touch it though b/c I fall asleep as soon as those tires hit the pavement. Haha! Have fun!!! I'm sure T will do great w/ the girls but they'll miss you oh so much!

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  2. Packing is tough but I don't travel much. When I do, I try to limit it to just two suitcases. It is hard to know what to pack because you need to be prepared for different kinds of weather if you go for more than one day. Have a safe trip and a great time!

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  3. LOL! When we went down to Garmisch this past weekend, I had to work really, really, really hard not to over pack. We were only gone for 3.5 days and I managed to get everything in one (ONE!) small suitcase! Of course it was a bit bulgy and heavy, but I got it all in one suitcase.
    You definitely NEED to take the heels. You knew I'd say that though, right? Have fun in Nashville.

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  4. Too funny! I totally remember that scene from Seinfeld and I can relate. When we went to NYC last year I didn't pack enough. I'll never do that again, I'm going back to my over-packing ways. :)

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  5. Of course you had to bring the zebra flats...just in case you were struck with your "afternoon safari" mood!

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  6. I know what you mean about FOPS - I'm afflicted, too! I hope you have a great trip!

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  7. I gave you an honest scrap award!! have a fun trip!

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  8. What to pack is the hardest part of any trip. I just did 6 days in San Diego with only a carry on bag and a back pack. And it was okay! I'm getting smarter as I get older. Shoes are the hardest to decide on. To be comfy, stylish? I try to be stylishly comfortable!

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  9. I also suffer from FOPS. I hope you have a good weekend with the girls!

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  10. You are too funny. I used to be this way- I'd pack at least one outfit per day. Never mixed and matched... multiple pair of shoes.. never did multiple purses, though.. It was always 2 large bags. Thank goodness I don't do it anymore. It would cost me way too much to fly these days! LOL

    Good luck. The kids will be fine. You're a mommy always, but take some "me" time for just a little while. And don't pack the closet!

    :-) Sue

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  11. I'm so jealous!! I so wish I were leaving on a jet plane instead of stuck indoors (for a week now!) with sick kiddos. Have a great time!

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  12. I definitely have a "just in case" packing philosophy. You never know when you may need your zebra flats - so I hope you weren't kicking yourself for not bringing them at any point on the trip...

    I also hope you had a great time!

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  13. So...did you end up over-packing? Or did you get it just right?

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