Packing Lists
I’m getting ready to attend the Washington Romance Writers upcoming retreat this weekend at Harper’s Ferry, MD. On Friday, I’ll be signing my first book at Turn the Page Bookstore and Cafe in Boonsboro, Maryland from 11:30-2:00 p.m. (please come so I won’t be lonely! :cheer:)
So last night I started my packing list. It makes me neurotic trying to remember what I’m supposed to bring. After one trip when I forgot to pack my son’s underwear, I’ve learned my lesson. Poor boy. And no, I didn’t make him go commando. 
I was planning to swing by Wal-Mart, but my mother (whom we were visiting) does laundry every day, so he managed. Still, I felt so awful.
I’m definitely bringing my camera, so I hope to share pictures, industry gossip, and fun stuff with you next week.
What about you? When you go away on a trip, do you make a packing list, or do you just figure it out by throwing it in a suitcase?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:14 am | Viewed 3017 times
Heidi Dahlquist Says:
Wow Michelle…..your first signing. I know you’re excited. I have always packed my husbands sea bag when we went to sea and when he currently travels. Sometimes I have less than 4 hours notice….which I hate…but I get it done. His civilian job makes him travel more than being in the Navy did. I have always packed…..I think once I forgot coats….
Otherwise on our last trip….to Ireland….I was packed a month early…thats neurotic. When we went to Hawaii…I had the scuba gear packed. They lost our luggage…Delta lost the entire flights luggage which was not fun. Thank God for washers.
I’m sure you’ll do great and have fun. I’ll see you May at the CRW meeting and your signing in Newport News. Congrats! Just take a deep breath and make a list if you have too. Oh, dont forget any books you need to bring.
Tori Lennox Says:
Wish I was close by so I could drop in and see you.
And I have to have a list or I’d forget everything!
Missie Says:
I make a list starting about two weeks before I go anywhere, and add to it as I think of it. But my biggest helpful habit is this:
I lay all the outfits out on my bed in the order I am wearing them, and with all the accompanying items. Underwear, bra, pantyhose (if needed), skirt, shirt, sweater, earrings, bracelets, shoes. I plan all my outfits that way, and usually try to make sure I can use the same shoes or pants several times to cut down on outfits. Then I always pack one extra outfit, just in case. I also do this for each member of my family the same way. Anal, but it helps me.
I will start packing today for my trip to Chicago. I leave on Monday and will be gone for five days. Think I have enough time?
Good luck and wish I could attend your booksigning! Way to go!:snoopy:
Kelly Says:
I make lists for everything. I make lists about the lists I’m going to make. I need a 12 step program. Then I could list the 12 steps. Oiy…I do need help.
Hope you have a great time at the conference!!
Robyn Says:
Hey Michelle- just finished Her Irish Warrior. I loved Hugh- he was such a slimy villain! Really, really good story.
Melissa Says:
Depends on how long I’m going to be gone and where I’m going. If it’s more than a week and I have to fly to get there, I make a list. If it’s just to my brother’s house, I just throw stuff in the suitcase.
beth Says:
Mental list is all I usually go with unless I’m going somewhere that I don’t know if I’ll be able to buy whatever I inevitably leave behind. Maybe should think more about real lists sometime.
Good luck at the signing!
jeanne s. Says:
I’m a definite list maker. I am so totally afraid of forgetting things but I seem to always manage to forget something anyway. I practically have a panic attack while driving away but once I leave our street, I’m fine lol.
Hope you have a good time.
Lexi Connor Says:
Have a great time at your first signing! I wish I could be there, but TX is a long way away!
As for vacations, I throw stuff into the suitcase for about a week or two before, but then about 3 days before I write a list of everything I need and everything I have to do before I go. I also cross things off as they get done. That always makes me feel good.
mary beth Says:
Have a blast!
I don’t make a list, but I do stacks for every day and then pack.
Meggie Says:
Oh, your books sounds wonderful! I’m off to Ireland in June with my best friend. Perhaps I’ll be able to read it before. Can I get that in Britain or shall I ask my American friend to get one for me?
Michelle Says:
Robyn–Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.
Meggie–it won’t be available in Britain until December of this year, but you can get it through Amazon right now. I don’t think shipping is *too* bad. Thanks!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only list-maker.
Nicole Reising Says:
Hi Michelle! Have fun on your trip!
As for a list… it just depends on my mood and the trip. Sometimes I do make one out, right down to adding things which are a given(like underwear 
) Then other times I wing it!
Cole
Melissa Mc Says:
I have a mental list unless it’s something totally different that I’ve never packed for before. I forgot socks for me when we went to Seattle in Feb. Usually I pack for myself last after the kids so I get shortchanged!
Good luck with the signing. Have fun!
Carol M Says:
I never made a list but I pack as much as I can ahead of time and then then the last day I throw in the last minute things.
Have fun at the signing!