I don’t like packing. Actually I despise it. The idea of planning a week’s worth of wardrobe and cramming it into a a suitcase but making sure not to exceed 50 lbs frightens me.  I never get it right.  Most of the time I end up with way too much stuff and I hardly wear any of it.  But I like to be prepared.  Isn’t that the Boy Scout moto?  Always be prepared!  Well I doubt any Boy Scout thought it would be smart to pack a pair of Aldo shoes just because they’re cute and 5 “summer” scarves because you never know when the temperature will dip and you need to match your outfit.  No.  I think the Boy Scouts had something else in mind.

Not what the Boy Scouts had in mind

Well thanks to our backwards economy and greedy corporations (yes I said it!), The All-Star and I will be, get ready for it, SHARING A SUITCASE on our trip to New York.  Ahhh!  The horror!!  Thank goodness it’s summer is all I have to say.  Flip flops and sundresses weigh a whole lot less than sweaters and snow boots.  But really… in an attempt to save a buck, I am finally being forced to pack a little lighter and make due with what I’ve got.

Sounds like a good moto for life doesn’t it?

I’ve been reminded a lot lately that, contrary to popular belief,  it really doesn’t take much to get along in this world. Minimal food, shelter, a few layers of clothing, that’s all I really need.  Yet I’m drawn to the idea of filling my apartment with chachkies that express my longings and throw pillows to express my style. And why?  Stuff is just another thing to pack up and haul the next time we move and probably, eventually throw away anyway.  And whether it be a sore back or a bigger moving truck, it always comes with a price. Just like the extra bag at the airport. I’m not saying I’d rather be living in a dirt floor shack somewhere hunting squirrel and wearing burlap. No, that would be extreme. But maybe, just maybe, I can make due with a little less than society says I need.

I had a friend who used to come camping with me and all he would bring along is a backpack and a sleeping bag.  Meanwhile I’d be lugging all sorts of ridiculous items into the woods. (Remember the Boy Scouts?) I was always jealous of the way he could get-up-and-go with just a few choice belongings and knew he’d survive.  Whenever I pack I’m reminded of him. He didn’t lead by many other examples but that was a good one.

I think my brain has the tendency to bring along a little too much luggage as well. I’m always multi-tasking and worrying, trying to figure things out and answer life’s riddles.  It’s exhausting! And carrying the extra weight of the past and the future can sometimes leave me with little energy left to invest in the present.  But luckily there’s still a little room left for change!

So I say, enough with the extras! It’s time to pack a little lighter, both mentally and physically.  I’m tired of the baggage, there’s no more room for it.  It may take a bit of effort to purge but no need to heave more onto the load. And as far as my trip to NY goes, all I really need are a few positive thoughts, a good pair of shoes and a hat and I’m good.

Okay and maybe one summer scarf!

A new year and a new decade, for the calender as well as for myself.  Today it’s official…I am30 years old!  I can hardly believe it.  I don’t feel any different, though the number itself is quite daunting.  At the moment what I really feel is exhausted, as I have been up since 4:45 and am now sitting in McCannan Airport in Las Vegas, waiting for our connecting flight to Long Beach, California.  It was a long but enjoyable holiday vacation in New York for The All-Star and I.  We enjoyed the company of family and friends, took a day trip to Manhattan to visit the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree and saw a great off-Broadway show entitled Sessions.  Saturday was the start of my birthday celebration with family during the day and friends at night and last night we shivered in the below zero wind-chill to watch the Jets clobber the Bengals and win their spot in the play-offs.

At present I’m blogging to you from my new Asus net-book which I’m very excited about.  The Eee PC is the perfect size for lounging and writing and I no longer have to fight for computer time with my more savvy counterpart.  The mini lap-top was a Christmas gift from my dad.  Other fabulous gifts received:  a new 4-piece Protocol luggage set with swiveling wheels!, two round trip tickets to Catalina Island!, and a Mark Sanchez Jets jersey! (women’s fit, of course).  We were also fortunate enough to have some snow which always tops the cake for me.  It was sad to leave all my loved ones, but it won’t be long before we’re back in New York and I can’t say I’m going to miss sleeping on a couch every night.  I may just have to spend the rest of my birthday in bed this year, just because it’s such a comfy place to be and I definitely have a few z’s to catch up on.

Thank you to everyone who made the trip so memorable.  Much love and hugs to all.

Tomorrow marks the start of my Turning 30, 30 day fitness challenge.  It’s a late-start work day which means no 6am alarm, thank goodness.  I bought myself a new pair of sneakers with some of the Christmas money from Grandmas and think I’ll kick off the challenge with some good stretches and a jog to the beach.  I rapped a little about the challenge with my good friend Julia, who happens to be a certified health and nutrition counselor and the founder of Long Island Holistic Health.  We decided a handful of nuts and fruit will be suitable pre-run fuel.  Tonight I’ll work on a food and activity layout for the challenge and welcome any suggestions from all you talented professionals out there.

If you’re interested, pictures of the holiday will be posted when I have a better Wi-fi connection.  Sorry for the “just-words” post.  Until California.  Old-lady Laura signing out.