Oh Brother, "P" is for Packing

So we decided to use the plane tickets from the trip that we had to cancel last fall to go and visit my brother and sister-in-law in sunny California.  And while this decision in and of itself is wonderful, the task of PACKING is upon me once again!  Which means the chore of planning my wardrobe for days of sightseeing, afternoons by the pool or ocean, and evenings of fun, frolic, and delicious meals is all mine! 

Hello, Space Age, where are you?  I could totally use the Jetson's closet that I believed was my future when I was a wee lass watching cartoons. 

Space Age Ladies

Dear Wilma, 

That's my life, not yours.  Back to suitcases and the Stone Age! 
Hearts and flowers,
Jane Jetson

Modern Stone Age

Speaking of Fred and Wilma, for my husband, the task of packing is one that takes less than an hour and can be completed on the morning of departure.  To appease me, he tries to complete the task before David Letterman ends the night before we fly.  For me, it is as grueling process that includes days of laundry - sorting, washing, drying, folding - that culminates with an elementary school gym class team choosing event.   

Vacation Team takes, dressy denim walking shorts.

Home Team chooses preppy navy polo dress.  

Suddenly, my wardrobe develops feelings and a standard black flip flop cowers in the corner while Little Miss Cheerleader - a natural "shoe-in", metallic sandal, jumps into the suitcase.

And so the drama continues until my suitcase looks like this...

The Reality

long before it ever looks ANYTHING like this.

The Dream

And in a moment of clarity, I consider that I may have been approaching this in the wrong way all along.  And it was Samantha's magic that I needed to conjure up...

Girl with a Magical Plan

And with a snap of my fingers

And a twitch of my nose
I'll find my suitcase filled
With vacation-ready clothes!