Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

The Empty Suitcase

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It’s just after 10:00pm on the night before I fly out. This time, I’m jetting off to Cincinnati for the Proctor & Gamble #AccessPG Event. On Access Day, I’ll have a chance to learn more about P&G’s portfolio of products (for this trip, I’ll be focusing on hair care), tour the P&G archives and attend seminars that can help me better my brand. (There *may* be a cocktail party or two as well.) I’ve been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and of course, have had umpteen time to get organized and packed for my departure. I’ll need to leave my home at 6:45 a.m. – not the worst wake-up call, but not exactly leisurely either.

So it’s no surprise that my suitcase currently looks like this.

I think I’ve got a problem. Because no matter how many times I try to organize myself, and stay on top of things, I always find myself packing as the clock strikes midnight. Why can’t I get my sh*t together?

The good news is that over the next three days, I’ll have some “me time”, which is essential for resting and rejuvenating the mind and spirit. And, I’ll also learn from the pros: a cooking demonstration with Bounty and Top Chef Stephanie Izard, day-to-night makeovers, expert forums and round-table discussions. I’m ready to get my learn on!

And now, I really should start packing…. have a great day everyone!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Heidi C.

    I am the same way! I am good about packing in plenty of time for the kids but I always seem to wait until the last minute for myself. I think it’s because I am never sure exactly what I want to pack! Anyway, have a lot of fun (love Top Chef!) and keep us posted on your adventures!

    • Lena

      Thanks so much Heidi! Yup, when I travel with the family, the boys are packed DAYS before, but me – right down to the last minute!

  3. Cathy C

    Ha that is how it always is No matter how many times I do this itis only under the OMG last minute pressure that I can power pack. I like to think it is my experience that allows me to think clearly and pack under pressure and almost always remember all the essentials. Have a great trip, and this way there is room to bring a few treats home.

    • Lena

      :) Thanks Cathy! I always wonder if I too simply excel with pressure – but at the same time, I’d love to have a good night’s sleep the night before a flight!

  5. Soozle

    Safe travels, Lena! Looking forward to reading about the experience :-)

    Side note: I am also a little mortified you hadn’t packed 8 hrs before the trip – I am basically packed 8 DAYS before any trip hah

    • Lena

      Ah!! How can you pack 8 days before a trip?? I honestly don’t even bring my suitcase out of storage until the night before, hahaha!

  8. Debbie Bashford

    Oh I could not do that I have to be packed days before I have to leave. Sounds like lots of cool activities are lined up. Have fun.

    • Lena

      It was one of the best trips I’ve been on – both organization and content-wise! Thanks Debbie!

  10. Flora M

    I usually started my suitcase packing process about a week before any trip. I start with all my travel size toiletries and a few clothing items I know for sure I want to take with me. Over the next few days clothing gets added or removed as laundry gets done or I change my mind about what I want to take with me LOL
    Have fun on the trip, can’t wait to see what recipes and tips you have picked up from P&G :o)

  11. Lisa H

    I used to have a standard list for packing – then add whatever special or seasonal items needed. Yes Im one of those pack way ahead gals! I even have a prepacked tolietry bag full of mini sized products that I just have to add my makeup and meds to.

    • Lena

      I envy your organization, and think I need one of those travel bags filled with mini sized products!

  13. Ira

    I have an answer for you, I know exactly, why. Because I ask my self the same question maaany times. Here is the conclusion I came to: we only have 24 hours a day, someone can do more in that time, someone less, but no one can do everything, so we set the priorities. I for one always start packing weeks ahead with the list and everything, but straggle to find time for myself, especially on the everyday basis. And I’m a bit jealous how good you look (I bet at home too) with make up and nails. I didn’t have my nails done since my first child was born, never have time for that :) So, unless we are willing to significantly change our priorities you will be packing at the last minute and I will sometimes look like I just came out of the cave, we will do what’s important to us (even if we don’t realize that) and leave the rest to happen on it’s own.

    • Lena

      That’s a very interesting analogy Ira – and perhaps you are correct! (Except for the whole nails thing, as I haven’t had a manicure/ pedicure in over 5 years, yikes!) But I do see what you mean about the priorities, and I tend to put my family first – sometimes to a fault, because you’re right, I rarely make time for me.

  15. Teresa Claire

    I hate packing…I have this horrible fear of forgetting something that I can’t live without!

  21. Florence C

    Hope you have a great trip. I don’t really mine packing, but it takes me forever to unpack.

  22. NT

    I usually have all the kids stuff packed up earlier, and then my stuff is always last minute. Not sure why – probably indecision – what to wear? What’s the weather going to be like?

  23. jenny

    Hhaha, the sight of an empty suitcase can be horrifying, especially if you have to leave for the plan soon! I also always leave packing until the last minute! We need to break the habit!

  24. MrDisco

    it’s sometimes to get motivated do all the little things that get in the way of what we truly enjoy doing