Adam packing for a trip vs. Me packing for a trip

I was struck funny last night after watching Adam pack for his first 5 day trip to Arizona to visit Maryann. The difference between how he packs for five days and how I pack for five days is pretty much comical, so I had to share it with you.

Packing for the Plane
Me - Cram everything I can into a blue shoulder bag - CD player with multiple cds(you never know what mood I will be in) DVD player with multiple DVDs (again, you never know what I'll be in the mood for), 2 pairs of headphones (one that goes in my ear canal and another for when that pair starts to bother my ears). My wallet, 2 packs of tissues, 2 chapsticks (in case I lose one), at least 4 pens, 2 wordsearch books, 1 Sodkou book, 1 Math Logic Book, 2 books to read (again, depends on what mood I'm in for what I read), extra batteries (can't be without music), gum, candy, and some sort of snack that I can cram into a corner that will (no doubt) get flattened.

Adam - one book that he carried on the plane with him in his hand

yup, that's it, and I even tried to find the longest way to write it to make it look longer!

Packing in the Suitcase
Me - essential garments for all days of travel plus 2 days extra (just in case something happens, I am prepared), enough outfits for everyday plus 2 extras in case I decide I don't like what I am wearing, 2 pairs of pjs (in case I feel like rotating them), Usually a minimum of 2-3 pairs of shoes, an extra book (to switch with one from the plane if I actually read them), all my hair care products including shampoo, conditioner, etc.. (not like Maryann doesn't have some I can borrow) - usually my suitcase just barely zips shut

Adam - (keep in my this is the exact same suitcase!) essential garments for the exact number of days of travel, a couple pairs of pants, a couple of shirt, comb, toothbrush, shaver, 1 set of pjs, and the clothes on his back ---the suitcase ---hardly half full.

My Conclusions
1. Guys have travel life SO much easier than girls
2. I am more of a girly, girly then I give my self credit for. Seriously - I am pathetic!
3. When I pack to go to Arizona in January, my suitcase will probably be as full as ever so.....
4. I guess I didn't learn a lesson from this, unless it's just to laugh at myself.

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!!

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas! I am singing this today because I went out and bought my Christmas tree. I love the smell of scotch pine through my house. You can smell it the minute you open the back door! I have always had a strange love of Christmas trees, really for as long as I can remember. I love the smell of them, stringing them with lots of lights, and the memories hanging up the ornaments bring back to me. Some people find Christmas trees over rated but I really love them. It doesn't feel quite the same at Christmas without a tree. That being said, as I was putting up my Christmas tree today, I thought I have a pretty strange routine that I follow every year when I do this. So, I decided to share it with you. You be the judge if I am slightly mental or not!

1. Once the tree is up the very first thing that goes on it is the Angel at the top.

2. I always start the first strand of lights from the bottom and work my way up the tree.

3. The first ornament on the tree every year is this little Santa that is figure skating - why? I have no idea. I have always loved this ornament. I really don't know why because I am not a big Santa fan but this ornament has always been the first one I put on the tree. I think I got it when I was 8.

4. After my Santa, I always put on my picture ornament that my Aunt Jackie made for all of us kids. I am about 4 years old in the picture. That ornament always goes to the top, center of the tree. After those two, I don't have an order.

5. I always group my Disney character ornaments together - usually the left side of the tree because of #6.

6. I always group Adam's 4 Detroit Sports Teams ornaments towards the bottom right of the tree because that's where I remember him always putting them as a kid. That is because that was his "side" of the tree, where his stocking and presents usually were.

7. I use the biggest ornaments to try and cover up any holes in the branches.

8. The last thing I do is add the Christmas tree skirt to the base of the tree.

9. When I finish decorating the tree, I turn off all the other lights and stare at it for a solid 15 minutes.

10. After I put up my Christmas tree, I suddenly start playing a whole lot more Christmas music then I did before.

yeah, bizarre I know, but I am a sucker for tradition and for me Christmas tree's are a tradition. Tis the season to enjoy them, and that is exactly what I plan on doing!