Wednesday, July 08, 2009

An Ode to Unpacking

That small black travel case with the wheels that I never use, unless I'm running (yes running!) through airport security in order to get to my flight (which I am late for, yes late!) like a football player running to the end zone, stands next to my bed still carrying a few items from our recent weekend visiting friends on the other side of the state.

I miss them.

I packed Katie and myself into that case for the 2-night stay, both of our essential items fitting neatly and perfectly (like hands in a glove) into the rectangular space. Hers and mine. Swimsuits, capris, tank tops, sunglasses, flip flops, books and magazines, hair clippies, earrings, everything we needed.

Some of it still in that case.

The thing I hate about unpacking is the part about telling yourself its over.

The trip.

The visit.

The good times.

Over.

I never realized until just now that I've never been an avid unpacker for this very reason. In my purses you'll find ticket stubs, loose change, receipts. All mementos from the time that was had, whatever and whenever it was. In my travel bags you'll find more of the same, including necessities that I picked up along the way, like SPF 15 lip gloss. I'll stash business cards from far away places that I think I'll return to someday...

Someday.

It's a pattern of mine, this state of unpack. And believe me, I'm no world traveler! Imagine if I were...the unpackedness of my various travelling receptacles would overtake the house. I am sure that I would be unable to find an empty bag or suitcase to save my life.

So the case sits, and I avoid it. I've gotten all the important things taken care of (like the dirty laundry and toothpaste that might escape its tube) so what is the harm in leaving the rest? Even if only to open it up and remind myself of the fleeting, wonderful, magical, relaxing, perfect time that was had?

No harm in that.

9 comments:

your cousin said...

Sweetie I do the same thing. Exactly. No harm it in whatsoever.

xoxo

Unknown said...

OMG, I am the WORST at unpacking.

jennyonthespot said...

That's right girl. We sistas like that.

Kyla said...

Me, too! I never unpack. My bag sits around for weeks and then Josh finally does it for me when he gets sick of looking at it. LOL.

Momisodes said...

You are not alone.

The thought of laundry after being away makes me want to cry.

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

you sound like my husband. but he doesn't unpack cuz he's lazy lol. lately i've not been unpacking right away and i think it's for the reason you said...i hate to admit that the vacation is over :(

Karen said...

Sweet Jesus, I find receipts and mini-shampoos from trips I no longer even remember taking!
Unpacking is dull. Packing means a fun adventure at the end of it.
Unpacking just means laundry ;-)

debra said...

I always find myself unpacking and starting laundry the minute I walk back in from being gone. Now I'm worried about what that says about me!

OHmommy said...

I am still unpacking and I got back a couple days before you did. I loathe unpacking.