He packs for a trip v. what I pack for a trip

 Husband couldn't understand why it took me such a long time to pack for our trips. (usually to Florida to visit m y parents) He packed for himself, then checked that the car was working right. Done. 

I did a huge wash to make sure everything we wanted to pack was clean and ready. I packed for me. Packed for the children and supervised the packing by the older children for themselves. (clothing for sunny, warm Florida and clothing for the cold, drafty trip there and back.) I planned and packed snacks and various entertainments for the children. I discussed the route with him. I checked that the house was secure so we could be gone a week or so. I cancelled the mail.  

When it came to loading the car - he was unable to fit everything in. So I had to repack the car so that not only everything fit, but so that things we would need during the trip were accessible. Oh, and also pillows and blankets and favorite (small) stuffies for naps.

Last minute shopping

Some people plan ahead.

They shop for Christmas presents in July, have them wrapped by October and mailed by the end of November.

Not me.

Not my family.

My husband is still trying to think what to get.

My daughters say our presents are "in the mail" but may arrive after Christmas.

I have bought some family presents -- but didn't get them wrapped and mailed until this week.

This evening I got most all the presents for the people in town out from their various hiding places and counted them.  In so doing, I discovered another present I should have mailed.  And -- that I had probably overbought for the 8-year old (but nowhere near the amount she would have liked to get)  and had underbought for everyone else.

Darn.

I had thought I was done shopping -- but now I have to hit the stores this weekend with a new list of things that would be perfect for this or that person.  Crossing fingers and toes that they are still on the store shelves.

Are YOU done with your shopping and wrapping and mailing and decorating the house and....

-wendieO