Off to the crazy person state, the middle finger to the rest of America, bright and early.
Every time I go on a trip these days I remember what it was like packing when I was younger for spring break. Tooth brush, id, some underwear, shorts, and tshirts in a bag, id, atm card, and a couple handles of cheap booze and maybe some acid or shrooms if I could score them in advance.
Now it’s like a fucking all day process with checklists and backup checklists and christ it is a pain in the arse.
I have never need a fucking vacation more in my life than right fucking now.
*** Update ***
I am going to fit right in with Florida Man. This no shave/no trim fuck it winter has been something.
War for Ukraine Day 321: Bakhmut & Soledar
randy khan)
Totally true about the checklists, and needing them. The last big trip I went on I somehow forgot my nice camera, although the iPhone did a pretty good job in its stead.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
checklists are essential
on an unrelated topic: Anybody see that commercials where they make fun of people for doing and saying perfectly normal common-sense things and ask “are you turning into your parents?”
why are those supposed to be funny?
ETA: John Cole, don’t forget to print out the directions. You might want to make a second copy and paper clip it to appropriate page in your road atlas
David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch
It’s 106 miles to Chicago.
We got a full tank of gas,
half a pack of cigarettes,
it’s dark, and we’re
wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
Lord Fartdaddy (Formerly, Mumphrey, Smedley Darlington Mingobat, et al.)
Well, buen viaje.
gwangung
Checklists.
Yeah, checklists….
Westyny
Look out, Florida! Here come West By God Virginia Man . . .
Omnes Omnibus
Just throw some shit in a bag and go. If you forget something, buy it. Florida has stores.
Jackie
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: Absolutely! Plus email to yourself!
Park Pgirl
You’re looking very blonde. Like a disgruntled Swedish dairy farmer.
oatler
Sort of a William M Gaines look.
Jackie
“House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) agreed to release all security camera footage of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as part of a backroom deal he made with far-right Republicans to get them to step aside and allow him to be elected Speaker, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is claiming.” Per CNN.
Tell me why this is a bad thing.
satby
yep, that’s what I do. Most people way overpack.
And John, be nice to little kids who think Santa is on vacation.
Park Pgirl
Weather Channel and Fox News are tracking Hurricane Cole’s path.
Feathers
At some point during my ADHD journey, I realized that the things I could do well were things I was taught in childhood, especially from my Girl Scout years. I still use the packing method we were taught for camping trips:
I may forget other stuff, but I have the clothes down.
I set up a kit in the guest bathroom at my parent’s house with soap, toothbrush, and my shampoo brand, so that I didn’t have to worry about packing that and getting it past the TSA when going home for the holiday. Then it disappeared when they remodeled the bathrooms. My mother says she didn’t toss it, but she did say she wondered what it was. Despite it being clearly labeled in Sharpie what it was. Sigh. Trip to Target. Now they are in assisted living. I hope my sister has it. Didn’t think to ask until this moment. Probably another trip to the Virginia Target will be in order. I’ll bring a toothbrush.
Came up with this when I read a list of timesaving tips in Oprah magazine that included buying duplicates of all your personal care and beauty products for each of your houses so you don’t have to pack them when you travel. Laughed my ass off, but damned if I didn’t realize while home visiting my folks that having a dopp kit at their house would make my life easier. Also started keeping a compete makeup kit at work, so I didn’t need to have more than a lipstick in my bag. The work makeup kit was stuff I had replaced because I found something I liked better, didn’t buy new stuff.
Anyway, have a great time in Florida and remember that they have Target (or your fave box store) down there as well.
Hungry Joe
Beard looks GOOD.
(Says the guy who’s had a beard for 51 years.)
frosty
I downloaded an app called Packing List. I used to have a printed list but it got a little dated (e.g. camera/film; Walkman/tapes). I used Packing List to set up sub lists for type of trip and sub-sub-lists for items. Then started filling it in as I packed for the next couple of trips. I don’t forget anything any more and I don’t have to remember anything.
Lists: Days/Weekends; Vacation; Camping
Sublists (Days/Weekends): Day Trip, Weekend, Hiking, Biking
Sublists (Vacation): House, Car, Documents, Clothes, Hobbies
etc etc etc
And true, there are always stores. but you may not want to have duplicates of stuff.
Omnes Omnibus
@frosty: I can’t live like that.
frosty
@Feathers: Several years ago I put together a “shower kit” with duplicate toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. When we travel I don’t have to go through and pick out everything i need, just throw the kit in the duffel bag. It eliminates one part of packing that I don’t need to do.
frosty
@Omnes Omnibus: To each his own. I can’t live with the anxiety of trying to remember stuff.
ETA: Didn’t mean to hog the thread. Carry on everyone!
SiubhanDuinne
@Hungry Joe:
I can’t speak for other people, but personally I adore beards on men. The vast majority of the time, beards are an improvement on the basic face (my late ex used to say that he grew a beard in order to cover “a multitude of chins”).
Montanareddog
@Omnes Omnibus:
We rarely visit the Gobi desert, so I tend to make similar observations to my wife when she asks me, once again, to sit on her suitcase so she can close it. I mean, how many pairs of shoes are needed for a weekend away?
And, Jeez, the pharmacopeia of OTC drugs she takes, “just in case”
satby
@frosty: wow. My gob is smacked.
My friend and travel buddy is just like you; and I’ve gone on two week trips to third world countries (in my 60s, not my 20s) with only a regular backpack and messenger bag as luggage. Strangely, we never have a problem on the road though our approaches are diametrically opposite.
CaseyL
One tip I learned long ago that has stood me in good stead: use plastic bags or packing cubes to separate the types of clothing you’re taking. Underwear and PJs in one bag, pants in another, shirts in yet another, etc. The bags save you pawing through the entire suitcase looking for a shirt. (Throw in an extra bag for laundry.)
Noskilz
Safe travels and have fun!
Peke Daddy
@Jackie:
They actually thought that would be helpful in some way, with identification of rioters by the FBI lagging and possible incrimination of their own caucus? High on their own supply.
mrmoshpotato
@Jim, Foolish Literalist:
Hahaha!
ChiJD Doug
I am a lawyer, and not a trained psychologist, but Mr. Cole, I suspect your Id, like your ego and superego is always with you.
Roger Moore
@Jackie:
My guess is he isn’t going to release it to the general public; he’s going to release it to the Representatives who asked for it. They’ll turn it over to some hack who will selectively release parts of it they think will make them look good. It’s what Republicans do.
mrmoshpotato
@Feathers:
Oprah, about this each of your houses thing…
Roger Moore
@frosty:
It’s far better to have duplicates than none at all. One thing I’ve done is to put together a travel toiletries kit I can just grab and go. It has travel sized toothpaste, shaving cream, etc. so it doesn’t take up too much space and can easily pass through security at the airport. It even has a different toothbrush from the one I normally use so I don’t have to pack. Yes, this involves some duplication, but it means I have have a travel kit that’s ready to go on short notice and I don’t have to worry if I forgot something.
NaijaGal
Drive safe!
On a different topic, the sixth annual Shkreli Awards have been announced by the Lown Institute. The Shkreli Awards expose the “worst examples of profiteering and dysfunction in healthcare, named for the infamous “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli.”
This year’s awardees include a dentist who broke patients’ teeth on purpose to bill for expensive crowns, a hospice CEO who told employees to hasten patients’ deaths to avoid caps on government reimbursements, and a non-profit healthcare system that sent patients who qualified for financial assistance to debt collectors instead.
Capitalism and healthcare can be a toxic mix.
Westyny
@Jackie: It’s a bad thing if Cletus and his pals can see where staffers hid and which avenues of escape where taken by House members.
mrmoshpotato
@NaijaGal: I hope there are lawsuits being filed soon.
cain
To be proper florida man, you need that leatherly skin .. and no wrap around sun glasses? for shame. Have a great trip!
cckids
@SiubhanDuinne: I agree! I talked my husband into growing one by telling him that, as he hit 60, he was looking just like his mother.
Sister Golden Bear
For international travel, I created a Google Doc packing list a number of years ago. A bit of a pain the first time, but it’s easy to tweak each trip depending on destination and weather. (I don’t bother for domestic trips.)
I find it useful because:
It reduces the amount of thinking I need to do about what to bring.
Reminds me to bring things that might not be quick and easy to replace on the road (ask me how I know).
If luggage gets lost, I’ve got a ready-made list to file a claim (I include serial numbers for iPhone, tablet, camera, etc.)
When I return, I review it to see what I can skip bringing or slim down next time, as well as anything I should add next time. (E.g. I learned the hard way to bring along some assorted bandaids in different sizes.)
I generally pack on the light side, but do include a small amount of “just in case” items for overseas, e.g. one of those travel-sized rolls of duct tape, some safety pins, a 10-foot length of nylon cord. Only had to use them once, but they were invaluable for repairing a suitcase that got damaged by the airline. Don’t bother for domestic trips, since I can buy them if needed.
NotMax
As in creatures from the?
And two of them no less! Always prudent to have a back-up.
:)
P.S.: Enjoy the citrus.
NotMax
@mrmoshpotato
Can speak from experience that the Los Angeles and the Manhattan offices of the director Otto Preminger were as much exactly the same as possible. Same furnishings, same carpet, same color walls, same tchotchkes.
Only had the opportunity to visit with him once in the NY office but subsequently saw photos of the one in L.A..
Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism
@Jim, Foolish Literalist:
Hmm, the ones I remember were totally cringe-inducing.
The guy who was hovering over the plumber and trying to give “helpful suggestions”.
The group who were discussing the parking at a football game and when the best time to leave would be, while they were walking into the stadium before kickoff.
Any of the ones involving accosting complete strangers with advice.
piratedan
yeah, yeah yeah….. but have you seen who shops at the stores of Florida? Florida Man and Woman do… and with that, I rest my case…..
Amir Khalid
@cckids:
I grew a beard simply because I was lazy and wanted to quit shaving.
frosty
@satby: Two week trips for me pack down to a duffel/backpack and a day pack. Five-month cross-country trips in a camper are a little more involved.
That’s why there’s so many lists. Just pick the ones you need!
frosty
@CaseyL: Packing cubes are great! I think it was Mnemosyne who sold me on them.
another commenter I miss
frosty
@Roger Moore: I do the same thing.
mrmoshpotato
@NotMax:
Multiple offices, even for a small company, isn’t unheard of.
frosty
@Sister Golden Bear: Apollo 13 needed duct tape halfway to the moon!!
/checks/ is that in my lists?
Hoppie
“the crazy person state, the middle finger to the rest of America”
I’ve always called it the limp dick state.
Cathie from Canada
@Roger Moore: Its sorta a down trip, I know, but having a toiletries bag all packed is also very useful for a trip to the hospital!
It is very disconcerting to try to figure out what to pack for a hospital stay, and having everything ready to go would be a stress reliever (ask me how I know this)
opiejeanne
@piratedan: I haven’t yet gotten over seeing stuffed alligators for sale at a well-known chain drugstore in Orlando. So Florida.
Bruce K in ATH-GR
Given that I’m in Europe and the most important person in my life is in the US, I do a lot of transatlantic travel. The self-contained toiletries kit is a must (although I need to replace my travel shaver), but I’ve also taken to leaving a month’s supply of medicine at her place. The real pain in the neck is packing a CPAP, which I am not leaving to the tender mercies of baggage handlers.
NotMax
@opiejeanne
Couldn’t help being reminded of this short interchange.
;)
Tony Jay
Generate all the lists you want, Cole. You know, I know, we all know, thirty miles outside of Savannah, Georgia, twelve roadside diner visits into your jaunt, you’ll look down and realise the only pants you brought with you are the heavily patched ‘Manilow on the Beach – 1984‘ short-shorts you were wearing the morning you left.
Gvg
The most important thing not to forget is your prescriptions.
In this time of Covid shopping for replacements means ick germs, but most places do have curbside pretty much permanently now which for a not really social person anyway (me) can be nice. Target does it better than Walmart IMO. If you forgot something but know what you want, don’t stress, you can get it without getting germs. Even in Florida.
Go to the beach on weekdays when most people are at work and go for long walks in the sun. When the wind blows on the sand, that small whistle sound makes your stress go away. Also check out hikes at the many state parks. Again weekdays are less crowded. You see more wildlife, fewer people. Soothing. Get your friends advice on local stuff not as well known. Given your reaction to sunlight shortage in winter, you need sun. Weather has been quite mild lately. I think you will appreciate it.
Nukular Biskits
Would love for you to come to MS Gulf Coast … wait … I wouldn’t inflict that on my worst enemy.
In all seriousness, I-10 and below in MS is relatively moderate compared to the rest of MS (except around college towns). That’s a low bar, to be sure, though.
“When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Mississippi because it’s always 50 years behind.”
Manyakitty
Are you bringing the caftan?
zeecube
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen.
kalakal
My packing decreased by 70% when e-readers were invented. I can never be without something to read and I read a lot so most of my luggage was books. These days my phone covers that. Why, it’s like a load has been lifted from me
evodevo
@Peke Daddy: yes…the Dems need to make sure that whatever footage the traitors get, it gets seen by EVERYONE, and there are precautions to keep the orcs from destroying any of it and saying “what footage?!?
Elizabelle
Is Thurston packing? Or is he being packed off to a pet sitter?
Doggo could start a Florida man incident. Or, could be his own crazy little self and enliven the trip.
Chief Oshkosh
@ChiJD Doug: Well, he does need to bring his I.D., too.
Dorothy A. Winsor
@evodevo: Maybe they’re hoping to spot antifa urging on the crowd. Or the FBI doing that
Paul in KY
Might get a book out of this. Please keep notes. Best wishes on your vacay!
Paul in KY
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: The early ones were funny, I thought. The last few are getting into Jump-The-Shark territory.
Miss Bianca
@David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch:
I just had to see that again. Somehow, that one just never gets old.
Starfish
Are you going to get to see Betty Cracker, or will she be too far away?
Geminid
@Nukular Biskits: Fort Pickens, across Pensacola bay from the city, is a nice place to visit. It’s near the top of my list of campgrounds (it’s paert of the Gulf Islands National Seashore). It’s about 4 1/2 hours southwest from Atlanta.
Pendacola seems like a nice place also. If I ever get back to Fort Pickens I want to spend some time there.
Paul in KY
@Tony Jay: Gee, I hope not.
Paul in KY
@Nukular Biskits: I spent some time in Biloxi. Only town 15 miles wide and 3 miles deep. Had some nice catfish houses.
Paul in KY
@Geminid: Make sure you go to the national seashore park that is just East of Pensacola Beach. A little slice of Florida as it was before the white man came.
Geminid
@Paul in KY: Thanks for the tip! I hope to visit my Atlanta friend this March and may be able to make a side trip to Pensacola. Fort Pickens is not very primeval. Besides the big brick 19th century fort, there are 20th century concrete casements for big guns, and other fortifications. Lots of beach, though. About 7 miles on the Gulf side, a similar stretch on the bay side.
Paul in KY
@Geminid: As you exit Pensacola Beach East on road that gets you to the park, you will pass miles of completely uninhabited seashore before you get to the park gates. If you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can just park your car on side of road and walk out to a completely uninhabited beach. Get behind a big sand dune & you can run around naked or whatever. Once you are in the park, you can only park in designated areas. I hope you go!
WaterGirl
@Amir Khalid: I was not picturing you with a beard!
leeleeFL
@Jackie: this sounds like one of those “be careful what you wish for” situations. Can the FSM really love us that much? A girl can dream!
leeleeFL
@satby: My first thought was that Floridians would think Santa was on vacay!
TerryC
@kalakal: Sigh. I can remember the days when I would toss 6-8 books into my bag.
C Stars
Happy Trails, John!
Tony G
@Peke Daddy: They probably believe their own propaganda. Maybe there will be a video of Nancy Pelosi leading Antifa agents who have changed into Trump-supporter outfits? Since there will be no such video, maybe they can crudely edit the real video. These people are nuts.
Mo Salad
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: The one where he chastised the guy for trying to organize the line so that IT’S NOT FUCKING BLOCKING EVERYTHING?
I’m that guy. Fuck you, GEICO.
billcinsd
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: why are those supposed to be funny?
Because many people swore they would never become their parents, and as they age they start to become their parents
billcinsd
Woops. double post as the previous one did not show as having posted
Kayla Rudbek
@Westyny: yes, I was going to say something like that