The Packing List Angel-Clare Linton, February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 The shoes The drink And let’s not forget the shimmer of hope. That one yellow dress that spins in circles as I hold it up to the sunlight of my bedroom. The dark blue jeans that actually have pockets big enough to fit my phone (and maybe my keys, depending on if it’s a good day). My phone My laptop My chargers My camera My camera batteries A fake smile (though bringing it is optional). Make sure to remind my boss I’m going on vacation and that “I’ll be away from my computer,” though I’ll most likely be on my laptop most nights as I watch the sunset. Don’t forget to walk with multiple SD cards. There’s a 50% chance I’ll lose one to three while packing, but I wouldn’t notice until I’m frantically looking for an SD card in my hotel room. But then it wouldn’t be until after my vacation that I’ll find them. Don’t forget to tell my co-workers I’ll be out of the office. I wouldn’t want them contacting me like I’m important. Make sure to finish that one project. I don’t want to do work on my vacation, after all. (Especially since I’m using up most of my unpaid work days anyway.) Jewellery Don’t forget to turn off roaming. Cash Oh yeah. I need to do that the day before heading to the airport. I need to rent a car. And I can’t forget to buy a physical map. You never know. Earphones to block out the world. Related Poetry