Second Verse, Same As The First

Well, here we are full circle, back to just before the Grand Chapter session. By this time next week, I will have moved up to the next slot in this journey and will be starting out on another exciting year. I am all packed up and ready to move out in a couple of hours. Packing is what is top of my list today though. You know, I rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, all the way from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead, a bit over 300 miles in eight days, and everything I needed fit in a twenty-five pound duffel bag and a five pound day pack. Well, the duffel is in the car, but it is not alone. I had so much stuff to pack, for five days mind you and not eight, and truth be told, I am grateful that I can see out the back window. I've got a formal bag with a session dress, cocktail dress and installation dress. I've got another suit bag with a travel dress and a 15th Century Tudor with all required accoutrements. I've got the duffel with socks, underwear, sleepwear, make up, toiletries, pillows, etc. Then I've got tote bags, lots of tote bags. All I ask is that you don't call me a bag lady, okay, just because I've got: A legislative tote with the stuff I need on the floor of the session, legislative booklet, C&L, Red Book, Instruction Book, etc. A session tote with the stuff for this particular session, carrying piece, meal reservations, stuff for the state dinner, Secret Pal present, etc. A shoe and slip tote, with four pairs of shoes, petticoat and the other required undergarmets for all those dresses. A to do bag, with my IPod and GPS for the drive, snacks, and a book so that I can pretend that there will be a minute at some point to read, hah, hah! A computer bag with my computer and work stuff, since being out for three and a half days in a row means having to check e-mail and such. A hand cart, so that when I get there and there are no hotel carts, I am not having to bring everything up two items at a time. AND can you believe it, an entire flat of water. That at least I do not expect to bring back. WHEW! Now the only question in my mind is, what am I missing? I am leaving behind my two kitties, who have two helpers scheduled to take care of them for the next five days. And my contractor has the house, so I wonder what it will look like when I get home. Eeeek! The new linoleum goes into the laundry room today, but I won't see it until Sunday, so I hope they show up with the right kind. I am sure that I will remember what I am forgetting just as I pull up to the hotel. Wish me luck!