In a few brief sister mercy is it ever brief days, Bossy and her family will depart for their annual camping trip. You would think Bossy and her husband would remember what to pack by now since they’ve been repeating this same vacation year after year sister mercy after so many years, but no.
In terms of clothes, Bossy has one guideline when packing for her camping trip: nothing cute. Time after time sister mercy after even more time and then more time, Bossy dupes herself into bringing cute new shorts or her favorite dress only to sit in a pile of melted marshmallows five minutes after setting up.
In terms of the stuff necessary for camping, Bossy keeps most of it packed and stored in the basement from one year to the next, but over the weekend Bossy’s husband located a camping website online and printed out their list to ensure nothing important gets left behind.
At first glance, the website’s packing list makes all the sense in the world:
Aluminum foil, good one. Trash bags, yes, Bossy always forgets these.
Yes, this would seem to handle all of the condiments necessary for dipping a bar fry. Good job. But this is when the camping website packing list gets a little wonky:
Bossy can sum up her packing-for-camping experience this way: Dump the hamper into the suitcase. Bug spray, bug spray.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you list some of the things you pack when going away?
And don’t forget to check back later today for the listiest comments on the web.
If you missed the last Ten-Word Challenge, press this link to see how Bossy’s commenters described their thirteenth birthday and transition into the teen years.
David says
July 28, 2009 at 11:14 amContact lenses, underwear, phone charger, nail clipper, toothbrush, my troubles.
Jenni D. says
July 28, 2009 at 11:14 amWhite-noise machine, tylenol p.m. (me); kiddies’ ibuprofen, loveys (them)
BOSSY says
July 28, 2009 at 11:18 amPack from toes to head: shoes, socks, skirts, belts, blouse, etc.
corrie says
July 28, 2009 at 11:18 amAsthma inhaler, moisturizer and my pillow (if possible) or then just my pillowcase.
BOSSY says
July 28, 2009 at 11:25 amIf plane travel: too many small tubes of beauty crap.
Almudena says
July 28, 2009 at 11:26 amHair dryer, make-up, heels. I rough it at the Marriott.
Ariel says
July 28, 2009 at 11:30 amWhat is the website for the camping list?
Mascara, wine, gin and tonic water, potato chips, marshmallows, Advil.
Yes. I have priorities. I wear mascara when camping.
BH says
July 28, 2009 at 11:35 amPocketKnife, Matches, Wits.
MacGUYver
BOSSY says
July 28, 2009 at 11:35 amIf she’s traveling to BlogHer, Bossy packs a back-up liver.
janice says
July 28, 2009 at 11:37 amAs long as I have money, I will be okay.
krg says
July 28, 2009 at 11:38 amwhen travelling by car I must always pack my featherbed.
TanyaK says
July 28, 2009 at 11:38 amUtah hiking trip. Packed only dress shirts?! Went shopping immediately.
Kate says
July 28, 2009 at 11:40 amChapstick, TP, coffee, flannel, bug spray, a sense of humor.
Bobbie says
July 28, 2009 at 11:41 amOur motto: “if it fits in the suitcase, it goes.”
Kirsten says
July 28, 2009 at 11:41 amXanax, winelets, ipod with relaxation music, four books, kid pix.
chiquita says
July 28, 2009 at 11:41 ammy squishy pillow. can’t sleep without it.
Hokie Deb (www.WebSavyMom.com) says
July 28, 2009 at 11:51 am–>Child, husband, dogs, blackberry, charger, book, beer, and bathing suit.
http://www.WebSavyMom.com
hollygee says
July 28, 2009 at 11:52 amGo somewhere away from home? As in travel some place?
Love the creative spelling ‘spatchula’.
Stacey Ball says
July 28, 2009 at 11:54 amFor camping: Skipbo, book, hammock and all alcohol in site.
vuboq says
July 28, 2009 at 11:54 am5 socks. No underwear. 15 shirts. Nothing matches. Drunk packing.
Michele says
July 28, 2009 at 11:57 amA ridiculously large bag of toiletries. Too many clothes. And a book.
Audubon Ron says
July 28, 2009 at 12:00 pmI never go away; I forget to make a list.
Audrey at Barking Mad says
July 28, 2009 at 12:02 pmXanax, bug spray, cell phone, far too many clothes.
Marjorie of Connecticut says
July 28, 2009 at 12:08 pmDomestic: trail mix. Overseas: money belt. Both: quick dryng underwear.
Reeb says
July 28, 2009 at 12:09 pmCarry-on stocked as if we’ll spend four days on tarmac.
Reeb says
July 28, 2009 at 12:10 pmPillowS. Europe: travel VERY light. U.S.: take everything I own.
KM says
July 28, 2009 at 12:10 pmnever camped but for other travel;
good book, corkscrew, underwear, sense of humor, eye mask. Bliss….
Debby says
July 28, 2009 at 12:11 pmCruise every year, follow my spreadsheet and I am packed!
Debby says
July 28, 2009 at 12:12 pmAir travel: Xanax and $ for drinks. Kindle a necessity
Blairie Lou Hoo says
July 28, 2009 at 12:20 pm1. Journal.
2. Toothbrush/paste.
3. Contacts/Glasses.
4. Deodorant.
5. Lexapro.
6. Undergarments.
7. Swim Suit.
8. Flip Flops.
9. Ipod.
10. Blankie.
Summertime says
July 28, 2009 at 12:27 pmWhy do I always forget: contact solution, tweezers, sunscreen, hairties?
k says
July 28, 2009 at 12:31 pmbeer, church key, sunscreen, clothes, more stuff for family too
Liz says
July 28, 2009 at 12:43 pmPlan outfits carefully. Then add entire contents of closet. Indecisive!
Little Miss Sunshine State says
July 28, 2009 at 12:44 pmAntidepressants, Aromatherapy
iPod, Book, Camera
Curly Hair Products,
Too many clothes
Dree says
July 28, 2009 at 12:53 pmSnacks, booze, snacks, booze, snacks, booze, snacks, booze, Off!, satinpillowcase :)))
Jennifer says
July 28, 2009 at 12:54 pmclothes and shoes all around, food, drinks- forget the frown.
chocolate and whine says
July 28, 2009 at 12:58 pmAll items from closet and bathroom. And all electronics, too.
Smalltown Mom says
July 28, 2009 at 1:01 pmDo not put the corkscrew in your carry on bag.
ZDub says
July 28, 2009 at 1:07 pmI make my husband pack everything, can’t neglect my drinking.
Krazy Kitty says
July 28, 2009 at 1:16 pmPassport, visa, I-20, birth control, plug adapters, chargers, camera, antacids.
Martie says
July 28, 2009 at 1:17 pmPanties. Vodka. Soft pillow. Asprin. Bug Spray. Toliet Paper. Stud.
TanyaK says
July 28, 2009 at 1:25 pmUtah – $70 gin. Stopped at Costco on way to airport.
TanyaK says
July 28, 2009 at 1:26 pmDo you know they sell beer by the CAN in Utah?
Emily says
July 28, 2009 at 1:39 pmextra bag for new purchases from american stores like Target!
Fabs says
July 28, 2009 at 1:43 pmsleeping mask, earplugs, and moisturizer.
Have the T-shirt says
July 28, 2009 at 1:43 pmphone charger, laptop charger, can you tell I don’t camp?
Cactus Petunia says
July 28, 2009 at 1:56 pmSketchbook, watercolors, brushes, pens, camera, battery charger, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush.
Oh, shoot. Forgot the corkscrew!
wendi says
July 28, 2009 at 2:03 pmnew rules. forgot. scissors. hubby stopped. loose tampons upon opening.
kmkat says
July 28, 2009 at 2:27 pmI did a double-take at the photo — looks remarkably like where I have spent several weeks already this summer. Our pop-up camper is a little smaller, though.
Camping, in order of how I pack: knitting project(s), books, iPod loaded with audiobooks, corkscrew, my own personal pillows (2), down comforter (none of those nasty confining sleeping bags for me), earplugs, dog tie-outs, my meds.
dgm says
July 28, 2009 at 2:29 pmEspresso pot, Peet’s coffee beans, my own pillow, neti pot.
Jen W. says
July 28, 2009 at 2:33 pmGood knife, cutting board, all the books I can carry.
Suzanne says
July 28, 2009 at 2:51 pmiphone, netbook, journal, vanity fair, book, toothbrush, underwear, swim suit, sweater
sugarpie says
July 28, 2009 at 3:22 pmbook, floss, spf70, underwear, socks, $, my soap, equilibrium, librium.
Well Read Hostess says
July 28, 2009 at 3:27 pmearplugs, advil, anti-anxiety meds, hemlock in case it gets really hairy.
sugarpie says
July 28, 2009 at 3:31 pmAfter first airline luggage loss, always surprised when it isn’t.
Kathy from NJ says
July 28, 2009 at 3:34 pmBring half the clothes and twice the money
(Stu Leonard)
Amelia says
July 28, 2009 at 3:36 pmCamping in Arkansas in July = massive sunburn. SPF 10000000000!
anne marie in philly says
July 28, 2009 at 3:39 pmclothes, knitting, book, folding umbrella, rain poncho, bedtime bear, medications.
PS – yes, I DO sleep with a small teddy bear, TYVM. LOL
Jennifer says
July 28, 2009 at 4:53 pmearplugs, sleeping pills, ipod, sleep socks, secret cigarettes, chapstick, pix
DebbyABQ says
July 28, 2009 at 5:04 pmFood, wine, too many clothes, hiking boots, a good book!
Domestic Goddess (in training) says
July 28, 2009 at 5:15 pmCamping gear for husband and kids, hotel reservation for me.
Biddy says
July 28, 2009 at 5:24 pmas little as possible. biddy & heavy suitcases don’t mix
lauren says
July 28, 2009 at 5:36 pmlist of everything i packed (so everything makes it home).
Sue V. says
July 28, 2009 at 5:37 pmCamping…hahaha….camping here consists of kids and Dad pitching a tent in the back yard. List for that:
tent, flashlight, sleeping bags, pillows, Dad, kids.
List for me: Girly movie and a bowl of ice cream.
Maureen in IL says
July 28, 2009 at 6:02 pmLots of camping = lots of wine. Nothing else matters.
kay says
July 28, 2009 at 6:27 pmI don’t camp, but books go everywhere. I’m boring.
Texas Susan says
July 28, 2009 at 6:58 pmMacBook, iPhone, D300, lenses, book, clothes, maybe kids, possibly husband
Grace says
July 28, 2009 at 7:39 pmiPod. Credit card. Epi-Pen. Inhaler. Everything else is optional.
Reeb says
July 28, 2009 at 8:04 pmWe “camp” on our leetle boat. It stays stocked! Nice.
(Except for wine which comes along in plentiful quantities, and books that we read while drinking said wine, and food that we consume in mass quantities, and my pillows.
sorry.
Couldn’t restrain myself to ten.)
Bossy will you tell us more about Blogher some time?
Michelle says
July 28, 2009 at 8:17 pmWhen I go on vacation I pack on the pounds.
The Zadge says
July 28, 2009 at 8:58 pmI travel nude. makes going through security a lot faster
Ruth says
July 28, 2009 at 9:08 pmMake up bag, moisturizer, water pills, vitamins, undies, Nightgown, toothbrush, robe, Deordorant and a decent book.
Catherine McP says
July 28, 2009 at 9:18 pmDont camp outdoors anymore, icechest, beer, swimsuit, flipflops, dress, JWMarriot’s.
Used to love camping. Now just love priceline 4star resorts!
The Mister says
July 28, 2009 at 9:36 pmAll the band’s gear and clean socks for the roadie.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
July 28, 2009 at 10:31 pmWhen I travel I pack a keen sense of adventure.
suzi says
July 28, 2009 at 10:31 pmPacked for family. Forgot own underwear. Washed and wore daily..
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
July 28, 2009 at 10:31 pmA keen sense of adventure usually means I forgot underwear.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
July 28, 2009 at 10:33 pmForgetting underwear when camping with no shower is not recommended,.
Happily Employed Susan says
July 28, 2009 at 11:19 pmThe small fan that is pointed at my face as I stand at the bathroom mirror gets packed first.
queenoqueens says
July 29, 2009 at 12:48 amAlcohol. So I could deaden senses to horrible camping conditions.
Sallie says
July 29, 2009 at 3:32 amLive in an RV. Take it all along with us!
tina de luxe says
July 29, 2009 at 4:30 amas you can see, ten words is hardly enough for anyone.
Sven says
July 29, 2009 at 4:59 amClinique, hair product, and (clean pants x days away) +1.
tina de luxe says
July 29, 2009 at 8:56 amtinas (not that) little sis says security blanket, security blanket.
Mary Alice says
July 29, 2009 at 9:11 amKettle, french press, hand bean grinder, cups, pillow and blanket.
sherry says
July 29, 2009 at 9:25 amPack as if never returning because you just never know…
TLB says
July 29, 2009 at 10:12 amalcohol, onesies, noise machine, bathing tarp, sunscreen, books books books
Gette says
July 29, 2009 at 10:49 amJust camping anew, list evolving: off, swimsuits extra dry stuff!!
foolery says
July 29, 2009 at 2:33 pmI took a piano to Blogfest, oh yes I did.
Cindy says
July 29, 2009 at 7:47 pmRum, whiskey, tequila, margarita salt, can cozies, ibuprofen, ’nuff said.
lori says
July 29, 2009 at 8:43 pmCamping…
sleeping bags, pillows, charcoal, propane lanterns, food, books, ipod, swimsuits, dogs, husband/beer
janet says
July 30, 2009 at 7:29 amTake camping: Cats, ferret, pregnant gerbil, potted plants (not kidding.)
janet says
July 30, 2009 at 7:32 amBring home from camping: Cats, ferret, 9 gerbils, potted plants.
janet says
July 30, 2009 at 7:36 amI’d take the family, too, but not enough words allowed..
janny226 says
July 30, 2009 at 9:41 amI was thinking I’d just say money, but now I’m too freaked out that someone else who is also named janice already said exactly that.
A week ago I was packing money, a cute dress, and my BlogHer conference confirmation. None of which I needed. Fortunately, I also packed the granny panties and the ugly long dress, because I did need them. Let’s just say it’s a long story that shall remain untold for everyone’s benefit.
Sofia says
July 30, 2009 at 4:41 pmMedicine, medicine, support socks, extra underwear, computer, ipod, book, metal water bottle.
Cupcake Murphy says
August 3, 2009 at 10:41 pmToo many bras and twelve back issues of Oprah.