Packing.

This qualifies as an entry in Tour Diaries.

I am writing because I am frozen in horror; I have been all week. Readers of the last West Coast tour blog entries will probably remember how much packing stressed me out. It's worse this year. Last time, all I had to worry about was forgetting stuff. This time, I have that to worry about AND the fact that USAirways charges $100 for your third bag. JetBlue charges $75. OK. Rationally, their policies also say that you can have medical equipment and required medical devices. As long as you don't put anything else that is regular luggage in the same bag, you should be fine; I hope that that is the case because I have stuff. Which airport am I leaving from again?


So, at the risk of boring you, here's a check list. I mean, what do dancers take on tour?

Medical Bag:

Heating pad
Tennis balls
Therabands
4" tiny ball
Ice machine, hoses and ice cuffs.

Wheel Bag:

Rear wheels
Inner tubes
Bicycle pump
Tool kit

YAY Sportaid for making the wheelbag possible. This is a different move for me; usually, I take my dance chair and my regular chair. But my regular chair is trashed and at the menders.... Soooo. Dance chair and rear wheels it is.

Regular Bag:

Costumes
Costume undergarments
Make up -- makeup brushes, makeup remover
Toiletries -- hair, face, body
Rehearsal clothes
Regular clothes
Snacks
Tea bags
Coffee
Chocolate Espresso Beans
Something. Anything that reminds me that I am a human being.

Carry On Bag:

Coffee press mug
Water bottle
Computer -- charger, DVD drive.
Kindle -- charger
Phone -- can use kindle charger
medication --- OMG. Hope I have enough/haven't forgotten anything.
Gloves
Sunglasses
Earphones

I know which pieces we are performing. But in the stress of packing, I seem to need to go through our whole rep and remind myself that we haven't done this piece for 3 years -- I won't need the costume. And then, there's the fact that the costumes all have pieces -- headbands, bras. Do I have all the bits?

Our schedule quite clearly says that we have a finite number of rehearsals, master classes, and workshops. But how cold will the studio be? Will I need tights, legwarmers, scarves AND a sweater? Every day? Or just pack 2 or 3 in the hope that there will be some double duty?

Regular clothes. Can't wander around looking like an extra from FAME! Some clothes could, potentially do double duty. Which ones? Why? Something that makes me feel comfy? Something to sleep in; we share rooms -- I always forget this one. Will I be under/over dressed?

Toiletries. So many potions and lotions. But I don't want to look like a frizz machine; I like the way my shampoo smells. I need a comb. I did pack toothpaste, face moisturizer, face cleaner, body lotion, makeup remover, make up.

We always make a run to the grocery store when we get there, but somehow, things are always easier to buy at home. And often cheaper, too. Last year, I packed a corkscrew; this year, not drinking as much. I could buy a box of emergen-c, but I got a good deal on this pack. Fruit and perishables should probably be bought there, but I did pack some carrots, chocolate gluten-free granola, energy bars (which I could probably left at home), and some chocolate espresso beans. And some of my fave coffee and tea bags.

I have the schedule. It's online, too. I have my ticket. I don't have to dig the cat out of my down jacket -- it just looks wet and relatively warm-ish. A light coat will do. I have my gloves. I have my earphones. My sunglasses are at the ready.

My ride is due here in 40 minutes. Time to finish the last of the packing, double check.

Wallet, Cellphone, ID -- print the boarding pass --

Gosh. I hope it's OK.