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With the spine and posture issues I am having, I thought it was wise to review what I carry to work with me. For years I have been aware that I lug around far too much wherever I am going. Why do I need a big rucksack plus a medium-sized handbag when I go to work? How much time do I realistically get to use all this stuff?
I am definitely a ‘just in case I need it’ kind of girl. Even if I am out walking, I have my iPhone to speak into or type notes – I’ve got quite good at typing whilst I am walking, which (although I am proud of) can’t be a good thing.
What do others say?
People I know are now coming out with comments such as “what’s that on your back?” and “what do you need two bags for – are you going away?” and so on. When attempting to sort out my bags yesterday, I started to explain to my partner what I needed to take to work and he said: “Why do you need a notebook. Won’t a piece of paper do?”…
I was horrified. A piece of paper? I thought. What if it got separated from other similar notes I had written, or worse still – got lost! Once I had taken a deep breath… I thought that maybe as a last resort (and to help my back for now) I could possibly write something down on a lonely piece of paper, but what would I use to lean on? I decided that my notes belong together in a notebook – preferably on acid-free paper if the notes are for keeps (which most of the time they are).
Streamlining the bags…
So, the task remains to be done tonight, because I still took far too much to work with me today and it’s not helping my back. Maybe I could put most items in my comfortable padded rucksack – thing like notebooks, books, magazines, leaflets I need to read, pens, pencils, makeup, laptop (occasionally), lunch (plus snacks for the day), train timetable, bus timetable and so on. Then I could get a lovely little handbag for my purse, phone, keys and train pass. How long do you think that would last for?
As a writer, do you have these same issues or do you travel light?
Until tomorrow…
Sandra
www.sandramadeira.com
My Writing Notebook 
Your post did make me laugh Sandra š
It reminded me of my friends handbag…..it’s so crammed with stuff she can never find anything, even her purse sometimes!
I’m quite organised in the bag stakes. I usually switch handbags to match my coat, ie I have black ones, brown ones, red ones. To be able to do that at 5 seconds notice I travel light.
Current contents: make up bag, purse, small pencil case, tissues, notebook, book I’m reading, hand cream, keys, mobile phone and spare lighter. If I’m going to a “Write in” for my writing group I slip my Netbook in and if I’m going to my writing class, I add a plastic folder….and that’s it! š
And even then hubby says he can never find anything in my bag when I ask him to pass my phone or purse lol
xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | February 28, 2012, 7:03 amI do sound like your friend – my actual purse itself is heavy, let alone the bag! I wish I could change over my bag in 5 seconds – it would probably take me half an hour. Thanks for the tips š
Posted by Sandra Madeira | February 28, 2012, 6:50 pm