My husband has announced that he’s leaving us. Tonight.
Okay, he’s only leaving for the weekend, but I thought that initial announcement made for a much more interesting opening line, no?
He’s actually heading up north with some other guys to a friend’s cottage. Try to guess what they’re going to do?
a) help fix a leaking roof
b) play a round of golf
c) drink more beer than I will likely drink in all of 2010 (and possibly 2011)
d) take the riding lawn mower for a spin
e) all of the above
I believe the answer is obvious.
And it’s all fine with me. In fact we’re hoping to get up to said friend’s cottage for a few days this summer with the boys, so “helping to fix the leaking roof” might just be what seals the deal on our invitation. And I get a quiet weekend at home with my boys out of the deal.
So last night he packed for his 3 night / 2.5 day excursion. It took him exactly 5 minutes. No, perhaps I’m being generous. It might have been closer to 4 minutes. 4 MINUTES! To pack for an ENTIRE weekend!
Do you have any idea how long this would have taken me? Probably as long as it would have taken you – because there’s lots to be considered, isn’t there?
First you have the weather. We’re in Ontario, so there can be a very wide variety of weather thrown our way over the span of 2.5 days. You need something for a hot sunny day at the beach, something for a cool rainy day spent lounging in the cottage and something warm for around the campfire at the end of the day that protects you from mosquitoes. Something that’s suitable for hiking. Something that’s suitable fishing. Something that’s suitable for going into town . . . there’s just so many scenarios. And of course things need to match. And be comfortable. And be cute. But not look like you’re trying too hard.
And of course I wouldn’t wear half of what I took. But I would have it with me just in case. Because I like to be organized and prepared for any and all cottage situations that may possibly arise.
THEN there’s all the different types of appropriate footwear. And hair & make-up. And first-aid related items. And stuff to do (like a good book, perhaps a movie or two, maybe a laptop with a wireless air-stick . . .)
THEN there would be the food - planning the menu and shopping for it.
It would take me HOURS to pack. He, on the other hand, apparently only needs one change of clothes, a toothbrush, a ball hat and 4 minutes.
I shudder to think of the state of him when he walks back through the door on Sunday. But I’ll be glad when he does.
In the meantime . . . girlie sleep-over party at my place Saturday night! Who wants to come?! (yes, I’ll have buttertarts)
Could you pack in 4 minutes? If you were coming to my sleepover Saturday night, what would you bring?
19 Responses to “How Long Would It Take You?”
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:15 am
I’ve actually gotten alot better at packing over the years. I no longer fill a suitcase full of clothes that end up not being worn. But 4 minutes, no…not a chance!
I’ll bring the wine to your sleepover!
Cher
Replied:
June 10th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
yes please!
June 10th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Four minutes?
What’s the matter? Couldn’t find his toothbrush?
June 10th, 2010 at 8:00 am
BUTTER TARTS. I am there!
Whenever I go away for a weekend it’s usually to a relative’s house and they already have food and all that stuff. So I guess it takes me maybe an hour to get everything together. It would probably take me less time, but I’m very disorganized and have to search for things.
June 10th, 2010 at 10:07 am
I wish I could come to your house! And not just for the buttertarts. We would have SO much fun!
Packing takes me no time at all because I literally pack like everything. When I go away for the weekend, I take enough clothes to last for at least a week. My husband thinks it’s ridiculous, but I just like to have options.
June 10th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I can’t even pack for a trip to the grocery store in 4 minutes and that only involves making sure I have my coupons and my phone in my purse! God bless men.
June 10th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I’ll be there!
Um. Also, it takes me at least 15 minutes to get ready to go to the damn gas station, so this 4 minute thing is crazy.
June 10th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I have gotten quicker in my packing. Only because I lose interest after a while and just wing it.
Take a picture of him coming back. I’m curious to see how he’ll look.
June 10th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I could never pack in four minutes. Unless your offer of a sleepover really stands, in which case I would give myself about that long to get to the airport. (Weekend away! In a foreign country!) I’d bring chocolate of varying darkness and an armload of useless celebrity information. Oh, maybe a George Michael mash-up, too.
Cher
Replied:
June 10th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
If you’re bringing all that, I’ll let you have the good sleeping bag!
June 10th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I’m like your husband. Maybe 5 minutes and I’m ready to go. I’ll pack one pair of jeans, three shirts, one skirt, my sneakers and flip-flops, a sweatshirt and plenty of ponytail holders. I’m done and ready to go.
Don’t hate me please….
June 10th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
JT packs in no time flat too. And what do you think he uses for his “travel bag”? A garbage bag. That’s right, he throws some clothes into a garbage bag and heads out the door. Sometimes the clothes are clean. Sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes he has 3 pairs of jeans and no t-shirts. Sometimes he forgets underwear. He always figures he can buy whatever he forgot or just go without it. Me…it takes me hours. I pack like you do….thinking of all the different situations and therefore different outfits I might need. I am always prepared and dressed appropriately though!
Cher
Replied:
June 10th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
A garbage bag? Seriously?!
June 10th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
My husband is a speedy packer as well. There is no way I can pack in a short amount of time because I have to try on every outfit that I pack. It’s ridiculous.
June 10th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Everytime we go on vacation I have to remind Pete that he can’t take just his bathing suit……shoes, clean underwear and perhaps a shirt are necessary. 4 minutes, NO WAY!!!
June 10th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
I would just bring my pjs and live in them. See I could wear them over and I wouldn’t even have to pack! Take that the only girls husband!
Cher
Replied:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
touche Brandy, touche.
June 12th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Ughhh I’m the queen of just in case. It takes me hours to pack for a weekend. Especially if there’s a high chance we’ll run into someone I know. Must always look cute!
Cher
Replied:
June 12th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Exactly!