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Laugh Lines

Case Clothed

By Pam Morton

I love to visit places—new places, exciting places, exotic places, historic places—sometimes even lame places if asked by my two teenage girls. (By the way, even the world’s largest prairie dog village can be interesting.) Since I enjoy these jaunts, I also enjoy planning them down to the most minute details.

Inevitably what to wear will make its way to the top of my well-charted and illustrated list. To be totally prepared, I must ask myself a series of questions:

• What will the temperature be: in the morning? midafternoon? evening?
• What do the women in that area wear: casual? formal? daytime? evening?
• Are there any fashion taboos: short sleeves? long sleeves? no sleeves?
• What jewelry should I take: real? costume? some? none?
• Which shoes: all-terrain? dressy? much-walking? some walking?
• What fabrics: lightweight? layered? thermal? fur-lined?

All of these questions must be taken into consideration before beginning the packing process. If I have teen girls accompanying me, I double the questions and increase my luggage by some algebraic equation that I have never quite figured out. However, I regain some space when traveling with males who usually only pack an extra pair of tube socks and some beef jerky.

Once I’ve selected my wardrobe, I include an extra pair of pants in case one gets ripped, an extra shirt in case I spill something, a light jacket for drafty rooms, a heavy jacket for sudden drops in temperature, a rain jacket for tropical climates, and, of course—additional underwear.

Finally, I must bring my clothes into submission within the suitcase. I find my clothing to be rather defiant at this point. Sitting and sometimes lying across the suitcase is the only way to convince their cooperation.

When the last latch is snapped, I have sweat pouring from my brow, but satisfaction knowing I am now prepared for anything. Hmmmmm… did I remember socks?

7 Tips for Travel

1. Research weather conditions for your destination via the Internet.
2. Choose fabrics that don’t require a lot of care once they’ve been unpacked.
3. If traveling by plane, divide your clothing into complete outfits between suitcases in case one is lost along the way.
4. Find out if laundry facilities are available. You’ll be able to pack less.
5. Coordinate your clothes so that they all require the same color of accessories.
6. Lay your clothes across the entire width of the suitcase for fewest wrinkles.
7. Pack a travel iron/steamer to freshen up clothes upon arrival.

PAM MORTON blends her experience as a composer's wife, mother of two fabulous girls, starving artist and “professional luncher” with her love for God to inspire women to use their creative giftings in meaningful ministry. With a Bible in one hand and a Diet Coke® in the other, Pam brings a fresh approach to Bible study and friendships. Pam and her cohort, Kathy Jingling, write Laugh Lines, one of Women’s Ministries free e-newsletters.

KATHY JINGLING