The evening before going

Tomorrow I am going for a holiday. And it is the evening before.
It is supposed to be the best evening. Best because I have the whole holiday to look forward to.. An evening when I am excited and anticipating. All ready to enjoy and collect great memories.

Yet, at the same time it is the busiest. And this ‘busy’ part got added after I grew up. Phew :(

I remember the evening before going for a holiday as a little girl. Brother and I would be all bursting with excitement. And the packing and arranging part was for parents to do. After finishing all the chores that evening, they would only start packing late at night. And along with packing, another difficult task awaited them always. Putting us to sleep. Tiredness from a whole day of running around would not make us feel sleepy! We were giggling, excited and eager to watch the packing. The final preparation of our holiday.. I still remember the images. Brother and me would be lying in bed on our tummy, our chin resting on the wooden side bar (sometimes even our teeth!); and enthusiastically watching as parents arrange the dresses and other stuff inside the big open suitcases on the ground.

Alas, now packing is no more fun. Instead of keenly watching, now I am forced to do the ‘work’. Make list. Gather everything. Put all in bags. Think what things aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage. Make some alterations in the arrangement. Next comes the important part of arranging passport, documents, money etc in handbag. Of course, there are always last minutes items to put in. And considering how anxious I am by nature, I have to check and recheck everything several times.

I had already rather packed for the holiday. But still as I was thinking at work what I need to do after returning home, I remembered this short but tedious list.

Draw money from ATM on way home.
Put phone and camera into charging soon after reaching.
Pack and put in the shoes. Do not pack snickers. I will be wearing them for flight.
That reminds, take out a pair of socks to go with it. Ah, all are in bag already.
Put in the comb, cream and other necessary cosmetics.
Check for the already packed dresses (so that like last time I am not imagining I have some thinner pants when it is waiting at home nicely folded).
Take the medicines.
Arrange two bandaids for tomorrow (result of my bad fall on road).
Empty the workbag (there is no need of work swipe card, bus pass etc at the holiday) and put it in big suitcase.
Put in the phone, camera, and their chargers.
Put in insurance, ID and other documents (and a copy in each bag).
Check the passport.
Take air ticket.
Oh, in between squeeze in some time to call parents.
Take a shower and wash hair.
Of course, have dinner.

Ah, as I am writing this I am done with all except the last two. Good girl!
But ah, when did going for a holiday become so much work??!!

Oh, wait. And again I forgot! Change the address tags in the bags.
I have to check a few other things too. And recheck. And again.

Okay enough!! I better go.