Packing for Our Trip

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1 and part 3!

Where do I even begin? Packing for me is worse than having to pack for a baby! I started with the most important thing first: my medication.

Packing process

Medications

I used a big tote for that to keep my meds separate from everything else. I packed my normal meds, a first aid kit, and meds that I just might need while I was there, including my extra on-hand prescription for prednisone and antibiotics, tums, ibuprofen, and extra vitamins besides my normal just in case we got Covid. Anything that I thought we may need, I brought.

Devices

Then came all the extra devices that I need. Those included: my oxygen concentrator, my portable oxygen concentrator, extra batteries and chargers, some oxygen tanks in case my portable broke down, a regulator for tanks, my C-pap, my nebulizer machine, extra cannulas, extra tubing, extra swivels for my tubing. In another tote, I packed my all-natural essential oils and diffuser, natural sanitizer spray, cleaner, and hand sanitizer I make myself because of all the chemicals in Lysol, etc.

Extra items

I packed a bag that I keep by my side in the car that has my daily meds, cough drops, mints, gum, kleenex, chapstick, hand sanitizer, extra inhaler, etc. I then packed my bathroom bag that had all my toiletries, sunblock, etc. I also packed my laptop to download pictures and to write any articles if I get the chance.

Different temperatures

Finally, I packed what clothes I thought I would need. It was tough trying to decide what to bring because we left in December from Illinois and headed west. We had many states to go through, which made for a mixture of temperatures. I packed a little for each season of weather. I tried not to pack much because I knew we could do laundry while we were away.

Loving and caring husband

My husband likes to pack early, way ahead of schedule, but I am the opposite. I like to do things last minute, the night before or the morning we leave for anything. I could never figure out why but I got to thinking that it’s probably because I have to use so much right up until the time we leave, so I want to be sure it’s left out to use before I pack it away.

I am so fortunate that I have such a loving and caring husband to help me pack and to go on this journey with. I don’t know what I would do without him. My scatterbrain keeps me off track, and he is good at helping me get back on. I would never dream of doing this trip without him. I enjoy the time that we spend together on the open road, laughing and talking about old times.

Back to Arizona

Now that we are all packed and ready to go, I look forward to our adventure. As I stated in part 1 of this series, it has been over thirty years since I have been back to Arizona and I’m really looking forward to it, especially taking all those back roads through Old Route 66.

Is there anything I’m forgetting? I would love to hear your feedback and see what you are sure to pack on your long trips.

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