The Art of Packing: Then and Now

Blog Status: Ella is excited for Washington!

Good Morning! It is a beautiful sunny day here, and I am sitting in the warehouse covering a co-workers desk because he's off sick. Everyone around here thinks I'm ever so helpful because I always volunteer to cover his desk or reception, but what they don't realize is that this gets me out of doing my actual work. It's free time to surf the net, go on facebook and blog - all while being paid!

The idea for this post came to me last night as I was frantically packing for my mini-trip to D.C tonight. I started thinking of what packing for a trip was like 10 years ago to now, and it really is amazing how many differences there are. We think our lives have gotten much simpler, but have they really?

10 Years ago..
My carry-on bag was stuffed with big bulky "CD Holders" and extra AA batteries for my "diskman"

Today..
Although all my music is now compiled onto one tiny iPOd, I do need to bring the associated charger, not to mention my PSP that I can't travel without even though it didn't even exist 10 years ago. Not to mention it's 2-part charger.

10 Years ago..
I would throw my 35mm film camera into my bag, one extra roll of "36 exposure film" and then buy extras at my destination

Today..
I have my small digital camera in its bulky protective case plus it's own 2-part battery charger

10 Years ago..
We all had actual plane tickets that took up "so much space" and everyone was thrilled when "e-tickets" came out

Today..
We all use "e-tickets" and without fail end up printing about 4 pages worth of travel information to go with it

10 Years ago..
We used calling cards or pay phones to stay in touch with loved ones

Today..
I feel empty without my cell phone constantly on, and consequently have to bring it everywhere I go which in turn creates the need for yet another charger

10 Years ago..
We bought post cards and "mailed" them off to show the world where you were

Today..
We still create post cards and "mail" them off - using facebook, e-mail and a giant laptop.

Need I say more?