It’s in the Bag
Most women have an extra appendage that is as natural to them as an arm or leg - their purse. And while there is such a phenomenon as a man-purse (or man-bag), women generally have a closer bond to this must-have handbag. We change it with the seasons, with the type of activity (formal versus grocery-store shopping) and with our mood (red for daring, black for dark and mysterious). For women, a purse marks their identity; it defines who they are.
With this in mind, I've come to realize my handbags always give me away as a mother. Maybe not at first glance; but, one peek into my bag and it becomes obvious I carry more with me than a wallet and a lipstick tube. My purse carries my life. Let me give you a glimpse inside. Note: I'm literally pulling things out one by one as I write.
- The extension cord for my Blackberry - This was greatest and worst purchase I've ever made. The best thing about it: I'm connected 24/7. The worst thing: I'm connected 24/7. Can you say addiction?
- A cover letter and children's story that my personal trainer gave me to read. His mother wants to get the story published so I said I'd read it to my kids and see what they think.
- Wallet - It has $5 in it and about 50 different types of cards (insurance, library, lifetime Weight Watchers card; why I need that in my wallet I have no idea).
- Checkbook with a doctor's prescription tucked inside, like that's a safe place
- My new prescription sunglasses in a HUGE case that looks like a school chalkboard eraser; I do look cool in the glasses though
- A diaper (with no wipes) - Not sure of the thinking behind this. I guess I thought it could be for an emergency, but without wipes it's fruitless. It could also serve as a tissue, if needed.
- A paycheck stub from last week unopened. Let's hope the figures haven't changed.
- A spiral notebook where I record everything I eat because my personal trainer "dared" me to follow a certain diet for 3 weeks. I'm on day 3 and I'm having doubts I can win the bet already.
- A sticky label from a 2010 calendar that has a friend's cell phone on it. We're supposed to walk tomorrow, but if it rains, I need to call her. Too bad I don't know how to add contacts in my Blackberry; I'm pretty sure it's more efficient then a sticky label. Although, I do have the instruction book for the phone in my purse too. Perhaps I should pull it out more.
- A bulletin used by my 4-year-old to doodle on during church, and then used by me to jot down the date of a birthday party my son has been invited to. Again, Blackberry knowledge would be helpful here.
- A pair of socks I took to the bowling alley last weekend so I could wear fashionable sandals to the lanes and then change into the not-so-fashionable bowling shoes.
- Two deli numbers from the grocery story. I guess I was greedy and wanted to make sure I got served quickly.
- Two ponytail holders to ensure hair doesn't get in anyone's face at inappropriate times
- A red crayon and several red pens
- A digital camera
- A movie stub from Julie & Julia, as well as one from Love Happens (I recommend both)
- A thumbdrive my husband has been trying to find for months
- Two tubes of lipstick (silverstone and entice), a tube of super lustrous lipgloss (pearl plum) and a tube of lip balm (black currant vanilla)
- An M&M necklace my mom gave to Ava the last time we visited; it was mine as a child; therefore, it looks about 30 years old.
- An empty container that carries my almond quota for the day.
Yes, believe it or not, this was all in my purse. There are days when it drives me crazy and I do a major cleanout. But, for the most part, my bag is a junk drawer on the go.
OK, I have to put everything back now; it's taking up too much room on my desk. Perhaps I'll keep the socks out. I don't want to get red crayon on them.