After an eventful day making my way across the country, I’m finally here in Arlington, VA – ready to go for the FMC Policy Summit tomorrow. My flight out of L.A. was supposed to leave for Philadelphia at 1…a mechanical problem however meant that I got routed through Charlotte on a different plane. When I landed, this is the unfortunate message I received from Orbitz about all the other travelers I’d left in Cali:

US Airways flight 1418 is delayed. Departure from Los Angeles
International (LAX) is now estimated at 5:45PM. Estimated arrival
at Philadelphia International (PHL) is now 1:44AM. Please note
this does not change your original check-in time.

OUCH.

Anywhoo…here’s what made my day so much more flexible and so much less stressful.

Hello, my name is Rachel and I’m a light packer.

Okay…not really – I’m a horrible packer who usually needs choices, variety, eight pairs of shoes for a weekend (”what if we go for a walk? what if my feet hurt? what if I feel like ballet flats? heels? boots?? and don’t get me started on the weather!”), and a checked bag for five different types of hair products.

But this time I sacrificed the gel/serum/pomades/beach spray/mousse for easy handling and maneuverability (lord, that sounds like a car commercial). And I must say, I’m pretty happy with myself.

Is this the end of an outfit for every occasion?

No – probably not. But at least I’ll be able to say I could pack light…if I, you know…really wanted to.