What this week has felt like...

So I am moving to NYC and then becoming a traveling, performing vagabond for 6 months and I'm allowed one suitcase. One! They clearly don't know me at all! It's not that I have the fullest closet of any woman or that I'm the ultimate fashionista but ... kinda. I mean, a little? I pack a large case for a weekend. I like to be prepared! I like options! My kids call my theatre bag the "Mary Poppins" bag. Everything is in it. Need 4 colors of lipstick? It's in there. Need a safety pin, bobby pin, extra tights, duct tape, mic tape? It's in there. Need tea, ibuphrophen, tums, a band aid? It's in there. Need a snack, a coat rack, a ficus plant? It's in there! And that's just for a couple hours! This is 6 months! 6 months of on and off planes, trains, buses, subways, cold weather, hot weather, rehearsals, performances, whatever. How does this Mary Poppins pack for that in one case?

I did get some sufficient notice before leaving to shop for warm clothes (something this California girl has really never had to own) and luggage (tip- bigger bag isn't necessarily helpful as you can still only pack 50lbs in it even though it will fit like 100), do Christmas shopping and wrapping, put meals in the freezer so the fam doesn't starve or think that I'm just forgetting them, and actually do some research on this show and start learning Dorothy (my new alter ego). Its also been holiday time so there have been opportunities to see family and friends before heading out. Coffee and dinner and shopping with beautiful friends,

One last use of my Universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter pass

With my favorite Gryffindor and Ravenclaw...

Thanksgiving with family

Jordan Ann and Joe Martone, me, Phil, Kennedy and Carter.

Traditional Christmas candy making (My sister offered to host so my kids wouldn't miss out on it while I was gone through the Christmas season 'cause she's really awesome like that!)

Hand made candy with cousins and the new Doyle beeb bump! Auntie B's cheese tasting. Best traditions!

And finally we got to squeeze in the new season of Gilmore Girls with my girls just hours before boarding my flight. Thank you Netflix! This has been a staple in my girls growing up years (like many other moms and daughters of good tv taste). Most of our conversational references come from this show ("Oy, with the poodles already!" "Copper Boom!" "Only with my oxygen" etc.) or Friends, Parks and Rec, but def GG!

All in all the actual packing of the suitcase took maybe an hour but the leaving took three weeks. So, no, my life doesn't fit in a suitcase. Thank God! Thank God that I packed for 6 months away and still left a closet of clothes at home. Thank God that I have friends left at home supporting me. Thank God for family that don't fit in a case even though I'd love to bring them along. Thank God they have active, thriving lives where they are and we can be in touch constantly with technology whenever we want. In this month of being grateful, I'm grateful for all the things and people I have in my life that would so overflow a suitcase. There aren't enough suitcases. (Refer to Lovejoy photo. That's how I feel) Not everyone has this, I know. Ive happily packed as much of them and as much of me as I can carry in one Mary Poppins bag (OK, and a carry on). Grateful. Ready.

Kara Gibson-Slocum

My Life Doesn't Fit in a Suitcase