Scotchgard and Glycerin

So with 13 days left to go, the panic is beginning to set in. Phone calls are exchanged regarding two primary topics: Packing and Glycerin.

Packing

This week I purchased a 30" duffel bag. "And for my next trick, I will attempt to pack enough items into said bag to last for three weeks, while remaining under the 51 lb weight limit per bag for airline travel within Europe." I attempted a "test-pack" session and I believe I can pack enough clothes for 6 days. Now my parents believe that there is a laundromat around every other corner and that we will be able to wash our clothes on a regular basis. As I have friends who have lived and traveled throughout Western Europe who state otherwise, I am less hopeful.

In desperation, I went to Target the other day, because I knew target would have a solution for me. I looked at the label of Scotchgard to try and figure out if coating my clothing in it would prolong the wearability of my clothing. Do I coat both the outside and inside? Can it be applied directly to my skin? How long will it last? Will it react with my daily Febreezing of my clothes? My decision was made when I read further down the label to the ingredients and warnings, which indicated a possible cancer risk. After a moment of ambivalence, I finally backed away and resigned myself to the possibility of being odoriferous.

Glycerin

As for the other topic for today... Apparently, Glycerin is a substance that will immediately ensure that your bags are ransacked by searched. Also, Glycerin is in everything, shampoo, lotion, make-up so packing without it is virtually impossible.

Since my bag will be searched, what is the etiquette regarding communication with TSA? Should I put a note in my bag, advising them that I barely passed high school chemistry and therefore completely lack the ability to convert Viva Glam IV lipstick into explosives? Should I leave a small tip in the hopes that they will repack my bag in the same way as I have? As I pondered these questions, I went on the TSA website, and found that many other things I was planning to bring are also banned: Firearms, cattle prods, meat cleavers, sabers, bow and arrows, throwing stars and grenades. With those items out of my bag, I may just be able to fit in a 7th day of clothing!

Only 13 days left! Next time, "How I Roll"......

Heather

P.S. Code word final choices:

Heather-Obama (my man rocks! McCain...watch out!)
Grace- Loosey Goosey (can't say it without a smile!)
Laura- Chaka Khan (Let me Rock You Chaka Khan 'cause I Feel for You)
Rick- Killer Tomatos (rent the movie, it's fabulous...you will never look at Ketchup the same)
Gabe- Gabe's is a bit different, it involves the motion of pumping a shotgun and making the
sound at the same time (yeah it is a bit frightening....)

Now the kids do not have code words, although we might reconsider.....

Feedback Needed

OK, so although I am the family member with the HR job, my sister is the true peacemaker and does a wonderful job seeing both sides. However, in an effort to do some "Conflict Resolution" training PRIOR to our trip, we are each choosing one word to use whenwe have reached the end of our rope. This word, when used, will signal that we are done. Don't taunt, joke with or even talk to us anymore - just let us have our space (even if it is only 12 square inches in the RV. ) And if you do make the mistake to keep talking to us, then you have been warned - it's your own fault for what may happen. As you can see, though, we are attempting to keep the humor alive, even as we warn each other to just stay back.

Heather - Obama (she is the only Democrat on the trip - bless her liberal heart...)
Mom - Loosey Goosey (Mom likes to have plans set and this word helps her be flexible - go MOM!)
Dad - ???
Gabe - ???
Laura - ???
Zack - does he really need a word - not sure...
Ella - pretty sure that tears will be in place of a word for her

Thanks for your suggestions - Here's to Survivor: Europe!

24 days and counting........

About a year ago, my father Rick, announced to the family that he wanted all of us to take a family vacation to Europe. Plans were formed, time-off requests were submitted and joy was in the air. I mean really, who would not be excited about traveling through Europe for three weeks? Then the announcement came: We would be touring Europe in an R.V. A tiny R.V., designed for six tiny Europeans. For those math experts out there, this may strike you as a tad odd, given that there are seven in the Sylvester/Acosta clan.

Given this information, our plans began to change. Can a person survive three weeks with one pair of shoes? Can a 5'10" person sleep in a 4'6" bed? Would we draw straws to see who got strapped to the top of the R.V. when we traveled? How many public restrooms are there in the countryside of Germany?

This blog will narrate our journey, the laughter and the pain. Different members of the clan will be blogging to give you the full gamut of the experience. Come, join us on the adventure as we begin Survivor: Europe.

Heather