As most people settle back into their work routines and return home from family vacation, the Campanellis are getting ready to head out…

to…

Florida!

Usually, this is an exciting time for Canadians because we’d be heading south into the sunshine.  But, lately, Florida’s weather’s been totally wacky.  We’ve received traveler videos showing hurricane like winds, frigid temperatures (comparatively speaking) and even heard of potential snowfall in some cities.

For the first time in a long time, we have NO idea what to pack.  I got the suitcases out early so we could see just how much we could cram into our two bags (one larger and one medium).  But, when the weather is forecast to be this bizarre we have no idea what to bring.  Shorts?  Swim suits?  Coats?  Gym gear?  Jeans?  When we start creating piles for each person under all of the potential weather categories, we end up with a gigantic closet explosion.

But, the mother in me can’t help but be prepared for any type of weather.  And, just when I think I’ve got it all sorted out, I start to panic — what if it drops into the single digits and I don’t have a warm enough coat?  What if it gets really hot again and I didn’t pack enough light clothing?  What footwear do we need?

Usually, for a beach vacation, I’d bring our standard list of items:

• Sun hat
• Sandals for beach shoes/ water shoes
• Shorts
• t-shirts
• Swimsuit
• Long-sleeve cotton shirt
• Hoodie

And that’s about it.  But now, I need all of that, per person, plus an entirely new list:

• Jeans
• Summer dress
• Spring coat
• Fall coat
• sweat pants
• sweat shirts
• running shoes
• Gym clothes

I really don’t want to have to add an extra suitcase but unless Mr. Global Warming and Mrs. Climate Change settle down, we just might have to…

Disgruntled Packer…