Stuff which hasn’t been mentioned:

Chapstick or similar balm with sunblock (talking through blistered lips is no fun, and they burn just like skin!)

Kerchief/Bandana so that you can wash your neck, splash water on your head, wash your fingers, whatever. Remember that most restrooms don’t have paper towels any more, and being able to throw water on your neck is very refreshing. Always have enough water!!!

Throat drops/Vitamin C drops are vital. If you are not used to talking all day, your throat will be raw and your voice non-existant. If you want to do any victory cheering above a whisper, bring something to keep the whistle wetted. Orange flavor will help with breath, too. ;)

Disposable earplugs, eyemask if you are sharing a room with people coming and going at all hours, or are too excited to sleep and fasten onto any noise, or just have trouble sleeping away from your own bed, these will cut down on the distractions.

Deck of cards I find that Solitaire relaxes my brain if it is spinning in all directions, and some games such as Hearts can be played while standing in long lines waiting. A deck of cards is a traditional ice-breaker and most people know at least a few games. I travel with a Scrabble set, but the scifi community is full of people who love words.

Spare pen/pencils and Post-It pad are also useful for leaving notes to yourself or others.

And what to leave behind?

Anything perfumed. Mosquitoes and wasps and such are attracted to floral scents (you don’t want bugbites!). Also if you are in close quarters with others, you don’t want to stink up the room. Male sweat isn’t nearly as offensive as perfume on an airplane.

Anything new. Unless it has been washed to softness or broken in, there is a risk that the spiffy new outfit will chafe, cling, raise blisters, or worse. I prefer old silk for traveling.

HTH,

Carolly

TRex, if you’re working in the Meriden Lamont HQ it’s super casual. A few of the staff are known to rock old, torn Aloha shirts and gym shorts. Not the most fashionable bunch. Jane definitely sets the bar high for the rest of us. I’m a shorts/jeans and a tshirt guy myself. So basically – don’t stress vis a vis office attire.

TeddySanFran @ 157

Condoms.

Pack condoms and lube.

It’s the old-school HIV prevention guy inside me screaming to get out:

CONDOMS!

Actually, Teddy, for the time being? I’m a celibate dinosaur. Don’t tell anyone.

Okay! Gorra go. Off to work! See you all at Late Nite!

Trex – hey – far be it from me to intrude on your personal life, but didn’t the celibate dino stuff kinda die out say – i dunno – 65 million years ago?

great to see you back! good fun to you – enjoy the break.

thanks for sharing your gifts with us….thanks for taking time out for you

Light note – but not. The Onion:

Bush Grants Self Permission to Grant More Power to Self

…Senior administration officials lauded Bush’s decision, saying that current presidential powers over presidential power were “far too limited.”
“Previously, the president only had the power to petition Congress to allow him to grant himself the power to grant more power to himself,” Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez said shortly after the ceremony …

manner that in turn grants him increased power.”

In addition, a proviso in the 12th provision of the new law permits Bush the authority to waive the need for any presidential authorization of power in a case concerning national security, although legal experts suggest it would be little exercised.

Despite the president’s new powers, the role of Congress and the Supreme Court has not been overlooked. Under the new law, both enjoy the newly broadened ability to grant the president the authority to increase his presidential powers.

“This gives the president the tools he needs to ensure that the president has all the necessary tools to expedite what needs to be done, unfettered by presidential restrictions on himself,” said Rep. John Cornyn (R-TX). “It’s long overdue.”. . .

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/3/14385/79790

Ver’ true, al-S.

Hugh, what an exquisite poem.

and alone
Our darkness which can make us think it dark.

Indeed. And we are the party of light.

(and your little dog too!!)