You all are hilarious with your stories of packing. I guess us women always go through this whenever we pack. I'm hoping to take 1/2 of what I usually take also.

To answer roschone's question about a pad for the lounge chairs, this year we are taking some self-inflatable Explorer ground pads that we purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods. Have not used them yet, but they do fit lounge chairs and they only weigh 1#, 13 oz. Hope they work because laying on the lounge chairs all day does get uncomfortable. They inflate 1.5". It has its own carry bag, but you could take it out if that wouldn't fit in your luggage. Hope this helps.

Well, that's a silly question!!!!! I won't say you're well rested though. I just toss and turn when I have chickee duty -- responsibility does that to me. I think I'll just stay out when I go out for duty.

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Ok, you are ALL cracking me up now. Mary, I've tried the towels but it's just not enough for all day (for me anyway). (See I am listening to you lol), I usually take the pillows from my bed but I just thought I could get something REALLY comfortable, especially for my back. I think it all started when my brother stayed at Tierra del Sol a few years back. They had the most comfortable pads on their chairs that I actually never wanted to get up. We are at Divi Village, and they have standard issue chairs. I'm ok for a while, but after a full day I really get uncomfortable. I don't know, now I sound like the princess and the pea.....am I sounding spoiled? On another note, Sherry I found very lightweight, inflatable camping sleeping pads - even self inflatable!!! I am checking out prices, thickness, etc. Elaine I too like inflatable - I know I know let's not go there....

Thanks Kathy - Sorry, I didn't see your suggestion until after my last post. I'm thinking along the same lines as you. Let's compare notes after we use them.

If you knew someone at the Divi you could borrow one of their floating devices that double as a lounge pad. They're very comfortable. They must have them at other hotels.

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I knew I liked you.... my kinda woman!!!

I try and "suffer" through the discomfort 'cause the chaises at ABC aren't exactly comfortable, and parts of me keep slipping through the loops 'cause my towels gets crunched up! By mid afternoon it's not too bad 'cause I get a little looped, too!!

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self inflating????

keep us informed.

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will do. on the road today - but will get back to it tonight.

I am very familiar with this falling through the loops lol. I am also very familiar with the looped part....

I've never noticed all this discomfort when I'm on a lounge chair...oh wait, I don't spend much time on one, that might be why. I spend most of my time floating in the water....and chatting.....lots and lots of chatting...oh, how I wish I was getting on a plane this weekend to go float, and chat, and fall through the loops of a lounge chair. But I do have a consolation prize..I am getting Kailey for a couple days...picking her up tomorrow..and keeping her till Friday!!!! No hi-jacked thread...just trying to make myself feel better......lol.
And to get back to the whole packing thing....Elaine....how is it going for you??? Mary I know you have it all under control already...lucky girl.
ruba

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Alnora.. it's as good as it's going to get!! I've decided that should my scale be off on the "car coverS" suitcase, the recipient of said covers is going to get the overweight cost tacked on to the price of said covers! Fair's fair, right?

The clothes suitcase is coming along... I've done a little work moving a couple things to my carry-on, but the "final run" will be Friday night.

Since I do do "office" work while away, even though I have a mini netbook, I have to take a full size laptop carrier for the tools I need to do what needs being done. I can throw crap into that, too!! lol

All in all, other then perhaps getting a hernia, I'm in great shape!! lol

Today was a good day, and it's only going to get better... AND, according to the weather, the snow's more than likely going to stay to the south of Philly. (sorry Sherry)

As an aside... I thought/think this is a fun thread. Those that have been here for years and years, know that I start something like this every year before I leave - just for kicks. Truth be known, if the stress of packing is all life throws at me, I'll be ecstatic. Each year I think to myself how lucky I am to be able to travel to a place I absolutely love...how lucky that I can do it both financially and physically. Hopefully, I'll continue this tradition for many years to come, and we'll all be here together, and you'll all continue chastizing me!! lol

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Glad it's all coming together...and you're so right....packing problems are wonderful problems....if you can call them that. For me packing is just a "mind boggler".....as I am easily confused and overwhelmed..until all of a sudden....."BOOM.....it all becomes clear and gets done. Notice I never chastize you................
And on the other note...we are very lucky to be able to do this each year....I always make sure to count my blessings and thank God for allowing me to be so blessed.
It won't be long now girlfriend.....now this is me sighing.........

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Yup, I agree with you----don't go there Elaine!

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I too feel lucky we are able to do this every year. Even in the not so great years, we always manage to save enough for this trip. There's always something I'll give up in order to afford it, and that's the way it will always be for us. It's a must do. Elaine, this IS a fun thread and so not to deviate from the topic too much, how goes the packing? I know you said Friday was your final run....I usually can't wait til the day before. I sorta have to have it done a couple of days before. I just don't zip the bag til the night before.

Good morning! This was my last "driving into work" day for a while, and it snowed just enough to make it treacherous. All I could think was that I'm getting away from the cold, and soon I'll be sweating from the heat!! What a great thought!!

I haven't even gone near my suitcases for the last couple days. Tonight I'll "rearrange" a little bit, and when I get home from the hairdresser tomorrow I'll do the serious stuff... final pack and weigh-in!

I keep a "bulletin" board in the kitchen and have a gazillion "last minute" do's written on it. I'm sure I'll be up most of tomorrow night wondering what it is that I've forgotten, but I "think" I'm in pretty good shape! I just hope that US Air's scale mirrors mine!!! lol

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I was laughing so hard that I had tears running while laughing. This was fun reading.

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Hi Ruba, we very much appreciated the favor. Hopefully we will see you here on your next trip. I'm sure Elaine will be happy once she delivers these covers and Mary will be credited for being right about it.

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Hmmmmmmmmmm....... not me, I'm not going there!!! lol

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Wanted to get on last night, but my laptop has a virus/worm/trojan or whatever, and is now out of commission entirely! I had a feeling over the last week or so. Can't believe how out of sorts this makes me - I can only use the one at work. Aaaaaak!! Well Elaine, tomorrow is the big day. I am sooo excited for you. Too bad we aren't there at the same time -- would love to sit on the beach with you guys. But thank God for this board - I feel like I am there with you. Hopefully, I get back on this afternoon or borrow someone's tonight, but if I don't, have a WONDERFUL time. Safe flight, yada yada. Get there fast and then take it sloooooow.

Damn, I wish we were there at the same time!! I can tell you and I think a lot alike about "some" things!!

Last night I worked in the office until 9! My boss always leaves things for the last second, and then he had the guts to say..."I may need you tomorrow for a few minutes." Not happening!! Shortly I'm on my way out to the hair salon, and later on will do my final run through, go online check-in, and check my luggage in as well! Oy! With a 4:30 pickup, I'm sure I won't sleep tonight.

Sorry about your computer... been there, done that, and I was lost without it!!

Thanks for your well wishes. I'm sure I'll be ducking in here, and doing little updates.

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I agree about thinking alike. We miss you by about a week. Oh, oh boss coming... I

Ommi, it was our pleasure. You are definately on the list of restaurants that we intend to visit.....I was really sad that we didn't make it last year. But this year it will be rectified for sure.
Well those covers should be about there now....can't wait to hear the final chapter..

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Just read the new posts on this thread since my last time on this site and I was laughing my head off. When I posted about the "self-inflatables", I did so very innocently!! But, Omni took it, and ran with it, and it was hilarious! Will definitely have to try Cooks Restaurant this year (we will be at ABC Mar. 3-28) so we'll have plenty of opportunities. After the big fish ball stories of years past, I've got to meet him. Sorry I missed Elaine's leaving..wanted to wish her a fun trip. And, Roschone and I will have to compare inflatable stories when we return, that's for sure.

Kathy - yes, we will have to compare notes about "inflatables". We will be there from March 6-27. Maybe we won't have to wait til we return? We will be at Divi Village.

Kathy, I just had to tell you, I decided to go with a regular cushion. It's about 3 inches thick and I think rolled up tightly it won't take up too much room. So although I didn't go "inflatable", I would still like to compare notes with you LOL. 1 week for you now, and we only have 9 days. We will definitely be trying Cook's this year as well. Seems like it's on everybody's "must do" list so how can we miss it? I'm so excited I can barely think straight. I haven't started packing yet - haven't even made my list. Am very very behind this year. Just so busy all the time. I can't wait to just lay by the pool/beach and have all the time in the world.....to read, drink, chat, eat, swim, relax and then start that all over again. Aaaaaah, soon we'll be back in heaven.

ommi has this wonderful way with words. he also has this wonderful way with food. so yes, you must try cooks.

you must also let me know about the chair cushions. i hate the stupid uncomfortable beach chairs. the stripes on my legs and big behind are hysterical after an hour in those chairs. you can always tell the people who sat on one of them as they walk down the beach. the zebra stripes are a dead giveaway.

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Sherry you are so funny, and so right. I will definitely let you know - I know all about those hysterical stripes all right. It's not exactly how I want to make people laugh haha.

My husband just looked at me shaking his head at first, "where on earth do you think you're going to pack that?" I told him I would make room for this thing come h*&% or high water. I don't care what I have to leave behind. Hey, if Elaine can pack a couple of car covers......Anyway, I'm wondering if I could just stuff the thing in a small duffel bag and and use it as one carry on. Have to check with airlines about how many carryons, etc. Once I have it there, I'll store it there. Mine is just a nice thick cushion you would buy for a chaise lounge - I actually bought one that's a little shorter than a full chaise in the hopes it would pack better. And it sort of has sections across it so that it's easier to roll up. I have been wanting to try this for years. And this is the year!

OK, now that we have power again, I have returned to trying to pack. I am truly behind and quickly running out of time. And the 1st thing I tackled was my chair cushion. I managed to roll it up tightly and stuff it into a small to medium duffle bag - it's actually a bag we got free at a GIANTS game. Not exactly matching luggage, but it serves the purpose this one time. So I'll carry that on, and just have my usual flight bag which fits under the seat, etc. Then once that sucker is down there, it stays there. Ok, now I'll try to get my clothing together. I'm pretty sure my priorities are backwards, but oh well.....

Always best to get the stuff that's praying on your mind out of the way...then the rest will be easier!! Glad your power is back....
ruba

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Glad to hear your lounge cushion is packed and ready to go. As you say, once there you'll store it and have it. You'll be the envy of everyone on the beach. Now for the easy things to pack----clothes, shoes, etc. I always say the darn empty suitcase is heavy even before you put your limited amount of things in----and you weigh it and hope for the best----oh, please don't let it be over the 50 pounds.

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A cushion??? Hell, that's nothing to pack!! ROFL

I know for sure that from now on... packing light for me!! I had too much to choose from; too much I didn't wear; wore the same shorts many times; will take only 3 colors next time... black, blue and white which is what I lived in with different tops. A couple pair of capris to wear with different tops, and black, white, silver and gold sandals... that's it!

I left all bathing suits, coverups, beach shoes, etc., etc. in not one, but two containers this year, and I'll be good to go easily next year, the good Lord willing. AND, nobody's talking me into taking any more car covers ever again!!! I only came home with a carry on and one suitcase since I left the car cover one there!!! And, interestly enough, US Air from Aruba didn't charge for the first checked bag... go figure!

Oh, did I tell you that now I have to find "brake pads," and ship them?? UPS will deal with that one!! I must look like Manny, Moe or Jack or whatever the hell the names are!!

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OMG, you are so funny. I get talked into sending stuff to friends there every year - they see me coming and give me a list. And I just can't say no. I have had to send every thing from themed birthday party favors, Tai Bo DVDs, Express Cookers, on and on and on. We had a visit from some Aruban friends this year and they wanted us to bring them a laptop! Kind of backed off of that one. Amazing. Now, back to packing light. I know I was one of those people suggesting you pack light, always end up wearing your favorite stuff, etc., but now that I'M packing - I'm starting to forget my own advice!! You should see the pile on my spare bed. Thanks for reminding me - I WILL scale back this year. I WILL. I WILL. Interestingly enough, we have decided to get another box this year as well. Did you get that extra box delivered just before you left? Did you let Lou know you wanted it when you got there? I mentioned it in an e-mail couple of weeks ago, but never finalized it. Just wondering how much lead time they need.

Ro,
We bought our own storage box because I think Lou said he charges $60 for his. We're taking it as one of our checked luggage. Got it filled with food items we can't buy in Aruba. It has to fit his shelves. You could email him for the exact size cuz right now I can't remember what it is. Oh, glad you got the cushion rolled up and ready to go.

Yes, I agree it would be cheaper to bring our own. But we'll probably still get it from Lou. Just easier for us, although it would be a good way to bring our "specialty" food items. Getting through JFK is always such a hassle, we just want everything on wheels, you know? I'm just not sure when Lou has to know that we want an additional box. When we get there, or before we leave NY? I hope they don't make me unpack that cushion - I mean to tell you, that thing is STUFFED in there. I'm afraid if I have to take it out, it'll be like those cartoons where the guy pulls the cord on the raft....and then it's everywhere!!! lol Am I doing the right thing?

Ro... I only gave Lou a few days notice that I was leaving another container. The first year I "signed up," I bought my own smaller container on wheels at Certified. The following year I bought the large one from Lou.

The only stipulation with the second container was the weight... no more than 50 lbs. Although the second container's much smaller than the first, it cost the same amount of money to store it, but it's worth it to me.

A friend has a condo on Aruba, and I used to leave it with him with just a few things stored in it. For some reason... this year that sucker was full, and it was more prudent to store it with Lou since it's filled with things I want to have when I arrive.

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Thanks Elaine. Maybe I'll let Lou know now by e-mail that I want to purchase and store another container from him. I was going to bring my own but truthfully, it's just less hassle getting it from Lou. I've never seen them at Certified, but I wasn't really looking for them. I'll keep my eyes open this time, but I think it will be coming from Lou anyway. Yes, we've had that 50 lb rule for a few years now - the container we have there now weighs in at 46 lbs according to Lou. Thanks much....

You won't believe this, but I was actually able to fit my chair cushion in my big suitcase along with all my clothes, etc. So no need for an extra carry-on. I really downsized on my clothes, so we'll see how "less=more" really works. I can't believe it fit....

WOOHOOOO..good job Ro....I'm proud of you. Another one in the plus column...your vacation is off to a good start already!!!!
ruba

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Ok, you all know how it is. Checking the list, leaving the notes, make sure kitty (oh my baby - I will miss him like he--) has his favorite treats, favorite cat food, favorite toys, leaves notes for all concerned, make sure the bills are paid, run to the bank, post office, and let's not forget "personal maintenance", and of all things I now have to go to chiropractor because my neck is out, run, run, run.... But it will all get done as usual and by tomorrow at this time, we will be soaring through air on our way home. Back to packing, etc.

Hi Ro,
OMG---the lounge pad fit in with all your clothes----super! Have a great time in Paradise, and I know you will think of all your friends on the forum as you lounge on the sand, float in the sea and enjoy all the delicious food on the island.
Mary

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