Signs of the times

As I pack for my journey to the other end of I-80 I realized the packing is so much more complicated now than just three years ago. Why? Because there's all the gathering of cords and cases and batteries for the gadgets I can't live without. There's the cell phone charger, the iPod charger, the iPod USB connector, the laptop charger, the laptop dock, the laptop case, the iPod case, the iPod earbuds, the digital camera case, the camera battery charger, the camera extra battery, the laptop's cordless mouse, the laptop USB flash drive and don't forget the extra network cable to hook up the wireless router at my parent's house so my brother and I can have a wireless network instead of fighting over the desktop. Oh for the days when everything ran off AA, C or D batteries, and all the electronic gadgets were far too large to cart off with you on every journey. Of course none of this has eliminated the books and clothes I cart from coast to coast so the suitcase only gets heavier. Gone are the days when I could go home with just a carry on now it's a backpack, suitcase and two boxes shipped out last weekend (though those were largely filled with presents). Now the challenge is to see if it all arrives back here with me upon my return!