After many years – five to be precise – I have to share something that I’m not proud of. As a loud mouth, arrogant light packer, I’ve relapsed. Yes, this fall as I head on vacations, I’m packing heavier than I ever have before.

My vanity and the desire to live a well-dressed life can to take front seat most of the time. That falls by the wayside in a few occasions: when I’m at home; when I’m not feeling well; and when I’m at the cabin.

This week I have the luxury of witnessing good friends get married in Mexico... As I prepared for the trip I found myself running to this store and that to pick up a few things. This was to supplement my existing arsenal of host destination travel gear and clothing. Apparently, I like to shop and support the Calgary economy it seems. It didn’t seem like much at the time but when I put it all out to pack the length of the tab started to sink in.