But if you don't carry your own books, how do you know they'll have a book you want? (I'm enjoying the pack-n-post quite a lot.)

I forgot to add that I'm carrying my journal/lyrics notebook as well as my sketch notebook, so I'm hoping to do some writing/doodling as well. Otherwise, there's just no excuse.

As for the pockets/knapsack discussion:

These days, I almost always wear cargo pants, especially for work. What's in the pants can vary wildly, but on work days, usually includes keys, cell phone, wallet, work gloves, possibly a small hand tool or two (C-wrench, side cutters), and my super-bright LED Maglite strapped to my belt.

On big jobs, the tools are carted in separately, but I'll add a web belt that includes pockets for many hand tools, and a holster for my screw gun.

For many places I go, I also carry a knapsack that holds my 17" MacBook Pro, plus whatever accessories and such I feel I need for that (which can also vary wildly).

As it is packed now, preparing for this Michigan trip, it also contains an M-Box (pro audio interface), a rather nice microphone and its shock mount, all the various cables needed for that (including duplicates), some Futurama DVDs, some video games, and a couple of books.

When out and about for play, I like to travel as light as possible, and carry only wallet, cell phone and keys. And the keys take up no pocket space, since I do the carabiner thing (apparently, most sound professionals like to jingle as they walk, it's a thing).

I ususally bring a purse with wallet, nano, pens, pencils, a tiny sketchbook, regular notebook, lip balm, lipstick, coin purse and lots of random stuff that makes it's way into my purse somehow such as hard candy, cough drops, etc.

And a book bag with often: something I'm reading, knitting projects (on needles, with the pattern, tape measure, stitch markers, crochet hook, tapestry needles . .. I really need to get small portable scissors. . .) And also pens, lip balm, glasses case, extra glasses that I need to wear with my contacts because my prescription is off.)

Keys - I forgot keys: front and back door keys for my apartment plus my office keys. It's a good thing I don't drive!

Latest addition to all kits: For a writing utensil, I have now switched almost exclusively to the Sharpie Pen (won't soak through paper), though I do carry a couple of automatic pencils as well.

Good god, Sue. That is fucking horrifying.

I wish my dad would call me and tell me what's going on.

Goodness Sue! Keep one eye open on your bus trip.

I so fail at the girl thing.

This is *so* me when it comes to purses and makeup. It makes life extra frustrating here in PR because women are all about getting way dressed up for the smallest things - like grocery shopping.

I have a tiny little bag that holds my wallet, my iPhone, and chapstick. Maybe a pen. I toss it in the diaper bag or beach bag if I need something bigger.

I generally leave the house with a diaper bag - 2 diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and Frisco's blue hat. Oh, and Ellie's water bottle. Maybe a toy. Now that I'm sort of working, I also need a bag to carry files and stuff. I'm using an older purse type bag and I just toss my little bag from the diaper bag to the file bag when I drop off Frisco.

I own one purse. When it breaks, I get a new one.

That is the creepiest fucking story! EGAD!

Oh Allyson! I was thinking of you last night. I hope your dad calls you soon. Meanwhile we can offer love and support from here.