Carry On My Wayward Son

When my great-grandfather was fighting in World War II, he carried with him my great grandmother's letters (until the humidity of the Pacific theatre soaked them illegible).  I think a fella carries with him what he really values, things that uplift him.  The kooky items that I always have on my person fall into two groups: 1. Items that keep me focused.  2. Objects that keep me sane.

1. Items that keep me focued.
     I like to do stuff with my hands, which is why I have a habit of dropping things like pencil caps at inopportune times (like during church this morning, just ask Logan Gross's mother).  So I keep stuff in my purse so I don't become that annoying tapping girl.

• Play-doh.  I recently discovered that loads of girls do this.  Which is awesome.  You go girl.  Kneeding a mound of Play-doh=delightful physical occupation.
• World-in-my-hands stress ball.  Sort of falls into the other category, because it was a gift from one of my closest pals, this global stress reliever is perfect for tossing, squeezing, and bouncing and is handy for atlas reference.  Such a blast.

2. Items that keep me sane.
    Unlike someone who posted in first hour's blog, I am EXTREMELY sentimental.  I will trash insane numbers of knick-knacks, but I still have this pair of jeans that I wore during every important event of my middle school life.  I will not through those away.  Ever.  In fact, until 9th grade, they went on every vacation with me, just so I could have them close to me. Such items that I keep on my person include:

• Y-Notes.  These delightful inventions are heartfelt notes from my dearest non-biological family members.  I absolutely love them to death and think of them all of the time.  It means the world to have their chicken-scratch in my purse.
• Planner.  Thought I lost it last year.  Almost cried.  Found it! :)
• Macy's Inspiration Book from Sylvan Claire Ryder.  Happy pictures.  Pesto recipes.  A gift from my girl.  What could be better?
• Cross necklace.  I take it off only in dire situations (like XC meets).

My purse could seriously provide hours of entertainment and incite threat-level-orange sorts of fears.  While I wouldn't consider myself materialistic, I'm clingy.  I value antiques.  Heirlooms are the jam.