Things I Cannot Live Without

Sorry, no deep thoughts today, or even articulate sentences. I’m just too tired.

1. Cherry chapstick. This is my oh-so-sophisticated version of lipstick. In college Q used to like the Dr Pepper kind because it even has a slight pink tint along with that delicious DP flavor. I tried to use lip gloss for a long time but my hair kept getting stuck in it and I finally just accepted that this is all I need.
2. LL Bean tote bags. In the Mead household growing up these were called “canvas carriers” and I still use one almost every day. They are duffel bag, gym bag, yoga bag, diaper bag, work bag all in one. These used to be my favorite baby present and I thought I was so original until Whit was born and I received seven of them. That’s okay: I use them all. I think I probably have about 15 in total and they all get used. For a weekend in Marion the kids and I each pack in one.3. Crocs for my kids. I know. They are not pretty. But they are easy access and there are no laces to tie. Also, I have a real blind spot about shoes and never know my kids’ sizes, so invariably the day comes in November or something when the only thing they have that fits is crocs and it is snowing outside.

4. Spray sunscreen. I’m too laissez-faire about sunscreen to begin with (witness Grace’s deep, dark tan) but my GOD if I had to actually hold the wriggling children still and rub the stuff in? Forget it. This is my only prayer. And I do believe that sunscreen is pretty important.

5. My iPhone. It’s my umbilical cord to the world. And also my main camera these days. In a pinch, a babysitter (G&W are partial to Doodle Jump and iChalky).

6. Hair elastics. Because I’m in a ponytail 90% of the time. Because I can’t stand hair in my eyes. Seriously, it’s kind of a crisis if I don’t have one. Also functions as jewelry for the 10% of the time that it’s on my wrist and not in my hair.
7. Big sunglasses. My current favorite pair is a browner version of these, with the big hardware hinges on each side. Sunglasses hide my tired eyes, my wrinkles, my tears, and help with the hair-in-face problem.

8. Starbucks venti nonfat latte with 2 splenda. No explanation needed. Diet Coke a close second in the beverage category.
9. Old Navy white tank tops. Wear one almost every day three seasons a year. In the winter, this is replaced by long-sleeved J Crew cashmere tee shirts.
10. Band aids. These are the cure-alls for Grace and Whit. All manner of bumps and bruises and injuries, perceived and real, are immediately better with a kiss from me and a band-aid. Even better if they can go into the cabinet and get it themselves.

I am sort of fascinated by the small things that people have with them all the time, on their person or in their bags. By the things we carry, as it were, in our day to day life. What is it that you always have with you, without which you can’t imagine living?