Editing Magic #4

Lesson learned:  When traveling, write a list and check it twice.  It will save you from grief!

​I didn’t…Saturday I packed for the lake and my critique group.  I bagged my last-minute stuff Easter morning.  I thought I had everything.  I did my usual walk-through to double check.  I was so sure…

​WRONG!  When you think you have everything, check again.  S-l-o-w down.  Look c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y.  A-s-k yourself what you need.  During Easter service, I remembered my pills and a jacket.  I picked them up on my way down, positive I had everything.
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WRONG AGAIN!  I arrived at the lake and discovered something missing…my computer cord.  Without it I can’t recharge.  I can’t write.  I can’t read emails or Facebook.  I can’t surf the web.  I need my computer!  Without it…life is awful!  REALLY!

But, conservation is a wonderful thing.  I arrived Sunday night with 88% left on my battery.  On Sunday and Monday I stayed off the computer, except to check email.  I only checked it twice a day, not hourly, like when I’m bored or need a writing break.  No surfing.  No writing.  Nothing!  URGH!  I also decided to go home Wednesday instead of Thursday.  I REALLY need my computer!

Tuesday I let myself write…finally.   I was so happy.  Would you believe I get cranky when I can’t write!  I channeled it into this post.  Hopefully it has an extra edge, a little more voice!  When I finished writing and editing 3 posts, I had 9% battery charge left.  So glad I conserved power!  And even gladder…recharging’s a day away!

My Reads is about lessons learned.  Here are Beach’s Best lessons:
        1.    Write a travel list of things to pack.  Check it twice when coming and going.  Fingers crossed…you’ll never leave anything behind!
       2.    Keep your list in the suitcase for your next trip.  Keep your most important stuff together so you can grab them at a moment’s notice.  You’ll be a real Minuteman!
      3.    And, the most important lesson, when something bad happens, and it will, look for the opportunity.  It’s there, but you have to look for it.  It’s like getting lemons (YUCK!) and making them into lemonade (YUM!).  Forgetting my cord gave me something to write about, plus a packing/traveling list.

PS- Writing lists isn’t just for grown-ups.  Years ago, one of my kids left their cleats behind.  It was an away soccer game.  OH NO!  I stayed.  My husband flew home for the shoes, literally. 

PPS- Beach’s Best tip this week…write a list and check it twice.  It works for Santa!  Forgetting is easy.  Remembering takes planning!