So this past Wednesday, I was snowed in at my schools student union overnight. This could have possibly been completely dreadful had I not been semi-prepared. I am notorius amoung my friends for being the go-to girl when things run amuck and you find yourself in a situation, mostly because I usually have a smallish bag packed with emergency esentials. Luckily, I had this bag with me on Wednesday. My 'Shit Creek' bag, as it has been lovingly dubbed, has kept me afloat since freshman year in highschool. Its filled with almost anything and everything you could ever need. So in honor of its recent saviour role, I think I shall divulge its contents to the rest of the world, so you too, ladies and gents, can have your own appocolypse bag.
1. Cash- usually a hundred dollars or so. I also keep foreign currency when I travel. I also keep change for parking meters and vending machines Remember, when the lights go out, the ATM goes too.
2. Phone Charger- I use my phone a lot, so going anywhere without a charger is a risk. I have a Samsung phone, so it uses a power brick and cable and also fits most other phones. My best friend is an iphone user, so I keep an Apple cable in my bag for her as well. (We look out for each other.) Its handy to keep a universal charger in case someone needs to bum a charge, but you dont need it if you dont want to take up the space.
3. Dental Bag- So things get stuck in my teeth and drive me batshit crazy. A quick remedy I keep is toothbrush, toothpaste, flosser stick things (What??), and mouthwash. I also keep gum, extra rubberbands, and a brand new toothbrush in the package incase I lose mine or a friend needs one.
4. Earbuds- I am always losing those, so I keep a spare set.
5. Hair Suplise-Barrets, Hairbands, Headbands, Bobby Pins, Hair net (for putting up a bun for ballet class), and Hairspray. My hair is really really long and pisses me off a lot, so somedays it just has to get out of the way. Also, keeping extra bun making supplies is never a bad idea. EVER.
6. Deck of Cards - Im crazy, and so I always have a deck of cards on me. Sometimes even two... thing is, if you have friends with you or not, the entertainment possibilities of cards are fricken endless.
7. Bandana - you cant go wrong with a bandana, boyscout or not, you should still know the simple things bandanas are good for, so here it is:
-sling
-tourniquet
-airmask
-waterfilter
-bandage
-hair holder backer
-noseblower
-tearwhiper
-popping your friends with a well constructed rat tail. (You should know how to do that by now)
8. Ladybag (or Manbag) - not sure what you keep in yours, but mine usually contains but is not limited too:
-perfume roller
-makeup remover
-chapstick
- mini barsoap
-wetwipes
-deoderant
-mascara
-tampons
-lotion
-fingernail clippers
-nailpolish remover
-superglue
-sunscreen (because I am a pale ass white girl)
-icyhot
If you are a dude, my brother sugests :
-deoderant
-axe or cologne
-gum
-chapstick
-condoms
-germgel
-gas x
(Fair enough, baby brother)
9. Klenex - because duh.
10. Spare Socks- I cant stand when my socks get gross, so I keep extras. However, like the bandana, they have a multitude of reasons to keep them around. Just ask your friendly neighborhood hobo.
11. Pen and Paper - also because duh.
12. Tshirt- sometimes I just get tired of what Im wearing, so I change into something comfier. Either that, or I randomly decide to sleep over at a friends and I'll have a spare something to change into.
13. Sewing things - Just the general safety pins, scisors, and needle and thread. Im weird though, so I also keep detatchable bra straps because ladies, I cant be the only one who cant keep a strapless in place. I also keep elastic for dance shoe emergencies, but Im sure It could be handy somewhere else. (Think of something? Let me know.)
14. Lighter and matches - for the obvious reasons, and also because a cute stranger may need to bum a light.... just kidding. I keep it because Im a pyro and I get bored.
15. Taser - so its not so much in my bag as in my car, but I felt it was important to include. My dad bought it for me when I first started to drive, and luckily I have never had to use it. It does make me feel much safer though. If a taser doesn't really seem your speed, opt for a bottle of mace. It does the trick just as well.
16. Copies of Legal Documents- I keep my ID, Birth certificate, and passport on me just in case I decide to hop a flight last minute, but you also may want to keep proofs of insurance, social security cards, dental and medical reccords, important phone numbers, ect.
17. Flashlight- hey, you never know.
18. Meds and bandaids- Advil, Sleeping Pills, Vitamins, and Benadryl is what I usually have on hand. If you take perscription pills, add those. Also, if you or someone you are close to has severe alergies, always carry an Epi-pen. Very important.
19. Plastic Water Sleve ( or if you have room, a bottle) - I dont feel like I should explain this one.
20. Snacks - No one likes being hungry.
So there you have it, a fully equipt urban survival bag. Please let me know if you think of something I'm missing by commenting below. (:
- With Love, Elle
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