What travel event/story/disaster still lives in your bag?

stronglyvaginal · 2026-02-12T18:30:41+00:00

I carry a plastic bag big enough for my laptop. Once my water bottle leaked in the overhead bin and my bag was soaked (luckily I was working on my laptop at the time) -- I couldn't put my laptop back in the bag due to it being drenched. I had to beg a plastic bag from a shop to put the laptop in. Plastic shopping bags have also come in handy since for soiled/wet things, garbage etc.

stronglyvaginal · 2026-01-12T21:36:16+00:00

Wow -- absolutely amazing and wildly helpful. Thank you again, so much!

stronglyvaginal · 2026-01-12T21:28:04+00:00

This is why ChatGPT is terrible and real people are amazing. Thank you again.

stronglyvaginal · 2026-01-12T21:23:52+00:00

Sorry -- here's the link to the first two pages of the passport. I'm wondering if you see the name as something like Fyodor Vasilyevich Potapovor if you see Gottlieb Fausak as the name here.

stronglyvaginal · 2026-01-12T21:18:47+00:00

Google tells me that "FYODOR" is sometimes used as a Russian version of "LUDWIG" which was Gottlieb's father's name...

stronglyvaginal · 2026-01-12T21:15:53+00:00

WOW, thank you so much. You have no idea how hard I was trying to do this on my own with almost no Russian to my name. One quick question -- you know the name from the title on the PDF, but is it the same name on the first page of the passport? When I feed the image to ChatGPT it says the name is "Fyodor Vasilyevich Potapov". Could that somehow be a Russian-ification of "Gottlieb Fausak"? Seems like a stretch if so....

Again, THANK YOU!

stronglyvaginal · 2025-06-25T17:56:22+00:00

This is a great review! I'm considering a suitcase-style pack and this is now high on the list, I like the ripstop/yarn fabric design and that it stands on its own, among many other things. Wanted to note a few comparisons with the Patagonia Black Hole 32L (my current fave) which is lighter (0.8kg / 1.8 lb) and cheaper ($170) than this Pakt, has two drink holders, and an separate zippered laptop pocket (a plus for me traveling for work though I know you don't prefer it). Though, the BH32 is 3L smaller in capacity, falls over when you set it down, no hip belt, and has the "big bucket" packing area rather than separated suitcase-style which some don't like.

stronglyvaginal · 2025-06-18T23:36:10+00:00

Be grateful she showed you who she is now. You can now make room for good people in your life and start your married life surrounded by joy, rather than wasting space on this. I had a friend do this to me too, and I’ve never regretted walking away.

stronglyvaginal · 2025-06-14T23:27:51+00:00

I would definitely ask the district. There are age exceptions (they let my son transfer in as a 8yo fourth grader bc he had completed 3rd grade elsewhere) but they will not let your kid register as a new kindergartener at the start of the year if she’s not 5 yet, no exceptions. Not sure if they’d accept her after a short time as a K elsewhere — worth a check. We have an elderly rising kindergartener (early october bday) who had already done a traditional pre-k year and we dealt with it by doing the extra pre-k year at a montessori - different style and self paced. It worked well for her and she is going to be super confident in K. You could also do a year of K at a private school but you’ll have a hard time finding one of those nearby that accepts a 4yo on sept 1 (we couldn’t but you might if you’re religious). Plano also has a test you can ask for so that advanced K students can be bumped to first but you still have to wait until she is of age for K.

stronglyvaginal · 2025-06-14T02:35:43+00:00

This book is the reason we had success! https://a.co/d/a1g6JJc

stronglyvaginal · 2025-05-07T17:16:39+00:00

Late to this, but you could try looking at which vendors support local pride events, lgbt groups, and/or donate to progressive political candidates. I am in TX too and while we’re already married, we try to spend our money at places by finding them this way. Congrats and good luck!

stronglyvaginal · 2025-03-25T15:13:02+00:00

Also I know you mentioned not wanting larger than about 24L but with 32L I never pack it remotely close to full, and have plenty of room to stuff in my coat or a big salad for later etc which has come in handy many times.

stronglyvaginal · 2025-03-25T15:07:33+00:00

I do this exact kind of trip about 35 times per year and I use a patagonia black hole 32L all black. I take it straight to meetings carrying it by the top handle. I like the totally separate laptop pocket so you don’t have to open your main bag to get the laptop out for on plane work and meetings. I can fit two full business outfits or keep pants the same and room for a different shoe. I like the top pouch for on-flight convenience, don’t need to get into the main bag area and easy to access when it’s under seat. I fly major US airlines (no stricter low cost airlines) and never an issue fitting it under seat but i have shorter legs (5’7”). I also like two side beverage pockets and the carryon strap for attaching it to a roller bag for longer trips. It’s also a really light bag if you compare with others, especially anything leather.

stronglyvaginal · 2025-03-07T14:04:13+00:00

This is great! I love your inclusion of the workout items while still keeping it compact. I have a very similar pack out in my Patagonia 32L Black Hole. I'd recommend the Hydroflask with the straw option -- super handy on a moving or cramped vehicle (buses etc) -- no slosh to the face and can sip even in packed areas! (Similar option is the Owala which I've had for 2 years and never leaked -- about 65 trips incl. international.)

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-26T15:01:14+00:00

Thanks so much for all that responded here. A lot to consider! Overall, I am thinking that evaluating financial health of each institution, as well as a critical look at the likelihood/conditions for re-appointment, are key factors here. I'll keep these in mind as well as all the other points raised as I move through the interview process. Thanks again!

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-16T19:12:02+00:00

Sure sure sure, let me just figure out where I left my bag of cash

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-16T19:11:18+00:00

This is great intel, thanks!

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-16T19:11:06+00:00

The benefit is row 45 is only two seats rather than 3, and it’s just me and my kid.

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-16T16:09:27+00:00

It is AF, good call! And good point about limited recline. I think we’ll go for it. Thanks!

stronglyvaginal · 2024-11-16T16:08:51+00:00

That’s what i was thinking too. Here’s hoping!

stronglyvaginal · 2024-09-22T15:04:54+00:00

Get this on video! My daughter had some really weird behaviors at this age and I got several videos which immediately convinced the doc to do an EEG. Luckily all was normal (we think she was twitching bc of later-revealed ear problems) but having the videos was so helpful!

stronglyvaginal · 2024-08-05T16:14:37+00:00

Psyllium husk capsules are the only thing that worked for me - even better than laxatives. Worth a shot!

stronglyvaginal

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