This week, Plugged In mugged a swan, stole the creature’s wings, and has now attached them to its back, hoping to save some cash on long-haul flights.

In last week’s newsletter I talked about journeying back to the UK. As someone who likes to milk a gift horse, this is great news — free travel content forever!

Friends, prepare your mindmouths for a lactose-y newsletter explosion about… packing.

The greatest packing scene in movie history? Change my mind.

You’ll never believe this. I, a person who’s paid to write about gadgets and gear, like stuff. Dangerously, I enjoy taking it with me when I travel too.

There are parts of packing that are simple. I know I’m going to need toiletries, a selection of clothes, and some #FitBoyExerciseGear. This can be solved with a simple list.

The issue I have is expanding beyond the bare “necessities.”

The all-time OG and a man (bear?) whose vibe I try to embody every day.

What I’m talking about here is separating bringing things I’ll actually use from what Imaginary Future Callum believes he’ll use.

Here’s an example. Last time I visited the UK, I brought along my Nintendo Switch, a Magic: The Gathering boxset, and a board game called Regenwormen.

I used none of them.

I’d pictured myself gaming on train journeys, battling with friends, and competing with family. But, in reality, I was too busy to do any of it.

This pattern is like the changing of the seasons — if that process was the most uninspiring thing you’ve ever seen.

Picture this without any sort of beauty or interest. 

And, like the seasons, My Battle never ends. On this trip, the things I brought along include two laptops, an iPad, several pairs of headphones, and a… synth.

While I should be annoyed by this aspect of my personality, fundamentally, I'm fine with it.

Why? Because I dare to dream.

At the end of the day, I have a mental image of blossoming into the sort of person who’s constantly whipping out boardgames and serenading friends with sick synth lines as we play.

That’s a noble goal. Also a ridiculous one. But a bit noble too.

This is my point: pack for the life you want to have, not the one you do. 

There's a lesson in there somewhere.

[NEWSLETTER FADES OUT TO THE SICK SOUND OF A SYNTH SOLO]

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