Friday Five: What You Absolutely, Positively, Can't Leave Home Without

Over at RevGalBlogPals, Singing Owl writes:

We will be at a chaplain's convention when you all are answering the Friday Five Questions. I'll look forward to reading your answers next week when I get home. At the moment we are trying to get the car loaded so we can hit the road, so this will be a simple F.F. This running around madly in order to leave has me wondering: what are the five things you simply must have when you are away from home? And why? Any history or goofy things, or stories?

Hmmm... must-haves. Much of it depends on the situation. For example, I must have my The Boy if I'm on a road trip that will possibly permit bringing along a dog. But before this turns into an essay question, I'll move on to the list:

1. Fake Dog. Ask Mid-Life Rookie or anyone else who has roomed with me on any kind of overnight travel. It's a gray-and-white plush dog about a foot high, and was The Alpha's first gift to me (on my 17th birthday -- yes, we go waaay back).

2. Expensive high-tech toothbrush. It helped me get rid of periodontal disease years ago, and now I'm spoiled. I can hardly brush my teeth the old-fashioned way anymore.

3. Mobile phone. And I always stock it with appropriate numbers to coordinate potential meetups, RevGal or otherwise.

4. Curling iron. I'm generally pretty low-maintenance, but my hair is so stringy that I don't feel right if I haven't tamed the ends.

5. Great attitude. Back on our honeymoon, The Alpha and I decided that there was no such thing as having a bad time on one of our vacations. So, if something goes awry? "We're having an adventure!" This approach has gotten us through rainstorms, mudslides, persnickety fellow tourists and more with plenty of good memories.