What's in my bag: The event edition

As I unpacked after the event on June 21 (more details on that soon!), I was reminded of something my dad once teased me about: “Whyyyy do you carry such a big bag?”

I usually carry a backpack which is pretty large. It’s my grab-and-go bag and has everything inside, from a spare toothbrush to a phone charger for cars, to pendants and portraits of Rinpoche in case we run into people.

During events however, I reduce what I carry not only because a lot of it will not fit into our monk’s bag but because most of the stuff I usually carry is already provided for at the event (gifts and things).

But still, I like to make sure I have everything I need, I am paranoid like that. So the night before the event, I always pack the same things:

• Camera. I used to take photos but not any more because my phone does a decent enough job for Facebook and we have professional photographers. I still carry it though, just in case
• Pens Rinpoche likes (blue ballpoint for a different color; ink for signing things; black ballpoint for regular writing) and a Sharpie which I am very protective of (because once borrowed, they’re never returned! Hehe)
• Wallet, ID, name cards
• Burt’s Bees Vitamin E & Peppermint lip balm
• 5-6 khatas
• Red envelopes in case Rinpoche wants to give someone a gift / make an offering
• Blog cards
• Rosary (mala)
• Ziplock bags because you can never have too many of those
• Synflex and Cafergot (I hate migraines)
• Nature Valley Oats & Honey bar in case it is a long day and I / someone gets hungry
• A notepad that fits in my pocket
• High lama envelopes (if necessary)
• Post-it notes of two different sizes
• 30000mAh power bank because I’m deathly afraid my phone will run out of juice
• Heavy duty charging cable
• Earphones
• Walkie talkie (new addition)
• Phone (not pictured. In it, I store soft copies of prayers and puja texts, pictures, mantras that I might need)

This list varies depending on where we are going although, to be honest, it does not differ all that much on a day to day basis. There are a few more additions, plus I carry multiples of what is above.

Anyway, that is what is in my bag. Thought you guys might like to have a look 🙂

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