Care Package

Waaaaay back when I started NaBloPoMo (17 days ago, but who is counting? ...), I asked for questions and suggestions on what you'd like to read about. Mandy came through with an interesting question that I've taken all this time to respond to. I didn't forget, Mandy.

She asked, "If you were to receive a care package from here, what would you like to be in it?" 


I've been pondering on this for a bit, and have been keeping a little list of what might be in my dream care package from home.


First of all, I LOVE a care package. It could have anything in it ... I mean, who doesn't love a care package? ... Here is me opening a care package from my amazing friend Kristin:





I look a little like Gollum, and I don't even know what's inside, yet.


Now, what I'd really love to receive in a care package is the following:





-A bagel from Murray's with kalamata olive spread
-A bowl of Bert's Chili from Waffle House and a Frosted Orange  from the Varsity
-Anything at all from the amazing Lan restaurant in Sarasota (I'm sure the duck crepes would travel well ...)


... but, I think that customs might take issue with you sending me any of these things. 


So, in reality ...


-Dryer sheets
-American peanut butter
-Tom's of Maine toothpaste
-I Tunes gift certificates for downloading TV shows (this only works because I my I tunes is linked to an American bank account ... I tunes are location specific).
-Salad dressing packets





-I also think that it would be great to receive American holiday related paraphernalia ...Thanksgiving napkins, 4th of July hats, and that sort of thing.



Source


You know what else I would love in a care package? ... My own books. One of the saddest part of moving two suitcases at a time, for me, was leaving nearly all of my books at home (the ones that I didn't give away to my interns). I have a lifetime of playscripts, theatre theory books, and so many novels and short story collections that are full of memories. I can't wait until I figure out how to get them back to me ... even if it is just a couple at a time.


Of course, it's all personal. 


I quizzed Partner-in-Crime, who said he wanted a pecan pie.


A friend was just telling me that she wished she could get Sweet N Low here. (Thankfully, they have Splenda here, but it is very expensive, so feel free to toss that in my care package, as well!).


My friend who lives in Germany always wants cinnamon Pop Tarts.


A source that a lot of Americans in Australia use for their food fixes is USA Foods, which - for a hefty premium - will deliver to you everything from M&Ms to Apple Jacks to your favorite Barbecue Sauce. Honestly, I have perused their site, but haven't found myself desperate enough to use their services, yet. I mean, when I say that I'd give anything for a box of Cheez Its, do I really mean $8, plus shipping? No, not yet.


In truth, all of this stuff would be lovely to get in the mail, but the best thing one of my friends or family could send me is a card or hand written letter. Stuff is nice, but not as nice as people. That's what I really miss.