A small backpack, fanny pack, or side purse has been my go-to for carrying my everyday valuables consistently my entire young adulthood.
Read about my weird 2016 thrift find on my original WordPress.com blog here.
Items I carry as a magazine editor
❀ Hydrating lip product (usually a basic balm)—Won’t leave the house without
❁ Writing notebook or pad—Good ideas disappear as fast as they come
❀ A pen—See above reason
❁ More pens (just in case you need to highlight, underline, and accent)
❀ Weather-appropriate headgear (bandana, beanie, hair clip, etc; if it’s chilly I like to be prepared and the same goes with warmer weather) that complements the day’s outfit
❁ Clip-on microphone (w/ an AUX plug-in for my phone)
❀ DSLR Camera for certain assignments
❁ Hand sanitizer—Will regret stepping out of the house without it; will seek it out at every public corner or countertop
❀ Charged phone—Will never remember to fully charge it before heading out for the day’s errands
The basics transfer across careers and errands
Interpreters toss their notes as a confidentiality practice, while reporters rely on them to complete their documentation.
Besides the microphone and camera, my basic day needs match up with the “tools” I use as an interpreter and reporter.
I’ll be honest, I had to toss out an overripe mayo packet that was hanging out in my go-to bag for far too long (it hasn’t been a summer of mayo emergencies). I also collect ketchup packets and creamer containers which always burst before proper usage.
Photograph from the Catsup article, The Bag Basics: Purse mayonnaise, emergency ketchup, and keychain sriracha?
