Knowing that I always wait until the last minute to pack for international trips, and have almost not gone on two such trips because I still couldn’t find my passport within an hour of leaving for the airport, I decided to pretend I was leaving a week before I actually was. And it worked. I completely panicked, not being able to find my passport. After about an hour of pulling drawers apart, going through files, and looking in previously used bags, I found it. Now, where to put it for a week so I don’t lose it again?

On my nightstand, doubling as a coaster. Perfect. I’m so ready for Africa.