Hi everyone!

I’m elated to be joining you on this journey in ETEC 540 – Text Technologies. For our introductory task, I’ve chosen to show my daily bag—what comes with me to work everyday. Here we go!

Everything generally fits into one of three categories: just-in-case, needed everywhere, or expedition-specific (in this case, work). First up: the just-in-case items.

The uncommon shape of the fan is what I expect catches people’s eyes first. It’s still summer here, so a fan is a must when walking to work in over 30°C weather. While most people prefer uchiwa (paper, non-folding fans that are given out freely on streets and at events), I like being able to fold this one up, tuck it into the fan sock, and slip it back into my bag.
You probably also noticed the budding pharmacy of medication laid out. I cut into that stock today, actually. This hefty mix of dissolvable, powdered, and pill-form pain meds get me through my twice-weekly migraines. While migraines are not just pain, the pain is the part that effects my job the most, and I would not accept it for my personal problems to affect my classes and my students’ focus and learning. The variety keeps my body from getting used to any of them too quickly, though I know all are steadily becoming less and less effective. Joining the arsenal are allergy and cold medication; less for my sake and more for that of others’. On the plus side, I’m always ready to help my coworkers should they be struck with a headache, hangover, allergies, whatever!
The other just-in-case items include a pocket sewing kit, umbrella, heat packs for chilly somebodies, tissues and wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, eye drops, breath mints, two hair clips, a 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter, charging cable, and usb adapter. In the winter or particularly busy times, I add chocolate-covered coffee beans; a healthier and tastier alternative to energy drinks.

Next are the needed-everywhere items. This includes my card holder (the red credit-card-sized pouch near the top) with my ID and health card, the wallet, a pen (or more), and most importantly, my mirrorless camera. Everywhere I go, I take my camera and 45mm prime lens. I seldom have time for dedicated photo outings now, but having a camera on hand lets me stop even on the way home should my eye catch something interesting to capture. Photography is my reprieve from the stresses of life.

Lastly, the work-specific items. This is the pens, the pen refill, and my agenda. Additionally, I occasionally take some marking or planning home with me, but such contents changes day to day so I chose not to include it in the photo. The USBs and SD card are either work-specific or as camera support; if I need to take more photos while out, or give photos to the school or a client.

The just-in-case items make up the biggest category. I realized that a lot of what I carry is for the comfort and convenience of those around me, and thinking further, my desk at work is the same; full of tea, coffee, and snacks to sneak onto tired coworkers’ desks late in the evening with a cheery sticky note. The umbrella is also one of three which get replaced every so often; in the event that students leaving school are unprepared for the sudden change in weather. Even the badge on my bag I attached because I know many students and teachers like that particular band and it could make for a good ice-breaker topic. As texts, I think these items show the things I value: personal happiness through photography, making life easier for others, and being able to do my job as best I can, without pain and with pen in hand. I’ve only held this job for about four years. 15 years ago I was in Canada, and the contents of my bag would have still been school books, but with the majority of those just-in-case items replaced with a novel and pocket knife, and a DSLR too big and heavy to bring to school. 15 years ago I didn’t suffer from regular migraines, and cared a lot less about those who cared about me.

I think if an archaeologist found this bag though, he’d think me an urban cleric, or even more outlandishly, a soccer mom.

Let’s have a good semester together!

—Basia