For the past 15 years or so I’ve been carrying around what I like to call a “Dr. Bag.” Some may call it a “purse” (Nancy) and others a “European Man Bag.” It is neither of those things, mostly because I live in the great state of TEXAS. Men in Texas are accustomed to having certain items that they may need which just don’t fit in our wallets. (Like we carry real wallets!). If I leave the house, rest assured I have my Dr. bag. In my car, in my boat, in hotel rooms, wherever. If I feel I may need any of the things in it, it comes with me. It’s kind of like a security blanket. The other day I was getting into my car and was having a hard time getting it out from under the console where it belongs when I get out of my car. A couple of weeks ago I had a hard time fitting it into the lockable storage compartment of the boat while I was going into a restaurant to eat. This got me to thinking about down-sizing. Maybe I don’t need as big of a Dr. bag? So I’m doing an inventory to figure out exactly what I could cut loose so I could get a smaller Dr. bag.
The outside of the Dr. bag has 3 full size pockets and 2 mini pockets. In the full size pockets there are….
1. Wallet. This is actually a money clip with a slot for credit cards. I haven’t actually had any currency since I had children but it holds receipts as well.
2. Keys. Real men do not carry key chains. They have one ring with 5 or fewer keys. I have 2.5 keys on mine. I’m counting the handcuff key as a half!
3. Cell phone. Gotta have your wubby close!
Small pockets…………………….
1. Pen. Had an old HS coach tell me to always carry a pen. Don’t know why I listened to him, but I did.
2. Knife. The knife I carry in my outside pocket is very sharp, and very useful. It has a seat belt cutter and a window breaker and the TCSO seal on the outside. Very nice. Apparently I have a knife fetish because there are more knives to follow.
The inside of the Dr. bag could basically be broken down into 4 categories; tools, medical, recreation and etc.
TOOLS:
1. Glock 9MM. The second amendment guaranties my right to bear arms and the great state of Texas permits me to carry one, so I do. I don’t recommend this for everyone. If you have a chip on your shoulder, short temper, aren’t a good communicator or a member of your neighborhood watch who has always dreamed of being a cop who calls 911 every time someone rings your doorbell and runs or you sweat the small stuff, etc. DO NOT carry a gun!
2. If you do, carry the speed loader too!
3. Keys. I have a key ring that has my extra keys, keys to other people’s houses, extra boat keys, etc.
4. Lock. Just in case I hafta lock up my boat trailer on fishing trips.
5. Flashlight. Like who doesn’t need a flashlight?!
6. Wubby holder. Just in case I am wearing a belt and need to clip my phone to my belt.
7. Knives. I kinda mentioned a knife fetish earlier. Here is my dilemma…
a. Box cutter and razor blades. Just in case you hafta cut up some boxes? Ok, maybe I could lose this one, but it’s UT burnt orange!!
b. Hunting knife. A present from Bill and Beej. Good to have in case the gun misfires or I need a silent kill?
c. My folding Gator knife. Oddly enough, Cory gave this to me for Father’s Day years before he had a son named Gator! Won’t part with it!
d. Swiss Army Knife. Actually used the screw driver and cork screw on this one in the past few weeks.
MEDICINE:
1. Pill box. Can you believe we’re old enough to carry pill boxes?
2. Ibuprofen. I carry the large bottle. Guess I could down size now that I don’t live with my daughters anymore?
3. Anti-Diarrheal. Better to have it and not need it……………..
4. Tums. Enough bad camp fire food and you’d carry this too!
5. Hand sanitizer. Self-explanatory.
6. Lotion. For when the sun dries you out.
7. More hand sanitizer. The spray kind.
8. Wet wipes. In case the anti-diarrheal didn’t work!
9. Dental floss. Can double as fishing line in a pinch.
RECREATION:
1. IPod. Gotta have tunes. I have about 7000 of my favorite songs on mine.
2. Arm band. In case you exercise.
3. Hand held radio. Don’t know why I still carry this. But back in the day when bird hunting with the guys we would use them to relay important information, such as; “I’m out of beer!”
4. Sun screen. Never use this. I think T snuck this into my bag to give me a hint.
5. Baseball hat clip that hold your ball marker. UT style.
6. Sun glasses strap. To hold your glasses on when you’re screaming down the lake in your boat!
7. Another clip. To hold your hat to your shirt.
8. Team 84 wrist band. The Legend Continues……….
9. Skeeter stick. Don’t know why I just don’t have a small thing of Off?
10. Guitar pick. UT style. Don’t even have a guitar anymore.
ETC:
1. Checkbook. I’ve written about 10 checks in the last few years. But you never know when you’re gonna make a huge purchase.
2. Matches. And why not a lighter?
3. Antelope Tag. This is from 2008. Guess I’ll let this go.
4. Raffle ticket. Hoping to win a new .45 pistol.
5. Insurance card. If you need insurance, let me know. I gotta guy.
6. Hunting license. Not even this year’s. gonna let this go as well. New one is in my wallet.
7. Altoids. Just in case my wife (or anyone else) ever wants to kiss me.
8. $30 IOU from my brother. Just in case we have another poker game! I will use this if I have to!
9. Eye glass cleaner. To clean the sun glasses.
So you see, I gotta have all this stuff! It’s important. Glad I’m not a girl and hafta carry make up too!!!
