Winston Aldworth: Important things

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My pre-flight ritual is set in stone.

Pack late. Forget to pack certain Important Things. Suddenly remember Important Things.

Race around the house looking for Important Things. Wonder to myself which of the Important Things I'll lose on this trip. Have a shower. Change into a completely fresh set of clothes (yes, Kiwi men: clean underwear). Tell the kids I love them and will miss them. Listen to kids tell me they want presents when I get back. Suddenly recall an Important Thing that I'd put in a particular spot for Important Things. Flap around trying to remember where the particular spot for Important Things might be. Decide I can probably get by without that Important Thing. Taxi to airport. Have a drink.

My colleagues are more organised than me and share their pre-flight rituals on.