WIMB
WHAT'S IN MY BAG
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WHAT'S IN MY BAG 〰️
Gretchen Evans, 136 YinD
The what’s in my bag (WIMB), reminiscent of old school, elementary show ‘n tell may be a dying art to some, but I love seeing everyone’s essentials! A recent WIMB video featuring Olympian Alysia Liu inspired me to show what’s in my bag, according to the occasion.
What’s in my school bag/backpack.
On days when I’m feeling cute, I’ll pack all my things in my large, Uniqlo shoulder bag (updated version here) and place it in my bike basket.
On days when I prefer to bike with my bag on my back (typically when I am biking to my furthest school), I don my Jester Backpack.
Okay, here’s everything I bring with me to school – all laid out. Perhaps not my glasses just yet, but I can honestly say I am glad to have all of this stuff with me daily and have used every item at least once a week. Time for the tour!
I carry hand sanitizer with me at all times. It was impossible for me to find hand sanitizer at site or 7-Eleven, but I was in luck at health and pharmacy stores like Boots and Watsons, and I stocked up early in my service. I do not know where my elementary kids’ hands have been, so I like to stay strapped! Additionally, my schools typically do not have hand soap, so I use my hand sanitizer after hand-washing with water.
This government-issued Chapstick has been so great! It contains SPF and keeps my lips moisturized!
At one of my local coffee shops, there is an array of random items for sale. Among them are perfume samples. YSL Black Opium has been a great go-to lately. While I wish there were still mini M&M’s in that red container, I use it as storage for my 10 baht coins – it’s the perfect size (good for quarters back home too!). These items are all readily accessible in my cute, beaded pouch.
Mr. DIY is a wonderful place for school supplies at an affordable price. I keep colored pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, stickers, etc. in this paper-sized zip pouch – all from Mr. DIY. Additionally, I always keep duct tape handy for potential classroom games.
As I am a pretty active teacher, I tend to lead lessons outdoors, which calls for sunscreen reapplication. I can not stress enough how important it is to reapply, especially while standing in the blistering sun!!
Even though I am basically sweating non-stop, I carry hand cream with me to apply during those AC/Fan break room periods. While in service, I have really been dedicating time and effort towards skincare. Deodorant and an herbal inhaler are also must-haves.
After a spicy or garlic-heavy meal or snack, it is nice to have some mouth spray. Gotta stay fresh!
I also pack my glasses in case I have any issues with my contact lenses. In the black case are my airpods, perhaps my number one essential. Service has taught me that listening to music is probably what I spend most of my time doing (besides sleeping). A day where I forget to pack them is a sad day indeed.
Okay, this may seem peculiar at first, but I do pack a toothbrush and toothpaste with me to school. This is because most rural Thai schools promote teeth-brushing after lunch. It may be the one time a day a student brushes their teeth. Recommended by the volunteer at my site before me, I also partake in this post-lunch oral care and try to set an example.
Expo markers are superior white board markers – sorry! They write so smoothly and are long-lasting. I also refuse to write with a normal pencil, and carry a BIC Mechanical pencil with me wherever I go.
If given the opportunity to wear sunglasses, I will most certainly be wearing a pair. I do not like to strain my sensitive eyes, haha! I also have a claw clip and my wallet handy. I am a big reader, so I am sure to have my Kindle glued to my hand as well. Carefully placed underneath my wallet and Kindle are two notebooks, one for Thai character writing practice and one for brain-dumping. I write all my thoughts, new Thai words, to-dos, vacation plans, monthly budgeting, book/article ideas, etc. down in this notebook (Size: B6). So far, I have filled out four of these notebooks!
If you haven’t picked up that I love stationery, perhaps my planner is evidence enough. I love Google Calendar as much as the next girl, but physically writing down plans satisfies an itch in my brain. And I have given myself this belief that I remember things better when events are recorded in two places, digital and on paper.
Situated above my planner is another, smaller pouch where I store visual aids, flashcards, and dice for my lessons. I love to see the students’ faces light up for learners who grasp vocabulary when new terms are introduced visually.
Last but not least: my laptop!! I also got this hard shell case from MUJI, and it is perfect for days when I just bring my computer and can feel safe placing it in my basket. It even has pockets, great for storing (more) flashcards and worksheets.
What’s in my city, shoulder bag.
I love shoulder bags so much, some (my mom) could say I have a ‘girl in the green scarf’-level addiction. Having left my pretty, night-out purses behind in America, I was conveniently placed in a situation where I could go shopping!!! How am I supposed to eat down in Bangkok with a backpack or my (still cute) Uniqlo bag? Naturally, I went to the Red Building, better known as Bang Sue Junction or DD Mall. There, I found a vintage Coach at Simplex Store with a cute Earth charm, which felt so Peace Corps core. I feel myself thanks to this accessory. Look good, feel good, right? The 2003 Hampton Soho Leather Shoulder Bag in action:
Looking at the flatlay below, you may be thinking, wow Gretchen, how much does that all weigh? Good thing I lift weights, haha.
Some of these items are repeats, so I’ll just mention the new ones. Attached by a keychain, Glossier BDC is my favorite beauty product of all time. I am not sure why, but I am a Glossier ROD. You can also spot a lime green fan I snagged from a Koh Samet trip, and some triangular-shaped shades made for dancing.
That circular case holds some Loop ear plugs. Concerts, wat parties, and just events in Thailand in general are loud. Before purchasing some good quality ear plugs, I am praying I did not cause long term hearing loss by simply attending community and city events. I am working on prevention, now.
I also have a mini hair brush on hand.
I carry my passport with me in case I need it to enter venues or clubs in the city. Some places are very particular. That blue gummy bear-looking item is a cute lipstick I purchased from seven eleven! The shade is very bold, but the packaging is just so cute.
What’s in my soccer practice drawstring.
This one is more simple, but I thought I’d showcase it anyway! My cleats are more than 8 years old, so I felt it necessary to contain the unfortunate smell that comes with them in their own, dedicated boot bag. I also have a pair of goalie gloves available and my emotional support soccer ball ready for use. Not pictured are the litres of water I consume to stay hydrated!
Items Not Pictured
Reusable water bottle
Tissues
Extra pair of socks and a rain jacket (rainy season)
Mosquito spray and hydrocortisone (didn’t use during winter, but starting to have these on hand again)
Snake Brand prickly heat original cooling powder (during summer)
Ibuprofen
Menstrual products for me, and in case of emergencies, for students
MUJI Compact Mirror
Acne Patches
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed a peek into what I consider my essentials. :)
