Part IA, Part UP

Is it a carry-on AND a personal item?

I flew Aer Lingus when starting a two year trip backpacking through Europe (this was in 2009 and from the US to IE) - I had my main backpack (just fit the carry-on dimensions) and a smaller day bag as my personal item (I think that can be a laptop bag, purse, coat or other small thing). When I checked in for my flight I tried to make it look as small and light as I could.

The carry-on dimensions may have changed, but it's worth checking about the personal item and if there are restrictions on that.

Happy anniversary BD!

Is it a carry-on AND a personal item?

Yes, I just flew Aer Lingus last week.

BD, is this proper Aer Lingus or the regional? (The regional planes need much smaller baggage, as the lockers are tiny, so factor that in, if that's the case.). Either way,  you can take a carry on bag and a small personal item that fits under the seat.  

It's Aer Lingus -- but affiliated with (gag) Ryanair.  I did look up their baggage restrictions and it gives "New Cabin Baggage Policy" effective from 13 August 2012, which says one single piece of cabin baggage 55 x 40 x 24 cm. and small (their emphasis) ladies handbag/gents satchel not exceeding 25 x 33 x 20 cm.  The small bag must be placed under the seat in front.  My LL Bean bag just about fits under seat on transatlantic flights with a little squishing.  Don't know about the smaller planes.  While its a great bag for stuffing in passports, wallets, cell phones, house keys, etc. etc. don't think it would really accommodate any glad rags.  The carry-on is pretty much maxed out with pair of leggings, couple tops, undies and socks, a pullover, pj's, etc.  I could get the socks and undies in the hand bag, I suppose, but might prove embarrassing when fishing out passport 

[Thanks for all anniv. wishes  ]

Maybe you need this: http://www.stuffa.co.uk/en/shop/products/womens/womens-stuffa-jacket.html

Maybe you need this: http://www.stuffa.co.uk/en/shop/products/womens/womens-stuffa-jacket.html

Shoot that looks good for everyday life!!

Maybe you need this: http://www.stuffa.co.uk/en/shop/products/womens/womens-stuffa-jacket.html

That's amazing!  But what happens when you go through security and have to take off jackets?  You just put it on for boarding and the airline is none the wiser?  Or will they catch on to this and start charging for coats, vests, etc.  Or maybe they'll make us all change into disposable jumpsuits. 

IA: After finding gum wrapper bits all over a load of black clothes, including most of hubby's fave heavy metal t-shirts and some work clothes, hubby is only alive because a) he is at work and I am at home, and b) it is too close to our holiday to risk prison time.

UP: Somehow, the two pieces of gum that were in the pack stayed intact and were found at the bottom of the washer, with none getting on the clothes. Phew!

After spending 20 minutes picking all the wet paper bits off clothes, after a good shake, then vacuuming up the mess, I was ready to risk the prison time. 

UP 1. Pizza party at work today.

UP 2. After the pizza, Chris decided he needed ice cream, and when he came back he had a pumpkin pie milkshake for me.

IA. Day two of our diet was a disaster because of these two wonderful things. Oh well, back at it now.

IA: Hubby is a really crap diet partner. The man is full of bad ideas, and easily gets distracted by things that remind him of food.

UP: We are having garlic bread with our otherwise super healthy dinner.

IA: Hubby is a really crap diet partner. The man is full of bad ideas, and easily gets distracted by things that remind him of food.

UP: We are having garlic bread with our otherwise super healthy dinner.

This deserves an up-vote!

The part of me that is seriously, truly trying to make this diet work is grumbling. A lot. The part of me that is whining at the strict part of me for denying it of all the lovely treats out in abundance now isn't complaining as much.

IA: Having what seems to be a seriously failing memory this week.

UP: One of the silly, 'filler' gifts I got for myself and already wrapped is going to be a surprise because I can't remember what it is! 

Hubby has picked a couple hundred dollars' worth of Fuller's Vintage Ales as his 'big' gift, and I'm getting a laptop for mine, so I've picked a few gifts each just to have something under the tree. I always think wrapped presents under the tree look festive.

IA: Had to leave work after an hour due to being still sick.

UP: Have house all to myself. Got into DH's new sweatpants, made some hot coco with some American marshmallows I found being sold for bonfire night. Things are feeling better...

UP: My great nephew (just turned one this week) came for a surprise visit today.

IA: I can add miniature humans to the list of things Joey is terrified of. I know cockatiels are skittish by nature, but Captain Coward is afraid of EVERYTHING. Even with Brax  on the far side of the room, Joey was not pleased at all until I partially covered him.

UP: We arrived home a bit ago to find the downstairs neighbour is moving out. She is the loud one. Everything she does is loud. We hear every word of every phone call, she bangs pans and plates and such around when cooking, loud tv, loud radio, when her boyfriend is over... well, everything she does is loud.

IA: I hate the wait to see what is next Who knows if you will get someone louder and more annoying. I am hoping and praying for a sweet elderly lady who bakes cookies for her neighbours.   Then again, this current one who is going is gone nearly every Friday and Saturday night, and that is when we watch our metal and punk DVDs because we can turn the tv up a bit, knowing no one will be bothered.