My last post about our vacation talked about me knocking over a display in a store in the Pearl District of Portland. (See below.) What I didn't say was why I was carrying a big bag around downtown Portland

Ok ladies, we all know the scenario. My husband always says I don't need to carry my bag if I don't want to, yet when it comes down to it, who would carry everything if I didn't? I had taken my regular handbag with me, but soon discovered it was not adequate for a day in the city. Thank heaven I had thought about it and brought a bigger purse, the beauty of traveling in the car...you can pack whatever you want.

Women are like pack mules in this instance, we are used to carrying that big old thing slung over our shoulder. In fact, I would rather have the big bag in these situations, so as not to have to leave something we MIGHT use behind. Wallet, check, sunglasses, check, camera, check. Real soon you are toting quite a bit and thankfully we never seem to notice.

It never fails that within an hour of him saying I don't need my purse he is handing me things to put in it. Or even better, asking me for things he knows I always have. Ibuprofen, check, chapstick, check, floss, check!!! (And we all know we could go on and on from here.)

My oh my whatever would we do without our purses? I mean, if I get a fingernail snag, I am going to obsess until it is smooth, so why not have a file on you. (And my husband has been known to use this one quite often.) I have a little pair of scissors that fold up into a tiny size and I swear we use them constantly! I have on demand, discount cards, gift cards, and any business cards we use often. And of course the proverbial pictures, what purse would be complete without them? But it is the strange, but necessary, items that will be noticed the most, plastic toothpicks come to mind first, because it never fails I will be asked for one. Matches, because you never know, the unappreciated mending kit with its thread and pins, and of course the invaluable loose change always available.

I don't let mine get filled with junk, because like the rest of my life, I want it organized. I have a place for receipts, a place for my keys and cell phone, and a place for my lipstick. When I buy a new purse, it has to have certain requisites. I don't want one big bag without compartments where everything just gets thrown in together, I can't tolerate it. I want separate areas for my wallet, glasses, etc. It also has to have an outside flap, smaller, but still accessible from the outside, for my keys. I don't want to search while I am standing at the door holding groceries.

I have had friends who had no idea what was in the bottom of their purses, and upon dumping would discover long lost items, not to mention months worth of trash. Not me, I won't use my purse as a dumpster, and since everything has its place, I always know what is in there.

Purses. The most undervalued accessory we always use. I would be lost without mine, and thankfully, I am not the type to ever lose it. It is a genuine part of my anatomy. To leave a store or restaurant without my purse would be like leaving the house without getting dressed...I would immediately know something was extremely wrong.

In my 50 plus years I have never had to cancel my credit cards, call my bank regarding checks, or worried that someone else was using my identification. Women are funny that way, I might not remember where I put the mail this morning when I retrieved it, but I sure as heck know where my purse is.

The men in our life don't understand it, how can you tolerate toting that thing all day? But if given the opportunity, they sure will take advantage of it. That is why I willingly carry a bigger purse when the situation calls for it. Yes honey, I have the camera. Yes dear, I will take care of your sunglasses or wallet. And next Mother's day, no scrimping when it comes to the purse you pick out. Some money is simply well spent.