For the love of VPN and other things that help lighten my load

I'm starting to question my "briefcase". I'm referring to my bag that I use to go to work. When I was heading back into the world of "work" after my daughter was born (which may have actually been less work, but a topic for another day) I thought I should outfit myself with a new bag. Something sturdy and stylish, roomy but not too bulky, something to help me tote all my "work" around town. Brenthaven seemed an obvious choice (go local!). I loved my messenger bag.

I spent a couple of years contracting, mostly working at home. My bag came out with me a few times, but honestly, it was mostly on interviews or introductory meetings where I was trying to land the "work". More like an accessory, it never really carried the "work". Then last fall I was hired on as a regular employee at ARN. I work in the office and at home, depending on how much quiet I need. So I do go back and forth a lot... and so does my bag.

But today, with the magic of my trusty little jump drive and VPN, I'm still not really carrying the "work". Through all our recent weather-related school closures (first snow, and then, seriously, flooding?) I have come to be a real fan of VPN. Heck, I'm logged in through VPN right now. Its truly amazing. My poor little messenger bag is collecting dust.

So... if my "work" is not in my bag, what is? I rely heavily on the outside pocket for my keys, cell phone, and wallet-- all things I typically carry in my purse. Inside the main compartment, there is a notebook and my daytimer which is really what takes up the bulk of the room. I think I've had my daytimer since I finished graduate school in 1994. If it wasn't for that calendar/address book, I'd feel very silly hauling this bag around. If I could take the leap (both economic and psychological) from daytimer to smartphone, I would retire the bag. But then I could upgrade my purse. Thankfully, Brenthaven makes those too.