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To check or not to check baggage -- that is the question. At least it is if you are traveling by air. If I was going to be away for a few days, the answer would be easy. I'd pack everything into one or two suitcases and check it. But mine is a quick overnight trip.

Since I'll only be away for one night, less than 36 hours, I can easily fit my change of clothes, toiletries and business necessities in one small bag. I am not talking about one of those overstuffed carry-on bags that one has to coax aggressively into an overhead compartment and then pray that the door doesn't pop open at the first sign of turbulence.

I can get everything I need for my trip into a canvas bag that could slide under the seat with room to spare. Considering how tight my schedule will be on this particular trip, eliminating the need to stand around at the baggage claim staring at a conveyor belt hoping the next black suitcase really does belong to me would be great.

However, if I do stick with a lightweight carry-on bag, I will not be able to bring my own toothpaste or liquid foundation makeup, among other things.

The liquid foundation is not really an issue. At least, not after Mom and I visited the makeup counter at the department store in the mall and explained my dilemma. I was able to purchase the perfect shade of pressed powder. I also found a really nice shade of lipstick and a brand new eyeliner pencil with a built-in sharpener.

I'm unclear as to whether or not the sharpener is allowed since it does have a metal blade, but that's not a problem since I can pack my old pencil.

After our shopping spree, I still had to deal with the toothpaste issue. I can purchase toothpaste when I get to my destination, but shopping late at night alone in a strange city is on my list of things I don't do when I travel to ensure personal safety.

My driver's license photo is bad enough. I don't particularly want my family and friends to see my mug shot on a milk carton.

Complimentary toothpaste is available at most hotels. Why not simply grab a tube when I get there? I threw this idea out to a friend while we were waiting for our cars to be fixed -- we both had tires with slow leaks. However, she warned me that she once used complimentary hotel toothpaste and it was not a pleasant experience.

I am not exactly sure where hotels get their complimentary toothpaste, but to keep overhead down, I'm thinking they do not purchase the good stuff. At least not at the cost-efficient accommodations where I make business reservations. Certainly the nicer, three- and four-star hotels have excellent complimentary toothpastes.

What my dilemma boils down to is whether or not to bring toothpaste. I can bring gum, which I can chew immediately after brushing to remove "cheap toothpaste taste" from my mouth. Or, I can simply break down, pack my suitcase and check it.

Traveling used to be so simple. Pack your stuff, arrive at the airport two hours early, let someone rifle through your stuff, get frisked on the way to the gate, and have a nice flight.

Now you have to review eight pages of permitted and prohibited items and pack accordingly. Knitting needles and rounded butter knives -- OK. Toothpaste and swords, only in checked luggage. Cigarette lighters, liquid bleach and paint thinner -- absolutely not allowed whether checked or not.

And the lists are not all-inclusive. Travelers are now forced to use common sense. If it isn't on the list, but is prohibited, it will be confiscated. Until everyone gets the hang of what they can and cannot pack, it will take a little extra time to get through the security lines.

Don't get me wrong. I would much rather be safe than sorry. I am all for safety precautions, lists and procedures. Anything that will raise the odds of getting to my destination and back in one piece is a good thing.

Considering that I am partial to my minty-fresh toothpaste filled with plaque-fighting crystals, as well as the fact that I'd really like to take my new eyeliner along, I will probably pack my black, nondescript suitcase and check it.

And who knows? Maybe while I'm waiting for my bag to appear on the carousel, I'll be struck with inspiration for a best-selling novel. Or, at the very least, my next column.

Micki Bare is a columnist for the Arkansas News Bureau and the Courier-Tribune in Asheboro, N.C., and author of the book, "Relative Expressions." She lives in Asheboro with her husband and three children. Her e-mail address is mickibare@earthlink.net.