The more that things change, the more that they are the same. So here I am, attempting to figure out what to take for my month long trip out west.
Now we never go anywhere fancy, basically doing a lot of hiking and sightseeing.
I have been dieting, and have lost some weight. All of a sudden, I find that stuff that I could not wear for a few years now fit. So I have hit a bonanza. Here is all the stuff that has been sitting in my drawers and closet, and I am like a kid in a candy store. I need to try on EVERYTHING.
I have already taken a Valium, and I still feel that uneasy feeling inside of me. Now, to my credit, I have not yet had a hissy fit, but have come close.
I thought that I would give myself a list of so many shirts, so many shorts, etc., and stick to it, but that is not going to work.
Will somebody please say SOMETHING to calm me down? This packing anxiety is a curse.
Don't sweat it, Phoenix, they have great stores out West, you always
can buy what you're missing.
This year was the first year I did not overpack my suitcase, mainly because I narrowed it down to 2 colors (black and white) with a few exceptions. It worked out perfectly.
Phoenix--
First, limit the number of pieces of luggage. You can choose to have ten, but stick to ten. Two or three is more realistic, but we all have Our Little Ways.
Second, make piles by occasion. So many hiking costumes. So many fancy dinner dresses. So many casual shopping outfits. September is a varied month--make two stacks in each category (one for summer, one for fall).
Third, try to think of yourself as a sophisticated traveler who can head off to exotic destinations with just ten minutes notice because you are the sort of woman not bogged down in wardrobe details and can travel light.
You can do it.
What cured me of overpacking (as Noddy suggested):
One summer long ago, I went to the office for a day of intense work and no client contact. So I dressed in a t-shirt, capris and flip-flops, no makeup. When I got to the office, the secretary informed that there was an emergency in one of my projects on the other side of the continent, that she had already booked me on a plane leaving in an hour and a taxi was waiting out front to take me to the airport. No time to go home.
I landed, a little dazed, checked into the hotel and hit the stores. First the drugstore for makeup and other essentials, then a clothing store where I simply asked them to suit me up in something appropriate for a professional, and then a shoe store. Two hours after landing, I met the client.
It was quite a liberating experience. So, let go of your packing demons, Phoenix. If you really need something more than the bare essentials, you'll have the adventure of finding it wherever you are.
Oh, and take one beautiful, large scarf (or pareu), something with all the colours of your packed clothes. If you're chilled, you can wear it around your neck or shoulders for warmth. If it's windy, you can wear it on your head. If you find yourself on a beach, it can be a cover-up. If a dress-up occasion presents itself, you can throw it over a simple shirt and be glamorous. Amazingly versatile.
Well, I'm the wrong person to ask. I took an overnight bag on several 1 month trips. I agree with the layer, layer, layer and minimal colour choices... shoes would be the problem for me. Sandals, walking shoes, runners (sneakers), dressy?
At any rate, are you on the road now? How's it going?
I won't elaborate... much... on my black suit story - have told it on a2k more than once. The good news is that with my recent weight loss I can fit into it again, and it's been so many years since I've worn it, I can even look at it without cringing.
As simply as I can state it, I went to italy for 29 days, covering 13 cities via train, with one duffle bag (shoulder strap) and a big purse. In that duffle I had a black washable wool blend travel smith suit that came with 2 pr. slacks, one of which I wore on the plane; four long sleeved tees (this was early April) plus the one I wore, underwear and socks for 4 days, a little costume jewelry. I wore my Dansko shoes. Did take a scarf, I like 'em. The rest of the space went to a few cosmetics, tear outs from guidebooks and typed notes, and some paperbacks to keep me going for a while, plus, lesson previously learned, sturdy plastic hangers for washing tee shirts, or the odd black suit, in the shower.
After 29 days, I wanted to burn the suit. But I was SOOOOOO glad to travel light.
This is not a help for Phoenix, just an anecdote of general support.
mame- No, I am not leaving until Wednesday. But everything that I am going to take, I have already packed. I know that it is still much too much. I have a medium size suitcase, and a small suitcase. There is a part of me that would like to take everything out, and put the most important stuff in the medium size suitcase, and leave the small one home.
Tico- It is so great to know, that somewhere, out there, are women who can get along with minimal stuff. People who know me know that I am NOT a clothes horse. Far from it. I just have this "thing" about packing.
osso- I envy you!
Phoenix--
I apologize for being a World Authority.
Yesterday we had a trip to the West End Fair. The plan was that I would wander up and down the midway while the menfolks watched the 4X4 Truck Pull.
Since I would be without an escort, I was taking my trusty quad cane. With one hand for the cane, it would have been a bit limiting to fill my other hand with my tote bag.
Parting with my tote bag for all of three hours was a drastic act of detox.
Noddy..... this is terrible.
Thinking, thinking... a shoulder tote bag? Maybe with a strap that has snaps?
I have, roughly, one of
these.
Eddie Bauer doesn't seem to sell the exact model anymore. Mine's smaller, and more refined. But super-useful. Hands free, and I've found it more comfortable and versatile than a backpack.
This is not quite what I had in mind (check the price) -
http://shelleyssnippets.blogspot.com/2007/08/amazoncom-prada-womens-nylon-shoulder.html
(Soz's link works if you take the
http:// part out of the URL and put it in the address bar)
Ooops, sorry for stretching!
Osso, Soz--
Thanks. Next week my Wardrobe Consultant, a woman who enjoys shopping will be back from vacation and we're going to investigate backpacks.
I have badly healed legs and collar bones which make a heavy shoulder bag very uncomfortable to wear for any length of time.
Moving away from pack-rat materialism will undoubtedly free up room for some karma.
(...and at the fair, I considered and rejected several impulse purchases because I didn't have a tote for transport. Now I have more money for considered purchases.)
