One Down, One To Go

As per request of Best Friend Leslie and Mama Luba, not to be confused with my actual Mama, I finally packed a suitcase. Yes my friends, believe it! Today, Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 5:36am... just four days before my trip... I finally have one suitcase packed. Aren't you proud of me?

Now, if you remember, the whole concept had me quite perplexed. How does one begin to pack for that long? Well, after doing some researching on tips and speaking to some individuals, I took all these methods, combined them, and came up with my own. Everyone did agree that you must start with a list, and so I did. I sat down with mom and made a list of all the things I need to bring with me. Then, I began to attempt this, what seemed impossible, fete.

I figured the first step was to clean my room. How was I going to pack if I couldn't find anything? (Just some background: My room usually looks like a bomb went off. Enter at your own risk.) Although the mess is usually due to a layer of clothes that decorates and conceals my carpet, both clean and dirty, the only logical following step was to do the laundry. After about three loads of laundry and some help from mom... THANKS MOM!... It was time to fold and sort. The task seemed simple. Gather all the clothes I own, fold it neatly, and sort into one of three categories; yes, no, or maybe. Yes, I want to take it to Italy. No, I don't, or maybe.

Ladies, don't freak out. This task isn't nearly as daunting as it seems... mainly because I don't have as much clothes as ANY OF YOU! Gentlemen, yes this does still take a ton of time and patience... regardless the amount of clothing. And so I began to sort ALL the clothes I own. I was oddly logical about my choices. One or two t-shirts to sleep in and bum around in... all others stay home. You know you have to look classy in Rome. Nice jeans went with me. Not as nice jeans stay home. One hoodie for comfort comes to Italy. The rest stay home. Though it took some time, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Though it was a little bittersweet. This is really happening, isn't it...

Once all the clothes was sorted into three categories, I had to make those three into two. Again, I was oddly logical. I tried it on. If it looks fantastic, it goes with me. If it looks anything but, see ya when I get home. It was time to see what fits into my suitcase. I'm allowed to bring two suitcases with me, as well as a carry-on. This worried me a lot. Three and a half months in two suitcases... yeah right. Apparently... one was all I needed for clothes. Though I haven't packed undergarments, shoes, swimming stuff, or toiletries, I was still amazed to learn that all my clothes fit into one suitcase... and no it's not one of those EXTRA EXTRA large ones. Who would've thought? Clearly I don't have enough clothes. Anyone down for some shopping when I get back?

Signing off,
Ciao Bella...