Tag Archives for packing

PACKING GETS ME A THINKIN’…

I hate packing. I mostly hate it because I’m often reminded of how much stuff I have. And I’m reminded that so much of the stuff that I do have, I do not need. And then I feel bad about myself.

And then I think “Lizzie, here is what you are going to do. You are going to donate all of your stuff. You are going to live off of only what you need. You’ll only have to pack maybe 5 boxes, because everything else is going to Goodwill.”

And then I look at my picture frames filled with beautiful memories. And my sea of shoes that make my heart happy. And my unnecessary amount of earrings that truly put a spring in my step. And I realize that I attach so many personal feelings to so many innate objects. Everything I own becomes something I adore. And that stuff that doesn’t, well of course I’ll donate.

It’s not about having what you want, it’s about wanting what you’ve got. And I sure as shooting love what I got. Of course I don’t need every single pair of shoes I own and I absolutely don’t need all of the clothes in my closet. But gosh they make me happy. So hop on board boxes, you’re all coming with me to Chicago.

if you’re lucky enough to love the things you have, you’re lucky enough

what’s in my bags?

106lbs of stuff. thank you delta check-in agent! when i put my suitcases on the scale at the sfo airport, each of them came in at 53lbs exactly—mind you, there is a 50lb limit unless you want to fork over your first born to the airline. well she just continued on her merry way and didn’t say a thing. and for that, i am so grateful! (i spoke with another gal on the same flight as me who had one suitcase which weighed 60lbs and she paid $90. insanity! i am so lucky)

now if i literally posted a list of everything i brought with me, you would be
1. bored and 2. boreder. so i’ll do a mini summarization for you starting with what i believe to be the most intersting…

shoes are my ultimate weakness. i know that many people will think this is a large load of shoes.. but remember i wore one pair on the plane (the big hunter rain boots) and it’s tough packing for cold weather because everything needed for the cold is bigger. for example: boots. as of right now, i’m happy with what i’ve packed. i’ll keep you updated as to whether or not i needed every pair of shoes that have accompanied me overseas. and, for the record, i took out two extra pairs of boots that i was delusionally dreaming i could fit as well.

but my suitcases didn’t total at 106lbs without a little help.

clothes:

  • 1 pair of black jeans
  • 2 pairs of nice, darkwash denim
  • 1 pair of jeans that i don’t care about for any hiking, excursions
  • 8 pairs of leggings (don’t judge, i love leggings and i ruin them often either by snagging them on boots or by wearing them thin)
  • a few dresses
  • a black skirt
  • a trench coat
  • a leather jacket
  • black northface jacket
  • a handful of cardigans
  • a handful of t-shirts, both long and short sleved
  • maybe 3 pretty, brightly colored blouses
  • and intimates of course

toiletries:

  • toothbrush
  • mini shampoo and conditioner just to get by until i can buy normal sized bottles
  • mini face was, again just to get by
  • face moisturizer
  • nail polish remover
  • nail polish
  • nail file
  • makeup bag

misc.:

  • an anthrop0logie candle–everyone i spoke with mentioned bringing photographs or something to make your time away feel more comfortable. now i have photos on my computer, on facebook, here on ze blog, and on my ipod, so i didn’t feel i needed any framed photos. so i decided what really makes me feel the absolute best are candles. and nobody makes candles like anthro.
  • adapters– thank you mom and dad for donating to my cause.

now that i look at this list and my perfectly plump suitcases, i am happy. but let me tell you, the process there was painful. i’ve been a bit of a gypsy this year, moving 4 times in 2010. so you’d think i’ve mastered packing right? wrong. in fact i am probably worse just because now i dread it so badly.

 


but, i try and tell myself, “self, you are pretty lucky that you get the opportunity to pack up over and over. think about the people that never have a reason to pack? never have a reason to move?” then i nod, agree with myself and try and hate it a little bit less.

if you’re lucky enough to get through with an extra 6lbs and no charge, you’re lucky enough

 

tomorrow is a new day…

tomorrow is the day. well actually, in about 6 hours it’s the day. i’m flying out of san francisco and headed out of my house at 5.30am. i’m FINALLY packed. i’ve got 2 bags that are teetering on the scale at about (cross your fingers) 50lbs. i threw my hands up long ago and decided the extra $50 was worth it to bring the second bag. and my carry-on is for the most part packed.

i’m planning to post a detailed list of what i packed, what’s in my carry-on, and many more details but since i’ll be bored in airports and on airplanes for hours tomorrow… i think tonight i’m just going to enjoy my last hour or two with my mom.

i’m a little weirded out by myself and how calm and not anxious i am. but i suppose when you’ve been planning, waiting, and dreaming of doing something for a long time, it feels normal when it actually happens. but if i do get anxious tomorrow, or on the plane, or when i’m actually in ireland, that’s okay too.

if you’re lucky enough to study abroad, you’re lucky enough

2011 i have big expectations for you

happy new year everyone! i hope your evenings were spent with great friends and great times.

mine was pretty low-key. i spent it with two of my best friends, shelby and jenna. it’s funny how much our going out routine and our nights are changing as we get older. shelby has a little 4 month old baby, baby caleb. so as we got ready we had to make sure she pumped. we also had to make sure she could enjoy a glass or two of champagne but that she didn’t get too tipsy. but in all honesty, it’s a fun change. baby c is completely worth it.

we went to a few parties but where ever i found myself, i just gravitated towards my two best girls. it was fun to see old faces and catch up with friends, but really all that we cared about was spending time with one another.

there was only one tiny mishap when i fell. eek. but i blame the rain, high heels, and walking downhill. it was so dark i couldn’t see the damage, so i kept taking pictures just so the flash would allow me to see what happened. and the result… torn tights (sad) and a lil bit of blood.

and now, day 1 in 2011, 2 days away from ireland, i’m getting last minute things together. i’m going to put up a full post detailing what i’m packing, what i’m wearing on the plane, and some travel tips that i’ve accumulated over the past few weeks.

happy new year everyone. cheers to a great, exciting, adventure filled 2011!

if you’re lucky enough to be able to celebrate new years, you’re lucky enough

have i mentioned i like to procrastinate?

the lil procrastination devil has struck me before and it just so happens to have struck me again!

as i was sitting, packing, and cleaning, i somehow ended up looking through my history of text messages. and i found something that was too hilarious not to share. over the the past few days spent in arizona, my cousin eric didn’t have a phone (he broke it the night before flying to arizona). so clearly being the sweetheart/ best cousin ever, i pretty much gave him free access to mine.

at ONE point, i got a text message and eric was holding my phone. i asked him to reply and try to “sound” like me. bad idea. he ended up texting quite a few different messages that went a little something like this:

fake lizzie: hey hey girl! love you and was wondering if we could get you to bring us some coors light on your way back?! i have monies i can give! xoxoxoxoxo

fake lizzie: awesome bowesome kar-bar! garsh you are the just the besty best cousin ever! when can we expect you back?????? kisses!

fake lizzie: you know it girlfriend! ;-) xoxoxooxox ps. need my wine partner (you!) ;-)

fake lizzie: hey hey sista cuz! passed along the message fo shure! miss you kisses and cuddles!

fake lizzie: you be here soon cousin friend love?

fake lizzie: oooooooo! it will be oh so oodles and oodles of goody fun!

and you know what? nobody even questioned if it was me texting.

these gave me a good laugh and i just had to share. but now, back to my packing duties. so long san diego! i’ll miss you.

if you’re lucky enough to be great friends with your cousins, you’re lucky enough