Getting ready for the big day

Packing has always been an endeavor for me... one because I am a girl (enough said) and two because I always like to be prepared for anything that comes my way.  I take anything and everything that I might think I need, because after all "you never know".  Needless to say, packing for this trip has been nothing short of a challenge.  But a challenge I am willing to accept!

Day one of packing I decided to start with all of the miscellaneous stuff.  I figured it would be a lot easier for me to set aside what towel and shampoo I would take as opposed to picking out my outfits for the 123 days I am going to spend abroad (don't you think?).  So that is exactly what I set out to do.  I started off with an empty bed, and ended my day by covering it up almost entirely.  Luckily for me though, I had my checklist with me along the way to prevent me from getting distracted into adding in more than the absolutely necessary.

Day two of packing... and now for the fun stuff.  Today I set out to do the impossible (or so I thought).  I was to finish packing all of my shoes, clothes, snacks, toiletries, you name it I had to pack it. But, I have to say it was more difficult to get started than it actually was to finish, because once I took out those first pair of pants the rest ran like clockwork. 

As you can see, I filled the bed again with more stuff, stuff that needed to be added to the already half-filled suitcase from before.  Grandma said I wouldn't be able to fit it all, but thanks to my super organizing skills/OCD I was able to get it all in and with room to spare (granted not much, but some room nonetheless).  And now my bags are all packed up and ready to board.  I am still amazed by the amount of stuff I was able to fit into my one suitcase, but I am very proud of myself for getting it all in there.  Mission accomplished!