Well, what have I been doing for the past few weeks?? The quick and dirty answer is simple--I've been thinking about packing three pieces of luggage for the next two years. However, before I launch into that wild frenzy, I must mention the parallel reality of preparing to move from my house, which requires another form of insanity. Arranging movers, canceling utilities and changing my address with the US Postal Service is only the tip of the iceberg. This process could aptly be described as, "death by details." For now, the movers are scheduled for next Monday (9/29) and two days later, my "old house" transfers to another owner.

The Going, Going, Gone to Ghana party left me grateful for friends. I will carry all that love with me for the next two years. I believe Aristotle was correct when he said something like, "without friends there would be no reason for living". I hope to get some pictures posted soon.

The packing list below must fit into three bags: two checked bags not to exceed 80 lbs total and no larger than 107 dimensional inches; one carry-on no more than 17 lbs and 45 dimensional inches. I'm curious about what will get left at home and what, in the course of two years, will prove to be utterly useless and priceless. If you're interested in can goggle "peace corps packing" and see how others have wrangled with this issue.


Packing List

Clothing
3 knee-length or longer dresses/skirts
2 prs slacks
Jeans
1 pr sweatpants/leggings
Nice pants/skirt outfit for out/shoes
2 prs dress shorts (Bermudas)
1 pr athletic shorts
1 zip-off-leg pants
1-2 dress shirts
5 tee shirts
long-sleeved shirt
Cotton pajamas
Cotton slips
Cotton panties (21)
Cotton bras (6)
Open-toed sandals-antibact sole
1 running shoes
Hiking boots
Jewelry
3 cotton socks
1 wool socks
H20-proof jacket
Sweater/fleece for cool evenings
Bathing suit
5 bandanas (not red)
Leather belt
Hats
x-tra watch/battery
purse

Etc.
Gifts (for bribes)
Stickers for kids
Kids books (animals, counting, abc)
Daypack
Sm dictionary
Art supplies
Appt book/calendar
Postcards/photos (for walls)
Frisbee
reading glasses (4)
sunglasses
glasses repair kit
Games—cards, backgammon
PC Paperwork

Food/Kitchen
Can opener
Spices
Seeds
cookbook
Non-stick frying pan
Sharp knife
Tupperware (3)
Measuring cups/spoons
Lrg & sm ziplock baggies
Rubber spatula
Bread pan
Handiwipes
2 nalgene bottles
H20 purifier—extra filter
Whetstone
Pepper grinder/pepper
Powered skim milk
Crystal light
Cheese sauce packets
Instant coffee-yuck!!
Coffee, filters, melita


Electronics/entertainment
Shortwave radio
Rechargeable batteries/recharger--AA batteries
Camera, extra batteries, charger, cards
Laptop—cords
x-tra CD-Rs
Brunton solar charger
35 mm camera ?
ipod, speakers, ear plug, plug, adapter
Converters/adapters (50/220)

Household
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Straight pins
Tacks
Hooks
Duct tape
Rope/clothes pins
2 sets sheets
x-tra pillow cases (2)
pillow (sm thermarest)
2 light wgt towels
1 wash cloth
Bath puff
1 camper towel
Solar shower
Small umbrella
Maps
Home photos/friends
Journals
Stationery
Pocket notebooks
x-tra paper
Stamps
Address book
Plastic document file/folders
Pens, pencils, permanent markers
18 passport photos
Flashlight (maglight)
Headlight
x-tra batteries, AA
Tool kit
Glue (barge, epoxy)
Swiss army knife/multi knife
Mouse trap
Alarm clock
Outdoor thermometer
Sewing kit
Purple camp chair
Sleeping bag
Camp stove
Therma-rest
Carbiners
Kit matches
2 combo locks

Hygiene
Deodorant
shampoo
Fragrant bath products
Nail clipper & file
Hand sanitizer (lrg)
Anti-microbial soap
Lip balm
Aloe gel
Arnica Montana
Soap container/soap
Toothbrushes (2)
Floss (lots)
Deodorant
Sm mirror
Tea Tree Oil
Anti-bacterial salve
Lots of tampons, sponge
Ear plugs
Short term meds—advil, tylenol
Skin care—face, lotions

Finances
Cash
Traveler’s checks
Money belt
copy of POA


Mail books—birds, stars