If you came to this blog thinking there would be posts of actual substance, I’m sorry. There might be some in the future.
I fretted about packing but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, presumably because (as my mother said) I just chose what I needed to pack/survive at my parents’ until departure day and left everything else in a state of shame.
The final packing list is as follows:
- Underwear
- 1 belt
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 rompers
- 1 camisole
- 1 pair of leggings
- Several basic t-shirts
- 6 dresses (can be worn casually or for teaching and doesn’t take up space)
- Running leggings
- 1 blazer
- 1 pair of slacks
- 1 pencil skirt
- 1 light jacket (wearing to airport)
- 1 pair of fleece lounging pants (ohh yes)
- Running shoes
- Chuck Taylors
- Scarf (wearing to airport)
- 2 pairs of pants (wearing one to airport)
- Toiletries, playing cards, photos of home, cards that people signed
- Macbook, iPad, iPhone, chargers, adapter, voltage converter, 1 physical book (others are electronic)


I may consider taking out a few items tomorrow morning but having always been a gross overpacker, I think I did okay (insert eyeroll from veteran travelers here). But if you do have serious input then please do let me know.
Speaking of tomorrow morning – the fateful day – I will be running around to finish last minute things that could have been avoided were I not a dingleberry. The “poor planning” aspect of this post title mostly alludes to how I should have set my last day at work at an earlier date. The plan was unclear when I made the decision so I did my best under the circumstances, but it is something to consider.
For those of you who have asked how my Spanish is, I got as far as this in the free language app (Duolingo – 2013 Apple’s choice for App of the Year Award and WHO ARE WE TO QUESTION APPLE?), so I’m pretty much set.
I will miss waking up to play with the dogs.
P.S. There should be a “+ Follow” button in the bottom right corner. You can subscribe so you will receive an email whenever a new post is available. Also, despite the demonstration above, Duolingo is a great app.
I think this packing list could describe my last weekend trip (minus the running stuff, let’s be honest here). Only 2 pairs of socks? And no flip flops?
Good luck, and we will miss you.
Just a quick note- you came in at 32 pounds for your bag which is pretty good!
wait…. how are you getting by with only two pairs of socks?
Going to buy them there if I need more. Just took what I really needed.
1 rompers
Am I your friend that says “airport clothes” because I believe I should’ve gotten a shout out. And I’m super impressed I pack 043982094 times that when I’m coming to NOVA for the weekend lol
HAHAHAHA YES. Edit: everyone, my Airport Clothes friend is Sasquatch.