I start months in advance making mental lists of what I'll pack for a trip.
This time it's complicated by my fantasy of being tall, slender and très chic in Paris, when in reality I'm ... well, not and never will be. When I wake up in the middle of the night and go through the lists of possibilities, it seems like maybe if I can just come up with the right combination of Land's End sweaters and jeans, somehow it will all come together in some magical way and transform me.
Not likely. So, I need to settle my internal argument over whether I need three or four pairs of shoes, when in reality I know I'll wear two pair 95% of the time. I need to settle on a reasonable number of sweaters I know I'll wear, as well as lighter things just in case spring comes while we're there. My raincoat, my leather jacket, do I need my black hoodie? All my best jeans and my good black slacks. Since we go from airport to our apartment and don't move again until we go back to the airport, I can use my 26" suitcase, which I don't like to haul around if we're on the move.
And my mother reminded me to bring gloves and earmuffs. I think my mother brought earmuffs to Hawaii! 
Comments (4)
Chris, there have been a few chilly nights when I have almost busted out my earmuffs here in Hawaii. Your mom must have been a wise woman :-)
I know just what you mean about packing. I spend weeks planning my packing strategy and then always end up over packing anyways.
Posted by girasoli | March 2, 2008 7:43 PM
Posted on March 2, 2008 19:43
Wow, Paris! How exciting!!
I'm a compulsive list-maker before a trip and I swear, it has saved me from forgetting something that should be obvious. The shoe thing is impossible to solve, I believe. I always take too many, but I maintain too many is better than too few. I've never been able to buy shoes (and break them in????) while travelling.
I am amazed at how warm a large scarf or pashmina knotted around the neck can be, so I always take a few -- all those European women with their scarves can't be wrong!!
Bonne chance,
Sandra
Posted by Sandra | March 3, 2008 6:57 PM
Posted on March 3, 2008 18:57
Earmuffs are packed!
I totally agree about the scarves, Sandra. I've got a couple packed and one for my carryon to serve as a blanket on the flight. Since I read about how rarely they clean those airline blankets, I carry my own!
Posted by Chris | March 3, 2008 7:46 PM
Posted on March 3, 2008 19:46
Chris, just remember, whatever you forget or need you can always buy.
I'm a compulsive list maker too - heck I have a bunch of entries on my blog with all my packing lists.
Posted by Kim | March 4, 2008 5:42 PM
Posted on March 4, 2008 17:42