On Packing Light, again...

Last summer, I wrote a post on my inability to pack light.
You know, as times goes, people learn and people change.
We improve on our weaknesses and become better.
Probably you'd think that I'm gonna say I improved.
But no, another reality in life is: some parts of us just never seem to go away, no matter how hard you try.

My packing-light disability is so engraved in me that it is in my genes (just that my parents don't seem to have this problem) and further intensified by the fact that I'm a woman.
I'm just a woman.
So, no escape. I'm doomed.

Same old haunting questions that fill my mind every single time I pack:
'Should I bring an extra outfit? Maybe an extra (t-shirt/cardigan/shirt/bra/scarf/whatever that is).'
'Should I bring unwanted clothes to toss away during the trip? But why should I bring unwanted clothes to a trip instead of nicer ones?'
'Do items match?'

Surrounded by a castle that made up of little knolls of clothes, I just sat there for hours, being so helplessly miserable and don't know what to pack and where to start.
If girls fantasize knights on white horses coming to save them, that is the exact moment that I want him to come to my rescue.
Yes, I am that miserable.


Even though I did made a list of things to bring, it doesn't seem to help.
9 outfits turned out to be 11 mismatching outfits, 9 sets of underwear turned out to be 3 bras and 12 panties,
2 jacket turned out to be 5...
Don't ask me why or how it happened.
Probably my suitcase has magic power to get excessive number of items and leave out other essential items.
I'm sure it's just my magical suitcase. Not me.

Dressing conservatively is a good idea for where I'm heading to.
So, this time I'm bringing with me:
1) A total of 5 maxi dresses, both plain and patterned ones. Navy, grey, black, and colorful printed ones.
2) Shirts for laying: 1 denim, 1 checked, 1 plain white
3) 2 pair of jeans: one light, one dark
4) Loose or slight over-sized t-shirts: off-shoulder & v-neck
5) Scarves
6) 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of flipflops, 1 pair of Converse sneakers
7) Jackets: 1 denim jacket, 1 linen blazer, 1 cardi, 1 zip-up hoodie

Overpacked, I know.
Won't be able to throw any of the items that I bring because they are all my all-times fav staples.
Given that they are all versatile items, I can actually wear them for a whole month by mix-and-match.
Anyway, going to rationalize and downsize it tonight.

Note to future husband:
1) If I take hours to pack, create mess at home and make you impatient, don't get angry or laugh at me when you see me being so helpless. It really is one of my weaknesses. Sorry, I'm just a woman.

2) Sometimes I forget to check the weather forecast, so please tell me about the weather of our destination. Words please, not numbers. I know this is stupid but telling me that it would be 9-25 degrees doesn't make much sense to me. Rather, tell me: autumn-almost-winter weather.

3) Even though I'm tempted to have someone else pack for me, I'd probably do the whole thing again myself. If you are ever sweet enough to offer help, thank you but it's a good idea for you to leave me alone or just give me a hug when I'm totally lost.

4) When I get trapped in this eternal paradox of packing unwanted clothes VS nicer clothes, just tell me to pack both. This suggestion saved me today and I guess it'll work again.

5) If I stuff my suitcase, which happens every time that we should make it a 'truth', show me your love by giving me that extra space in your luggage. I'd be so grateful and repay you in a way that you'll love.

6) If you ever need my help, I'm more than happy to pack for you. But only when I'm done with mine. You know, harder task comes first.

7) I think men's shirts are perfect items for travelling. So don't be surprised if you find some of yours missing or finding them in my suitcase. I promise I won't take your favourites or pricey ones.
I know I'm spoiled, but for that few days of the trip, they are mine.
If you take them away from (or take them off) me, I'll bite you. Whether the bite is in a nice or not-so-nice way depends on how you do it.

8) Finishing packing might mean nothing to you, but surviving the countless hours of packing is a mini accomplishment for me. Please reward me with a hug/ kisses/ a 3-min shoulder massage.

Love,
N
(Progress of packing: only half done...)