Hey Skyring,

I’m having issues. I’ve got far too much stuff to bring with me. It’s not the stuff so much as how much it all weighs. I’ve the advantage of a massive suitcase, and there’s no way all the stuff I want to bring won’t fit, but it’s all too heavy!

Maybe a third of the problem is that it’s spring where I’m going, so I’ve got NO idea how warm/cold it will be. Layers are obviously the answer, but how many of each should I bring? Right now I’m down to 3 long sleeved tshirts (a couple of which are merino which is nice and warm and light) and 5 tshirts. Night time is going to be interesting, but I figure if I get really cold I can always just put all my clothes on and sleep in them. One pair of shorts (it has to be pretty warm for me to wear shorts), and a couple of pairs of jeans should last me a week.

I’m picking up another tshirt in New York (thanks Kev!), and a tee and a hoodie in DC (one to wear, one to sign (which reminds me, I need to pack sharpies)) which leaves me a little bit of extra weight/clothing.

Shoes: one pair of sneakers and a pair of shoes to wear showers at hostels. I don’t like other peoples hair, especially if I have to stand in it.

Then we get to the ‘outfits’. This Sister Hazel concert for starters. I’ve got a nice dress (that I know you’ll love) that takes up basically no space, but that means its cold, so I have to take a jumper to wear over the top. Also merino. Then shoes. I can’t/won’t wear sneakers or my shower shoes with a dress, which adds another pair of shoes.

Chocolate. Is 8 blocks plus a few bags of pineapple lumps too many? Right now they’re going in my carry on because it’s one of the heaviest things Plus then at least if I loose everything I’ll have something to bribe people with…

Books. I’ve got 1 book packed to release in New York (the Frank McCourt got ditched for being too heavy), plus I’ll take 1 to read. Thank heavens I already posted myself some books to release in DC/on the roadtrip. I figure they can sit in the back of the car and I can release them as I go. No need for them ever to see the inside of my suitcase…

Shampoo/conditioner etc. Some argue I could leave these behind and just get more when I arrive. Seems like a real waste to me, because if I don’t use it all then I’ll have to chuck it out when I leave the US, and then I’m taking multiple small flights where I’ll have to either pack or buy new each week I move. Seems easier to just take it with me.

Apparently I’ve got a package at the friends house I’m staying at. From someone within the USA, and apparently it feels like it’s full of books, so probably from a BCer. I have no idea who knows where I’m staying. Not too freaked out, but it’s possible I am going to have to pack them at some point.

Plus there’s all the little stuff. My giraffe I left at my friends house last time I was there that I was planning on using as my mascot for the Markeroni challenge. First aid kid with bandaids/drugs/multivitamins/etc. Gifts for people. Levenger supplies. Travel documents. The books Kirsty said she’s bringing (she’s promised small ones!) for me to release on her behalf. That kind of stuff.  My red BC bag as an overnight bag to take to my friends the Friday night of the convention. Not much point taking my suitcase to her place and then have to cart it back for Saturday night. Laptop (flatmate said don’t bother but I can’t do that to the non-attendees who are living vicariously! I’ve been that person constantly hitting refresh on flickr/forum/lj!) Assorted cords. Assorted adapters.

I blame the Scouts. They’ve obviously drilled the ‘be prepared’ motto in to me far too much!

In saying all this, I can’t wait! I leave in less than a week!

DL, buried under 14 feet of clothes (give me a few more days and I’ll be the one with a suitcase on my back though!)

PS the hankies are out. My nurse flatmate said they’re  just a really good way of spreading disease, so I have to take tissues. Luckily I’ve got some, but they take up space!