THE PACKING LIST!

I apologize for the capital letters–I usually hate all caps, but I have been staring at said list for so long, and with so much scrutiny, that I thought this post needed a title that was a little epic (and more appropriate than “The Effin’ Packing List,” which was my first thought).

Anyway, I have been making packing lists since…well, probably since before I was even nominated, to be honest. I am a compulsive list-maker–it’s kind of a problem. I even have a little red notebook that I carry around with me that just has lists in it: phone numbers, addresses, things to do, people to call, medical tests I had to get done, people I need to visit before I leave, and, to top it off, no less than four drafts of my Peace Corps packing list. In fact, I think it contains a “If I get sent somewhere cold” list and a “If I get sent somewhere hot” list.

Well, although it isn’t really in its final draft, here is what I have, based on the Peace Corps’ suggested list, the VERY appreciated recommendations from current Azerbaijan Volunteers, and my own experiences. Yes, I am taking too much clothes.  I always, invariably, will  pack too much clothes. But, what can you do?

CLOTHES

• 4 dress skirts–knee or mid-calf length
• 2 pairs dress pants
• 3 short-sleeve button-ups
• 3 long-sleeve button ups
• 5 other work shirts
• 6 sweaters & cardigans of different weights
• a dress for special occasions
• 3 pairs of jeans
• 1 casual skirt
• 8 casual tops, different sleeve lengths
• 2 pairs yoga pants
• 1 pair yoga capris
• 1 pair pj bottoms
• a pack basic t-shirts for exercise/around the house
• 2 pairs running shorts (to be worn with leggings!)
• 1 pair running capris + 1 pair running leggings
• 2 sets of long underwear: mid and heavy weight
• 5 pairs tights & leggings
• a bunch of underwear
• 5 good bras
• 3 sport bras
• lots of wool, athletic, and regular socks
• 1-piece swimsuit
• khaki trench jacket for spring/fall (I’m aware khaki is a risk…)
• big warm black pea coat
• fleece jacket + waterproof shell
• warm hats, gloves
• 1 pair black dressy(ish) boots
• comfy flats
• comfy pumps
• casual tennis shoes
• teva’s
• hiking boots
• running shoes

OTHER THINGS

• 2 1-subject notebooks
• 2 blank moleskine journals
• a bunch of black sharpie pens
• basic drawing supplies–sketchbook, pencils, charcoal
• letter-writing supplies
• macbook + ultra-protective case
• external dial-up modem
• external hard drive
• camera, extra memory card
• pictures of friends, family, and home
• ipod and nike+ thingy
• scissors
• post-its
• sewing kit
• tape
• Nalgene water bottle
• tide pens and shout stain stick
• 2 flat sheets
• nail clippers + nail file
• sunscreen
• a few months worth of basic toiletry items–shampoo, soap, face wash, medicines, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
• huge bottle of my life-saving Aveeno lotion (if I could have one thing on a desert island [besides sunscreen] it would be Aveeno medicated daily moisturizing lotion)
• big pack of Emergen-C
• multivitamins
• make up: powder, mascara
• hair: elastics, bobby pins, clips, headbands; I’m pretty low-maintenance in that department
• burt’s bees lip balm
• 2 quick-dry microfiber towels
• head lamp
• flashlight
• ear plugs
• swiss army knife
• backpack for every-day use
• lightweight, portable sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• a couple packs of AA lithium batteries
• voltage converter (I’m unsure and would appreciate some feedback on this one….any advice?)
• 2 or 3 books, haven’t narrowed down which ones yet

So . . . there you have it.

I’m planning on packing in a big wheeled duffel and another small, easily-toted duffel bag (these will be checked baggage), and carrying on my 40L internal frame backpack and a purse. Believe it or not, all this stuff packs pretty easily into these.

I would love feedback or suggestions from current/past AZ volunteers, or other AZ8′s who might have ideas!

Oh, in other news: I AM SELLING MY CAR. This is big news for me, and I’m honestly quite saddened . . . I have had my little ’01 Corolla for 6 years and almost 80,000 miles, and she has been a faithful and reliable friend. But, since I won’t need a car for over 2 years while in the Peace Corps, and am planning to move into a city where I won’t need a car after that, it makes sense to pass her on the next lucky owner.  However sad I am to see her go, I will be glad to be able to stash away the money into my “travel while in Azerbaijan” fund : ). I am meeting with an interested buyer this afternoon, wish me luck!