Emotions, Lists and Packing
Today’s post is brought to you by lists, emotions and packing
Lists
Are you a list person? I am.
I like lists…
Actually that is a lie, what I actually really like is crossing things off lists when they get done.
I get a deep sense of satisfaction from having achieved something as you swipe the pen across the completed task or head for that line through formatting button in your chosen editor. I have been known at times to even write something on a list and then immediately complete the task and then cross it off. It didn’t really need to even get on the list, but I just couldn’t resist the high of crossing it off.
Planning to leave your old life behind, for a while, has presented us with plenty of opportunity for feeding this mild obsession of mine. In the space of six months we have
- emptied our home
- arranged for it to be rented
- sold our villa in France
- changed bank accounts
- sold off most of our possessions, things we no longer need
- decided on a rough itiniterary to get us around the world by not missing the things we want to see
- and finally wrote the most important list of all, the packing list for what will become our entire world for the forseeable future
See what I did there – another list…
Packing
So here it is, our whole list of things that, along with some money, ingenuity and a bit of luck will sustain us for the next year or so. I am sure among these carefully chosen items we will find things we really do not need to lug around with us and will no doubt acquire others along the way, but the reality of transporting this with us on our backs should temper any shopping urges John or I may have. . There was a ‘test pack’ event held the other evening, which helped us refine this list down to what we really need and the images of this momentous event are shown below the lists. We’ve now arrived on a decision (give or take a few t-shirts) and this is what we’re taking …
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Tecchy Travel Stuff IPad Iphone Netbook laptop Lumix Camera Flip Camera Waterproof Camera Mifi Unit John iPhone MicroSD and SD Cards Ipad battery booster HD lead for Ipad HDMi cable Gorilla tripod Plug converters 3 gang travel plug RecoveryBackup for laptop 8Gb USB sticks Micro SD converter Car USB adapter Laptop charger Plug Apple Mifi charger 3 way adaptor Waterproof camera case Network lead Multi USB socket Spare camera batteries Camera battery chargers Micro SD card reader
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Odds n Sods Swiss army knife Packing bags Small roll gaffer tape Nail Clippers Hair Clippers and charger Travel towels Head/Wind up torches Resealable (ziplock) bags Small cup flasks Antibiotics - diclofenac, antiseptic Dental floss Padlocks/steel wire for rucksacks Tweezers Business cards Sun cream Inflatable pillow Hang up toiletary bag 55L and 50 L Main Rucksacks 2 X 20L Day sacks Sunglasses Contact Lenses
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Clothes Three T-Shirts Two trousers Two shorts Five undies Five socks Flip flops Trainers Hoodie Lightweight rain jackets Two long sleeve shirts Swimming trunks Hat Papers Spare ID Photos International Driving Permit UK Driving Licence Passports Credit/Debit Cards
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Emotions
Its now just over a week till we set off. Finally, our emotion chips are booting up and we are finding we’re both experiencing a range of emotions
- Sadness (about missing family and friends)
- Excitement (about what lies ahead)
- Worry (in case I have missed anything of any of the lists we have in circulation at present) (Craig only – John not much of a worrier)
- Doubt (this one pops in now and again, but is swiftly batted aside)
Each one of these little buggers tries to nudge its way to forefront of your thoughts at any given time. We expect over the next week, as we begin to finally say goodbye to family, friends work colleagues that we expect to feel all of these in more powerful ways, no doubt with quite a few tears along the way, mostly from me. However, we will keep focussed on why we are doing this and most importantly how fortunate we are to have this opportunity.
Finally, a few people keep asking what I am most looking forward to about the trip and I think at this point in time there really is only one answer, not having the need to make another list for quite a while and get on with traveling?
LOVE how the techy list is longest of all! I bet you can trim some of that down, yo x
Nice one but I was trying to get in it.
Going to miss you
Love sophie