Ready? Packed? I think not...

In five days, I will be on my way to New York city to spend a wonderful weekend with my aunt and family. In eight days I will be in a hotel in Florence attending Orientation with 250 other American students. I am eight days away from beginning this crazy four month odyssey. I will attempt record my journey in this blog.

Right now, I am sitting on a couch in our living room after our last family dinner--which includes my brother who came down from Seattle . We devoured our makeshift August Thanksgiving feast. I most likely will not be thinking of American food while I'm in Italy, but I KNOW I will miss my mom's amazing Thanksgiving dinner.

I am also thinking of how different everything will become in a few weeks. But immediately blocking my mind is the list of things I still need to do before I leave. I have my day of appointments tomorrow--derm, doc, and dentist. Not to mention, I have to pack. However, I have assembled a wonderful, meticulous packing list (a lot easier than actually doing the packing) which I have included so you can all criticize me and laugh at my version of "packing light".

Packing List for Italy

Clothes:
8 pairs of white ankle socks
6 tank tops/camis
4 Pairs of Jeans
Black pants
4-5 skirts
8 tops
5-6 sweaters
4-5 dresses
3 tees
1 polo
3 jackets
2 pea coats (yes, I need both—its cold)
1 rain jacket
2 pairs of athletic shorts
Whitman sweats
Slippers (to wear around the house)
Black, Pink, Red flats
Black pumps
Sneakers
Uggs
Flip flops
2 swimsuits
3 pairs of leggings
2 pairs of tights

Accessories:

4 Pairs of Earrings
3 Headbands
2-3 Belts
Beaded necklace
Fake Pearls
2 Purses
2 Pairs of sunglasses
Hat
Scarf
Gloves

Toiletries and Such:

OTC/Rx Medicines
Travel sizes of body wash, conditioner, shampoo, face wash
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Deodorant
Brush + Comb
Straightener
Twistees
Razor and blades
Small towel for traveling
Kleenex for carry-on
Make-up

Electronics:
Laptop + Charger
Ipod + headphones + charger
Outlet/voltage Adapter for Ipod, laptop
Flashlight/head lamp
Nuvi and charger
Camera + charger + card reader
Batteries

Other:
Small pillow for traveling
Tide Stain removal pen
Ziploc Baggies
Small Flip Photo Album
Supplies: Pencils, Pens, Notebooks, note cards (for studying)
Picture calendar
Books: Traveler’s guides, Italy books, Harry Potter (of course)
Italian Dictionary, text
Photocopies of passport, visa, travel information—keep in carry-on, home
List of emergency phone numbers: consulate, Italian program, home, all credit card companies
canceling numbers
Playing cards
Water bottle
Swiss Army Knife w/ corkscrew
Gift for Host Family