Freedom in simplicity

As i think about what im about to write, id like to suggest to my mother that perhaps she doesnt read this. and come to think of it, neither should my father. not that it contains anything scandalous or shocking, just that i dont need any criticism or "oh nicole, you are such a slob" type comments. or any more "nicole, you need to stop dressing like an athlete; you need to start dressing sexier". (A direct quote from my conservative father). but basically, you figure out that if i dont do my laundry every 7th day then there might be some concerns as to the state of cleanliness of the things i am wearing on the 8th day. i choose not to sweat it. but for someone who used to do her laundry once a month this is an adjustment.

there is something extremely liberating about waking up in the morning and not worrying about what to wear. i packed very simply for my 7 month stint in new zealand. i left extra space for souvenirs. i packed icky things that can be thrown away after using them heavily for a few months. i have no strong attachments to any clothes, items, or accessories. im feelin' the need for a list:

1 pair rainbows sandals

1 pair running shoes

1 pair hiking shoes

1 pair everyday sneakers

1 pair everyday jeans (worn at least 5 days a week)

1 pair going out jeans (holey/ripped jeans are not in style here)

black leggings (for hiking, dressing up, everyday, dancing, etc)

1 pair running shorts

1 work out t-shirt

1 tennis outfit

shin guards

7 long sleeved shirts (here for 2 weeks winter, all of spring and most of summer)

1 thick jacket

1 hoodie

1 summer jacket

5 pairs socks (mom and dad, dont do the math)

7 pairs underwear

1 pair track pants (for sleeping, casual wear, and on airplane)

1 pair baylor casual shorts (for when im doing laundry, and sleeping in summer)

4 t-shirts

2 work out tank tops

4 summer tank tops

3 summer dresses

jewelry

travel scrapbook (gift from back home, perfect for mementos)

3 summer shorts

binder for important documents

toiletries (very minimal)

computer and equipment

camera and equipment

cell phone

1 black everyday purse

2 bras

1 sports bra

1 comb

6 toothpastes (2 special fluoride ones for me and 4 special american kinds for my host family)

alright, im not sure who would really read this and care. maybe someone who is planning a similar trip and desperately needs to learn how to travel lightly. my sister once visited me in hawaii. i was there 4 months, she was there a week, and yet she brought more crap than i did. maybe thats why she consistently looked better than i did all week.

but come on. im a chick. how many girls do you know can pack 4 pairs of shoes for 7 months? and lets remember that i am extremely frugal. i have definitely pinched some pennies in my day. so the plan was not to buy things here, the plan is to go without!! who wants to spend 15 minutes every morning picking a new pair of pants that goes with just the right shirt and compliments the ear danglies and picks up the subtle hues of the purse? NOT ME!