Well, it’s Saturday, and tomorrow we leave for someplace. I’m trying to pack, a task I hate (how do I know what I’m going to feel like wearing in three days?), and although I really don’t want to know where we’re going (I love surprises), it does make this chore a bit more challenging.

I think it’s because I’m so right-brained; I can see multiple possibilities even when I know what’s going on, and when I don’t, well, the opportunities are endless.  Add to this the fact that I haven’t bought any new clothes in six months, and what I do have isn’t city-chic; it’s Colorado casual. And then, it’s snowing here. It’s hard to pack for warm weather when your mind (and body) is crying for thick, fuzzy sweaters. Finally, come to think of it, this is the first time I haven’t bought new clothes before a trip. Good for me! (We’re taking my parents to Ireland in September, and I’m really trying to save.)

Anyway, my right-brainedness means that I’ve become a famous over-packer. To try and keep things under control (especiallly with the airlines cracking down on how much luggage you can take), I’ve made a few rules for myself–and mostly, I follow them: 

1. Choose a color and stick to it. I often choose black; it’s easy to match, and then I toss in one or two colorful accents.
2. Every top must be able to be worn with every bottom. I aim for 2 to 3 bottoms and 2-3 tops with a jacket.
3. Use accessories (scarves, jewelry) to change the way an outfit looks.
4. Everything must be comfortable–and fit well.
5. I take only well-broken-in, comfortable shoes, and again, all in one color. I try to limit myself to only two (or three) pair: a dress pair and a walking pair. (But I break this rule most of the time; how can a woman get by with only two pair of shoes?

So I guess I’d better get back to it and see how well I can follow my rules. After all, we’re only going for 4 days; how hard can it be?