Egads! I never realized the thinking that was going to be required in order to go away for 4 months. Every part of my daily life has to be thought about and either deleted, transferred or postponed. This mornings examples: going out to pick up the paper, preparing a cup of tea and cereal, and noticing the flower pot from my window. I have to delete the box of cereal so the cupboard is bare when I leave; I have to postpone the subscription to the newspaper; I have to ignore the flowers because I am leaving them to a premature death; and I have to bring with me my Yorkshire Gold tea, just because. Thank heavens for online banking and bill paying. Oh right, I just remembered the Post Office – see how it goes? Tasks just keep expanding the more focus I give the details of my life. This is one time having a big picture focus is not necessarily a good thing!
Then, of course, there are the clothes I will be packing up. Only one minor problem. It is recommended we only bring a carry on suitcase for ease of travel and transfer. What??!! These 4 months will take me from summer through fall to winter – all in 22″. So far the biggest decision is to live in tan and black. The other easier decision is to buy another suitcase over there and buy Italian shoes. Is that truly an option?
All of this boils down to the basic question I hope to delve into during this exploration. What is truly necessary for a good life? I’m already reckoning it’s not the stuff that resides here with me now, but rather it is me, my attitudes, and my relationships. Not one of which can be packed into a suitcase of any size, but surroud me whereever my journey leads. Already I feel lighter and the baggage situation less onerous.
Lisa Oberreuter 