February 1, 2011- The Night Before...

     It’s the night before my boyfriend and I leave for a short change of scenery and a much needed visit with family.  I’ve packed pretty much all the warm clothes I own, which doesn’t even fill an entire medium size duffle type suitcase.  Of course, I had to try everything on and attempt to put at least a few outfits together before packing them up because after 14 years living on an island my wardrobe mostly consists of shorts, very light dresses and skirts, tank tops, and t-shirts.  The few things I have come from the 3-4 trips I’ve taken back to the states in cold weather since I arrived over a decade ago, 2 of which have been in the past three years.  For a while there, I kept trying to buy clothes that could be layered and go either way, but the heat and humidity out here kept reminding me that I couldn’t do that.  Fabrics that are very, very light and flowy are best for here, even sleeveless sweaters made with a summery knit fabric that would be perfect for the Northwest just make you sweat on the island.  So many things I thought would work well here failed miserably, so I am down to 2-3 sweatshirts, 2 long sleeve sweaters, 2 pairs of khaki pants (one casual and one dressy), 2 pairs of jeans (one casual and one dressy), a couple of heavier, long skirts that can be layered, and a few light tops to go underneath all this to get me by. Thank goodness for the Eddie Bauer jacket and scarf I picked up with my boyfriend on my first trip to Oregon in the early spring of 2009. That was my lifesaver then, and I think it will be my lifesaver on this trip too. I have plenty of winter clothes, shoes, etc...back in Alabama in moth balls and company storage since I left to come here. I wonder if any of it will still be in style or even wearable once I do return stateside.
     After trying everything on, which I hate to say has gotten a little tighter since the last time I wore any of it, I threw in all in my bag. Except for tying up the last loose ends at work and at home, I’m ready to go.  I already miss my boys, but it will be a good break for all of us.  I’ve definitely been more easily irritated lately, so the time away will bring the much needed perspective that trips away from the atoll always provide. This time tomorrow, I’ll be on a jet plane headed for Hawaii.  We have a short layover after our red eye flight, and then it’s straight on to the west coast, so you may not hear from me for a day or two until I can make it safely back on the ground and catch some sleep to provide me with enough clarity to blog, but I’m sure I’ll have plenty to tell once I’ve able to catch up with you all again.  God bless!