aka "the crazy things people oblige themselves to"
I heard a quick snippet on the radio today about a man who preaches minimalism and rejects American maximalist consumer habits. As is typical, I'm late to the pop-story and this has no doubt this particular nugget already made the rounds of the morning, afternoon and late-night talk shows: Whatever.
The point is this: California man downsizes all of his life's possessions to a succinct list of 100 items. DAMN. Now I know myself and as the child of a bonafide "maximalist" I know I am not capable of that kind of editing, minimalism, "depravity," or brevity such a lifestyle demands... but (!) I wonder safely & imploringly to myself, 'Self, surely you could be capable of 100 items whilst traveling--golly how much simpler that would make life.'*
Before I set about wondering in written word what 100 items would specifically constitute for my personal travel challenge, I did a quick google search to see if a standard travel list already exists. The answer is that it is probably out there but given that I only wanted to spend 60 seconds or less searching I only ventured into the territory of this Escape from Boring blog.
There I learned (ta-dah!) there definitely is someone giving it a go--a writer no less and a traveling writer to boot--and even having moderate success with the program. Bonus points: She's in Bali so not only is she certainly awesome but her advice actually has relevance to me. Huzzah!
I haven't delved much into her blog or writings yet but she and I are off to a merry tweeter-friendship. How's that for "Promoting Cultural Unity and Harmony through Social Media"..?
At any rate, I'm rather intrigued by the life challenge to right-size to 100 things and hesitantly enamored with the concept of 100 things for travel. Can I do it? It certainly would live up to the title of "Challenge" but fizzle-sticks, personal growth and betterment is really the ultimate goal.
With that I set about listing what 100 items are my necessary travel items. I'll post later what that proposed list might consist of and will also provide updates with how said list is coming along.
In the meantime do check out @urbanwriters blog Escape from Boring and also more on Guy Named Dave's 100 Thing Challenge.
Happy Rightsizing!
*Of course "life" in this context is synonymous with "schlepping."
aka "the crazy things people oblige themselves to"
I heard a quick snippet on the radio today about a man who preaches minimalism and rejects American maximalist consumer habits. As is typical, I'm late to the pop-story and this has no doubt this particular nugget already made the rounds of the morning, afternoon and late-night talk shows: Whatever.
The point is this: California man downsizes all of his life's possessions to a succinct list of 100 items. DAMN. Now I know myself and as the child of a bonafide "maximalist" I know I am not capable of that kind of editing, minimalism, "depravity," or brevity such a lifestyle demands... but (!) I wonder safely & imploringly to myself, 'Self, surely you could be capable of 100 items whilst traveling--golly how much simpler that would make life.'*
Before I set about wondering in written word what 100 items would specifically constitute for my personal travel challenge, I did a quick google search to see if a standard travel list already exists. The answer is that it is probably out there but given that I only wanted to spend 60 seconds or less searching I only ventured into the territory of this Escape from Boring blog.
There I learned (ta-dah!) there definitely is someone giving it a go--a writer no less and a traveling writer to boot--and even having moderate success with the program. Bonus points: She's in Bali so not only is she certainly awesome but her advice actually has relevance to me. Huzzah!
I haven't delved much into her blog or writings yet but she and I are off to a merry tweeter-friendship. How's that for "Promoting Cultural Unity and Harmony through Social Media"..?
At any rate, I'm rather intrigued by the life challenge to right-size to 100 things and hesitantly enamored with the concept of 100 things for travel. Can I do it? It certainly would live up to the title of "Challenge" but fizzle-sticks, personal growth and betterment is really the ultimate goal.
With that I set about listing what 100 items are my necessary travel items. I'll post later what that proposed list might consist of and will also provide updates with how said list is coming along.
In the meantime do check out @urbanwriters blog Escape from Boring and also more on Guy Named Dave's 100 Thing Challenge.
Happy Rightsizing!
*Of course "life" in this context is synonymous with "schlepping."
aka "the crazy things people oblige themselves to"
I heard a quick snippet on the radio today about a man who preaches minimalism and rejects American maximalist consumer habits. As is typical, I'm late to the pop-story and this has no doubt this particular nugget already made the rounds of the morning, afternoon and late-night talk shows: Whatever.
The point is this: California man downsizes all of his life's possessions to a succinct list of 100 items. DAMN. Now I know myself and as the child of a bonafide "maximalist" I know I am not capable of that kind of editing, minimalism, "depravity," or brevity such a lifestyle demands... but (!) I wonder safely & imploringly to myself, 'Self, surely you could be capable of 100 items whilst traveling--golly how much simpler that would make life.'*
Before I set about wondering in written word what 100 items would specifically constitute for my personal travel challenge, I did a quick google search to see if a standard travel list already exists. The answer is that it is probably out there but given that I only wanted to spend 60 seconds or less searching I only ventured into the territory of this Escape from Boring blog.
There I learned (ta-dah!) there definitely is someone giving it a go--a writer no less and a traveling writer to boot--and even having moderate success with the program. Bonus points: She's in Bali so not only is she certainly awesome but her advice actually has relevance to me. Huzzah!
I haven't delved much into her blog or writings yet but she and I are off to a merry tweeter-friendship. How's that for "Promoting Cultural Unity and Harmony through Social Media"..?
At any rate, I'm rather intrigued by the life challenge to right-size to 100 things and hesitantly enamored with the concept of 100 things for travel. Can I do it? It certainly would live up to the title of "Challenge" but fizzle-sticks, personal growth and betterment is really the ultimate goal.
With that I set about listing what 100 items are my necessary travel items. I'll post later what that proposed list might consist of and will also provide updates with how said list is coming along.
In the meantime do check out @urbanwriters blog Escape from Boring and also more on Guy Named Dave's 100 Thing Challenge.
Happy Rightsizing!
*Of course "life" in this context is synonymous with "schlepping."
I decided to use this Italy trip as preparation and a "test" scenario for my grand journey through SE Asia. As such, I probably packed more clothes than I actually will need but unfortunately also packed more casually than I should have since I'm aiming to fit in with the effortlessly-stylish natives.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I've learned some important and instructive lessons from this travel foray which I will roll into my next big trip:
-dress better. Bring better items of clothing, though not more clothing. This means choosing wisely for pieces that add sophistication and versatility but not weight or encumberances such as dry cleaning. Fine weaves, simple patterns and light weight fabrics are the goal.
-Less cosmetics but more purposeful ones: 1 waterproof mascara, 1 lip stain and maybe 1 gloss (no more), 1 compact, 1 bronzer, minimal brushes. Versatile moisturizers and hair products: conditioner rich enough to be used as leave-in treatment, face moisturizer that can be used night & day.
-Less jewelry too, and better packed. I have an assortment of earrings for this trip but am only wearing 3-5 pair. Go lite and add through the journey as needed. Pack in smart jewelry case to minimize space.
-Lightweight underware is a trifecta: sexier, dries faster, more lightweight in hot climates.
-Dr. Bronner's: so many uses in 1 small, fresh smelling package.
-Dresses, so simple and versitile.
-Bring good sunblock, & plenty.
-fancy purse not necessary and a hassle to pack into my suitcase.
-Electronics 3 strip. 1 plug but 3 devices: genius!
-International Drivers license: critical!
Finally: laptop was a good investment, skip nailpolish (& remover), use ebooks, don't feel too guilty about shitty magazines, clothesline yes, towel is a necessity, basic 1st aid (benedryl, aspirin, antihistamines, bandaids) yes, student travel card.
Life is good :)