For the sake of everyone else who struggles, and those who are curious what I’ll be living with for the next two years, here’s what I’ve got:
Luggage:
North Face Base Camp Duffel (Large)
Kelty Coyote hiking backpack (4500 cu)
Jansport Backpack
Sleep:
Mountain Hardware Switch 20 sleeping bag
Pillow
Earplugs
Unisom
Melatonin
Kitchen:
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Frypan–8in
Plastic Spatula
Measuring cups/spoons
Peeler
Can opener
Kitchen knife
Oven Mitt/Pot holder
Water bottle
Food:
Herbs&Spices
-Basil
-Black Pepper
-Oregano
-Thyme
-Cinnamon
-Nutmeg
-Stirfry seasoning
-Teriyaki seasoning
-Brown Mustard
Crystal Light flavor packets
Tuna packets
Nature Valley Granola bars
Godiva Dark Chocolate Squares
Stride Sweetmint gum (12packs)
Useful stuff:
Leatherman knife
Index cards
Duct tape
Brunton Solo Battery Pack (charger) and batteries
Petzl Tikkina 2 Headlamp
Mini-mag Flashlight and bulbs
Scissors
Technology/media:
Dell Inspiron mini netbook
External hard drive (with movies)
Olympus digital camera
8G iPod Nano/armband
Earbuds (4)
Portable Speakers
Currency Converter (220/110v)
Pest Control:
Cat treats
Fly swatter
Health:
Eye drops
Resistance bands
Yoga mat
Enteric-coated peppermint oil
Hygiene:
Sea To Summit Tek Towel-Large (quick dry)
Venus razor/refill cartridges
Shampoo/Conditioner
Hair ties
Face wash wipes (120) /SPF Face lotion
Deodorant (4)
Bath and Body Works body spray
Pumice/foot scrubber
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Floss/toothpaste/toothbrush
Q-tips/Cotton balls
Wet wipes
Tampons
Host family gifts:
Post cards
Fabric wall flags (2)
America Playing Cards
Suckers
Balloons
Deflated soccer ball
Entertainment:
Notebooks
Pens/Pencils
Crayons
Frisbee
Playing cards
Books
Seeds
Clothing:
Skirts (2)
Dress/Skirt convertible
Dress (hand sewn by my very dear friend)
Dress for staging/swearing-in
Fitted shirts (4)
T-shirts (3)
Linen Pants
Dry-wick Pants
Jeans
Yoga Capris (2)
Long-sleeve zip up (2)
Carhart Zip Hoodie
Underwear (14)
Socks (12)
Bras (2)
Sportsbra (3)
Rainwear:
North Face Resolve Waterproof Jacket
Umbrella
Footwear:
Chacos (ZX/2 Vibram Unaweep)
Chacos (Flip Ecotread)
Keen Pyronese waterproof hiking boots
Trail running shoes
Ballet flat dress shoes
Now.. I haven’t tried to actually pack all of this yet. I’ve got an 80-pound limit here. Some of the food may have to wait, and the kitchen stuff may need to be sent separate, but I’m hoping to spare the $45 mailing fee. Wish me luck!