Packing Redux - My pile

Ok, so I was originally going to post a picture of my PC packing pile as it existed a week ago, but it was definitely too disorganized for public consumption. So here is a picture of my current, slightly neater, pile. Now that all of my stuff has arrived home, I have started packing in earnest.

Even though the pile has been cleaned up a bit, there are still a couple of things wrong with it:

- It's big, and I'm pretty sure I can't fit all of that stuff into my packs.
- I haven't even thrown any clothes into the pile yet.
- My laptop also has not made it into the pile yet.

I will definitely have to pick and choose stuff to be removed. I'm not quite sure how all this random stuff made it into the pile, but I have to keep reminding myself that I can buy all of this in country (especially in Mexico, where I've heard my city has Costco, etc.). In reality, I just need enough to tide me over for a short period of time until I can go shopping.

Packing!

My manager called me today with some great news--my leave of absence has been approved! Many thanks to him and my HR consultant for pushing that through. Right off the bat, it means that I don't have to fly back on Jan 6th to turn in my badge, etc., so saves me a day trip. Secondly, although it doesn't guarantee me a job when I return from PC in 2011, nor does it mean I have to return to work, it does make it easier to get rehired.

I have also started the packing process, one of those things that perplexes me (I'm easily perlexed, though). What kind of luggage do I use? What do I take? What can I buy in country? Do I need a two-year supply of everything?!?!!? PC provides a country-specific packing list, but they also warn you that you will not be able to fit everything on that list into your luggage. So, you have to whittle it down to whatever you think you absolutely need--and what you can carry! There are limits on luggage (two checked bags, total dimensions of 107 inches, and total weight of 80 lbs, with no more than 50 lbs in a single bag). If you go over the limits and an airline charges you extra money, you're paying out of your own pocket. Keep in mind, a lot of countries do not have infrastructure like the US, and you wind up carrying your luggage over a dirt road or through narrow cobblestone streets instead of wheeling it on a paved sidewalk. I bought an REI Mars 85L backpack, which may be a little bit on the large side. However, I'm hoping I don't fill it up completely, and I can use the extra space while in country. My other checked bag will probably be a medium-sized duffle bag, with a messenger bag as my carry-on.

My packing experience so far has involved throwing things into a giant pile on my bedroom floor. I have some pictures of my pile, but unfortunately my camera cradle to download pictures (no straight USB connection) is in a cardboard box somewhere on a FedEx truck, so I will upload pictures later this week. It's a good thing my parents do not regularly walk by my bedroom...

Change is in the Air

Well, my "last" day of work was today, and I'm in a rush to wrap everything up by tomorrow. My lease ends tomorrow, I have to sell my car, finish packing, give away the last remnants of my belongings, and take a couple more boxes to FedEx to ship home. I then fly home for two months, including a 2.5 week trip to Taiwan and Australia to visit family, which will be a blast! Also, living with my parents for the next 2 months will be good preparation for living with host families for 4-5 months, especially after years of living on my own!

I may or may not be back in town, depending on if work grants me a leave of absence (LOA). No LOA means I have to come back on Jan 6th to officially separate, while an LOA means I get to stay home. Not exactly sure why the rules differ--I've been trying for the last week to have someone explain why I had to be here on my last day if I separated, and I was told I had no choice but to be here. Talking to people who have left other companies, it seems like standard practice, so there must be some type of legal precedence. Now this other scenario pops up at the last minute, where I may not have to come back! I already have my plane tickets for Jan 6th, so I guess I'm just super-prepared.

Thank you everyone for all of the farewell parties and well wishes! I will definitely miss all of you--please keep in touch! Leave me a comment or send me an e-mail at the address to the right. It has been a fun several years at work and in town, and who knows what will happen in the next two years.