Before I return to the States, I put together a "States Shopping List." I begin the list weeks in advance, it sits as an icon on my desktop, and each time I encounter something I need more of, or something I wish to purchase during my stay in the States, I add the item to the list. The ease of accessibility, and the quick second it takes to type a new item on the list not only helps me to stay organized, remember what I need to purchase, but inevitably causes the list to grow, rapidly.
I would love to say I purchase only items on the "States Shopping List" but that would be a false statement. The list is simply a starting point of the most crucial items, and from there it spirals out of control. One, very cute man, my husband also loves to randomly add items. With the ever growing list, it is no surprise when the time comes to pack everything, and travel back to Russia, my stress level rises.
Last week, I began to collect all my purchases and place them in one area. The chosen area was my parent's jacuzzi tub. My Father's comments of "how are you going to fit all that in your suitcases" each time he walked pass the tub did not help to lower my stress level.
I choose to wait until a day or two before I fly back to Russia to begin my packing. Hopefully, I have all my purchases done, and know exactly what I need to pack. It never fails, my last night at my parent's house is always spent running a few last minute errands, and double checking with Ryan that he does not need me to buy anything else. As always, my Father offers his assistance, each time we walks pass me packing he offers to "stand on the suitcase while I try and zip it."
All in a row, ready to fly. Luckily our airline status allows me three 70 pound bags. I chose to use all three checked bags, but their weights were 59, 52, and 44 pounds. During my packing process, I went to United's website to confirm my baggage allowance, and I was reading a few forum posts about passengers and luggage. A few people made comments that it is absolutely ridiculous to need to travel with three bags at 70 pounds each. Airlines should not allow it. All I have to say in response, try living overseas, and you may sing a different tune. I proudly checked in my three bags at the counter, and toted my two carry-ons onto plane.
I found out the day before I flew back to Russia, that Ryan would be in Moscow for business. The news quickly improved my feelings about returning to Russia. You may have noticed in the previous post I was very reluctant to return to Russia, mainly, returning to Moscow, staying overnight, juggling all my luggage to and from the airport, and then flying to Novorossisyk the following morning. The knowledge that Ryan was going to be in Moscow took some stress away. Since I was so excited to see love, I decided to do a little shopping at O'Hare.
His goodie bag contained some American/Chicago favorites. Garrett's popcorn (Chicago Mix), Vosges Chocolate (if you have never tried this chocolate, go to their website, and buy some....delicious), honey-roasted peanuts from Nuts on Clark, and a few random candy bars, mainly Reese's Cups, and Peanut Butter M&Ms. During my final shopping run, the night before, my Mother purchased Lofthouse cookies and peanut butter cookies to send back to Ryan. The cookies were added to the shopping bag.
I now sit at the hotel in Moscow, typing this post. I safely made it back, as did all my luggage. As of now, I will remain in Moscow until Tuesday, and then it is on to Novorossisysk where my unpacking will begin. And, I will get to see Macy!!!!
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