The Shiftless Gypsy Blues

I have come to the conclusion that I would never throw anything away ever if I didn’t pack up all my belongings and move once or twice a year.

This move, from a country I arrived in with 2 suitcases and will leave with 3, will involve even more purging than usual. In addition to all the papers and books and half-used bottles of spice that I would normally schlep between NY and VA, I will be disposing of pots and pans and bedding and towels and a laundry hamper and a printer. It is insanely wasteful, but I simply can’t carry any more. I’ve posted some stuff on freecycle and will take several other bags of stuff to charity shops, but the majority of it actually came my way via a friend who got it from charity shops 2 years ago. I guess it has mostly been well-used but it’s all still perfectly serviceable. It just seems like such a shame.

You may figure from the above that I’m moving back the the US soon. Not so! I visit briefly, with suitcases overweight with books and boots, starting on Monday. While there I plan on speed-writing my dissertation, registering for what is essentially welfare health insurance, hanging out with friends, celebrating my Nana’s 87th birthday, and finding some cute summer work clothes. Then it’s back to London for my work placement. But all my stuff will still be in Leicester! And I can’t go back for it for at least a week after I arrive in the UK! So essentially I also have to pack a week’s worth of summer clothing in addition to all the winter clothing that I’m taking home.

Then I have to take all my stuff from Leicester to London on the train, without Rebecca’s help this time. Ugh. I just can’t think about it.

In other news, woo hoo Barack Obama!