The Day I Decide to Start Packing

I've been accumulating all the clothing and essentials I will need in Russia for about the past month, but I hadn't pulled out my two suitcases and started fitting the stuff in until today - less than 24 hours before I leave the country. I've done my research and learned about the "Jigsaw method," the "block method," and my favorite, the "cramitin method." I expect everything will fit because I need everything to fit!

Also, joy of joys, the zipper on my favorite (and warmest) coat was repaired this week. I picked it up today from the repair shop and it looks like new, but more importantly, it works! For those of you who have been checking the weather in Russia, it is just as cold here in the Midwest as it is in Moscow. I've prepared for colder temps by buying insulated snow boots and several pairs of long underwear, in addition to the sweaters and long sleeve shirts I already own. I know that it will just be a hop and a skip from my apartment on the Embassy compound to the Embassy itself, but for those days I go visit the sights or buy my groceries, I feel that my layering skils (honed over a lifetime of dealing with lake-effect unpredictability) will keep me warm enough.

I will be en route to Moscow tomorrow (Sunday) evening and pretty much all day Monday. I hope to have a new post (with pictures!) by Wednesday!

~Monica