My long week

So we're leaving for Italy on Monday. And I, a jeans and t-shirt person, had to figure out what to wear. It has been a long week.

First, I'm between sizes, so some of my travel possibilities don't fit right. I placed two orders to Travelsmith and four to LLBean. By yesterday I had returned everything except a thermal shirt. I won't tell you the cost of the return postage.

Then, the temps in Italy are going to be in the mid-60s next week, dropping to the upper 40s at night. Not shorts weather. But not wool either. That in-between place where "you just wear layers". And that means more packing, to make sure you get all the layers. And maybe warm weather stuff too, in case it warms up the week after next.

I finally found stuff at Chico's - a couple of shirts, a pair of pants, and a vest. That, combined with two pairs of Not Your Daughter's Jeans, a pair of cropped pants and a few other shirts that still fit, should do it. I may also throw in a light fleece hoodie I found at Goodwill (my first purchase there) and a heavier fleece hoodie I found in the hall closet. Especially now that I found out - by calling Delta, our carrier - that the first checked bag for international flights is free.

The shoes. Old shoes that, when I put them on early this week, weren't comfortable any more. They made my legs different lengths. Two trips later to the shoe store where I purchased them, I got a couple of lift adjustments and walked three and a half miles to make sure they'd be okay. I wish I could wear my walking shoes, but they're white, and I don't want to look too much like a tourist, even though I am one.

I can't believe I'm doing this. I am not a clothes person. I am not a shoe person. I hate to shop. But this issue kept me awake for two nights this week. And that is very embarrassing.

In the larger scheme of things, I know I am profoundly lucky. My biggest problem this week was my packing list for a trip to Italy. I'm very, very grateful.