So it begins...well at least the packing

So. Here is the beginning of my documentation of Russia.
Currently, I am supposed to be packing and getting all my stuff together for Russia. I am considering this blog a preparation for Russia so that I do not get into trouble for 'goofing off' or a personal favorite- 'not using my time wisely.' I believe that the very person who would say that will be grateful in the end for this blog. And as a side note, I have been packing most of the day. sort of. Packing always frustrates me.
reasons-
-my family believes I am good at it. This could be true, but it has given me a false idea of how much stuff I should bring. Let me explain- I am good at conserving space so I have more room in my suitcase than the average packer-- more space means yes...I can fit one more pair of shoes in my suitcase. Do I actually need those shoes or shirt or tennis racket? Probably not..but there is room so it goes in the suitcase. It almost becomes a sick game. How much junk can I squeeze into each small open space? It is horrific.
-I have never been to Russia. shocker. So I do not know the weather patterns. This causes several problems packing. I have everything from a decently warm coat to skirts. (I would use shorts here but Russians apparently don't wear shorts unless you are 5 and I think I have passed that benchmark) I constantly wonder if I have the proper clothes. As a result I over compensate and pack too much (see previous note) which always causes problems when I try and bring the stuff I bought home.
-I still need clothes to wear. You can never be fully packed. ever. even in the car to the airport you have to have your ID and cell phone and a snack. Something is always out. This frustrates me. I would like to packed fully. just once. However, I think wearing the same clothes over and over for a week would not be kosher and probably smelly.

those are my packing qualms.

and I have successfully avoided them for around an hour.