Shopping and dropping

Kev came back to the States in March for a guys' trip and tacked on a 4 day weekend to visit our new niece.  I sent him with, what I considered, a small shopping list.  His feedback post-trip was that he felt like he spent those 4 days doing nothing but shopping.  And men hate shopping.

Fast forward a few months and you'll find me in Atlanta with, what I consider, a small shopping list.  I've been here almost two weeks and feel like I've done nothing but shop.  And the worst part?  I feel like I've knocked nothing off my list!  And I hate shopping!

You might wonder what's on a shopping list for an expat that visits the States once a year.  Here's a sampling:

• Sneakers
• Business suits (more on these in a future post!)
• Athletic socks
• Swimsuit 
• Dog shampoo
• Swimmer’s ear stuff
• Crate & Barrel large bowls (how am I going to take 8 heavy bowls home?!)
• Underwater camera (for snorkeling in the Maldives)
• Greeting cards (for the multiple baby showers and birthdays across next year)
• DVDs
• Sunscreen spray
• Glasses

Some stuff on my list, like Halloween costumes, I'm leaving for Kev's trip to Houston in Sept.  Other stuff, like glasses, I just missed the boat on.  Should have done those the day I landed instead of waiting until a few days before I'm leaving!

I've learned a few things this shopping trip.  Like, we are totally too old to shop at Old Navy and American Eagle.  When did that happen?  As to what's in style this season, apparently cowl necklines, jewel tones and tops with elastic at the waist (so tops look tucked without being tucked?).  And skirts are out, I guess?  Can't really find any nice printed skirts.  Good news - I can fit into regular XL clothes now, which widens my shopping options.  Bad news - too many options.  Plus size shopping really limits you to just a few stores or a small section of clothes in a larger store.  XL clothes are in almost every store which is exhausting!

I've also picked up some requested items for Doha friends.  It is always helpful when you know a friend going back to the US that can mule you some American stuff back.  We've had folks bring us back some crazy stuff before (Chipotle Tabasco, lemon pepper, travel-size sunscreen) so now I get to return the favor!

I have just a little more shopping to do and then hopefully I'll be done!  I get around 50 lbs. per suitcase and I'm trying to consciously trim down what I'm bringing so that it all fits!