What did we pack?

To make this trip, we each get two checked bags with which to make a life in a cold, rainy place where people love the outdoors. This is not easy! Every T-shirt must also be an undershirt. Every long-sleeved shirt must also be a layer. Anything more formal than jeans is brought regretfully, as it’ll be worn at most twice, but those two times, you’ll really need them.

Most of that is boring though, so instead, here’s a assortment of items that made the cut.

Of our six bags, one of them is skis. We each have a pair of skis from our last trip, and many poles of different lengths. Unfortunately, while this is only one thing, it’s a full 1/6 of our allocated luggage.

Most of packing for me comes down to shoes. I wear a size 15, so they’re a substantial chunk of any packing job in terms of size and weight. Also, you can’t find my size in Norway, so I’ve got to bring everything I need. If I can eliminate a pair of shoes, I’ve just saved a massive amount of space.

From left to right, hiking boots (which are truly huge, and were once passed around an awed Vietnamese village), ski boots, some water-and-snow-proof tennis shoes (which are brown, and can therefore be used in vaguely dressy circumstances), some shoes for the gym (it’s rude in Norway to wear shoes inside if they’ve been worn outside in the slush), and some somewhat-dressier brown tennis shoes. Not pictured are some pool flip-flips and slippers. That’s all practically a full checked bag.

While Annalise was in utero, I commented to Allison that the parents name a child’s first, most-loved stuffed animal, and this could be an opportunity for humor. Without any delay, Allison responded: “Lee Harvey Oswald.” Thus was named Annalise’s bunny. Lee is treasured, so we got a backup, something we were very glad of when the first Lee died a warrior’s death in the gears of an airport escalator. So, we are bringing four Lees.

Of these four, two are on active duty, and the other two are reserve units. The active duty (and thus grayer) Lees are Sleepy Lee and Happy Lee, so named (we think) because at one point Sleepy Lee was more worn, and had comparatively more closed eyes. This distinction has since become less evident.

Norwegians enjoy patriotism. They’re pretty patriotic themselves and are amused by excessive displays of American pride too. Last time, we humbly left our patriotic ensembles at home. This time, we’re not.

I’m bringing an American eagle hoodie, which I’ve modified to be sleeveless (the better to fit over the top of a winter coat), and an eagle hat which was first worn at a Women’s March. Allison’s bringing her ‘Merica shirt. You can look for us wearing this at the XC Ski World Championships, held in Trondheim in 2025!

/* Insert Allison Comment: Probably the most middle-aged thing about me is my commitment to gum health. As one of the 65-70% of American women who develop periodontal disease during pregnancy, I have adopted a daily five-step oral hygiene routine: brush, proxa brush, floss, waterpik, mouthwash. Two weeks ago I got a clean bill of health from my periodontist, but you can never be too vigilant about gingivitis. Yes, I am bragging about this. */

Softball gloves. Our friend organizes a Trondheim softball league, and we’re told that any American is an immediate ringer. Both of our softball gloves date back to middle school.

A Norwegian bow tie.

A packable stool. Because the baby’s short.

Reflective slap bracelets. No, we’re not going back to 1991, but in the dark of the winter, Norwegians wear these to make themselves easier to see. Annalise will be covered in these. Military folks, we’re also bringing a glow belt.

Baby proofing. Annalise has a bad habit of trying to leave the house when we’re not looking. You can’t do that when it’s -25 degrees!

Animal wall stickers. Annalise’s room at home is covered in animal wall stickers. These solemn forest animals were left over from that decorating job. The snails were a gift from our dear friend Ranger Liz. We’d like Annalise to feel at home!

Do you think we missed anything?