To pack or not to pack

Story of me and my infamous beaten-up red suitcase 

When I am everywhere with just a suitcase, what should I pack? especially, when I don't know where I am going and how long I am going? My life is full of uncertainty. 

Even though my suitcase is huge (and heavy- yes I know. I get comments from taxi drivers, hotel porters, friends), there is a limit to how much it can accommodate. 

I traveled with it through the Sahara crossing trip, and then to Japan via Nepal. I had a slight "re-structuing" of a content during the one week stopover in Nepal this summer. Which I can't tell you what it was, because I honestly don't remember. 

Before I went to the US in September, I also left some stuff in Japan with my family. I added my recently acquired items, like books, clothing and a few backpacking gears into my core things.   

Next, I went backpacking in Washington. In the meantime, I accumulated more camping/ backpacking gears, such as walking poles and an air mat. Then, it was no longer summer, so I had to buy a few warm clothes. Left some camping gears at friends' house near L.A and also sent back what I borrowed from my sisters.

Afterwards, I went to NYC to stay with M. FR's family. I had no intention of adding anything any more to my suitcase. My good girl friend held on to a bag of my winter clothes from TWO years ago, and I was finally able to get back. 

While my suitcase (and me) was going through these changes, a plan to move to a new country became more concrete. This meant I had to have at least a few pieces of work clothes for job hunting. I ended up leaving the bag of my winter clothes in NYC, as I was heading to a tropical destination. I have a suitcase full of stuff, but I don't seem to have what I really need.          

I did an inventory of my suitcase:  

• 7 books (English and Japanese) 
• 5 pairs of shoes including summer sandals 
• hairdryer- I don't know why I am obsessively carrying this all the time.  
• 宮島のしゃもじrice scoop that I bought in Hiroshima
• winter clothes (sweaters and jacket)
• 7 dresses 
• Yosoiki (special occasion) purse 
• Basic toiletries and cosmetics
• Underwear, t-shirts, a few pairs of pants

 

What does this say about me? that I am totally illogical and crazy?  This is hardly adequate to move to a new country.  

My suitcase is all scratched up and two wheels are not in an optimum state. I am embarrassed to drug this piece of garbage everywhere, but I am now too attached to replace it.