One Backpack, No Hairbrush.

Some people believe that insight on a woman can be gained by examining the contents of her purse.

But what about the contents of her room?

Last week I was trying to fall asleep when I got an overpowering urge to dump all of my belongings-from every drawer, every shelf, every closet-onto my floor. So I did. And when I towered above my "assets" of the past ten months I speculated on what my thoroughly covered floor revealed about me.

For a long time, I prided myself on living simply and within my means. There was a period in my life when I vowed I would never own a credit card. I cringed at the mass consumerism evolving in the lifestyle of Americans. I despised Wal-Mart. I hated shopping. These feelings have not changed but maybe I have without realizing.

Stepping over a sea of hats, scarves and bags, questions started forming in my head; HOW DID I GET SO MUCH CRAP? WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT ME? WHERE WILL IT ALL GO WHEN I LEAVE? HAVE I REALLY CHANGED? WHAT DO I BELIEVE IN? DO I PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH? HOW DID I GET HERE?

I am still working on the answers but the beauty of being in another country is the exploration and discovery of yourself: good and bad.

I leave for the Philippines in less than three weeks and I am looking forward to a vacation from material excess. And wondering what else will be revealed...one backpack....no hairbrush.