Monday, March 26, 2012

one more week!

That's right, one more week until the big move. I feel like it has taken 100 years. On the other hand, a good friend of mine is leaving work,and gave her notice around the same time I got the new place. Sadly, that time flew by...isn't that always the case?!

I am almost done getting ready, with just the necessities left to pack. Since my last post, someone stole my doomat and my toilet stopped working...a terrific send off. My very,very good friend came to help me cover the purple paint with yucky primer last week. So glad that is over with! PS not all primers are created equal...so ask for the good stuff at Home Depot, the cheaper stuff turned to cottage cheese on my walls! Speaking of walls, I finally hit one! Last week was like summer...mid 80s every day! I wanted nothing to do with packing. This week, winter is nack so maybe I will get more done...I guess I have to,though!

I'm looking forward to decorating a totally different space. You've never met someone so excited about a mantle before,I guarantee it! I will try to share some of what I'm doing. I'm sure I will be doing some Pinterest projects in the next few weeks...and planning for all of your visits!

Funny note: I bought some lot of Spacebags....so essentially you shove a metric ton of shit into a giant bag, and suck the air out, making it smaller and easier to manage. They actually work! The strange part is the "no babies" symbol on the side. Sit with that for a minute. It was necessary to put a label on something to remind consumers not to fill a four foot plastic bag with babies and vacuum the air out. Someone needed that warning. Naturally, I'm now in a real pickle, so if you have any suggestions for packing and storing all these babies, while taking up the least room possible,please let me know.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

18 days

Well, I've come a long way since my last post. I think I am about 1/3 of the way through packing. I have done a ton of purging and even sold a few things to add some funds to the moving/new apartment fund.I mean, thank God for Craigslist. You can buy/sell literally anything,find a job, get a date with a one legged tranny...seriously you name it!

My parents were kind enough to deliver boxes to my door,after having some challenges with the local grocery stores. Basically, they wanted me to come in before work and maybe they would help me out. My apartment smells like cardboard and things are stacked everywhere...so I think my entertaining days here are behind me.

In other news, I just finished 48 hours of trying to be sarcasm free. Oy.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Friiiidaaaay

Another exciting day...well exciting fifteen minutes. I got to see my actual apartment today! It is a little smaller than I remember but soooo adorable and cozy. I wanted to take pictures but evidently we caught the current renter off guard (as evienced by her pajamas and bedhead). I thought it might be weird to take a picture of her place while she was there. So for now, you'll just have to take my word for it.

There is a TON of storage, so it will be super to have a place for everything I don't want to see everyday (christmas tree,carpet skates, hula hoop...the usual). Also, the big closet has shelving in it for my purses! I can just sit and admire ther beauty when I feel sad. The kitchen storage is a little tricky. It has a ton of empty space,though it isn't an eat-in kitchen.

I loved it so much I signed the lease today! The bummer was finding out I can't move until Monday. It means I have to move all alone.I know I will have movers, but, still..bleck. Also, who moves on a Monday?!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

31 days

So the move is officially on! I am waiting to hear exactly which day it will be,but it is only a one day difference,so not too crazy making! I think I am on a movers high or something. So far, I have found a mover (but not booked,since I don't know the exact day!),gotten utilities set up, taken most things off the walls,purged my giant closet, done some deep cleaning, and spackled the walls. I am hoping that I will just be sitting by the curb with my well organized belongings when moving day comes...or at LEAST not be a frazzled mess come moving day. I know there is no getting around the stress 100% though!

As I pack up, I think of ALL of the things that have happened in this apartment,or since I've lived here. I feel as though I have lived my life here. It is for sure where I became a grown up...or at least took giant steps to get there. I can't wait for the next chapter, something new, something great, and bars within walking distance :)

Sunday, February 26, 2012

the big move

Exciting news! It looks as if I have found a new place! Perfect is a strong word but the timing is just that, also the landlord is nice and the apartment is DARLING! It is much different than my place. I will be losing a bedroom,but it has tons of storage space. The place has a faux fireplace,hardwood floors, big rooms and is perfect for get togethers! It is a four minute drive to my office and a block from Starbucks (hello,perfect mornings). There is yard space and to the best of my knowledge, no crazy people dropping fish off on doorsteps. Clearly I am super excited! I am still waiting on all the details...its the most ridiculous phone tag ever,though I am confident it will work out, since the guy took the time to call me from another country (vacation) to tell me a place opened up!

So I'm setting little goals to make for a smooth moving day. This weeks goals are to do some deep cleaning, to purge my bedroom closet, and to choose an affordable mover. (Being on the third floor,I think spending the money might be worth it this time). I am open to suggestions....so what have you done to have an easier move?

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Super Bowl Multitasking

So the game is still on..go Giants...but I thought I would share my amazing SB meal with you, while its still fresh in my mind...and tummy for that matter....

Appetizer

Blue Cheese Chips (aka my new obsession)

2tbs butter
1 medium onion dinely chopped
2 tbs four
2 cups milk
8oz crumbled blue cheese
Pinch salt
1/2 tsp paprika

Combine the butter and onion and cook at a medium heat for 7 minutes. Wisk in flour for 1 minute. Wisk in milk and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the blue cheese and stir untill its only a little lumpy. Throw in the salt and paprika. Finally, pour over kettle cooked chips and dive in!

Note: I am suuuuper sensitive to onions. If I eat or even smell a raw onion I get a migraine for days...my secret for cooking is using chopped frozen onions. Its a lifesaver, since so many savory recipes require onions! They are also cheaper than fresh onions and really, does anyone like chopping onion?


Main Event

French Dip Sandwiches

I am obsessed with crock pot food...it tastes the best and is the least effort. What's not to like. This is my new go-to recipe. I have tweaked it and I think I finally found the magic solution...

1.5 lb roast...whatever is on sale, as my grandma would say
2 cans french onion soup
16oz beef broth
1 cup red wine

Toss it all in the crockpot at a low heat for 3 hours or so. After that I turn it down to the keep warm setting, so its falling apart, but not overcooked. I try to have it in the crockpot for 6 hours, though longer, at the lower setting won't hurt it.

Toast a fresh sub sized bun, add provolone cheese and slices of the meat. Take a ladle of the delicious broth you made and use that as the beef dip. Enjoy!

Let me know if you try it out!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

challenged.

The past few years have been chuck full of suprises. Some like Jason Bateman jumping out of a birthday cake and doing a fancy lapdance and others more like a hot frying pan to the face. I can own that some of the challenges have been the direct result of my own choices. Some of them have been the other side of the coin, something really terrific with a down side. A few have been outside of my control entirely, and I've had no choice but to move and change and grow as a direct result.

I don't say any of this to complain. I often challenge clients who want a do-over by reminding them that IF they could hop in the time machine and go back, they would have to give up all the good that has happened too. I have yet to meet one who says they are willing to do that. I wouldnt give up my friends, family, dog, experiences to go back and make other choices.

The conclusion I came to is that I need to feel a sense of choice over a challenge. Something that is not at work, something that is for me, that is empowering, and kick ass. Something really hard but totally doable even if it seems impossible.

I'm going to do a triathalon.

I've started researching, recruiting...hey if you're in, let me know, and getting a grip on what has to happen. I've found a reasonably challenging plan that allows for a total amatuer to embrace her inner (clearly insane) athlete. Id like to chronicle much of it here and share with you how it is going, both for accountability and encouragement. Hint hint.

There will probably be a lot more cussing in upcoming posts, but if you could invite a few friends to read too, that would be sweet.

P.S. this is not a lame attempt at a shoddy half assed new years resolution. 2012 resolutions include my current journal and getting a damn tattoo. Finally.