Kinda skipped out on the whole blogging thing this week a bit. But Week Three was an easy one for me, with not so much to do, so I used it mainly to catch up on cleaning and de-cluttering everywhere.
The real to-do list was:
1. Vacuum, dust, mop throughout: Just finished this earlier today. So much easier when you keep up with it, you know!
2. Clean your entry-way and related closets: Easy, too. My entrance is pretty neat already and I don't have a closet that's "related." I consider my hall closet more of a bathroom closet, since it's extra storage for that, cleaning stuff, and random other items.
3. Arrange for all repairs to be completed in the next three weeks: The light fixtures that I want replaced are on my short list - my friend's bf might be able to help me out. I'll check with him next Friday. The dripping faucets aren't too bad and are just gonna have to drip. I read how to do it in a home improvement book and it's over my head, and my landlord won't do it, I can promise. He's an "if it ain't broke" kinda guy, so it would have to be gushing or something. Same goes for the toilet with the leaky flapper. I might try that myself though. I'll also keep working on the squeaky screen door in the back.
4. De-clutter the entrance, move old mail/catalogs/magazines to outbox or recycling and cancel unused subscriptions: Took care of this earlier this week and today. I've been using Catalog Choice to opt-out, and keep track of, all the nonsense catalogs I receive but don't want. I mean, really, I don't think I need to be receiving Delia's and Alloy at age 26. Nor do I need a monthly pound of paper from Victoria's Secret and please, someone, how in the world did I get on Dell's mailing list when I own a Mac? Regardless, I've cancelled 10 catalogs and it's been great for my mailbox for sure. Took care of the junk on the console by the door and I've got the magazines and catalogs I DO like spread out on the floor waiting to have sheets torn and then off the recycle bin for them.
5. Look into what you need to create a landing strip: Well, this is all good to go since last Fall, so that's easy. I did get the idea about moving my cordless phone around the corner from where it is now (dragging the cords around and stuff), into the kitchen. I may even eventually get a fancy new one, because I do like having my land line, and the battery is ready to go, which means you (sadly) might as well get a new phone since batteries are half the price of a new phone.
6. Identify which rooms are cool and which are warm: Not temperature-wise, but in terms of their color schemes. This was easy - Cool: Bedroom, living room, bathroom. Warm: Hallway, dining room (Fiesta-Ware!), kitchen. Pretty straightforward.
7. Apply the 80/20 color rule: This rule means that you have about 80% of your room in neutral colors, and 20% in strong colors. Makes sense, you could think about this in terms of how you dress. Although right now like 99.9% of my clothes are black, brown, or gray, I really should be following 80/20. Most people do. As far as my apartment goes, it's close, I think. The kitchen needs more color since the cabinets and walls are white. I'm thinking of painting the wall behind the sink something bright and fun. The dining room needs more color, too, and I am planning on painting those walls eventually, and then recovering the chairs with something cute and fun and bright. Bed, bath, and living rooms are all fine color-wise, but every room needs more things hung on the walls, in both neutral and strong colors.
8. Cook 2 meals at home: Hasn't happened yet. Cooking dinner tonight though, but tomorrow night is Easter Redux at my Mom's (she was sick last week). Maybe we'll cook some good breakfast tomorrow. Ooohh yes: bloody marys, coffee, pancakes, and bacon. Alright, it's a plan.
So there you have it, my Week Three progress. Not too bad considering I didn't do much until today :) But I have been keeping up with lots of folks, and doing lots of planning in my head for when I have a little extra cash to spend. Cleaning today with the windows open was really great though, and my outlook for next week is good!
Oh, and before I forget, the Kitchn Cure task for this week was:
"I dare you to toss anything artificial, processed, containing MSG, artificial flavorings or high fructose corn syrup."
Haha! Well, that was easy! I had a New Year's resolution to do this sort of thing anyway, so I am in pretty good shape. It's not like you have to get rid of it all, and never buy anything "processed", but it's just that I want to be more conscientious of my food purchases. And amazingly, it hasn't been too hard. Glad to have the support to keep up with it though!
Also, supposed to go through cabinets, junk drawer, etc. and purge excess, clean, and reorganize. I am thinking that's a task for tomorrow (some I have begun, though, and I don't have a junk drawer - you can't really when you only have two drawers to begin with!).
I'll let you know how it goes!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Week 2: Almost Finished
In spite of a nagging head cold that won't let up, as well as the usual Easter stuff, I managed to tick a few more things off the list for Week 2. Some of the kitchen stuff though is going to wait until its appropriate week of the Kitchn Cure. Otherwise I think I'm just about ready for Week 3, which is all about the Landing Strip (aka the entry-way), and color. I think. Gotta finish reading the chapter in the book I guess. Maybe after yoga.
Week 2 Have-Done:
1. Fix one thing: the stove is now considered "fixed" as it is no longer crooked enough to cause oil/water/whatever to slide all the way to the left side of the pan. It was absurdly easy. The back door is not fixed, the WD-40 didn't do the trick and I might try to chip off enough paint to remove the hinge, boil it, and put it back. We'll see.
2. Clean Kitchen: pretty much done, will be following through on the rest of it during the Kitchn Cure.
3. Run your hands over every wall: Yup, every wall is cold, regardless of the fact that it's an inside wall or an outside wall. Some walls are really crumbly and bad. The bathroom walls are the warmest. The dining room should NOT be painted again with flat paint - too much food prep and potential grease spatters in there. Some patching needs to be done for sure.
4. Outbox: so far I have a few kitchen things sitting on the shelf of the china cabinet. I'm sure there will be more when I get to my summer clothes.
5. Flowers: skipped this week - I am BROKE and didn't feel like going to the store.
6. Cook a new recipe: well, I don't really do much of the cooking but we did do a lot of it this week, and I did a lot of cleaning and some prep work. We made new recipes of chicken curry and pasta carbonara (the real way as written in the Silver Spoon). They were both fantastic.
So that's done and I'm ready to move onward but I really really really want to not have a cold anymore. And I'm really ready for some actual Spring weather. Both of those things could have a very positive impact on my productivity. Here's to hoping!
Week 2 Have-Done:
1. Fix one thing: the stove is now considered "fixed" as it is no longer crooked enough to cause oil/water/whatever to slide all the way to the left side of the pan. It was absurdly easy. The back door is not fixed, the WD-40 didn't do the trick and I might try to chip off enough paint to remove the hinge, boil it, and put it back. We'll see.
2. Clean Kitchen: pretty much done, will be following through on the rest of it during the Kitchn Cure.
3. Run your hands over every wall: Yup, every wall is cold, regardless of the fact that it's an inside wall or an outside wall. Some walls are really crumbly and bad. The bathroom walls are the warmest. The dining room should NOT be painted again with flat paint - too much food prep and potential grease spatters in there. Some patching needs to be done for sure.
4. Outbox: so far I have a few kitchen things sitting on the shelf of the china cabinet. I'm sure there will be more when I get to my summer clothes.
5. Flowers: skipped this week - I am BROKE and didn't feel like going to the store.
6. Cook a new recipe: well, I don't really do much of the cooking but we did do a lot of it this week, and I did a lot of cleaning and some prep work. We made new recipes of chicken curry and pasta carbonara (the real way as written in the Silver Spoon). They were both fantastic.
So that's done and I'm ready to move onward but I really really really want to not have a cold anymore. And I'm really ready for some actual Spring weather. Both of those things could have a very positive impact on my productivity. Here's to hoping!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Week 2: Kitchen Week and The Kitchn Cure
Yep, it's a big week for my kitchen. Or so I hope! Still fighting a gross cold so my motivation is blah! But I have realized that scrubbing the be-jeebus outta stuff allows me to vent my frustration with work in a lovely positive manner. Oh, and before any of you go all grammar-police on me, that's right, it's "The Kitchn Cure", so named after AT's sister site, The Kitchn (apparently when they split off with a re-design, all the good domain names were taken. It's grown on me).
So anyway, they decided they wanted in on all the Cure goodness and started up their own 8-week Kitchen Cure, beginning today, the official first day of Spring, and smack in the middle of the Spring Cure's Kitchen Week. There are also a couple of non-kitchen tasks for the regular Cure. But no big deal really.
Here's my to-do lists for the week:
AT:Chicago Spring Cure
Bones
- Fix one thing yourself: mine is hopefully going to be either the crooked stove (not on my list from last week, but because I forgot and someone reminded me! Thanks!!), or the squeaky back door. That requires a trip to somewhere that sells WD-40.
-Clean the kitchen top to bottom, throwing out old food, and de-clutter cabinets/storage: I'm on it! We've done the pantry and fridge and some drawers, and I am keeping on it.
-Buy and use a water filter: done a long time ago. I love me some H20!
Breath
-Run your hands over every wall in your apartment: I did this last time, sort of, but I guess I'll do it again. I know which walls are crumbly and which are cold and whatnot, but it can't hurt seeing things from all perspectives I suppose.
-Clear a spot for the Outbox, then clean a surface and USE the Outbox: I think I'll use the same spot as last Fall, right in front of my doorway, so I see it every time I'm coming and going, and will have to take care of it often. The Outbox is like clutter limbo. You put stuff there when you haven't decided exactly what to do with it or before you actually get rid of it in whatever manner you've decided (give away, sell, donation, storage, etc.). I don't plan on much in my Outbox though. Just clothes and the occasional kitchen item.
Heart
-Buy fresh flowers: Still need to do this but my 19-day old flowers still look amazing.
-Determine your style: They give some guidelines in the book and on the website. I've sort of narrowed it down to the ever-popular "organic modern". Yikes. I don't like putting myself into a box, but I do see how it is helpful when trying to make design decisions. I still like the occasional worldly, retro, mid-century, or otherwise eclectic styles. But I need to focus. Plus the "organic" part of the modern allows for lots of clean-lined solid wood stuff. Which I definitely like.
Head
-Find a new recipe and cook it at home: Maybe I'll do this tomorrow when I need a break at work, and then try to cook something with mostly ingredients we already have. Or cheaply. I'm broke! Just had to pay $150 a stupid "parking violation" aka the reduced charge for my speeding ticket I got in January. Grrrr....
-Choose a date for your "housewarming": Well, you are supposed to throw a housewarming after this is all said and done but I don't know. I WOULD like to have my Grandma and Aunt come see my place since they haven't in the entire 4 years I've been here, and I know they'd like it. Maybe I'll do a little lunch for them or something. Don't get me wrong, I like having people over, and I have been doing it more often since the Fall Cure, but I don't know if I can swing a full-blown party. Although when it's warmer out...well, we'll see.
Now, I've got the list for the AT: The Kitchn Spring Cure
-De-clutter your food! They give these guidelines to get rid of stuff:
• if it has expired
• if it has not been used in the last 6-12 months
• if it has duplicates (combine containers if possible)
Well, that was easy enough, we pretty much took care of it on Sunday morning, and then went out and bought lots of new stuff! You are also supposed to upload your "Before" pictures to their Flickr group, which I did!
I've scrubbed the kitchen floor tonight on my hands and knees, and am ready to go clean a few more surfaces and put stuff away before konking out for the night. Super excited, though, about the possibility of getting my kitchen workspace into tip top shape and then maybe, just maybe, being a more adventuresome cook!
So anyway, they decided they wanted in on all the Cure goodness and started up their own 8-week Kitchen Cure, beginning today, the official first day of Spring, and smack in the middle of the Spring Cure's Kitchen Week. There are also a couple of non-kitchen tasks for the regular Cure. But no big deal really.
Here's my to-do lists for the week:
AT:Chicago Spring Cure
Bones
- Fix one thing yourself: mine is hopefully going to be either the crooked stove (not on my list from last week, but because I forgot and someone reminded me! Thanks!!), or the squeaky back door. That requires a trip to somewhere that sells WD-40.
-Clean the kitchen top to bottom, throwing out old food, and de-clutter cabinets/storage: I'm on it! We've done the pantry and fridge and some drawers, and I am keeping on it.
-Buy and use a water filter: done a long time ago. I love me some H20!
Breath
-Run your hands over every wall in your apartment: I did this last time, sort of, but I guess I'll do it again. I know which walls are crumbly and which are cold and whatnot, but it can't hurt seeing things from all perspectives I suppose.
-Clear a spot for the Outbox, then clean a surface and USE the Outbox: I think I'll use the same spot as last Fall, right in front of my doorway, so I see it every time I'm coming and going, and will have to take care of it often. The Outbox is like clutter limbo. You put stuff there when you haven't decided exactly what to do with it or before you actually get rid of it in whatever manner you've decided (give away, sell, donation, storage, etc.). I don't plan on much in my Outbox though. Just clothes and the occasional kitchen item.
Heart
-Buy fresh flowers: Still need to do this but my 19-day old flowers still look amazing.
-Determine your style: They give some guidelines in the book and on the website. I've sort of narrowed it down to the ever-popular "organic modern". Yikes. I don't like putting myself into a box, but I do see how it is helpful when trying to make design decisions. I still like the occasional worldly, retro, mid-century, or otherwise eclectic styles. But I need to focus. Plus the "organic" part of the modern allows for lots of clean-lined solid wood stuff. Which I definitely like.
Head
-Find a new recipe and cook it at home: Maybe I'll do this tomorrow when I need a break at work, and then try to cook something with mostly ingredients we already have. Or cheaply. I'm broke! Just had to pay $150 a stupid "parking violation" aka the reduced charge for my speeding ticket I got in January. Grrrr....
-Choose a date for your "housewarming": Well, you are supposed to throw a housewarming after this is all said and done but I don't know. I WOULD like to have my Grandma and Aunt come see my place since they haven't in the entire 4 years I've been here, and I know they'd like it. Maybe I'll do a little lunch for them or something. Don't get me wrong, I like having people over, and I have been doing it more often since the Fall Cure, but I don't know if I can swing a full-blown party. Although when it's warmer out...well, we'll see.
Now, I've got the list for the AT: The Kitchn Spring Cure
-De-clutter your food! They give these guidelines to get rid of stuff:
• if it has expired
• if it has not been used in the last 6-12 months
• if it has duplicates (combine containers if possible)
Well, that was easy enough, we pretty much took care of it on Sunday morning, and then went out and bought lots of new stuff! You are also supposed to upload your "Before" pictures to their Flickr group, which I did!
I've scrubbed the kitchen floor tonight on my hands and knees, and am ready to go clean a few more surfaces and put stuff away before konking out for the night. Super excited, though, about the possibility of getting my kitchen workspace into tip top shape and then maybe, just maybe, being a more adventuresome cook!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Week 1 Recap
Week One is pretty tame, with some basic tasks to tackle and an overall prep for what lies ahead.
My breakdown of how things went:
Bones of the Apartment
-List all repairs and possible solutions. I've got some dripping faucets, a slow bathtub drain, a flickering kitchen light, a sticky handle on the toilet, and a squeaky back door. There could be others, but hopefully that's it because I think I can fix most of them.
-Vacuum, sweep, and/or mop all floors: Well, I did a lot of cleaning before having company the weekend before last and I was able to open the windows while cleaning. This weekend was a bit too cold so I just swept it all. The kitchen and bathroom floors are the worst and will get "hands and knees" scrubbing during their respective weeks.
Breath of the Apartment
-Remove one item from the apartment and put it outside: Basically, begin the de-cluttering. I didn't really do this during the week either but there is a bag of clothes to take to Goodwill in my trunk from a few weeks before the Cure began. I say that counts ;)
Heart of the Apartment
-Buy fresh flowers: The flowers (Alstroemeria or something...) from last weekend's dinner party were and ARE thriving. And since I spent $100 at the grocery store this weekend, I think skipping flowers is ok. But I'll be sure to replace them as soon as they begin to wilt.
See, they are still lookin' good. In more than one spot, too!
Head of the Apartment
-Sit for 10 minutes in a place you never sit: I did this during the Fall Cure in the two places I never sit, so I didn't have anywhere to sit this time. But I did sit and ponder my kitchen/dining room situation for some time on more than one occasion. It did help with my vision.
-Look into Earth-Friendly cleaning products: Again, I did most of this last Fall and now I don't have too many "un-friendly" products left. For fiscal reasons, I have chosen to use up whatever wasn't Earth-Friendly, and replace it as the need arises. Of course I bought Lysol toilet bowl cleaner right before Method (finally) introduced theirs. I have begun using the Baking Soda/White Vinegar method to clear my stubborn bathtub drain, though. I think it just may work. And it's cheap!
So there you have it. I did get a start on the Kitchen tasks yesterday, with a pantry clear-out and a scrub down of the refrigerator. I'll post the to-do for Week Two soon, and hope to stay on top of things. I did wake up today with a tickle in my throat that won't go away, and some hints that I'm getting sick. Taking things easy tonight (skipping yoga, boo!), but I DO get to listen to the occasional bagpipe serenade from down the street, so it isn't all that bad!
Happy St. Pat's!
My breakdown of how things went:
Bones of the Apartment
-List all repairs and possible solutions. I've got some dripping faucets, a slow bathtub drain, a flickering kitchen light, a sticky handle on the toilet, and a squeaky back door. There could be others, but hopefully that's it because I think I can fix most of them.
-Vacuum, sweep, and/or mop all floors: Well, I did a lot of cleaning before having company the weekend before last and I was able to open the windows while cleaning. This weekend was a bit too cold so I just swept it all. The kitchen and bathroom floors are the worst and will get "hands and knees" scrubbing during their respective weeks.
Breath of the Apartment
-Remove one item from the apartment and put it outside: Basically, begin the de-cluttering. I didn't really do this during the week either but there is a bag of clothes to take to Goodwill in my trunk from a few weeks before the Cure began. I say that counts ;)
Heart of the Apartment
-Buy fresh flowers: The flowers (Alstroemeria or something...) from last weekend's dinner party were and ARE thriving. And since I spent $100 at the grocery store this weekend, I think skipping flowers is ok. But I'll be sure to replace them as soon as they begin to wilt.
See, they are still lookin' good. In more than one spot, too!
Head of the Apartment
-Sit for 10 minutes in a place you never sit: I did this during the Fall Cure in the two places I never sit, so I didn't have anywhere to sit this time. But I did sit and ponder my kitchen/dining room situation for some time on more than one occasion. It did help with my vision.
-Look into Earth-Friendly cleaning products: Again, I did most of this last Fall and now I don't have too many "un-friendly" products left. For fiscal reasons, I have chosen to use up whatever wasn't Earth-Friendly, and replace it as the need arises. Of course I bought Lysol toilet bowl cleaner right before Method (finally) introduced theirs. I have begun using the Baking Soda/White Vinegar method to clear my stubborn bathtub drain, though. I think it just may work. And it's cheap!
So there you have it. I did get a start on the Kitchen tasks yesterday, with a pantry clear-out and a scrub down of the refrigerator. I'll post the to-do for Week Two soon, and hope to stay on top of things. I did wake up today with a tickle in my throat that won't go away, and some hints that I'm getting sick. Taking things easy tonight (skipping yoga, boo!), but I DO get to listen to the occasional bagpipe serenade from down the street, so it isn't all that bad!
Happy St. Pat's!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday, Wednesday, what's the diff?
So I said I'd be back on Wednesday with my goals for the cure, but I just wasn't feeling it. I did have a bit of relaxation time this week though, which was great because works is CRAZY. Plus we had a lovely preview of Spring this week and I spent a decent amount of time just enjoying the weather and the extra daylight.
But back to the goals. I'll try to keep it pretty straightforward, and I think it won't be too hard because I did so much work last time around, and kept up with things, so now it's getting to the nitty-gritty instead of "de-clutter 4 years of personal belongings." That was fun. ;)
1.) Better lighting all around. I have some fixtures to actually replace, and other lamps that need to be added or changed to better types.
2.) Frame and hang more personal photos and other artwork. Most of my walls are still pretty bare, and since most of them are also white, it's not a great combo. I think this will help add some warmth to the place.
3.) Get both closets into completely functional and organized shape. They've both been decluttered several times but could really stand some rearranging.
4.) Continue turning the kitchen/dining room into a more pleasant and functional place to be. AT's the Kitchn is doing a Kitchen Cure starting this Thursday (FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!), and I'm anxious to see what it entails. Hopefully this will lead me to more cooking, especially on my own.
5.) The standard Spring Cleaning that goes along with the Cure. Hopefully I can find some way to improve the air quality, too. Allergy season is starting and I am trying to be more mindful of the air I'm breathing. That probably makes a big difference in how you feel, and if you feel good, you'll be in a better mood (though Spring coming is almost all I need to be in a better mood!).
So that's it for the big goals. Obviously there are smaller things to tackle too, but for now, I need to get back to the Week One tasks (the weeks begin on Mondays and end the following Sunday, so you have the whole weekend to get through stuff). I'll probably post a Week One - completed tasks list later today or tomorrow.
Now it's off to clean some floors!
But back to the goals. I'll try to keep it pretty straightforward, and I think it won't be too hard because I did so much work last time around, and kept up with things, so now it's getting to the nitty-gritty instead of "de-clutter 4 years of personal belongings." That was fun. ;)
1.) Better lighting all around. I have some fixtures to actually replace, and other lamps that need to be added or changed to better types.
2.) Frame and hang more personal photos and other artwork. Most of my walls are still pretty bare, and since most of them are also white, it's not a great combo. I think this will help add some warmth to the place.
3.) Get both closets into completely functional and organized shape. They've both been decluttered several times but could really stand some rearranging.
4.) Continue turning the kitchen/dining room into a more pleasant and functional place to be. AT's the Kitchn is doing a Kitchen Cure starting this Thursday (FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!), and I'm anxious to see what it entails. Hopefully this will lead me to more cooking, especially on my own.
5.) The standard Spring Cleaning that goes along with the Cure. Hopefully I can find some way to improve the air quality, too. Allergy season is starting and I am trying to be more mindful of the air I'm breathing. That probably makes a big difference in how you feel, and if you feel good, you'll be in a better mood (though Spring coming is almost all I need to be in a better mood!).
So that's it for the big goals. Obviously there are smaller things to tackle too, but for now, I need to get back to the Week One tasks (the weeks begin on Mondays and end the following Sunday, so you have the whole weekend to get through stuff). I'll probably post a Week One - completed tasks list later today or tomorrow.
Now it's off to clean some floors!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Stuff White People Like
The link is in the title of this post and there on the left. If you haven't heard of or gone to this blog, DO SO NOW.
It's absolutely amazing.
It's absolutely amazing.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Cure Quiz
The beginning of the Cure book has a quiz that is supposed to give you some insight into what is wrong with your place and what you aspire it to be like. Last time I took it myself but wasn't exactly sure how to interpret things. I guess that's what you miss out on when you don't have an analyst being paid to talk things out with you directly.
But in the spirit of honesty and my hope that maybe someone can glean some bit of meaning from my answers, I decided to post this year's Cure Quiz results :)
FAVORITES - name your favorite:
Actress - Um, Cate Blanchett? Nicole Kidman? I'm bad at movie people...
Actor - Bill Murray (now what the heck is that supposed to mean!)
Artist - JWK - my momma, duh!
Writer - Laura Ingalls Wilder - for reals!!
Restaurant - Duff's (another duh!)
Automobile - Prius or something else equally hybrid-y and cool.
TV Show - n/a honestly.
Clothing - This could be a designer or a store, but really I don't shop too much. I guess Banana if I could afford to shop there more often! With a few things from Anthro tossed in for good measure.
How would you describe your style (give three words)
1. Straightfoward
2. Well-conceived (two words but still!)
3. Modern
Where have you lived?
Born - STL (city)
Grew up - STL (county)
Adult - STL (city - blocks from where I was born)
Name a role model: Dad!
Give three adjectives that describe what you admire about that person:
1. Intelligent
2. Kind
3. Patient
If your apartment could speak, what would it say is the problem?
Hmmm, a little weird, OK - "I'm lonely sometimes and cold and hot at the wrong times! Fix me!"
Describe the problem with your apartment in three words:
1. Sparse (some places) 2. Anonymous 3. Cold! (yeah, I know, it's March!)
What is one thing you'd like to do more of in your apartment?
Cook! But more on my own, instead of just watching the BF. Like for lunch and breakfast. It can be done, I know it!
Eight weeks from now, when you are finished, how would you like your friends to describe your apartment? (in three words):
For the record - none of you smartasses out there better walk in saying these things next time you come over just to mess w/ me ;)
1. Pretty 2. Clean 3. Homey
So there you have it! The Cure Quiz! There is another little check list where you score how you feel your apartment rates in terms of the "Head, Heart, Breath, and Bones", which are four aspects that you are supposed to focus on. I won't go into depth (get the book!), but I scored in a higher bracket this time than last. I got an 11 which means "Healthy, comfortable. Could use improvement in at least one area, and toning overall." I think that's a fair assessment - I've definitely come a long way since last time around!
Tomorrow I'll be back with goals and plans for Week One! I'm sure you'll be on the edges of your seats until then!
But in the spirit of honesty and my hope that maybe someone can glean some bit of meaning from my answers, I decided to post this year's Cure Quiz results :)
FAVORITES - name your favorite:
Actress - Um, Cate Blanchett? Nicole Kidman? I'm bad at movie people...
Actor - Bill Murray (now what the heck is that supposed to mean!)
Artist - JWK - my momma, duh!
Writer - Laura Ingalls Wilder - for reals!!
Restaurant - Duff's (another duh!)
Automobile - Prius or something else equally hybrid-y and cool.
TV Show - n/a honestly.
Clothing - This could be a designer or a store, but really I don't shop too much. I guess Banana if I could afford to shop there more often! With a few things from Anthro tossed in for good measure.
How would you describe your style (give three words)
1. Straightfoward
2. Well-conceived (two words but still!)
3. Modern
Where have you lived?
Born - STL (city)
Grew up - STL (county)
Adult - STL (city - blocks from where I was born)
Name a role model: Dad!
Give three adjectives that describe what you admire about that person:
1. Intelligent
2. Kind
3. Patient
If your apartment could speak, what would it say is the problem?
Hmmm, a little weird, OK - "I'm lonely sometimes and cold and hot at the wrong times! Fix me!"
Describe the problem with your apartment in three words:
1. Sparse (some places) 2. Anonymous 3. Cold! (yeah, I know, it's March!)
What is one thing you'd like to do more of in your apartment?
Cook! But more on my own, instead of just watching the BF. Like for lunch and breakfast. It can be done, I know it!
Eight weeks from now, when you are finished, how would you like your friends to describe your apartment? (in three words):
For the record - none of you smartasses out there better walk in saying these things next time you come over just to mess w/ me ;)
1. Pretty 2. Clean 3. Homey
So there you have it! The Cure Quiz! There is another little check list where you score how you feel your apartment rates in terms of the "Head, Heart, Breath, and Bones", which are four aspects that you are supposed to focus on. I won't go into depth (get the book!), but I scored in a higher bracket this time than last. I got an 11 which means "Healthy, comfortable. Could use improvement in at least one area, and toning overall." I think that's a fair assessment - I've definitely come a long way since last time around!
Tomorrow I'll be back with goals and plans for Week One! I'm sure you'll be on the edges of your seats until then!
Monday, March 10, 2008
An optical illusion of sorts...
Driving home from work tonight felt like I was skipping out early. I had already fixed the clock in my car so I knew it was the right time, but being on hwy 40 going home for the evening while that much light was still out felt wrong! I know it's not completely spring time just yet, but I am going to be basking in the extra daylight for sure!
I really do think I have some form of SAD, because the sunshine coming through my apartment windows right now is making me downright giddy in spite of my stiff shoulders from a day hunched over my desk working on various spreadsheets. Yippee for Spring and Sun!
Oh, and in Spring Cure news, it's technically now Week One. I got the book from the library and I think this week means just cleaning the floors, etc. but I don't really remember. I'll fill everyone in on my to-dos and progress soon.
I really do think I have some form of SAD, because the sunshine coming through my apartment windows right now is making me downright giddy in spite of my stiff shoulders from a day hunched over my desk working on various spreadsheets. Yippee for Spring and Sun!
Oh, and in Spring Cure news, it's technically now Week One. I got the book from the library and I think this week means just cleaning the floors, etc. but I don't really remember. I'll fill everyone in on my to-dos and progress soon.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Week 0: (some) Photos are Up
Over at Flickr :)
Just a few rooms up so far, but more to come in the next few days. It's hard to get good shots with my crappy camera a night.
Just a few rooms up so far, but more to come in the next few days. It's hard to get good shots with my crappy camera a night.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Apartment Therapy Spring Cure
***3/4/07 Update*** AT is offering the chance to actually "sign up" for the Cure, which I think is a GREAT idea because it'll make you feel super-accountable. The link is here. Oh, and if you successfully finish, you'll get a diploma! Yippee :)
Well folks it's about that time. This week marks the starting point (aka "Week 0") for the AT Spring '08 Cure. I am definitely ready to get things moving again after an obnoxiously wintery few months. (I say this as we are getting ready to have 8-10 inches of snow dumped on us, too).
I'm not sure how I am going to focus things, but I do know that I have made a ton of improvements since beginning the Fall Cure last September. I am just going to try to keep moving on maybe without spending so much $ this time.
Oh, and I am also going to be sure to keep up with my Y visits since I was almost entirely absent last time around, and that was no good. That being said, I'm off to yoga, then to the library to check out the AT book again. Maybe if I have a snow day tomorrow I'll read up to refresh my memory a bit.
Anyone going to join me for the Spring Cure? :) Nothing like some good old peer pressure!
Well folks it's about that time. This week marks the starting point (aka "Week 0") for the AT Spring '08 Cure. I am definitely ready to get things moving again after an obnoxiously wintery few months. (I say this as we are getting ready to have 8-10 inches of snow dumped on us, too).
I'm not sure how I am going to focus things, but I do know that I have made a ton of improvements since beginning the Fall Cure last September. I am just going to try to keep moving on maybe without spending so much $ this time.
Oh, and I am also going to be sure to keep up with my Y visits since I was almost entirely absent last time around, and that was no good. That being said, I'm off to yoga, then to the library to check out the AT book again. Maybe if I have a snow day tomorrow I'll read up to refresh my memory a bit.
Anyone going to join me for the Spring Cure? :) Nothing like some good old peer pressure!
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