This week

I'm apologizing ahead of time, I'm afraid my posts this week will be rather uneventful.  Any free moment will be spent packing and any mental free moment will be spent trying to coordinate Saturday's Big Move.  Ok, so maybe a few free moments will be spent thinking about a new cat.  Daisy needs a sibling and my thought process is that if we get a new cat as close to move-day as possible than we won't be putting Daisy through 2 major transitions, just one...  That's my hope at least.  Pending any issues, we hope to adopt this 'little' guy currently named Elf.

I am pleased to say I had an extremely productive weekend house-wise.  My wonderful parents and sister pitched it quite a bit of time yesterday to help Hubby and I get set for the Big Move.  Carpets got shampooed (major stains are GONE!), kitchen cabinets are on their way to being filled, the closet door now latches.  We have a dishwasher and new faucet ordered and a countertop extension (for above said dishwasher) in production to be installed tentatively on the 22nd.  I think I just need to start a tab at one of the home improvement stores.

One silly thing that makes me giddier than it should is the master closet.  By ripping down some old trim and shelving (and having some plaster fall out of the wall in the process) I was able to add a closet organizing system and effectively triple the space.  I'm still waiting on 1 part that my sister is donating to me (an unused piece from her own closet).  Once I start getting clothes in and all the pieces together, I'll share some before and after pictures.

This week will consist of a lot of packing the remaining items and trying not to get stressed out too badly.  I will say, today has been a very good start to the week.  If the rest of the week can remain at this level, I'll be a very happy camper.

Organizing thoughts in Resolution form.

I'm generally not one to make resolutions- or at least not ones that make it out of my mind and get verbalized or written down. I'm on an organization kick because of moving, so why not organize my thoughts in addition to all my worldly possessions?Here goes...

In 2011, I resolve to: 1. Sing more. It used to be a tough task to shut me up when I was futzing about the house cleaning or doing my own thing (as Hubby affectionately calls it- "Karen-ing about"). I've realized that as the years have passed I find myself singing less and groaning more. Time to reverse that evolution and start finding enjoyment in the everyday (even if they do include laundry or dusting).

2.(Re)Develop healthier habits. Gym was once a dear friend and confidant.  Somehow I've gotten out of my healthy routines- life seems to disrupt routines.  2010 was my worst fitness year by far.  Why?  Excuses.  April, I started a new job: routine disrupted.  June, Hubby started new job: more disruption and adapting.  July, we adopted Daisy kitten: more adapting and distractions (of the purring fuzzy kind).  No more excuses!  We have an elliptical for quick workouts.  A gym right by work for longer ones.  We have a stove to cook healthy meals and a refrigerator to store fresh foods.  I am leaving my excuses and unhealthy habits at the apartment when we move in 11 days.

3.Send cards and generally be more thoughtful toward others. We all have a tendency to get caught up in our own little worlds.  I'm guilty.  My goal is to put a smile on the faces of those around me more often.

4.Push myself. ...to try new things.  ...to venture outside of my comfort zone.  ...to not settle for the status quo.

5. Blog daily. Wordpress is challenging its users to Post a Day.  Challenge accepted!  I'm going strive to post on this blog every day for all of 2011 and I'll need all the encouragement you can give me.  If you like what you read, "Like" the post.  Want to see something on this blog?  Let me know!  Want more info on something already posted?  Leave a comment!  Enjoying what you read?  Share with friends.  Want tips or advice on your own space?  Send me your questions.  The intention of this blog is to enjoy the journey and see where it leads me.

Reconditioning

Lately I find myself scouring design blogs and tweets.  So inspiring, yet so disheartening at the same time.  I feel like that's the path I was on a few years ago before I got distracted by other career paths.  There's no point in lamenting the past- I've vowed to myself  (thanks to The Happiness Project) that I will not dwell on things I cannot change and focus on living for today and creating my future for tomorrow.  No more whining about wanting more, it's time to go after it!  It will take a little bit of mental reconditioning, but it will be SO worth it in the end. So what inspires me?

To honor today's blog topic of reconditioning... How about this:

I came across the images of The Collective Restaurant a few weeks ago and was in awe.  I've already informed Hubby that next time we visit his sister in NYC I require a trip here.  There's a lot going on (in a fantastic way) and it's hard NOT to be inspired!   ICRAVE, the design firm responsible for the project, reinvigorated old furniture and fixtures from local stores and online shops and commissioned artists to create installations within the space.  The cumulative result is beyond art.  I love the idea that every piece has a story and a history.  I can't wait to go!

*image from ICRAVE