This move is different from any I've had before, because, as previously mentioned, the space will be all MY OWN. The total independence is thrilling, but it's also daunting. No one else's opinion materially matters! Kinda crazy - more on that later. As for the move, I am definitely ready for it to be DONE. Looking forward to yet another vacay come Labor Day weekend.
Here are some random things I've realized while working on what is my fourth move in three years - and hopefully my final move until I either get married or purchase my old-maid pad (doesn't have nearly the same ring as "bachelor pad," does it?):
- My books are like my children. Seriously. Packing them last night, I wanted to hug each and every one. I adore books. Blame it on a childhood spending more time with The Baby-Sitters Club than my own peers, but I have a serious addiction/obsession with books, and that'll probably never go away. So that second bedroom'll be the craft room / office / library.
- It's astounding how many things I didn't know that I should know. Case in point: if your gas is shut off, there's a whole thing about switching some yellow tag and turning the appliances on. It was like the Questar woman was jabbering at me in a foreign language. Haven't a clue what that's all about - but apparently I need to learn if I'm to have hot water and a working stove. Amazing how much I keep having moments like this. It's like I'm finally moving into "real" adulthood.
- Colors are tricky. I grew up in the land of white walls, so... all this color stuff is new to me. I'm loving it, but... it's baffling. Like, what do you mean a blue can be warm? Choosing paint colors was the most stressful choice I've had to make in a while. (And yes, how blessed am I that paint color is my biggest concern? At least I can do something about it, unlike basically every other stressor on my plate these days...)
- Learn why something's awesome before using it. I spent a little more and bought Frog Tape instead of blue painter's tape because the employee at Home Depot recommended it. However, she failed to tell me that it's so great because, when wet, the tape's adhesive turns into a gel that fills in all the cracks, completely sealing your wall. (See the video here.) I found that out at the paint store today, after painting two entire rooms! It's my bad for not doing a little more research, and it may have worked its magic anyway - but still. Good reminder.
- A coat of paint can work wonders. In my office, one wall has built-in shelving, but the paint on it was poorly done and flaking. So, at the urging of my painting helpers, I freshened them up with a coat of white paint that was already in the hall closet (for touching up the trim). Doesn't it look amazing now?!
 |
| (Pardon the low-quality pics) I still need to do the actual shelves, but it's a start. |
- Men really do see fewer colors than women. At least that's what the guy at the paint store told me. I thought that was just a joke, but apparently it's true. I mean, it can be learned - as evidenced by a bunch of male graphic designers with whom I work who've been my color consultants - but still. Thought that was interesting.
- Life is sweeter when it's shared. As much as I enjoy my independence, this experience has made me keenly and painfully aware yet again of how awesome marriage would be when it's done well. It's overwhelming to do this alone! And not only that, but the whole experience would be so much more fun with someone else, making decisions together, delighting in the successes, laughing about the failures. So, on the bright side, it's reaffirmed how much I really do need to dive back into the dating scene post-move. I've avoided opening up to dating since the serious disappointment that came with Mr. 24-29 in the spring (BOY, that sucked! And now I get to see him weekly... not sure yet if that's good or bad), but you can't enjoy the good without risking the bad. I think I'm about ready to risk again. Wary as I am of getting burned again, the payoff will be worth it in the end - for the right person, at least. And you have to kiss some frogs along the path to Prince Charming, right?
