gaah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome

FAS is f**king scary. I quit drinking. Just in case.

P.S. My couch arrived!! Horray!! I have a living room now!! (Thanks Mom and Dad <3)

kinky boots.

This is my new favorite scene of any movie. My old favorite scene used to be the tub scene in Big Fish, when Albert Finney's wife climbs in the tub with him with all her clothes on.

This new scene is from the movie Kinky Boots. This is an exchange between Lola, a drag queen, who is trying to avoid discrimination and attention while visiting a small town in northern England, and the host of a bed and breakfast (Mrs. Cobb) where she is staying.

Mrs. Cobb knocks on the room door. Lola jumps out of bed and rushes to put on her wig.
Lola - "Come in!"
Mrs. Cobb -(hands Lola a cup of tea) "There we go!"
L - "Thank you!"
C - "And the room's alright for you then, love?"
L - "Absolutely lovely Mrs. Cobb, yes... lots of um.. lots of trinkets."
C - "Ah, now the little pottery shoes, they're good luck, you see, you know, like Whitby has lucky glass ducks, Northampton has lucky pottery shoes. Can I just ask, are you a man?"
L - (shocked) "... I am love, yes."
C - "Ah, that's fine, just so I know how to leave the toilet seat. I'll get some biscuits."

I loved this scene because in a small town where everyone stared and judged and was so focused on Lola's gender, Mrs. Cobb straight up asked and for the sole reason of providing the best experience for her guest. It was so flippant, it was shocking. I think this was one turning point in this film. Now, I have to go finish watching it!

photos.

living room before and after (the pile of stuff on the floor is gone, I promise!)






living room again, before and after



kitchen before and after

..this is taking forever.. more to come!

tired and happy.

I'm moved in!!! It's not quite finished, there are a few pieces left at Mom and Dad's, so when it's all put together, I will take photos and post them here. I can't get over how great this place is for me - it's the perfect size! I was worried about the storage space, but as long as I store carefully and restrain future purchases (my mother loved this idea), I should have no problem. I don't have a linen closet, but the drawers in the kitchen are huge (my landlord renovated recently, and he's got great taste too!), so I'm using one of those as a linen/towel drawer. I also didn't realize how many kitchen items I have.. for having an apartment of my own for the first time, I'm pretty well equipped!

Mom's coming over tomorrow night with a few final things for this place. I have to say I am extremely spoiled to have parents as great as these two.. they packed up all my things today at home (while I was at work) and met me here after work. I made one trip from the van to the house, and the rest of my time was spent unpacking what they brought in. They made my bed for me, broke down boxes, helped me unpack, and presented me with a "housewarming gift" of a grocery store gift card and a bottle of wine. I felt like royalty :)

Shortly after they left, I was talking to the bf on the phone, and I got a call from my brother - he and a few friends were in town and wanted to see the place! They were literally outside my door when they called, so I let them in and we chatted for a while. I have been in my apartment for literally under three hours at this point and I've had guests already!

Between that experience and my bf coming to visit this weekend, I don't think this week can get any better! I'm feeling a lotta love right now..

moving day..

..is tomorrow!!! I pick up the keys tonight. So excited!!!

I was hanging out with some friends last night walking around the city, and I realized that the library is less than a kilometer away from my place. I am looking for things to do around here that don't cost money, because between my new (used) car payments and sweet apartment, this girl is going to have to learn how to stick to a budget.

Leaving my parents' house, and prior to that a 3 bedroom apartment, I'm losing a lot of storage space moving into a one bedroom. I've been googling like crazy, looking for (cheap) stylish ways to organize and store things in a small space. This site has some chic ideas for small apartments, as well as DIY projects and lots of photos to get me started.. http://www.unplggd.com/.

As soon as I'm in and set up, I'll be posting before-and-after shots of the space. Can't wait!!!

a good way to ensure you get divorced.

I came across this blog this morning, and I thought to myself, "Self, no wonder the divorce rate is so high these days."

This woman married her husband (in March of 2009... this was a mere 5 months ago people) and promptly started a blog (which is TRADEMARKED, I might add) about her husband's annoying habits.

http://myhusbandisannoying.com/

I am young, and naive, and I think I have all the answers. I will admit that, right up front. I will also say that even though I am unmarried, I am in a relationship, and I'm pretty sure that a good way to ensure you STAY in a relationship (and a good one, at that) is to encourage, honor, and build up your partner - not belittle them and bring them down. I'm certain that the way to a long lasting, loving partnership is overlooking the little things that bug you (like messy eating habits) and realizing that life is more about spending time together, accomplishing goals that you set out to do together, and helping each other reach your full potential. I am no fortune teller, but I can guarantee you that these two won't reach the 5 year mark. Once he realizes that she is making money off of exaggerating his flaws and putting him down all day, he will take the money and run, and find someone more worthy of his affections - and I would fully support his decision. I hoped they signed a pre-nup!

adjusting.

I've been at my new job for almost three weeks now. It's going really well - there are some great people here that are helping me learn the ropes and are very patient with all my questions! I have my own desk (hel-lo adult job) and computer, a locker, a parking pass, a pension, health benefits, vacation, and pilates twice a week, at work. I really can't complain!

I'm currently living at home, until September 1st when I move into my new apartment!!!!! It took me a while (I viewed around 15 in person, and looked online for ages). It wasn't that I couldn't find a place - on the contrary, there were many available. I was being very selective, because if I don't like where I live, I feel like that is the basis for a shaky relationship with this city, and since I've been hearing good things for a while, I wouldn't want to mess it up early. Plus, my parents are very generous in extending their hand of welcome, and have been great about helping me move, allowing me to stay with them, and store all of my boxes at their place!

This apartment is beautiful, and so far the landlord is great! The apartment is the first floor of his house, and it was renovated last year. It's a one bedroom that includes a washer & dryer, dishwasher, fridge, stove, 9 foot bar/island, built in wine rack (on the island), and a jacuzzi tub. The living room area is cosy (no dining room), and it opens right into the kitchen, which I can't wait to get my hands in and start cooking and baking. I'd love to post before and after photos of when it's empty to when I have all my things arranged in it. That's another thing - I didn't realize I had so much stuff until I (..okay, Mom and I!) had to pack it all! I will (should) be spending this week sifting through the array of boxes and sorting what I need and what can be donated or thrown out. I managed to get rid of a lot before I moved, but somehow, a girl accumulates a lot of stuff in 4 years! Who knew?

In other news, as soon as I get myself arranged in the new place, my good-looking, hardworking bf is coming to visit me! That's by far the toughest adjustment about moving.. now being one half of a couple in a long-distance relationship. His birthday is next Wednesday, and so I've got a few ideas up my sleeve. They'll stay secret for now..