Live Life List

 
Most of us know what a Bucket List is, maybe even saw the Jack Nicholson movie and I think the concept is a great idea. I love the thought of actually writing out what you want out of life before it’s all over – but the whole ominous “before I die” part of it left me a bit gloomy.
Recently, I got an eVite from a friend of mine that is having a clothing swap with this type of list making as the theme. You see, on her list was to get rid of 100 things, and so she thought a clothing swap would be a fun way to do so. Unfortunately, I can’t make it – but with my “wish I could make it” RSVP I pledged to create my a list of my own in spirit of the great idea she was sharing.
So I’ve begun. I’ve chosen however to title my list Live Life as an empowering context to create going after my dreams in the now and not necessarily as someday or before I die sort of thing. I have to say – it’s been so much fun thinking up things big and small to add to my list. I’ll catch myself sometimes making up an excuse for why something can’t or shouldn’t go on my list - “oh but I’ll never have the time for that” or “I’ll never be able to afford to do that” but I’m giving those considerations up and putting my maybe seemingly lofty dreams on the list anyways. If I limit my dreams, how can I ever expect to truly live a life I love.
I’m excited to start crossing things off – taking action – experiencing all kinds of small pleasures and grand adventures. I’m also excited to share my dreams with everyone. At first I thought to myself, I don’t want to show this list to anyone, okay maybe a couple close friends etc, but they might think I’m weird, or lame or whatever. Then I gave that up to. Be stingy with my dreams? Am I crazy!? I want to shout them from the roof tops, have conversations with people about them, learn from others, and experience my dreams with the people in my life. I want to live purely, with all my senses, with all my emotions, and without regret. I want to let go of all my doubts, considerations, and just jump head first into life.
Bring it on.
LIVE LIFE LIST

1. Speak Spanish
2. Play guitar
3. Silkscreen
4. Road trip across US
5. Zip line
6. Popular Blog
7. Enjoy a Vegan diet
8. Run a marathon
9. Participate in a Triathlon
10. 3 month vacation
11. Drive a convertible
12. Skinny dip
13. Krav Maga self defense
14. Have Kitten
15. Have a Puppy
16. See the grand canyon
17. Finger paint
18. Have a store on Etsy
19. Make a quilt
20. Have a pen pal
21. Lake house vacation
22. Greece vacation – see nothing but blue water and white houses
23. Take voice lessons
24. Experience the seasons of the east coast
25. Have a glamorous photo shoot
26. Get married – or at least have a big party and wear a beautiful white dress
27. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
28. No cell phone / computer / TV for a month

Much much more future to be written… stay tuned

Update: Check out my 43 things page for an ongoing list!

Clearly…

I can’t stop daydreaming about cool stuff to put in my dream SF apartment. This might not be healthy – but oh well.

 

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the clear acrylic stuff they have at CB2. This desk – yum. It takes up no visual space! Perfect for my up and coming shoebox that can’t be bothered with bulky frumpy desks. Although – I could go for a retro deco desk or sleek mid-century beauty :-)

It’s kind of hard to see here, but the “C” table on the left  - oh man, I must have one of these. Right now I’m typing on my laptop which is resting on a white piece of particle board, resting on my boyfriend’s legs that are stretched out over my lap – while nice, not ideal for couch blogging. This table would be amazing.

Rugs – art – and fun ways to store and display books keep twirling around in my brain too : the only cure – my very own SF apartment.  

Good things come in small packages

City living in most cases (and mine) means small living. Downsizing is to be expected when I move and to tell you the truth – I’m looking forward to it.

My belongings could use a little purging – alright, a lot but I’m excited to explore creative ways to organize what will be left of my hoard collection, in a new small space. I want to live in an apartment that works and is beautiful. I want to be able to both relax and be inspired in my home. I want my space to function, so I hardly have to ;-)

My current apartment feels in limbo – disjointed, awkward, and vast. It’s so big too – at least for what I need and it’s a pain to clean :-\

In a smaller place – everything will have to have a home because anything out of place is just gonna make my shoebox look like a pig pen. Less space, I’m hoping, equals less to have to clean up, keep clean, or even think about cleaning. I’ll see if that fantasy pans out.

Photos courtesy of apartment therapy – check out their Small, Cool 2010 Contest. Small is sweet!

Here I come

Well the dream’s on it’s way. I’m moving to San Francisco! No, I don’t know when or where just yet – but it will happen. Michael and I are searching high and low – Victorian’s with bathrooms in the common hallway and basements in small mansions – we are on the prowl.

I got my tarot read by a wonderful woman who is both a reverend and a witch and she said that my move to San Francisco will be full of trials and tribulations – but that I will prevail! I pulled a page card so apparently I’m as unskilled at SF apartment hunting as a scrawny blonde boy studying to be a knight. Michael’s not too happy that I cursed the process :-)

So far we’ve lost one super cool place (minus the bathroom being in the public hallway) due to the owner renting out to his friend right before we were going to put the deposit down. Lame. My dad’s right though, the high ceilings would have made my heating bill a fortune.

We’ve seen views of the top of the Transamerica building and basements with views of bushes, kitchens will cupboards not tall enough for my box of cherrios, no parking, no laundry, and no pets. This is harder than I thought it was going to be, but I can’t really complain – apartment shopping is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it’s going to be for me!

I’m hoping to be close to work – within walking distance would be ideal! Michael wants enough space for an office, sunshine, and I demand character. With our budget and our wants – it’s craigslist slim pickins every couple weeks but I’m excited to find the one that’s “just right.”

Wish us luck! Hopefully soon – I’ll be blogging from San Francisco! Let the adventure continue…

Testing…

Just got a new laptop and am using Windows Live Writer for the first time to try to update my blog. Let’s see if it works…

Oooh I like. I will updating more often I think! I hope! Ease and accessibility are sure to help!

I'm Back!

hijirik print - Etsy

Hi Again!!! It's been forever and sooo much has changed! Life is fantastic.

Basic run down of what's new:

-In a new relationship with an amazing, funny and creative nerdé

-Landed the job of my dreams as a Design Consultant for a sweet urban interiors company

-Don't have a car anymore

-Cut my hair

-Oh! and I'm a pescetarian now! Working towards vegan

Sooo basically my life turned upside down :-) It's great though. What's on my plate is exciting and the people in my life I get to share the adventure with are phenomenial.

I'm settling into my new way of life and have finally forced myself to sit down and enjoy sitting at my computer, listening to the rain outside, and update my super blog! I'm juiced to get back at it.

On the creative front - Michael (my handsome nerdé) got me a fancy TRIKKY for Christmas.

Now these cute kitties come with mystery accessories, stickers, and fun stuff like that. Mine in particular came with a bowler hat accessory. Now, if you're not familar (I was apparently in the dark about these atleast) these rubbery little guys come "blank canvas" style so you can jazz them up yourself. So with this hat accessories as a guide, I'm thinking to transform my guy into a kitty Charlie Chaplin.

Michael got one too so we can get creative together. His came with a weird spray paint can on a stick accessory so he opted to not follow any que from it. He wants to turn his TRIKKY into Puss in Boots from Shrek.

We've still got some supplies to round up and some time to find like a needle in a haystack before we can unveil our creations - but I'm really looking forward to it! I've already got a spot in my built in cabinets picked out to display them proudly when they're finished :-D I'll keep you updated.

That's all for now - I've to got to catch up yet pace myself at the same time. So nice to be back.

Sneak Peek

Here's a peek at some one of the projects I've completed for our new happy little home! So many still to do but it's coming together beautifully. I got an amazing deal on this dining chair set (4) at the Alameda Flea Market (mind-blowingly good), as well as picking up a coffee table and credenza.

Check out the transformation...

BEFORE

AFTER
Cute vintagey vinyl from Piedmont Fabrics - ah, to finally have access to a decent fabric store. I'm in heaven.

More to come! And a housewarming party is in the works - stay tuned!