Cleaning out the closet: a lesson in "THROW IT AWAY."

This weekend, I did a little spring cleaning. I cleaned the kitchen, cleaned out the fridge (which seems to always have modly cheese in it), cleaned the bathroom, opened EVERY window in my house and watched the hair/dust balls roll around like tumbleweeds. Even though I had just swept. This has made me realize I need to buy a vacuum. Stat.

Meanwhile, I also cleaned out my closet this weekend. J and C helped, and I must say we were very successful. Most of the time I had to be CONVINCED to KEEP things. I know that K and SS will not believe this, but it is true.

The result? 2 garbage bags full of donation clothes. Including:

1. That ugly pink/white shirt (long sleeves) that fades from thread-bare to pink that K and SS both hated more than life;

2. Every pair of pants I was saving to fit into when I magically lose all the weight I’ve gained since I was 14;

3. Most of the t-shirts I owned from concerts that simply weren’t fitting. Sorry, Lifehouse and 3eb. I tried. Make bigger shirts;

4. That skirt that was every color under the sun (kind of plaid?) that I wore probably twice that SS and K also thought was weird;

5. Any t-shirt I haven’t wore in the past month;

6. Most of my pajamas except the ones that I also wear for yoga.

What did it not include? My Verve Pipe T-shirt (sorry K and SS, but I wanted it) and my Ben & Jerry’s t-shirt from Rhode Island I got when I was 13. Some things are meant to keep.

I feel better, but now I have no shorts for summer, and basically no clothes. And, before we even started, C and J both said, “I can’t believe these are all the clothes you have.” So there, girls from the East, see? I am out of clothes! I don’t have any! I swear!!

Next stop? Shopping with a group of ladies that know I am only allowed to buy practical items. We’ll see how it goes…

Happy St. Paddy's Day

southieoldman

Being in Los Angeles this St. Patrick’s makes me homesick for the East, and for South Boston. Usually my St. Paddy’s day involves some form of a one Miss Katie and her fabulous Leprechaun boyfriend. And all the Irish friends that live about those parts.

I miss the cold, the layers, the Irish being proud of themselves (more so on this day than others) and the bars that are so clearly Irish. Oh, Solas, a night without you is sad this March 17.

Things I miss about the East, and St. Paddy’s day:

1. People calling you “lass”

2. “Top of the morning to ya” (“and the rest of the day to yourself,” which is the proper response.)

3. The Irish Blessing heard about the city (I am listening to bag pipes outside my window at work, so that’s OK.)

4. Green everwhere, signifying the beginning of Spring

5. Parades

6. Everyone discussing how they are Irish

7. Red Sox shirts everywhere (with a shamrock, or without, we’re pretty lenient)

8. Green dyed food (such as donuts at DD)

9. The word “wicked” thrown into every sentence (St. Paddy’s day, or not)

10. People who actually go to church on the Saints’ days.

Next Stop: Forks, WA.

forks

Guys, I am off to Forks in less than 48 hours. I am compiling a packing list, and so far, so good. Things on it:

National Geographic (1 issue)
Montana Sky (our book club book)
Garlic
NYTimes Crossword book
Sunglasses
Wooden stake
Camera, camera charger
Phone, phone charger
iPod, charger
Hat/Gloves/Boots/Scarf/Coat
Silver bullets
Clothes for 2 nights, 2 days
Pajamas
Toiletries
Love letters to Edward, Jacob

I think I’m ready to start packing. Anything I’m missing?

Things I am planning on doing in Forks?

Take photos
Look for vampires, werewolves
Pretend I’m Bella
Giggle
Eat lots of food
Grill
Warm up by a fireplace
Cuddle
Read
Sleep
S t r e t c h o u t
Climb a tree
Do a crossword
Cook eggs and maybe some bacon
Eat chocolate
Look at the stars
Smell. For five minutes. The Earth, the trees, the damp air, everything.
Run on the beach
Giggle.
Enjoy life.

Focus on the purple.

This week, B and C’s friend K was in town. She got a fortune to focus on the purple. I figured it could carry over to me, so I am focusing.

In an effort to focus harder, I’ve painted my toes purple, and dyed my hair. Not purple though. I have my limits.

As seen in the picture, you can hardly tell:

mex2

But you know what? I can tell. You know why? I have no more gray hairs. At 22, I think this is an accomplishment.

Exciting things:

1. I am going to see Stephen Hawking tonight.

2.  I am a letter away from being registered to vote in Cali, and in a few weeks I am taking the driving test so I can be a Cali driver’s license holder.

3.  This weekend I am going on girl’s retreat to Washington (state), and I’ll get to see my beloved Kiki. Who I miss like whoa.

4. I have recently started reading celebrity gossip. It makes me a little giddy. That’s good for stress. I know it.

5. I have been drinking more tea. Overall, this is a good day.