Anonymous Announcement!

Ladies & Gents, Boys & Girls, may I have your attention, please?


There are about to be some changes happening around here!


One, I have made the decision to stop blogging anonymously.  Therefore, without further ado, I'd like to introduce myself: 

Photo by The Writer

My name is Rachael!

I've been thinking over the reasons that might be behind my blog not taking off like I'd hoped.  I've never been in love with all of the elements of "A Splash of Sass" together.  I liked the title, but didn't LOVE it. I felt like my sub-heading too broadly defined my blog, I was stretched too thin as far as what topics I felt I should be covering.  I didn't like being anonymous anymore, it made me feel isolated from the few readers I do have. So, here goes a new blogging experience as Rachael!

My second announcement is this: I'm Moving!

I don't want to totally cut ties with A Splash of Sass, but I need a fresh start.  Some of my posts will be coming with me, some will be staying here, so that occasional visitors will be able to find their way over to my new site, which I'm currently constructing.  I hope you will all join me over at Closet 12! 

Can My Apartment Hug Me?

When The Roommate and I began our search for the apartment that we've recently moved into, we knew we wanted to downsize.  We were moving out of a three bedroom, three story condominium that we'd shared with another girl who moved to England two months before the end of our lease, and it was way too big.  Especially once our third roommate moved, so much of those three floors went unused.  They became neglected and shabby, eyesores that only got on my nerves.  The only thing about that condo that was too small was the kitchen.  You could barely open the fridge door without hitting the counters on the other side of the room.

Our new apartment is smaller by square footage.  It has two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a good amount of living space.  I appreciated it's smallness, even though it is still large by apartment standards.  Lately, though, I've been craving an even smaller space.  I look around my current apartment and realize that, of the furnishings I own, I could outfit an entire apartment on my own, albeit a much smaller one.  Sometimes I'm glad to have a roommate, for example, I couldn't afford my own place and its nice having someone to split bills with.  Other times, I wish I didn't have to clean up after two people or that the other person sharing my house had interests more similar to my own.

I recently watched a movie about a woman with autism, Temple Grandin, who was unable to experience a hug from another person.  She noticed that cattle on her aunt's ranch were held in a type of clamp machine when they were being immunized and that this contraption had a calming effect on the cattle.  Temple created a device much like the one that calmed the cattle that she herself could fit in when she felt overwhelmed, as those with autism often do.  She later tested the machine's effects on other, non-autistic college students and found that, for a surprising number, the pressure of the machine was calming or comforting.

This idea got me thinking about my apartment and my desire for a smaller space.  With The Writer gone for the summer, the frequency of physical touch in my life has drastically decreased.  I hug, kiss, and cuddle so much less than I was used to when we saw each other on a regular basis.  This hasn't made me want other people to touch me, which I'm glad for and I'm sure he is, too.  Rather, it has made me want to live in a more compact space, almost so that coming home after work would be like getting a hug from my apartment, since I can't share a hug with my lover.  I don't need an improvised piece of farm equipment to make me feel secure and grounded, just walls that are a little closer together.

"Hello, I Live Here."

I'm sure every fan of Sex and the City says they are just like Carrie. Or Charlotte. Or Miranda. Or Samantha.

Me? I'm all four on any given day.  I'm cynical, like Miranda.  I'm obsessive, like Charlotte. I can deliver the dirty joke that everyone was thinking but no one would say in a way Samantha would be proud of.

But Carrie. Oh, Carrie.

I relate to the Carrie/Big relationship in a "big" way: the unanswered questions, the back-and-forth, etc.  I write, she writes. The shopping and subsequent debt. The good, the bad, and the shoes.

Remember the scene from the first SATC movie, when Carrie walks into the penthouse that Big eventually buys and turns arounds, enraptured, and says, "Hello, I live here"? I said those very same words when I saw the amazing closet in my new apartment.

Before and After: My new walk-in closet.

Finally, I have room to organize all of my clothes, shoes, and accessories.  I don't wear half of my accessories nearly as often as I could, because I've always had them hidden away.  Now, though, they're out where I can see them and take full advantage of them. 

DIY: Moving Part 1: Before the Big Day

During my move last weekend, I found myself saying, "Where did I put the ______," "Ugh, I still have to do ______," and, "Do I really need to take this with me?"  I can't imagine that I'm the only one that this happens to, either.  Moving is stressful, so I made a list of tips to make it easier.

Pre-move To-Do List

1. Make a Paper Trail.  Get at least two file folder, one for your old place and one for the new.  The file folder for the new apartment should contain any preliminary lease agreements, new utility contracts, change of address receipts, and confirmation numbers and receipts for new cable and internet hookups.  As you get closer to moving, you'll add to this folder. Save any receipts for moving related expenses (packing tape, UHaul rental, etc).  If you're relocating for work, these may be tax deductible.  If you're renting, make sure you do a thorough walk-through of the new place and write down anything that's less than perfect.  Make a copy for your files and turn one in to your management company.  You don't want to lose your security over something you didn't do.  In the file for your old place, keep receipts for returned cable equipment, utility disconnects, and receipts for professional cleaning services that your lease stipulates (we had to have the carpets professionally cleaned), so that you can prove you took the necessary steps to moving out.  Keep all your paperwork (organized) and you should be able to settle any dispute that might arise.


2. Clean House! If it's still in the box from the last time you moved, haven't worn it in a year, or you just don't like it or use it, get rid of it! There's no use packing up things that you'll never unpack.  You've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? Donate unneeded and unwanted clothes to Goodwill.  Check out Habitat for Humanity's website for Restore locations and donate furniture and household items there. Keep any receipts from donations - they're tax deductible (see #1).
Read your new lease or homeowners association agreement carefully to see if there are any prohibited items.  My new apartment is on the third floor, and my new lease stipulates that only first floor apartments are allowed to have motorized workout equipment.  I was able to sell my treadmill on Craigslist before the move.  Not only did I score some extra cash for moving expenses, but I saved myself the trouble of lugging a treadmill up three flights of stairs only to have to move it out again.  I also got rid of a mini-grill that wasn't allowed because my patio has PVC soffits that could melt.

3. Point A to Point B. Moving costs money.  It's sad but true.  Perhaps the expense of moving is a main contributor to the stress of moving.  Before you move, make a budget.  Plan for truck rentals, cleaning supplies, boxes, tape, meals for you and whoever is helping you, light bulbs, box cutters, tools, to name a few.  This way, you'll know how much you should start setting aside, so that you don't find yourself sitting in a sea of boxes in your new home, flat broke, because there are things you will need to buy for your new place, too.
A note about moving trucks: UHaul is the cheapest.  They charge a flat rate per day based on the size of the truck, about $.99 per mile driven, and require you to return the truck with a full tank of gas.  Use GoogleMaps or another mapping site to plan out the shortest route from the UHaul pickup location to your old home, from there to your new home, and back to a UHaul drop off.  Not only will you have a set of directions that you can copy for anyone who's helping you, it will help you avoid a costly wander around your new, and probably unfamiliar, neighborhood.  It can also help you find the gas station closest to where you're going to be turning the truck in, so that you avoid the charge for a less-than-full gas tank (it's bad).

4. Necessary Items. Pack a Moving Box and Moving Suitcase.  In the suitcase, pack enough close to get you through the move, plus a few.  You will probably not have a fully stocked kitchen immediately upon arrival and your new base camp and will need to eat out, if for no other reason than to get away from the clutter.  You won't want to go to dinner sweaty and in your moving outfit.  Also, pack toiletries that you use daily, like face wash, travel-sized shampoo and conditioner, and makeup.  Include any daily prescriptions, such as birth control or blood pressure meds, and basic things like ibuprofen and PeptoBismol.  The suitcase should have towels, your shower curtain and rings, and hair dryer.  These are things that you will need and don't want to dig through a million boxes to find.  Make sure you pack nail clippers and a nail file...you will break at least one nail during your move, I promise.
In the box: Both of your moving files (#1), cell phone chargers, address book (trust me), tools, first aid kit, toilet paper, hand soap, plastic cups and cutlery, paper plates, and paper towels.  The goal of the suitcase an box is that you will be able to eat a meal, use the bathroom, take a shower, and have a clean change of clothes without completely unpacking. Make sure you have a few pens and a notebook to make shopping lists and to write down anything important.  You'll be tired and don't want to forget anything.  Keep an envelope of coupons for local home improvement stores and eateries, including pizza places.  Having a pizza delivered on moving day is probably the easiest way to eat.  That pizza guy that shows up at your new place with a hot, discounted meal is going to be the dreamiest guy you know for about 30 seconds. Note: You will probably be sweaty and disheveled so he probably won't want you to hug him. Resist the urge.

5. Parking. I know it sounds like a no brainer, but you want to know where the best place for the moving truck to park for ease of unloading.  Know if your new apartment building has assigned parking, and if so, how many and which spots are yours.  Ask if your new municipality allows parking on the streets and, if so, is overnight parking allowed?  The last thing you want during a move is to have a vehicle ticketed, or worse, towed.

Move It, Move It!

I haven't posted a Day of Truth entry since last week.  I've been too busy dealing with the truth of moving to a new apartment.  Even if I'd had internet access or the time to sit at Starbucks and write, I was too exhausted.

Although I'd had some things already packed, Thursday was when we really started to get going.  Thursday night, The Roommate went and bought some new, super soft towels (that I plan on reviewing soon) and I got a few kitchen boxes packed.  The Writer  then came by to pick me up for the midnight showing of Fast Five.  The Writer is also a car guy and the Fast and Furious movies are a guilty pleasure of mine.  After the movie, I went home and slept for about two hours, then did my best to catch the highlights of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding.  I didn't do such a great job at that.  I dosed for a bit more, then officially woke up for Moving Day 1.

We'd originally been told that we'd get the keys to our new place Saturday (May 1), but The Roommate forked over another day's rent to get in early, since she'd committed to going to a wedding from Friday night through Sunday. Don't get me started on how much that thrilled me.  We packed all morning, then went to pick up the keys at 1pm.  The new place is so nice and much homier than our old condo.  Once our third roommate moved to England a few months ago, the three bedroom, three story condo was just too much for two people.  Not to mention that it had begun to really show its age and our old landlord wasn't quick to do routine maintenance  on the place.  Our new apartment had undergone plenty of renovations after the last tenant moved out and we were excited about the new fridge and stove as well as the brand new carpet and shower tile.  It was so clean!  We moved a lot of boxes that day, since I'd reserved a UHaul for Saturday to get the big stuff.  Even though a lot of stuff was new and the apartment was pretty clean, I still wanted to wipe everything down and put drawer liners in.  My mom wonderfully did a lot of the cleaning at the old apartment, since she can't lift heavy boxes.

Saturday, my dad and I picked up my UHaul and got all of the big furniture loaded.  Six and a half carloads plus one truck and I was moved. Or, my stuff was. I still had to unpack the rest of it.  We'd gotten most of the kitchen done Friday, but a lot had to happen Saturday and Sunday.  The Writer arrived just in time to unpack the really heavy stuff.  He'd been scheduled to work and couldn't get out of it.  I'm so glad my parents were around to help, otherwise I'd have been all alone!

It's amazing how many things you end up needing to buy when you move.  I felt that way when I moved last year, since I was moving from what was essentially dorm living, even if it wasn't a dorm, to a full-sized condo.  This time, we're looking to add the little stuff that we hadn't bothered with in the condo.  It's getting expensive, but it'll be worth it.  I'm still trying to save where I can, and I'm not replacing anything that I can still use with the exception of bath towels.  Heck, we didn't even have a real kitchen trashcan in the old place!

I spent yesterday unpacking and am pretty satisfied with the kitchen, my walk-in closet (that I love!) and the living room.  I'm still exhausted, though, and the unpacking isn't finished.  I'm hoping to have all but decorating finished by this weekend so that I can finally relax!

House Guests

Happy Easter.

My parents are driving me insane.

As much as I love them, we do better on the phone.  I realized this shortly after moving out.  It was as if a lightbulb went off in my mind. "Hey, we actually get along pretty well and I kinda even like talking to them when we're not in the same room." Perhaps its awful, but we're so different that when we're together, someone is always either bored, frustrated, annoyed, or annoying.

Although I asked them what they wanted to do while they were here multiple times before their arrival this past Thursday, I always got the answer that they'd figure it out once they got here.  Great. Worst possible response ever.  There were NO PLANS. Yet, when we found ourselves sitting in the car, ready to go somewhere, there had been no decision made as to what to do and people start getting pissed.  No one brought directions or addresses to any of the options, so we guessed on a location and relied on the GPS.  My dad hates his GPS.  He says he doesn't, but I'm pretty sure that's just because we got it for him for Christmas and he doesn't want to hurt our feelings.  I think it probably hurts my mom's feelings when he gets annoyed and rips it out of her hands, but I'm sure it was a good gift.

I'm not a big holiday person. I even started to dislike Christmas a few years back, because holidays are when I saw my family and that almost always puts me in a bad mood.  There are plans that get changed at the last minute and schedules to be stuck to, and when things don't go exactly as planned, or as he wanted, my dad gets quite cranky.  My mom also has a tendency to be late and do things at the very last minute, so I'm sure you can imagine how that turns out.  She says he comes up with expectations about how things will be and gets upset when they don't work out that way, even though he won't voice those expectations.  It feels impossible to please him.

My parents are staying until next Sunday.  10 days.  I'm sure my discomfort with their presence is already driving The Writer crazy.  They're on their best behavior around him, but they still bring out the worst in me.  As I mentioned, they've made no concrete plans as to what they're going to do while they're here.  I think they're looking to me.  They want to help me pack for my move on Saturday, but packing is a highly personal thing to me and I don't like the idea of my parents poking through my things.  They're highly conservative to my moderately liberal and we have increasingly different interests.  I came upstairs to write just now because my dad began playing his new Christian CD (which sounds just like all the others, in my mind) at a volume which made it impossible for me to concentrate on May's Vogue that I was trying to read.  It clearly did not interfere with his ability to concentrate on his devotional book.  I have my faith, yes, but I also have other interests.  I see religion as nearly all-encompassing in my dad's life.

The need to occupy them leaves me with little alone time.  Forget alone time with The Writer.  I need both for my sanity, which I feel that I am losing at a rapid pace this week.  I don't have time off from work this week and there are still a ton of things to be done for the move.  I doubt they want to be dragged along on my errands, but I feel bad leaving them sitting at home, trying to learn to use the cable (they've never had it) even though there isn't much they'd want to watch on there anyway (too worldly).

I know I probably come across as ungrateful for their willingness to help.  I feel bad about that.  I don't know what to have them do though.  They didn't ask if this was a good week to visit, although it was the one my mom had off from work.  I think I could enjoy them if there wasn't anything to do.  I felt this way last year when they came out for my graduation.  There were schedules to be kept and events to attend, therefore, there was tension.

I wish we could just call each other.