(postponed) spring cleaning: part deux

Here we are with the second installment of my Spring Cleaning. After much ado, I now have the time and energy to dedicate myself to minimizing my belongings, so it won't be much of a burden when I move next spring. My strategy is to be minimal, yet make sure to keep all the objects I'm going to need when I'm in a tight spot in the future. At first, this sounded like a very difficult task, but as I got a better look around on all the things I've amassed in the last couple of years, I know I'd have an easy time picking over what I can recycle for my future projects (I'll be using this word a load from now on, in honor of my re-found love of crafts, it's more that I now have time, rather than lost appeal), and what I need to chuck in the bin.

Of course, I have music setting my background while I bust out my mad-cleaning-skills; bringing out my inner Snow White. Though I will not exploit woodland creatures to lend me a paw. If I don't eat them, I certainly do not have them clean. Anyroad...a sample of my mix-tape includes: "Coffee Shop Soundtrack" - All Time Low, "Dance Inside" - All-American Rejects, "Dressed Up To Undress" - Breathe Carolina, "Five Minutes To Midnight" - Boys Like Girls, "Get Over It" - OK Go, "Secrets" - OneRepublic, "Summerboy" - Lady Gaga, "Thunderstruck" - AC/DC, and "Weightless" - All Time Low.

I dusted, laundered, and sorted a section of my closet. I now have dust-free shelves, a clean stack of clothes, and organized shoe racks. On my next cleaning, I'll be going over my shelves again for books and sorting out clothes to donate, and clothes to put in the "recycle/project bag", which is expanding. I'll need to run out to Joann's and grab a new measuring tape, seam ripper, pins, and floral print fabric. Why in Merlin's saggy left, did those items (except for the fabric) disappear? I'm just going with the previous reason: my friends filched from my supplies thinking I meant "take" instead of "borrow".

summer of sorts

As typical as it is to be so excited bout summer, I have some good reasons why I'm ecstatic of the coming months. (Anyone want to venture a guess on where the photo is of?) If I should be asked to list out the more momentous happenings, well, here they would be, in no particular order:

- Summer classes! Yes, this would classify my semi-newly acquired "nerd status", thank you very much. I'll be taking Yoga and Pilates (as always).

- Working part-time again. I used to be such a workaholic, well, what better time to get back into that old habit, it's been absolute ages in my opinion.

- I'll be back on the road. I cannot believe it. I'll be free of taking the train all over the place. As for buses and cabs, goodbye. The only thing holding me back is my lack of auto. Hopefully that'll rectify itself by the end of the month at least.

- More time to get my old hockey physique. I'm not saying I'm fat, else I'd receive a slap from certain individuals, but it can't be denied that I've let myself go, terribly. I miss the days when I can run 8 minute miles. Now, those are 11 minute miles. Shameful. My coach would be so disappointed in me.

- I can work in a new novel every 2 days again! With the literary classes on the down low, I can have my old jaunts in the park to read the days away, weather and work permitting of course.

- There's less reason for me to go partying and clubbing (sorry?) as I plan on keeping myself busy with the fitness classes, reading, work, blogging a few times a week, reaffirmation of my creative outputs, and spending some time to organize myself.

- Bonfires and a few relaxing gatherings with friends. Do I hear a picnic?

- My friend Tiffany is coming to live with me for the summer in a couple of weeks..

- Last but not least, August is full exciting things to do, and I for one cannot wait to get the summer done with so I can see my dearest friend in the world; Mark Kristian Suarez [Pajarillo], who is now Private Pajarillo! Of course other than our reunion, which I will be driving to Oklahoma for his graduation from Army boot camp to attend, I have my Napa excursion and "makeover" to look forward to that first week of August.

On a final note, though I've been told to consider love in summertime, I really cannot think of a good reason to even bother. Honestly, I don't think I'd be tempted to dive into that particular scenario anytime soon. For the moment, romantic pursuit holds no significance for me. Besides, I could never be complacent with a "safe" relationship; I believe that if the people you care for don't challenge you in some way, then you only feel obligated to care for them.

As one of my favorite authors, Ursula LeGuin, said: “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” So, as much as I look forward to my destination, I shall endeavor to enjoy the time I have ahead of me, the said journey. I hope to come out a better person when I write the response to this post in two and a half months' time. Bonne chance à moi.

april to dos - film

[There's just so much to get done before Spring Break in the beginning of April, and I have my Midsomer Murders marathon to watch, so this list will have to be pushed back to May./

This list is for movies to either watch for the first time, or re-watch. Maybe for sentimental reasons or just because it's a plain good film. It's one of my spontaneous, yet low-key, hobby.

- Jane Eyre ('44)

- The Trojan Women ('71)
- Mary, Queen of Scots ('72)

- Young Catherine ('91)

- First Knight ('95)

- Dragonheart ('96)

- St. Ives/All For Love ('98)

- The End of the Affair ('99)

- The White Countess ('05)

With the exception of the last two, all of these movies have been around for over a decade. If you haven't noticed already, I like vintage /old/antique-related subjects and items. I'll have a reply post to this after I've watched all those listed. Hopefully, in chronological order as I have above.

definition of love

After ages of ignoring my formspring account, it's pretty entertaining, I've decided to stop beating bout the bush and answer the onslaught of anonymous and identified questions. One of the most interesting from the batch I decided to answer for the day, (who knew my formspring accumulated over 30 questions?) is asking for my definition of love. So here it is:

Q: How would YOU define Love? :)

A: To me, absolutely anything could be love. Even "hate" could be explained or alludes to "love". But if I were to go into detail...

Love is an absolutely irrational way of thinking, where a person will outright disregard their own well-being, safety, and health for the sake of someone else; the person they claim to love with their whole being. Those with this condition will also spend inordinate amounts of money and time for the subject of their "affection". Most, if not all, will put up a defense saying that they feel complete happiness and satisfaction to be in such a state of mind.

It's ironic really; a self-serving, media-influenced, and careless way to carry out life. It could even be said that love is a way to keep the circle of life continuous; via procreating. Some would define it as the "best feeling in the world", where you only experience the positive emotions and a connection to another being who is your "soulmate."

Hope this answers your question.

oh vanity, how i've not missed you!

My friend LT and I decided to have a walkabout the city for the day, we had nothing better to do around town. It was a fun day of shopping and exploring parts of Chinatown I haven't been to before (and of course my usual hangouts at Canton & the Bakery). There was this quaint little shop just past St. Mary's, towards the right, it's really peaceful and there's so much little trinkets to browse. From figurines, to charms, to jewelry, there's just a load for you to ponder over spending on. I don't recall the name of the shop, but when I'm at the city again next week, I'll make sure to find out. First stop of the mini-trip is to the Bakery. It's always jam-packed with people, the place itself isn't big to say the least, but the line is mad. There's usually bout 15 people in line, when it's slow, and pushing 30 when it's busy. Like I said, jam-packed. They have the best dan ta's in the city, shoot, within a 25 mile radius! Impressive moon cakes and pastries, too. But it's always the dan ta's that make a load of people come back to this joint. By the bye, dan ta's are egg tarts. If you've never tried these little gems, I suggest you find a good place to buy some. Or if you're in the San Francisco area, head on over to Chinatown. It's a 10-15 minute walk from the main entrance. It's well worth the hike for them! As for the other places we explored, not much going on, a load of tourists though. I only bought a flashlight/lighter from the Canton Bazaar.

So after a total of 2 hours, we left Chinatown and headed for Castro for lunch. We were rushing so we can make it before 2pm to Mission and the row of thrift stores, a pre-summer retail therapy for us; refer to previous post. I picked lunch, and chose my favorite sandwich place: Ike's! Their subs are seriously out of this world. I'm not even exaggerating here. They are delicious and I savor every bite. The best part is, they have a menu that works for everyone; carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians (me!), and vegans. Also, their dirty sauce, which is not dirty contrary to the name, is just plain good. They also have a location in Redwood Shores, so if you're around, drop in! If in the city, it doesn't matter if you're in North Beach, Visitacion, Richmond, Sunset, etc. You must go. You don't know what you're missing, and that's a shame.

On to the thrifting! We spend bout 5 hours total thrifting, half in the Mission and Castro, the other in Haight. We are thankful to announce that we only spent half of out budget for the day. Which is around $75 each, including food. We both got a pair of shoes each, some shirts, leggings, skirts, pants. There's nothing else to say, other than we're very happy with the day's success. We were home by 9pm and now we're having our mystery marathon for the rest of the night, well into the early hours of the morning. Great day! Repeats of it in the summer. Only instead of mostly thrifting, we're hitting up the beach and not going home. Beach bums, take 2.