Author: Staci

Staci blogs about travel at TheVoyageer.com.

Productive Monday

So, there are lots of things I always told myself I’d do much better at, “if I wasn’t tied up at work 8 hours every day.” Well, time for a reality check–Friday was my last day at work, and this week is my opportunity to prove to myself that without constraints of work I really AM the superwoman I kept telling myself I could be. So, I made a massive list of stuff to take care of this week, including lots of “preparing-to-move” stuff and other “ultra-housewife” stuff (like well-thought out dinners, dishes caught up with daily, etc).

I let Mosey try some watermelon–he liked it!

So far so good! I’ve picked up records of Mosey’s shots from the vet to show the apartment complex he’s up to date, and to get him set up with a new vet. I also made it to the grocery store to get ingredients for fresh, healthy meals tonight and tomorrow night. Not to mention, I caught up on a TON of dishes (we had several people over for tacos last night so there were more dishes than usual). And it’s only 2:00! Maybe I can be superhousewife after all.

I also got a little behind-the-scenes blog housekeeping taken care of, and I’m scratching my head trying to come up with posts for this week. The house is a wreck since we’re getting rid of some furniture and packing, so I am definitely not starting up any new projects at the moment.

Well, I’m bound to come up with something to write about, so see you here tomorrow!

Crazy Days

Sorry my posts have been so sparse here lately. I know, I know, one really doesn’t need to apologize for not blogging–I’m not doing it for money, so any and all deadlines are set by me, but I really had/have resolved to put a priority on My Friend Staci in 2012. I’ve been doing a good job of it so far, and I’d like to keep the ball rolling.

However, this week is my last week of work so Monday and Tuesday were spent juggling my normal job responsibilities with cleaning out and organizing my files so everything will be good to go for my replacement. I started training my replacement, Beth, yesterday, and we’ll continue through today and tomorrow. Monday she’s on her own (but I’ll just be working on moving-related tasks at home so I can pop over if she gets in over her head). She’s doing a great job so far and knowing that takes a big load of stress off.

Other things I’ve been doing is beginning to pack, selling some of our larger items online, and balancing social engagements… funny how when people find out you’re leaving, they want to spend time with you ;) Oh yeah, and the past two days, battling an inconvenient summer cold.

The GREAT news is that a little over a week ago, my in-laws accepted an offer on the Little Hacienda on the Prairie! Thanks in LARGE part to my interior photos… I talked the real estate agent into using the photos I snapped a number of months ago for my Home Tour on the on-line listing, and they really did their job. The buyer fell in love with the house even before setting foot inside. My in-laws are pleased.

I’d like to do a little interior photography on the side once we move. So many photos I see on Craig’s List are just abysmal. I think for a small fee some people would be willing to let me take a few snaps… especially if it speeds up the leasing process for them and potential renters. Something I think I’ll work on next week (between cancelling electricity service, packing, and apartment hunting) will probably be coming up with some kind of online portfolio for that. Can anyone recommend a free online service for something like that? I’d love to hear from you.

So, that’s what’s going on around here lately. It’s why posts have been so sparse… we’ve just got a lot going on. What’s new with you? 

New Apartment Wishlist

Here I am again dreaming of all the modern conveniences one could have if they lived in a brand-new, loaded with amenities apartment.

I could spend several paragraphs here talking about history, and how I have loved living in old (like, approaching 100 years old) buildings since 2010, wondering, who lived here before? what kind of shop was underneath (in the case of my old loft) and what were they thinking?! (in regards to some decor choices). However, this kind of nostalgia has worn thin as I’ve had to deal with crumbling plaster leaving the floor coated in dust, wonky doors that sometimes latch and sometimes don’t, windows that have been painted shut (in this place) or that let the wind in (at our old loft).

I find myself wishing, simply, for drywall and modern double pane windows.

So, without further ado, here is my wishlist for our new place. I know that within our price range, our next place be an apartment unit as opposed to a rental house, and it will NOT have all of these things… but it is nice to dream sometimes, isn’t it?

  • Lower level (to make taking the dog out easier)
  • Drywall walls! (building newer than 1960s, 1970s)
  • Wood or tile floors (for cleanliness)
  • Dishwasher (we are SICK of doing dishes by hand!)
  • Hot tub! (Tons of places in San Diego offer a hot tub, so this makes the list!)
  • More than 6 sq. ft. of kitchen counter space
  • Large-ish windows in each room
  • Gas stove (definitely not a deal breaker, but it’d be nice)

I’ll be taking a copy of this list me when I go apartment hunting, too. It’s so easy to forget stuff like this in the heat of the moment, when touring an older unit with lots of “character.” However, if it doesn’t have at least a couple of things from this list I’m gonna rule it out!!

What’s on your wish list for your next place? If you don’t plan on moving, what would you update in your current place, if you were able?