Idol, Running, and Freecycle.org

Idol

So long, Kristy Lee! As Ryan said, there were too many "Cooks" in the kitchen.

I have a feeling this contest will come down to the two David's. David Archuleta would win from popularity, but I hope David Cook wins for talent. He is the only true musician I see on that show. You can be a good singer, but if you're not a good musician, I don't want to listen to you.

Running

I went for another run yesterday evening after work. It was truly gorgeous out. I can't decide what I love more about running; the fact that I'm getting into shape or that I get to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment around me. I feel like my legs are getting stronger, and my stomach, although not really shrinking, is less wobbly than it was a month ago. It's a slow process, but I know I'm doing it the right way. I have always admired people who could just go out and run. And I am starting to feel like one of those people. It's incredibly cool.

I am going to start jogging on the beach soon, to add a little difficulty. I was severely lacking any time at the beach last summer. I don't go to the beach to get tan and sleep all day. I hate bathing suits and I hate having sand stuck to my body because I have to load up on SPF 75. I like going in the evening when it's not as hot, not as crowded. I like playing frisbee or catch, or just walking. I love making a fire and sitting around with good friends, just talking and making smores and having a couple drinks.

So, hallelujah, Spring is finally here!

Freecycle.org

This is a non-profit organization that encourages people to reuse and recycle anything and everything that is still in good condition, instead of just throwing everything into landfills. I have seen everything offered, from furniture to baby clothes to frozen peas a lady wasn't going to use, to car parts, to VHS tapes. You can literally offer up anything, as long as it's free. I highly recommend checking it out. They have different towns and regions, so you're bound to find a group near you.

I made my first post yesterday, looking for a manual lawnmower. You know, the kind that has blades on 2 reels and is wicked old school. Our new yard area is pretty small, and the whole middle of it is a garden, so there's no need to waste money (or emit gas and noise into the air!) for something that'll be done in 5 minutes.

Man, I'm turning crunchy. How can I not though? It's time people start being aware and care for the world we live in.

Ok, 'nuff preachin'. I'm gonna go eat me some lunch. Peace.

Ok, I'll admit it. I am a bad blogger. It's been over 2 weeks. I can't seem to get a once a week post groove going. The joys of not having a computer at home. But that won't be a problem on oh, 7 weeks!

My love and I have found an apartment, are signing our lease next week, and move in June 1st! It's incredibly exciting, the place is gorgeous! It's a 1 bedroom, 1st floor of a house. The kitchen is big and will be perfect for entertaining. The entry room is pretty big, so that will be our office. The living room has a big bay window on the side, a (non-working) fireplace kitty-cornered opposite the bay window. And the bedroom has a smaller walk-in closet, and it's a pretty big room! The couple who owns it (our new landlords) are young, the guy is a teacher, I think we made a really good impression on them that we're just starting out this part of our life together, and it will be the perfect place for us. The ceilings are very tall; I think the house is Victorian...yes, that would make sense. And there's a fenced in backyard with a patio right off the kitchen, and they created a big square vegetable garden in the middle of the yard - YAY VEGGIES!

So now I am eagerly awaiting moving day and being able to settle in together and decorate. I am slightly nervous about combining our decorative tastes, but I'm sure we'll be able to figure out where to put everything so it looks eclectically cohesive and classy ;)

And thank GOODNESS we won't need to go out and make any major purchases. My parents are giving us a matching couch and chaise (matching furniture!) and we have most everything else between the two of us. I was thinking about getting myself a new bureau from IKEA with my eco-stimulus check, but I'd rather putt hat towards bills and take the extra bureau from my parents house that I grew up with. It's tall and darkish wood, which will match his tall bureau in size and height.

I know the first decoration will be the Red Sox doormat placed right inside the front door.

The biggest challenge will be avoiding the temptation to go out and buy curtains, rugs and lamps that we don't need. I already have curtains to go in the major rooms, namely the living room and bedroom. We have more than enough furniture. I may need to part with my comfy chair in order to put my piano and guitars in the living room and have a little music corner. He has a small bookshelf that could be used to hold my sheet music binders, music books, flutes...

I am continually inspired by decorating. I am going to admit that I spent a fair amount of time this weekend watching HGTV, seeing how couples blend their taste. I love seeing how people decorate and reflect their personality. I love seeing how a couple funky pieces can compliment something more traditional. I love color and texture and angles and looking at a finished room and feeling like it's 100% complete and finished.

Color! I forgot to mention, the rooms are all painted, and they're all colors that we love! Huzzah! There is nothing uglier to me than a house full of plain white walls. So cold and uncomfortable. So, our entryway is a nice moderate shade of yellow, the kitchen is a mid/light green, the living room is beige (the fireplace is dark red) and the bedroom is crimson. Perfect.

So once we're in and settled, I will take some pictures and post here! Wish us luck!