Still slow, but I’ve been busy

January (and the first part of February), have, predictably, been slow for work. This year, during the slow time, I read a book about tidying up. The approach of the book is a bit different that the usual ‘maximize your storage’ stuff. The author, Marie Kondo, opines that one’s clutter problems come from simply having too much fucking crap.

Since my current domicile is the size of a postage stamp, it gets cluttered very quickly, so I was about ready to try anything. I didn’t go as extreme as she recommends, but I did dump a massive amount of stuff – out-of-style clothes, brik-a-brak, about 3/4 of the re-usable shopping bags that have been  breeding on the shelf in the kitchen, shoes I can’t wear any longer, way too many bath towels (I think they were having babies, too), etc..

Not only is my place less cluttered, but since there’s a place for everything, it’s been staying uncluttered, which is really unusual for me.

The other weird thing that’s happened is I’m now very reluctant to buy anything new – clothes, shoes, kitchenware, whatever. All I can think when I look at it is that it’s going to upset the nice calm zen(ish) atmosphere I’ve got without all that goddamn crap crammed into every single crevice and cranny.

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend and walked past one of those stores that sell that resort-wear I love so much. On sale. Like really on sale. And I looked, shrugged and kept walking.

Sweet.

Next up, I tackle the avalanche of old family photos. I figure I’ll scan the ones I want, send the rest to my sister, because if they’re in her house, they’re not my clutter any longer. Heh.

Filed under: life in LA, Non-Work, Off-Topic, apartment, beauty, Declutter, health, home, kitchen, Los Angeles, Marie Kondo, ron herman

A very nasty surprise

I had a fairly easy day at work today – all on stage, and all in a confined set that one can’t get to crazy lighting. I’m back tomorrow, and it’s with a group of guys that I really like, so when I got home my good mood was shattered by the note taped to my front door.

My building’s been sold, and as of April 1st, I’m to pay rent to a management company.

I  screamed “Fuck” loudly enough to make my neighbor come running out.

The owner didn’t tell anyone that he was selling the building, so these notes are the first anyone is hearing about it, and I’m not the only one who’s confused, but I’m probably the only one who screamed.

A large part of the reason I rented this place is because there wasn’t a management company, and although logically, I know that this management company might not be as horrible as the one at the old place, I’m still concerned. Very, very concerned.

But I can’t afford to move, so my only choice is to sit and wait.

Great.

Filed under: Non-Work, Off-Topic, apartment, landlord, Los Angeles, management company, real estate, screwed

Temporarily drama-free.

Today, after some runaround, I turned in my keys, got my check and have officially vacated the old apartment.

I’m sad, but not sad. I miss the place that I called home for *cough cough* years, but I’m glad that I’m done with the psycho show that was the old building’s owner/management team.

For the new year, I wish them nothing but pain and suffering.

On the bright side, the pile of boxes is slowly diminishing (I can see actual floor now) and the cat has come out from under the bed because it’s much easier to nag the meatbag if you’re in the same room.

Also, I’ve found the best bike route to the nearby Trader Joe’s, and there’s a kickass Moroccan place within walking distance. Sweet.

My main complaint so far is that there’s no range hood and the new place is small so the entire apartment smells like whatever I’ve decided to cook for hours afterward.

Oh, well, If that’s the worst of my problems, I guess I’m doing okay.

Since my rent’s gone up, I have to get on the phone and see if I can get some work for either the end of this week or the beginning of next week since I won’t have any days on the TV show until the end of next week.

Filed under: Non-Work, apartment, living, Los Angeles, moving, postaweek2011