4 57 pm pdt [ evolution II ]

I went for a long walk today, up to the local drug store, and wore myself out. As I left, I checked the mailbox and found a letter from each of my parents. I have no idea why I enjoy getting mail so much, but it brings me a sheer joy. Whomever came up with the idea of Amazon wishlists, where you list what you want and then if someone buys you something it shows up on your doorstep as a complete surprise, is a sheer genius. I love getting handwritten letters. I love getting packages. I love getting genealogical info. I love getting mail. I am working on making sure that our new address remains completely free of junk mail.

I am exercising an effort to have a household free of Proctor and Gamble products, due to their ridiculously cruel and unnecessary animal testing practices. I read that 80% of the households in the country contain their products, so I am striving to keep us in the minority. I use dove soap, and made Matthew pick cleaners and detergents that weren't P&G. Matthew really wanted dish soap that was not anti-bacterial, and we were able to find that too, though it was surprisingly difficult.

The continuing evolution of the "new apartment" list has begun to slow. I am hoping to do a photo intensive virtual tour soon, but right now I'm too hungry. Here are some updated lists:

needs:

bookshelves (I want 3 or 4)

dining room table (and chairs)

coffee table

felt feet for furniture

shower curtain

shower curtain rings

shower head

shower caddy

scissors

bandaids

cleaning supplies (esp. dish soap)

vacuum (my mum sent us money to buy this)

basic kitchen items (salt, oil, plastic wrap, etc.)

dish rack

microwave

a set of knives (preferably Wüsthof)

cutting board

cookie sheet

baking dish

water filter

to fetch from Matthew's old place (aka stuff we need asap):

deodorant

glasses

plants

remotes

hangers

Matthew's clothes

a sponge

silverware

to fetch from LA:

• my plates
• my silverware
• kitchen items such as garlic press, pepper mill, etc.
• my wine rack
• my plants
• my books (esp. garden books, cookbooks, unread novels, novels I will try to convince Matthew to read)
• all my clothes
• my tool kit and drill
• alcohol from my old apartment (to pawn off on people at parties)
• extra hangers
• any art supplies I can locate
• my stereo and CDs
• my computer? and my computer table?
• my old dresser?
• all computer paraphernalia
• frog laundry basket
• my big burgundy chair

wants:

windowboxes (hopefully from Windowbox.com)

curtains

toaster or convection oven (or maybe not)

screens for the windows (maybe later)

dresser(s)

towels

storage shelves for the big closet (with a step-ladder)

candelabras

a reef tank

a printer

an indoor greenhouse to grow orchids in

herbs (esp. rosemary, basil, parsley, cilantro)

more plants and then even more plants

skinny shelves to hold CDs in their jewel cases

a little shelf for the freezer

things to speak to the manager about:

• still need a mailbox key
• when and where for trash, recycling, and composting
• paint the burned spot in the kitchen
• remove the old bracket and paint over it?
• the miniblinds are missing in the bedroom
• the toothbrush holder is loose
• the bathroom lock is broken
• the bathroom window is broken
• the bedroom window is cracked
• one of the myriad cupboard doors is broken

I have always wanted to have an herb garden, and now I am making it happen. I'm going to have to make an "edibles" section for Their Green Song. I bough six little rosemarys, which I turned into seven.

I bought a parsley and cilantro for Matthew. I bought a little Bay Laurel. And I bought a basil which I split into two.

I also posted a message on a community website:

wanted: any plants; I will give them a great home

I'd love any plants you want to get rid of...
I will give them a great home and lots of love.

Some guy moving to New York contacted me, saying if he gave his three plants to his friends, they'd be dead in two weeks. So Matthew and I went and picked up a lovely trailing Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and a very happy Dracaena:

He also gave me a very sad Ficus, which I'm sure I can make happy again (you are seeing it after the dead leaves have been removed):

[ 3 years: ]

three years ago today: I didn't write because I didn't feel like it.

two years ago today: I am half Russian, one quarter German, and one quarter Austrian-Hungarian (plus a pinch Irish).

one year ago today: They do production work together, and they seem perfectly matched to be partners, despite being at different points in life.