Spring Cleaning in the Winter

Taking Pest Control Precautions

[aux_dropcap style=”classic”]S[/aux_dropcap]o, we thought we had an insect problem, but it turns out we were being paranoid. Nevertheless, the pest control company convinced us to fumigate as a preventative measure. And let me tell you, sealing off areas of the apartment and pumping in specialized gas to kill nonexistent bed bugs was quite the ordeal. But hey, we sleep soundly knowing that we’ve preemptively eradicated any potential pests.

Purging and Placement After Pest Control

After staying at the hotel during the first round of fumigation, humans and cats were relieved to return to the familiar surroundings of our home for the rest of the week. After the initial pest control treatment, we went on a cleaning and decluttering spree. Looking around, I couldn’t help but think back to when I first moved into this apartment. I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the boxes and furniture, not knowing where to begin. 

Through much redecorating trial and error, we decided to eliminate oversized items and replace broken ones with more compact versions. We realized our more extensive storage in the form of shelves and dressers dominated our home. Slimming down and only keeping what fits neatly on or in the remaining necessary items keeps our home tidy and our spirits relatively rational. 

As I tidied my physical space, I realized this process was also a metaphor for tidying my life. Reducing unnecessary possessions and distractions is like clearing out the weight of emotional and mental clutter. Who knew this process would be so profound?

Embracing Change and Overcoming Setbacks

Adjusting to Life in Transition

Despite still searching through boxes and suitcases, we were delighted to return to our bed, fridge, and stove. We packed enough clothes and essentials for about a week and a half. However, we still forgot a few things and improvised or purchased replacements.

[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]No more running downstairs every time someone rang the bell! We were also grateful for a less shrill sound. However, despite these minor improvements, we still had a few issues to tackle, such as replacing some rugs and a pesky closet door.[/aux_quote]

In other improvements, our apartment’s super finally fixed the building’s broken doorbell buzzer. No more running downstairs every time someone rang the bell! We were also grateful for a less shrill sound. However, despite these minor improvements, we still had a few issues to tackle, such as replacing some rugs and a pesky closet door.

Focusing on Health and Well-Being

Building on the improvement themes, I returned focus to my health and wellness this weekend, but things went differently than planned. When I finally stepped on the scale, I was shocked to see I had gained 8 pounds. I immediately hit the elliptical to sweat out my sins. Some of that weight was likely water retention, but I also indulged a bit too much over the holidays.

The chaos of fumigation and adjusting to a temporary environment made it difficult to take care of myself. Still, I needed extra effort to care for my physical and emotional well-being during this transition. I started by prioritizing some time for exercise if only a few elliptical workouts. I also attempted to prepare most of my meals and eat healthier at home. Perhaps most importantly, I carved out time for relaxation by focusing on more mental resolutions, including writing content and making graphic assets for my blog. I managed to stay grounded by performing these achievable acts.

Despite some slip-ups and loss of muscle tone, I’m not ready to throw in the towel on my goals. I may have gained weight, but I’m determined to shed it again, plus some. I’m committed to resuming all of my efforts with renewed vigor. So I’m returning to making healthier choices, staying active, and drinking water like it’s my job. No more excuses, fewer indulgences – just pure dedication to bettering myself. 

Finding Connection and Growth in Unexpected Places

Rediscovering the Spirit of the Underground Rock and Roll History with some Group-ie Therapy

After a few weeks of transitional living, I felt excited about the opportunity to reconnect with some like-minded companions. I nearly missed a meetup with my female writing group, “Miss Pamela’s New York Dolls.” Thanks to a timely post from the organizer on our social media group page, I pivoted my plans. I arrived fashionably late due to improvising my outfit because I couldn’t find anything dressier in my makeshift dresser.

Miss Pamela Des Barres, our instructor and the author/historian of much of the rock and roll world, hosts “group-ie therapy” writing workshops for women of all ages and backgrounds. Miss P is best known for her memoir, I’m With the Band: Confessions of a Groupie, which details her wild adventures in the LA rock scene in the 60s. She is also a popular podcaster and is widely considered the most famous “groupie.” 

(Speaking of memoirs, have you read any good ones lately? I think the last one I read was Butch Walker’s “Drinking With Strangers,” I was impressed by his seemingly unrestrained honesty in his storytelling. Or maybe it was Todd Snider’s “I Never Met A Story I Didn’t Like.” There is a musical theme in my memoir interests. But back to the meetup…)

Miss P couldn’t attend, but we were still joined by Tish and Snooky, founders of Manic Panic’s creative hair color, and Camilla Saly, another Miss P writing group member and co-creator (along with Snooky and Tish) of Punk Archive New York City (PANYC). 96 Tears, the new bar in the East Village, seemed like the ideal place to meet for these overlapping groups of music enthusiasts.

Finding Confidence and Camaraderie at a Musical Meetup

As I mentally prepared to join Miss Pamela’s rockin’ writers’ group, I couldn’t help but feel equal parts excitement and nerves. While I may be a fan of both writing and rock and roll, social anxiety still manages to rear its ugly head from time to time. I’m often intimidated by meeting new people or reconnecting after an estrangement… or any social setting. Still, I was determined to push myself out of my comfort zone. So, I put on my bravest face and headed to the bar.

Located in the East Village of NYC, the bar 96 Tears celebrates the unconventional cultural history of the neighborhood. Niagara, a long-standing bar, conjoins the same space. The name stems from a song title tattooed on Howie Pyro, a friend of the bar’s owners and a well-known figure in the punk and underground music scenes.

[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]This wasn’t your ordinary bar – it was a shrine archiving subculture, especially underground rock and roll culture. As I reflected on my recent focus on minimalism, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of confusion. While striving for simplicity and organization, the abundance of decorative items and memorabilia reminded me that sentimentality sometimes contains value.[/aux_quote]

Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the bar’s unique decor. The walls were adorned with underground rock and roll artifacts, including a gold record from The Ramones and a “Free Sid Vicious” t-shirt left behind by the Sex Pistol’s bassist. Pyro’s collection of these obscure artifacts, including original posters and other curated items from his adored subcultures, inspired a museum-like atmosphere. This wasn’t your ordinary bar – it was a shrine archiving subculture, especially underground rock and roll culture.

As I reflected on my recent focus on minimalism, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of confusion. While striving for simplicity and organization, the abundance of decorative items and memorabilia reminded me that sentimentality sometimes contains value. How could I balance this newfound minimalism and still hold onto things with sentimental significance or historical meaning?

As I walked into the back room, I scanned the sea of faces for familiar ones. My heart raced as I tried to calm my nerves. I told myself that everyone in the room was a fellow writer, archivist, and/or rock and roll enthusiast. Still, I couldn’t shake a detached feeling. Sweat formed on my face and chest, a clear sign that my social anxiety was in full swing.

Despite my apprehension, I shared my struggles with some of the others. I wasn’t the only one feeling nervous – other attendees admitted some combination of blundering, bumbling, blabbering, or blathering. I enjoyed a great time with these incredible women and made new friends through my burgeoning bluntness.

Since I recently lost fifty pounds, my weight loss efforts became another topic of rapport. One friend expressed her frustration with losing weight as she ages. “As women, our hormones play a role in weight loss. We have things like menopause, ” she said, her eyes expressing exasperation.

I agreed. “I learned that water retention can lead to temporary weight gain, and each month I have to remind myself it’s a normal part of the cycle and not a permanent one!”

These encouraging exchanges reminded me that vulnerability, passion, and quirks often lead to congenial connections and compelling conversations. Overall, it was a fantastic evening, and I look forward to the next meetup.

The Power of Conversation in Self-Discovery

I don’t stay out too late or drink too much these days. When I do, it may be because I’m making new friends and bonding over our shared interests in whiskey, Elvis Presley, psychological role theory, and true crime narratives. The bartender and I hit it off instantly, swapping tales of our lives as if we’d known each other for years. Sometimes, the best bonds are made in unlikely places and over unforeseen topics.

Not every day does one find oneself debating feminist theory over a few rounds of drinks, but that’s just what happened. Even through the haze of alcohol, the discussion was lively. Everyone at the bar seemed interested and involved in the topic. We debated our favorite cover songs and deconstructed the patriarchy the same night. 

Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones and engaging in meaningful conversation with new people challenges one’s beliefs. I learned from others’ perspectives, and they challenged my own. I need to remember the simple hazard of getting caught up in filter bubbles because exposing ourselves to new ideas and viewpoints is essential to truly consider options and possibly even change our perspectives. 

Another Round, Another Regret: Hangover, FOMO, & the Bowie Birthday Bash

I’m usually down for a good time, but this weekend’s slight hangover reminded me of moderating for self-care. After a night of socializing and social drinking, I faced a tough decision: accept a last-minute invite to the Bowie Birthday Bash at the City Winery, or prioritize my health and well-being. 

The show, hosted by Rhett Miller and Robert Burke Warren with special guests, celebrated David Bowie’s music and featured unplugged, rock n’ roll, and solo acoustic performances of songs from his career. As a massive fan of Rhett Miller’s and David Bowie’s music, I was tempted to ignore my unofficial rule of not going out two nights in a row. But as much as I love live music, I also love feeling like a functioning human the next day. So, I regretfully declined the invitation.

I was bummed to miss out on the show, but I crave balance more than I crave bonding or being a bystander. It’s all about finding that sweet spot incorporating self-care and self-improvement. Don’t worry, though. I’ve got another show scheduled for next weekend. I’m determined to act sparingly. I’ll play it safe, interspersing my drinks with soda bitters or water and steering clear of whiskey shots like a responsible adult. I’ve got a reputation to repair (or at least, that’s what I’ll tell myself as I sip on my “fancy mocktails”).

A Reflection on Adaptability and Minimalism

Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead

This weekend was full of lessons ranging from adaptability to finding a balance between the benefits of minimalism and the value of historical and sentimental things. From fumigating our apartment to decluttering our living space and rediscovering the underground rock and roll scene, I found enchantment in unexpected places. I found a balance between caring for my body, mind, and surroundings.

Tidying up our physical space exemplified some personal growth. By letting go of unnecessary possessions and distractions, we were able to streamline and focus on what is essential, creating a clearer and more purposeful path forward. Additionally, the challenges of adjusting to life in transition became opportunities for self-discovery as we welcomed uncertainty and stepped out of our comfort zone. 

As we move forward into the new year, we intend to continue working on these ideas of adaptability and balance to navigate life’s challenges and make the most of every moment. Whether faced with unexpected curveballs or simply pursuing happiness in the everpresent face of unpredictability, we should remember the weekend’s lessons and the free-spirited nature of rock and roll as we seek new adventures and relationships.

Pursuing Harmony

To find balance in our lives, we must learn to embrace the light and the dark, the highs, and the lows. Rock musician David Bowie once said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” Similarly, artist Frida Kahlo noted, “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” These words remind us that finding balance involves taking risks, embracing the unknown, and recognizing and using our unique strengths and abilities.

Finding balance in life is a constant pursuit, and it’s important to remember that it can be challenging to attain or maintain. As Joe Strummer of The Clash famously said, “The future is unwritten.” Every day is an opportunity to correct and strive towards a more balanced existence. But seeking a harmonious state is not just about trying to achieve some ideal state of equilibrium – it’s about being aware of and honoring our own needs and limitations and being open to making adjustments as necessary.

We can all find ways to navigate change with resilience and balance by sharing our stories and supporting one another.