Moving = Fun?
Amusing my friend Dale last night with tales of my transition she gave me the idea that I should write a guide about the lessons I’ve learned from moving. Your wish is my command:
- Do something fun. My friend Alison had the brilliant idea to take a workshop at Paper Source (which inspired the visual above). So last night we met for a drink in Georgetown and then went to our rubber stamping class. It sounds simple and straight forward, but little did I know, all these years I’ve been using the wrong technique when it comes to stamps! And all I have to say is embossing stamps may be the cheapest thrill ever (I’m still talking about it!). And beyond being a good distraction from moving, I’m ready to work on some more projects that don’t involve sitting in front of a computer. [Also for fun, check out the Girls Night Out workshops offered by Paper Source…and with all the workshops you get a 10% off coupon for the store. Awesome, yet dangerous too.].
- Don’t make plans to eat out for every meal in order to see friends. While it sounds good, trust me, it’s exhausting and sometimes you just need a simple home cooked meal. At this rate I think I could fast for the next week at the rate of what I’ve consumed ;) I vote for creating fun alternatives (see #1 for quality time with friends).
- WINTIP = Will I need this in Paris? The mantra Polly (of Polly Vous Francais) used on her previous moves to Paris, and a great one at that. Brilliance, sheer brilliance.
- I Might Need This Someday = I’m N.U.T.S. Once again, Polly teaching me that acronyms are possibly the best thing ever. And, yes, I’m probably better off getting rid of most of my crap rather than holding onto it (I’ve cut my clothes by at least half). She also sent me this packing video as a reminder that you don’t want to have to deal with useless crap when you come back.
- Make packing fun. I took a note from Margaret’s Boarding Pass where she talked about choosing a color scheme for each trip. So Paris is a bit more than a trip, as I’ll be there for at least a year, but still, Paris, the fashion capital of the world seems like the best place worthy of a creating a clothing color scheme. So, drumroll please. . . my Paris colors 2009 are . . . black, brown, blue and grey. Golden yellow is the accent (blazer, shoes, scarf and earrings). Stripes are the only thing that can trump color, since everyone knows stripes are so French (proof here and here). Accessories can be any color. . . Already I’m coming up with all sorts of new outfit combos that I’d never considered before, and everything goes! . . . And seeing as I’ve gotten away with wearing the same 3 dresses for the past 2 weeks, I’ll probably still be over-packing, but c’est la vie!
Metrocurean
August 21, 2009 at 11:01 pm //
Just found your site through a link from style-files.com. The stamp post caught my eye – I used the lower left stamp on my wedding welcome guides. i was trying to match the lovely invites saimasaysdesign.com did for us. Here’s my photo. Good luck with your move!
kristine
August 21, 2009 at 11:55 pm //
when I saw the title of your post i was thinking “oh i SO know what she is going through. Then I read the post and realized you are a bazillion times more organized than me. Colour scheme. Wow. It definitely is exhausting though, all that organizing stuff to say goodbye to people – i know what you mean. I hope it is going well – you sound like you are going strong!
Jen
August 22, 2009 at 10:29 am //
Just accept now that you will pack things you don’t actually need and not pack things that you will need within hours of landing in Paris… it is just the way it works. I had to move from a 2000+ sq foot home to less than 500 sq feet in London. After a year, I still find myself donating things to make more room!!! Good luck!
The Consummate Hostess
August 24, 2009 at 12:03 am //
Excellent tips!
Catherine
August 24, 2009 at 1:25 am //
Good Luck with the settling in phase…………
Natalie Schaefer
August 24, 2009 at 4:15 am //
how exciting! best of luck anne. can’t wait to read up on your adventures.
Wendy
August 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm //
I love the color packing scheme idea.
FROM THE RIGHT BANK
August 25, 2009 at 5:10 am //
How exciting! These are great tips and I’d say your color scheme is perfect for Paris. Best of luck with the move!
betsyboo
August 25, 2009 at 5:01 pm //
Isn’t Polly so wise? She is a great resource for Frenchy things!
Travel Muse
August 27, 2009 at 3:34 am //
If Paris has Craigslist (or Jacqueslist…) just sell what you find you don’t need and replace it with lovely Parisian things. I so envy you a year in this City. It sounds heavenly. Can’t wait to read about it!