Three Things I’ve Learned This Summer

Today I’m linking up with Aileen over at Mrs. Miracle’s Music Room to talk about the three things I’ve learned this summer. Thanks to Aileen for hosting! After reading my post, be sure to click on the image above to read all of the other entries.

While I could regale you with what I learned professionally, I’m going to stick to what I learned personally. Hopefully these lessons will help you in the future.

#1. Moving is Never Easy

Like Aileen, I moved this summer, and despite hiring professional movers, it wasn’t easy. We (my husband and I) chose to live on the third floor of our apartment building. We did this because our jobs are mostly sedentary, and we need the exercise. Also, we like the third floor patio, where we can look out over the trees and see a bit of our city.

However, I can guarantee that our three movers were not so happy with our choice. They also probably weren’t happy about the piano they had to move up three flights of stairs. I hope it didn’t forever ruin their love of music and/or pianos.

Even with the movers doing the heavy lifting, I spent all last week unpacking boxes and getting everything organized. Theoretically, it seems like a simple task. In practice, I quickly realized how much stuff can be fit into tiny closets and cramped spaces.

In happier news, I get views like these at the nearby park.

#2. The Internet Lies

In all fairness, I already knew this. However, the lesson really hit hard this summer, when I decided to paint my computer desk. It was one of those cheap hand-me-down desks made with tons of laminate and a side of mediocrity. The fake wood look was literally peeling and chipping all over the place. I decided that (in the midst of moving) I would paint it white, using chalk paint. Admittedly, I didn’t do a whole lot of research beforehand. I’d heard the warnings about peeling/bubbling paint, but the internet assured me that chalk paint was different. Even the back of the chalk paint can said I didn’t need to prime or sand before painting laminate. Lies! All lies!!

Long story short, I now have a white desk that is covered with multiple layers of primer and looks much better in pictures than in real life. If you know of an awesome white desk, tell me about it in the comments; I’m in the market for a new one…

#3. I Can’t Give Coffee Up

Dye my hair brown, throw in a few witty one-liners, and I’d be the musical version of Lorelai Gilmore. I think I made it a week without the liquid gold before caving in and pouring myself a tall glass of my favorite iced coffee. It’s a good thing too, because we moved into a city with no less than six (that I know of) coffee shops. It would be some kind of cruel fate to finally be within vicinity of a coffee shop and not be able to partake in all that goodness.

Having learned all three things this summer, I’m prepared to dive back into work and settle into a comfortable routine. And I won’t feel a bit guilty while drinking iced coffee out on my patio. I’ve earned it.