a night of fan-girling, mechanical bulls, & kate freaking nash

Before reading this, if you haven't heard Kate Nash before, you should go listen to her. Or if that's not really your cup of tea, try this song. Also before reading this, be aware that it's going to be quite long. I don't feel like I'd be doing the night justice if I skimped on details.

Years ago I was really into Regina Spektor (still love her, just not the way I used to), and one day a Kate Nash song came on my Regina Spektor Pandora radio station. It was so quirky and fun. Over the next few years I came to really love her music and as I found out more about her as a person, I came to love what she stands for.

My friend Jenny and I went to see Kate at The Pyramid Scheme last year on St. Patrick's Day. It was my first time seeing her live. We were front and center and everything was perfect. We ended up making friends with one of the sound check guys, Kris. He was on tour with Kate and her band. After the show ended, we sat with him for an hour or two and chatted. Jenny and him kept in touch over the following year.

A couple months ago, we found out Kate was coming back to Michigan; this time in Kalamazoo. So of course we decided we had to go. Next thing I knew Jenny was telling me Kris put us on the guest list and that we didn't need to buy tickets. I was actually in disbelief for a few days. As the end of July approached, we solidified our plans for the night, which included adding our other friend Jamie to the guest list. 

After what felt like years of waiting, July 30th finally rolled around. Jamie, Jenny, and I headed to Kalamazoo. We got there early so we stopped at a Coney for hot dogs. Then we went to wait in line for the doors to open. When we got to the front, we gave our name and were let in. The venue wasn't what I expected at all; it was outdoors and had tables and fire pits and was fairly cute. We picked a table and sat there while we watched the opening band and waited for Kate... Also would like to throw out there that she tweeted me not too long before they went on stage. I had posted a picture and tweeted her and she responded with a bunch of emojis. My inner fan-girl was hard to contain.

friday finds

With plans of (hopefully) finding an apartment soon, I went on a little shopping trip this weekend. A few months ago I found some amazing, vintage, tin canisters (the coffee, tea, flour kind) at some shop, but I wasn't as close to moving as I am now and wasn't even sure if I had a job, so I decided to pass them up.

I went back on Friday, hooooping that no one had bought them yet... no such luck. However I did find a bunch of other cool things, so I guess it ended up alright.

Some pretty neat rooster plates. I think it's the polka dots that won me over, to be honest.

Got two of these lovely little soap dishes. 

Found this awesome stainless steel knife set, complete with sharpener.

Corn on the cob is really good, so naturally I needed corn on the cob holders.

Super cute salt and pepper shakers! The leaf on the apple is broken, but hey it was only $1.

The world's most amazing clothes hamper. 

And this super lovely jewelry box. Not exactly necessary but I've been needing a bigger one.

I'm sure I'll be going on more vintage and thrift shopping excursions once I find an apartment to move into, so if I find anything awesome I'll share!

-teddy x

life is crazy, guys

It's been longer than normal since I've posted! Life has been hectic. Since my last post I've become a car owner and have emailed maybe 2 million people (or so it feels) about apartments.

I am ready to get this show on the road.

I've been planning on moving out for ages, literally the longest time, but I've needed to get to the right place financially before doing so (obvs). So here I am. Pretty much in the right financial place. Honestly it felt like I would never make it here.

Everyday I think of how lucky and grateful I am that I have been given my current job opportunity. It is so much better than anything I've ever had; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Yesterday, I bought a car. Yes, at almost 26 years old, I just bought my first car. And it's the car I've been driving since I got my license almost 10 years ago. But nonetheless, I bought a car. HUGE accomplishment. I don't even really like the car (at all), but I'm so happy it's mine, I don't even (really) care!!

Today on my lunch break, I went to my first apartment viewing. Yes, again, at almost 26 years old, I just went to my first apartment viewing. I have lived out of my parents' house before, but only for 6 months, and the lease was not in my name. This time, it will be.

Do you guys know how difficult it is to find two bedroom apartments (that aren't in Timbuktu or bad parts of town) that are affordable on one income? It is (as you would expect) twice as hard to support not only yourself but another person (in this case it's my cute little child so I forgive him for being dependent on me).

The apartment I saw today was absolutely positively perfect. Well, perfect except it didn't come with a washing machine or dryer (hey, what are parents for, right?). Other than that, it was wonderful. Two porches, a huge backyard, and the most lovely, dark, hardwood floors... Only problem is, I would be stretching my budget massively if I agreed to that for 12 months. So, the wise woman in the back of my brain has told me not to. Sometimes I really don't like her!

However, there's still hope. I've been in contact with another renter this afternoon and I'm seeing one of his properties tomorrow on my lunch break. The rent is much more affordable. It's currently unoccupied, so he'd like to move someone in for August. I was shooting for September, so not to rush things, but financially I would be able to do a month sooner. Let's not get too carried away though... I haven't seen the place in real life yet.

I've included this photo of my cat, Zusi, just for kicks, as I didn't have anything else relevant to this post.

Anyways, I'm sure I'll be back with an update for you sometime soon!

Cheers!

-teddy x