Spring is officially here and we had our first rainfall today. Instead of hiding inside all day, I bundled up in my fleece jacket and got to work on the rug outside.

The snow melt caused some stains on the rug last spring and I tried cleaning it up with baking soda. But that only made it worse. So, today, I got to work, armed with vinegar, dish soap and water. And then it rained. And rained. And it’s still raining. I must have spent over an hour washing my balcony – the railings got a good cleaning and so did the table.

I still have more work to do. I need to sweep, wash the windows and the siding needs a good cleaning too. But it’s coming along. The rug is still wet from the rain but I’m hoping it got a good soak and is clean now. We’ll see what happens tomorrow when the sun comes back out.

One of my projects to do this spring is to plant some flowers and decorate the space a little – even though we have construction going on. I’m determined to make the most of the spring even if it means going for longer walks or just venturing outside more. I’d really like to find a walking buddy to explore the ravines with, but that means having a car – and probably a walking cane.

As a reminder, here’s what the balcony looked like the first year of living here. Maybe I’ll plant the same flowers my sister gave me. I really need to make it out to Home Depot.

I think I might switch the fence for an actual screen/shaders. But again, if I have to move next year, I don’t really want to put a lot of money into it. So, I’m shopping sites like Facebook and marketplaces for used stuff like garden gnomes and other decorative items to make it feel and look homey. I’m also the hunt for weather safe fairy lights.

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Spring cleaning and decluttering

As part of my spiritual practices, I’m trying to get my condo organized and working on decluttering. This is a little harder since they moved our garbage bins two blocks down. I walked all the way down to the bin last night and was out of breath by the time I got there.

So in addition to cleaning and organizing, I’m going to make it a pact to get outside daily, or at least three times a week to go for walks. And this time, I need to stick to it. Not just for weight loss, but for mental health too. I’d like a friend to join me on nature walks through the ravines that are nearby and I’d like to get my camera out again.

I’m not worried about interior decorating but will be hitting flea markets in search of some altar items for my altar space. Keeping in mind that I may need to downsize next year.

That said, I’m starting to go through bins in my office closet and try and use up art supplies that I have lying around. I may just have to sell some online or give them away to friends. I tend to go overboard when I discover a new hobby. My hands don’t work so well with crafting or beading anymore, so I have to be careful how much I do. I do love my kitchen and dining area and need to work on tidying that up. Here’s what it looked like on moving day. I LOVE the big windows.

My bedroom could use some TLC and I think maybe I’ll hang up some blackout curtains to help curb some of the construction noise. I also need a new comforter – still shopping around for the right color. Those things aren’t cheap. I should eventually hang some artwork, but that will come once I settle on colors.

My favorite room is still my living room and where I spend a lot of my time. It needs some TLC as well and some organizing. And a good dusting. Here’s what it looked like last year.

Not having a parking space this summer due to construction has really put a damper on hosting plans. So, I need to make it a point to get out and see friends. Even if it means attending park meets again.

I spend a lot of time in my main bathroom and enjoy having relaxing bubble baths. The room is outdated though and needs a complete painting overhaul. Maybe I can work on that if I stay another year. It needs a real deep cleaning too which I’m slowly working on.

So, that’s life in a nutshell. I’m focusing more on my condo, living space and trying to get it organized. Downsizing and decluttering are my main priorities. Working on arts & crafts to get rid of supplies, and maybe sell some bracelets is also on top of my “to do” list.

I had a long chat tonight with my LDR partner and we talked about our relationship. I asked if he had given it any more though on what we are to each other and he said, “It’s more than just D/s roles, it’s a relationship. We’re friends, ‘lovers,’ and calls it a real relationship. Which honestly, terrifies me more. I have never had a relationship like this – they all start off good with great communication.

But we work through the challenges and he makes a point of telling me when things change. And it’s just refreshing. And terrifying. He talks about coming up here, which is a big push for me to get active and try and lose weight again. I need to get healthier not for him, but for me to feel confident and even sexy again.

Anyway. That’s it for now. I just wanted to share a quick update. My goals and posts might be sporadic over the next bit as I get back into working out, and connecting with nature. I hope to post more pics and videos too.

What are your plans for this spring? Do you have any goals?

Thanks for reading.

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