Spring cleaning and other schemes

So many things to blog about, so little time! I think I overcompensated for the cabin fever I suffered during the flu by overloading on activities since then. In between walking Jasmine twice a day (yay for warmer weather!), spring cleaning, meeting up with friends and doing an Old Testament Survey online, the past few weeks have been very fulfilling and productive for me.

I'm especially proud of my spring cleaning efforts. We finally cleaned the car! Well, the interior of the car, at least. Jia Wern has never taken the car to a car wash, so you can imagine 3 years' worth of dirt, dust and dead leaves (don't ask me how they got in there) in the car. Having no access to an outdoor socket, we couldn't just plug in our corded vacuum cleaner for that purpose. We actually did try to use his handheld cordless vacuum cleaner to do some cleaning last year, but that can only vacuum for 30 seconds at a time before running out of juice. We promptly gave up and didn't think about it again until the dead leaves started getting on my nerves just recently. You know how clutter or dirt can nag at you psychologically until you've dealt with it? Pretty sure I'm not the only one. On Sunday, I had this sudden impulse to settle the issue once and for all, so I started asking my friends if anyone had a usable handheld cordless vacuum cleaner. A Korean friend who lived nearby offered us a socket in close proximity to a parking lot, which was even better. Now we could just pack up our corded vacuum cleaner and plug it into a socket! As it turned out, she offered us her powerful vacuum cleaner as well, and we discovered that our own second hand, puny vacuum cleaner was no match for it. We immediately ordered her model on Amazon after we got back. =P Not so much for the car, but rather for our apartment which is plagued by Jasmine's fur. Thank you God for good friends!

Long story short, the inside of the car is now clean and I am no longer embarrassed to give others a ride in it. =P As for the exterior, I'm hoping for a good wash one of these warm weekends AND THEN my spring cleaning itch will be relieved.

While I was on a roll, I also got my jackets dry cleaned because they hadn't been washed since three winters ago. DRY CLEANING IS SO EXPENSIVE. Never doing it again. I really couldn't stand the thought of wearing the same gross jackets next winter so it's a one time expenditure. I could've bought a new jacket with the money I paid for the dry cleaning service, pfft. Jia Wern says it's okay, and that I don't have to buy a new jacket now since I've already paid for the dry cleaning. He enjoys taunting me. On the bright side, my jackets look as good as new! The vibrant colour of my coral jacket has been restored due to the layer of dirt that is no longer there!

I know, the opening paragraph promised exciting updates about a happening life, but here I am gushing about spring cleaning. I can't help it - there's just something so innately satisfying about finally getting something cleaned, you know? Especially if it's something that, once dealt with, can be left alone for a while. Like dry-cleaning coats once every three winters.

Just so you're informed though, the past few weeks have had me :

1. Locking myself out of the car with Jasmine IN the car
2. Learning how to make pie and pie crust from scratch (Stephanie, who worked in a diner before, taught me based on her vast experience)
3. Discovering a cheap and delicious Mexican food place in a shady part of town (based on Stephanie's recommendation =P)
4. Shopping/window shopping with Alice (I learn so much about fashion, cosmetics, skincare and value for money whenever I'm with this girl - she recommended Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask and my facial skin thrived last winter)
5. Walking Jasmine with Soy (the friend who generously lent me her vacuum cleaner and electricity =P)

I'm pretty sure there's more but I can't remember every single event that's happened. I do, however, remember the overall feeling of satisfaction that comes from leading a productive, engaged life and spending quality time with others. All glory and praise to God for leading me to where I am and providing me with friendship and community. =)

All the way my Savior leads me;

  What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

  Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,

  Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

  Jesus doeth all things well,

For I know, whate’er befall me,

  Jesus doeth all things well.

- Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)