October 27, 2011

  • Study Den

    Last night I retreated into my apartment in order to prepare the "study den," which basically just means cleaning my apartment.

    With finals looming, it's important that I have a place retreat and study. So, last night, after sweeping, I recovered a bench. It looks really good. There was a brown strip running through the new material that matched the wood tone perfectly. The best part was that I already had the fabric so it was essentially a free project.

    To complete the study den, I just need to:
    1. Recover the dining chairs so that the fabrics coordinate. Right now they're all brown and boring. BOO!
    2. Make pillow covers with leftover fabric. I'm pretty much a genius with iron-on adhesive.
    3. Get dish towels and a trash can.

    Sometimes I think that I'm too domestic and that I'm destined for nothing more than being a stay-at-home dad. The prospect doesn't upset me, but it does make me feel like I won't be able to inspire anyone. But then, I realize that I just need a place to call home that actually feels like a home.

    For one reason, there are very few places where I "belong"--either actual spaces or among other people. Consequently, I have to create a space where I am welcomed. In order to relax, I can't be worried about who's around or what they're thinking...or whether my existence is bothersome (it has happened before...thanks, padres).

    Secondly, I'm a control freak. I need to exercise dominion and control over my domicile. When things are chaotic or beyond my ability to tame them, I freak out. But, a well-thought-out arrangement of furniture puts my mind at ease. When everything else in life seems out of control (like my understanding of contract formation), then at least I can look around and have a moment where I appreciate my surroundings. That's helpful.

    Plus, now I have a rat. I need things to be clean so he can't find food and stay around...and that rat tore the upholstery on one of the chairs....and then if you change one chair you have to change them all.  If you let a rat eat your chair, right?

    What weird study habits do you have?