This week with Lian has been a wonderfully productive one as we've worked hard to make his place feel like home. First, we taped off and painted his bedroom, changing it from a somber blue into a cheery yellow. We also washed his windows (during which process I realized that I'd never before pondered the conundrum of how to clean windows you can't remove when you live on the third floor!).

Another day, we went through his entire entire kitchen, which was chock full of food and cookware that old roommates had left behind. We chucked ancient, dusty spices, got rid of dishes he didn't like, and pitched several coffee makers he didn't use. After, as my brother says, "Kon-mari-ing his shit" we brought loads of things to the Goodwill.

Lian & Tara Painting Wall Succulents at Lian's Apartment Lian's Oakland Apartment View Golden State Warriors in NBA Finals Lian Cleaning Oakland Apartment Window Oakland Sunset Driving in Oakland

After all of our effort, Lian's apartment is SO much better, and best of all, truly his own. When we told some of his friends what we'd been doing during our visit, they chuckled and said to me, "Wow, he puts you to work right away, eh?" And I laughed and told them I'm only returning the favor.

I love you, Lian! I'm so glad we got so much done on your apartment!