Finding balance would be the perfect way to describe what I'm attempting to do today. The last few days have been crazy, and getting my life in order is now my main priority. My lush self indulged a little too much this weekend, first in Brooklyn for a friends' birthday, and then in the city, celebrating gay pride day for the rest of the weekend. So my first healthy choice on this dreaded Monday - detox. No wine or gin for me this week. I need to show my liver a little love and give it a break.
Though the weekend was packed, there is one occurrence that stands out as a highlight. I can finally rest assured that I will not be homeless in one short month, because my future apartment has been found.
Before I go on to the bright future, I must give you a brief summary of my current situation, just so you realize I'm not exaggerating when I claim I've "roughed it" for a year. I knew the living situation wouldn't be perfect, but beggars can't be choosers, and I found a place with the right price tag. Sharing a kitchen and a bathroom, I moved in with three other students, all guys. My father was thrilled. Even though I found out quickly I had assumed the role of the maid, I didn't mind, because we all stayed out of each others' way for the most part. Not realizing I was about to create a whole other issue, I eventually had one of my roommates evicted for smoking pot. A Chinese ESL student moved into his room, and it all went downhill from there. Not only did her friends follow suit, filling up the other two rooms, but their little lovers came with, making it difficult to tell you exactly how many roommates I have. On top of playing maid to approximately 3-5 Asian roommates (who impossibly shed more hair than my mane), the smell of pot has been replaced with the smell of Asian cuisine (almost equally as unpleasant). I am constantly overwhelmed by jabbering and shouts in a language I cannot even begin to decipher, and the endless unrecognizable dishes and food they've left out has led to rodents. It's safe to say my first place is a little less than glamorous. It used to be amusing. It's not anymore.
Thanks to Craigslist, it will all be over soon. Finding an apartment isn't difficult, as long as you're prepared. The key(s) to success - be realistic, and be flexible. Have a price limit, know your absolute must haves, and be willing to compromise on the rest. While my price limit still makes me nauseous, and is considerably higher than I'm spending now, I know that if I'm smart with my budget and maintain the income I do now, I'll be OK. My must haves were tricky to match with my budget, but not an option to meet. I needed a safe neighborhood, no roommates (I'm done playing maid), a separate entrance (if in a private home), my own kitchen and bathroom, and within realistic driving range of my school and two jobs. I compromised some, but that's where the need to be flexible comes in. The apartment is a studio in the lower level of a private home. It's in a great, safe, neighborhood, and the home owners seem reliable and honest. While both the main room and bathroom are freshly painted with newly tiled floors, the size is not a big upgrade from the shoebox bedroom I rent out now - compromise number one. The location is good safety wise, but it is also a 15-20 minute drive to either one of my jobs and school. While these two things are both cons on my list, the list of pros far surpasses them, and prompted me to put down the security and first months' rent this morning. One short month, and the only hair I'll be sweeping up off the floor will be my own.
Finding your own apartment can be overwhelming, and you always need to be aware of scams, especially on Craigslist. But being smart, giving yourself time, and allowing some flexibility and compromise are the best ways to ensure you will eventually find what you're looking for. And a less than fabulous living situation you're currently in (ahem, as in mua) will make the move that much more amazing.
Though the weekend was packed, there is one occurrence that stands out as a highlight. I can finally rest assured that I will not be homeless in one short month, because my future apartment has been found.
Before I go on to the bright future, I must give you a brief summary of my current situation, just so you realize I'm not exaggerating when I claim I've "roughed it" for a year. I knew the living situation wouldn't be perfect, but beggars can't be choosers, and I found a place with the right price tag. Sharing a kitchen and a bathroom, I moved in with three other students, all guys. My father was thrilled. Even though I found out quickly I had assumed the role of the maid, I didn't mind, because we all stayed out of each others' way for the most part. Not realizing I was about to create a whole other issue, I eventually had one of my roommates evicted for smoking pot. A Chinese ESL student moved into his room, and it all went downhill from there. Not only did her friends follow suit, filling up the other two rooms, but their little lovers came with, making it difficult to tell you exactly how many roommates I have. On top of playing maid to approximately 3-5 Asian roommates (who impossibly shed more hair than my mane), the smell of pot has been replaced with the smell of Asian cuisine (almost equally as unpleasant). I am constantly overwhelmed by jabbering and shouts in a language I cannot even begin to decipher, and the endless unrecognizable dishes and food they've left out has led to rodents. It's safe to say my first place is a little less than glamorous. It used to be amusing. It's not anymore.
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| Except I won't be saying 'please'... |
Thanks to Craigslist, it will all be over soon. Finding an apartment isn't difficult, as long as you're prepared. The key(s) to success - be realistic, and be flexible. Have a price limit, know your absolute must haves, and be willing to compromise on the rest. While my price limit still makes me nauseous, and is considerably higher than I'm spending now, I know that if I'm smart with my budget and maintain the income I do now, I'll be OK. My must haves were tricky to match with my budget, but not an option to meet. I needed a safe neighborhood, no roommates (I'm done playing maid), a separate entrance (if in a private home), my own kitchen and bathroom, and within realistic driving range of my school and two jobs. I compromised some, but that's where the need to be flexible comes in. The apartment is a studio in the lower level of a private home. It's in a great, safe, neighborhood, and the home owners seem reliable and honest. While both the main room and bathroom are freshly painted with newly tiled floors, the size is not a big upgrade from the shoebox bedroom I rent out now - compromise number one. The location is good safety wise, but it is also a 15-20 minute drive to either one of my jobs and school. While these two things are both cons on my list, the list of pros far surpasses them, and prompted me to put down the security and first months' rent this morning. One short month, and the only hair I'll be sweeping up off the floor will be my own.
Finding your own apartment can be overwhelming, and you always need to be aware of scams, especially on Craigslist. But being smart, giving yourself time, and allowing some flexibility and compromise are the best ways to ensure you will eventually find what you're looking for. And a less than fabulous living situation you're currently in (ahem, as in mua) will make the move that much more amazing.
you are one brave girl with those roommates. i would run away soo fast! I hope you love your new place :)
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