So as I mentioned, I found an apartment! And I’m still in that giddy place where all I can think about is paint colors, and new items I might need, and I’m blocking out the imminent packing, sorting, and overall hassles that come along with moving.
I can honestly say that this apartment is everything that I’m looking for, and finding it was just the mood boost that needed. It was really refreshing to have put it all out there for the universe, set an intention and a goal, and to then find exactly what I wanted. Granted it took several months, a lot of patience, a little frustration, and countless hours spent pouring over Craigslist, Property Management websites, and classified ads. It also goes to show that you have to be a bit flexible and open-minded. I clicked the listing on a whim, thinking it was a bit out of my price range, but it doesn’t hurt to look right? And from there on out, I was quickly smitten with the place. And only a block away from where I currently live… who knew that what I had in mind was right under my nose?
The first selling point was that it has a garbage disposal. Granted, after my recent run-in with my parent’s garbage disposal, I’m not quite as excited about this feature, but at the time it was a huge selling point. It also has lots of cupboard space, hardwood floors, a lot of windows, a large and quaint patio area, a garden plot, washer and dryer a bathroom sink with a bit of counter space, and I’m allowed to paint! Not only that, but it has energy efficient windows, and there is even a composter in the back yard! I was a little disappointed at first, because it seemed that dogs were not a possibility; however, it just goes to show that it never hurts to ask for what you want! It turns out that my directness and willingness to put it all out there and go for what I want does pay off in some circumstances.
Not only was I able to negotiate a Bulldog privileges (If and when I decide the timing is right), I was also able to get the landlord to lower the rent to be the same as what I’m currently paying, and to include electricity! Which means, by the time I pay for a prorated share of the water, and a portion of the garbage, I’ll be paying essentially what I’m paying now! Also, the landlord is contemplating putting built-in book shelves in the bonus nook. I’ve always wanted built in bookshelves! I need to get in there and look around again and mentally place some furniture before I give him the go-ahead, but in general I love the idea of having move shelves.
Ok so I won’t be closer to Portland… but I will be a bit closer to the Farmer’s Market, and the new café that will soon be opening (and they are going to serve Stumptown!) There is finally going to be a spot for my Meyer Lemon Tree, and I’ll be able to plant a real garden! Tomatoes, and cucumbers, and beets, and beans, and peas, and tomatillos, and whatever else my little plant loving heart desires (provided I have enough room).
I know that moving somewhere new isn’t going to radically change my life… but I am excited to be excited about the place I’m going to live. I have a lot more pep in my step now that I’m gushing over paint colors, and contemplating gardening possibilities. Yesterday at the store, I impulse bought the newest issue of Living, which features the ultimate guide to vegetable gardening, as well as how to use every inch of your small space gardens... That Martha, she makes everything look so effortless, but at least it gives me a jumping off point. I’m excited to compost, and arrange furniture, I’m excited to spend time in the kitchen! (which is something that I cannot say right now). I’m sure in a few weeks I will be cursing the hassle of packing up boxes, and yelling at the automated operator who will make moving my internet seem like my own personal version of hell, but underneath it all I think I will still have that new apartment glow.
And actually the timing for the move is perfect. The landlord wants to do some maintenance before I move in, so I was able to give 30 days notice, and will only have a week of overlap between the two spaces. This means I have plenty of time to paint before I make the actual move, and hopefully a day or two to clean the old place. I will also be house-sitting for my boss during the transitional period, so I should have plenty of time to unpack kitchen stuff, and do a bit of nesting and settling before I actually “move in” which I think will be helpful to my sanity. Having somewhere else to sleep and eat during a move is always a bonus. Also my bestie suddenly has a lot of free time on her hands, so she is going to come help me paint the new place. Now if only I could settle on the colors!
I went a little crazy at Lowe's last week
But I think I've done a good job narrowing it down significantly
Bedroom-Green
Kitchen-Red
Livingroom- Beige/ Light golden/ Taupe
Bonus Nook- Yellow-Gold
I was really surprised with how un-imaginative some of the paint-names were... I mean really who wants to paint anything a color named "Beach 003" I know it's completely irrelivent, but I am so much more likely to pick a color with a name like "Fresh Bread" " "Little Sprout" "Neutria" or "Greek Tapenade" (and yes I realize that most of the colors I like are named after food... I don't think its a coincidence) But come on, wouldn't you rather paint your walls with a color called "Tightrope" than with a just straight up "Taupe"? (or even worse, Taupe 3) I really did try to only consider how the color looked and not what it was called, but with all the options out there, you have to narrow it down somehow! My old bedroom at my parent's house was "Dill Pickle". That is so much more sassy than "olive green 5". Anyway, I'm still narrowing it down, but I think I'm leaning towards... calling in second and third opinions.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment