Hunting

I have an extremely annoying habit of setting my expectations way too high, and then being disappointed when they don't get met. Sadly, I'm aware of this problem, and am constantly vowing to be more realistic next time. Except that never seems to happen, and I'm stuck with a string of let downs.

I thought finding a new place to live would be easy. We'd narrow it down to a few houses, go take a look, and then the clouds would part, birds would sing, we'd sign a lease and it'd be done. Except that only happens in the movies. We've scoured the net, the papers, and driven through countless neighbourhoods looking for places to rent.We've called a dozen listings, and received a handful of callbacks. (Note to potential landlords: If you are trying to rent out a residence, it's helpful to actually return the call of the renter who is interested in the property. Just a thought) (Also, if you tell someone you're going to call them back, then DO SO. Don't just forget about them until they call the next day wondering what the status of the house is. Even if you were unable to get an answer, a quick call back to the potential customer letting them know you're working on it is better than silence. Schmuck.)

I need to work on patience in my life, and this process is just proof that I am sucking at it. I am an instant gratification kind of girl. When I decide I want something or want to do something, I don't want to wait. I decided several months ago that I was done living in my apartment, and I wanted to get the hell out. The fact that this did not instantly happen was annoying to me. Now that I'm actively looking and trying hard to find some place new and not getting it done, I'm really irritated. And it's irrational irritation. I understand that. I should be looking at the wait as more time to get my apartment cleared of clutter, and more time to get the things I want to keep packed up and ready to move. But logic has a way of escaping my notice sometimes. Like on days ending in Y.

Comments

[NGS]

When we looked for apartments, we had a very difficult time finding one that would meet our "stringent" requirements - an off-street parking space, two bedrooms, space for bicycle storage, actual water pressure in the bathroom sink, and a white bathroom*. We ended up compromising on two of those requirements. We have no water pressure in the bathroom sink and there are currently three bicycles hanging in our living room. We chose the best of the crappy options available to us.

I totally feel you on the not calling back thing. Sometimes I think that they just stop returning calls when the place is already taken (particularly if it's a listing on something like Craig's List) and that's just plain rude!!

Good luck in your hunt!!

*I lived in a place where the bathroom was painted brown. How in the hell are you supposed to do your makeup in a brown room? Also, growing up our bathroom was blue. Same deal. So I walked out of an apartment when we were looking where the bathroom was pink. I am insane about this.