I've seen five housing options in a 24-hour period beginning yesterday afternoon. Yeah, I know, that's not that many, but the point is I walked. At least 10.79 miles, according to Google Maps, but probably closer to 12 when you factor in what I didn't calculate. After the 7 miles I did yesterday, I physically hurt when I got up this morning. And they say it (the pain) is even worse the second day. I am giddy at the thought that I will sleep late tomorrow and not leave the room.
Starting yesterday:
#1 (1:30pm) - Duplex in Midtown. With three Georgia Tech PhD students. Good in being located in a familiar and liked location. Place is nice, although filled with windows with high ceilings. Potential roommates estimate summer electricity bill of $100 per person (I think about other utilities besides water). Potentials generally surprise me throughout my visit with a vast array of mathematical calculations. Money-wise, I realize they are just as greedy as me. Potentials would want a person to move in by August 1st to cover rent of vacant room; I want to stay in present room until 20th to avoid paying rent in vacant room.
#2 (8:30pm) - Apartment in Decatur. At a base rent of $285, and right near the Clairmont/North Decatur Publix great location, was perfect on paper...too perfect. Room is a vacancy in one room of a 3br. The place not so great, but expectations were low given rent. Guy takes me in the kitchen (again not much), and while talking about how he doesn't often cook, opens the cabinets to more crawling roaches than I can count. He lets out a scream like a schoolgirl, then closed the cabinets and told me he'd show me the room, maybe thinking I didn't see them or hear him. Upstairs met the friendliest, softest cat in the world, I reconsider the roaches in fleeting thought. Guy takes me downstairs to get to know me. Talks about himself, he was a theater major in college but now is a server at Einstein Bagels. I think of the lesson in that. Later says: "I have an alter ego" with a smile that lets me know he was about to drop some freaky shit on me. Tells me said alter ego is Fufu Gabore, (not really but something similar), that he is a drag queen performing in shows in Midtown and Buckhead. I become concerned alter ego may emerge, but leave respecting guy for putting all his cards on the table. Guy also asks me about friends, girlfriends, and as I try to speak cuts me off saying he would never bring a "person" home at night, believes it inappropriate to other roommates - quarters too close. I think that good Catholic boys do not have loud midnight sex in roach infested apartments. He seems concerned for my welfare on going home. Tells me he will put all my info into my file (each "applicant" for the vacancy gets a file) and will share with his roommate. I am amazed at thought of his pile of files; I think that he is an organized little SOB.
#3 (9:40pm) - House in Decatur. Am worried it's too late, walked two miles to get there by 7:30 to avoid late showing (post-8:30 appointment). Contact had assured she'd be there by 7:00, I find out she wasn't there yet after all. At 9:40pm, is too dark to read house numbers. I'm concerned neighbors will see me apparently "casing the joint" and call police. Finally call house, woman not home, deep-voiced man picks up, says lady not home, but gives directions to house and lets me in. Husband is man of few words. Shows me to room, which is disappointingly furnished. Husband leaves me alone in room. Middle School-aged girl walks by, gives look of unease at having stranger in house. I meet and share her look, think that situation would essentially means I join the family, integration so complete. Am not ready for spot at dinner table. Husband returns, tells me room is son's room, who is away at college. I have flash of son coming home to a room given away to a stranger, per A Clockwork Orange. Awkwardness sets in already. As I leave, am unsure if I am just weak from the walking but husband gives a shake that crushes my hand.
#4 (10:05am) - House in...Doraville? On walk from train station think that I will arrive at school each day with a sweat soaked shirt from the walk. Find house. House is being remodeled; guy says will be done for renters by next week, I would still be dubious if he said two years from now. House smells like wet dog. No carpeting anywhere; floor does not look level. Owner is 26 year-old male, has baseball trophies everywhere and a beer tap on the kitchen counter. Convinced he is type that peaks in high school.
#5 (12:05pm) - House in Decatur. With two Emory MA girls that will graduate in 2008. I love the kitchen. Girl says that they'll need to get washer/dryer, but generally seems clueless about furnishing a house. Potential's expression changes from smiling face to look of discuss at regular intervals as I talk to her; I become concerned I am saying the wrong thing or she is insane. Potential wants someone to move in my August 1st. House generally nice and walking distance to downtown, but at $575, is most expensive housing option I saw. Concerned that utilities will be a lot with only three-way split.
I have one more to see on Monday, a duplex that requires a bus to get to. Besides that, I think it has some promise (in terms of price - $525 for everything). On Monday there will be only four weeks until my lease expires (in practical terms, until I am forced to vacate). There are still vacancies at 710 Peachtree, but I'd like to avoid those crappy kitchens. Ironically, this is the place I visited June 30th, and I may end up there after so many other visits. I have an application saying the price is $550, but I recently called to confirm there were still vacancies and I heard the price went to $575.
Plus utilities. Sigh...
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