Well, it seems the apartment gods have smiled on me. I have been granted their permission (and Hornig Rental Company's) to live on Pleasant Avenue as I hoped I would be able to. Mazel tov, me!
One of the most difficult times in a young person's life is when they realize that they, in fact, own very little. I am currently becoming aware of this for the second time in my life (the first was right after my college graduation). In the midst of planning my big move, I am compiling a list of things I need to obtain. The list begins at kitchen towels and ends at toilet paper, and in the middle are things like a bed, dishes, a dresser, and books to put in the bookcase I bought off of Craigslist.
In any case...I have a home now (just not the keys to it) and this is very comforting to me. I have also test-driven the Volvo and developed a little crush on it. I will most likely be picking it up sometime this week and am hoping the crush will develop into full-blown, reciprocal affection soon.
And speaking of crushes, I've come to really appreciate Chris' phone calls. I jump up to answer the phone when I know he might call and I feel sort of giggly when I talk to him. That's right, people, I have a little crush on my boyfriend. Disgusting. But in all seriousness, whenever I do something fun or have a great experience, or when I could just use a hug, I miss him even more. We're down to less than 5 weeks now, and I couldn't be more excited!
Well, I'm off to rake the yard and make couscous. Hope you're having a great day.
xo
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We Can Rebuild It...
After living in limbo for several weeks, I'm back to work (and have picked up to almost full-time this pay period, yay!) and am waiting with bated breath to hear back from a certain rental company about an apartment I kind of like. If everything goes as planned, I'll move out of here on October 1st and into the new place. Wooo!
I also serendipitously heard about a car for sale, and will be going to test-drive it tomorrow at noon. It's a spectacularly boxy gray Volvo 240, and I've been told it has a very pleasant-sounding horn. Oh, and that it's very safe and pretty fuel-efficient. Those things are good, too.
Other than that, I'm just waiting with breath that is even MORE bated for the arrival of Chris, which I expect to happen in the beginning of November. He's doing so much to come over here, and I can't wait to hug him for it. He's just the best, and I miss him, and this is hard, but we're making it work.
Anyway, you lovely people, I've been up far too long and need to go to bed. I hope you're all doing very well!
xo
I also serendipitously heard about a car for sale, and will be going to test-drive it tomorrow at noon. It's a spectacularly boxy gray Volvo 240, and I've been told it has a very pleasant-sounding horn. Oh, and that it's very safe and pretty fuel-efficient. Those things are good, too.
Other than that, I'm just waiting with breath that is even MORE bated for the arrival of Chris, which I expect to happen in the beginning of November. He's doing so much to come over here, and I can't wait to hug him for it. He's just the best, and I miss him, and this is hard, but we're making it work.
Anyway, you lovely people, I've been up far too long and need to go to bed. I hope you're all doing very well!
xo
Friday, September 11, 2009
Full Circle, Will Travel
When I first arrived back in Minneapolis, I felt as though I had just woken up from a coma and had to undergo re-socialization. I felt a little "Wait, what year is it? Who is the president?!" and so on and so forth. Most of that has sort of faded away and now I'm left with the task of rebuilding the life that I had before selling 90% of my possessions and shipping off to Scotland.
This is the second time in my life that I have gone through this kind of thing. When I was 12, my parents and I moved to California. When I was 16, we moved right back to Minnesota. I was back at the school I would have been attending had I not moved, with all the friends I had known since Kindergarten, and not very much had changed. Well, I mean, I had changed, but it wasn't all that obvious to me or anyone else. This time, I feel it more.
In any case, I just got home from my second shift at the hospital (since I've been back) and I feel as though not too much has changed. Sure, we're charting on the computer instead of hand-writing our notes, and there is a lot of new staff, but overall, it's the same. And don't get me wrong, it's beyond great to be back, but there is just something that feels disjointed about all of this. I'll wait for it to wear off.
xo
This is the second time in my life that I have gone through this kind of thing. When I was 12, my parents and I moved to California. When I was 16, we moved right back to Minnesota. I was back at the school I would have been attending had I not moved, with all the friends I had known since Kindergarten, and not very much had changed. Well, I mean, I had changed, but it wasn't all that obvious to me or anyone else. This time, I feel it more.
In any case, I just got home from my second shift at the hospital (since I've been back) and I feel as though not too much has changed. Sure, we're charting on the computer instead of hand-writing our notes, and there is a lot of new staff, but overall, it's the same. And don't get me wrong, it's beyond great to be back, but there is just something that feels disjointed about all of this. I'll wait for it to wear off.
xo
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bad 'Hoods and Good News
I'm still here. In fact, I'm still literally right here, here at my parents' house, here in Maple Grove. I have been looking for an apartment with gusto, but haven't found one that doesn't make me feel nervous or itchy, one that doesn't smell like smoke and cheap floral air freshener, and one that has less than 16 registered sex offenders in a .5 mile radius. Yowza, Minneapolis, when did you get so seedy?
For those of you who don't know, I'm in the process of dating a guy from Scotland, and even more importantly, I'm trying to get him over here legally. But that's a whole other story. My goal now is to find an apartment in a neighborhood that doesn't make him nervous when he comes to visit. By the way, he's coming to visit in November and staying until mid-January! That's right, he's coming for the all-important Holiday Season, meaning he'll get to participate in the all-important Meeting of the Extended Family, which means he'll be subjected to Ridiculous Questions About Being Scottish and Embarrassing Stories About When Christina Was Little. I. Can't. Wait. In all seriousness, I can't wait to see him again. I can't wait to have another Christmas with him, and I can't wait until he sees how much I can pack away on Thanksgiving. We'll see if he regrets putting this ring on my finger when he sees me gnawing on a turkey leg and fighting my cousins for the wishbone...
Anyway, how are you? I have to say, I'm feeling wildly optimistic about most things, despite how all over the place things are right now. I went to the hospital today and got poked, prodded and tested as part of my pre-work routine. The lovely people in HR welcomed me to my 'new' position and then scheduled my orientation. So, this Tuesday, I'll be learning how to park in the hospital parking garage (again), finding out how to swipe my badge in order to get paid (which I've probably done over 1,000 times), and discovering where the cafeteria is (the one I ate at every day for 2 1/2 years). Hey, if they want to pay me for 8 hours while I sit there pretending not to know these things, who am I to stop them? I am really, really happy to be getting back in there, though.
Probably the most important thing contributing to my optimism is the news that my mom's surgery went perfectly, and she will not be needing further treatment! In all seriousness, this is the best news I've heard in a long time and I'm relieved to push away any of the nasty 'what ifs' that lurked in the back of my mind. There really isn't much I can say about it--it's hard to put that kind of good feeling into words other than "YAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!" and "WOOOO-HOOOOO!!!"
OK, that's just about enough from me. I'll see some of you soon, and one of you not nearly soon enough.
xo
For those of you who don't know, I'm in the process of dating a guy from Scotland, and even more importantly, I'm trying to get him over here legally. But that's a whole other story. My goal now is to find an apartment in a neighborhood that doesn't make him nervous when he comes to visit. By the way, he's coming to visit in November and staying until mid-January! That's right, he's coming for the all-important Holiday Season, meaning he'll get to participate in the all-important Meeting of the Extended Family, which means he'll be subjected to Ridiculous Questions About Being Scottish and Embarrassing Stories About When Christina Was Little. I. Can't. Wait. In all seriousness, I can't wait to see him again. I can't wait to have another Christmas with him, and I can't wait until he sees how much I can pack away on Thanksgiving. We'll see if he regrets putting this ring on my finger when he sees me gnawing on a turkey leg and fighting my cousins for the wishbone...
Anyway, how are you? I have to say, I'm feeling wildly optimistic about most things, despite how all over the place things are right now. I went to the hospital today and got poked, prodded and tested as part of my pre-work routine. The lovely people in HR welcomed me to my 'new' position and then scheduled my orientation. So, this Tuesday, I'll be learning how to park in the hospital parking garage (again), finding out how to swipe my badge in order to get paid (which I've probably done over 1,000 times), and discovering where the cafeteria is (the one I ate at every day for 2 1/2 years). Hey, if they want to pay me for 8 hours while I sit there pretending not to know these things, who am I to stop them? I am really, really happy to be getting back in there, though.
Probably the most important thing contributing to my optimism is the news that my mom's surgery went perfectly, and she will not be needing further treatment! In all seriousness, this is the best news I've heard in a long time and I'm relieved to push away any of the nasty 'what ifs' that lurked in the back of my mind. There really isn't much I can say about it--it's hard to put that kind of good feeling into words other than "YAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!" and "WOOOO-HOOOOO!!!"
OK, that's just about enough from me. I'll see some of you soon, and one of you not nearly soon enough.
xo
Friday, August 28, 2009
"Carol Greenwood" Says I Can Move In
Oh, the joys of finding an apartment...the dives, the bad neighborhoods, the loud neighbors, the pet policies...the Nigerian scams?! This is the correspondance I had with one 'property manager':
Christina Edstrom to greenwoodcarol Aug 27 (2 days ago)
Hello! My name is Christina Edstrom and I am writing to you because I am interested in taking a look at an apartment I saw for rent on Craigslist. The one I am interested is the 2 BR/1 Bath in the Lyndale/Lake area, listed at $600 per month.Please let me know if I can come look at the apartment. I am off on Monday and would be free throughout the day, if you have time then.Feel free to call me at 763-416-xxxx, or by replying to this email (preferable).
Thank you!
Christina
Carol Greenwood to me 6:47 PM (22 hours ago)
Hello Dear,
Sorry for the late response!!!!It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my house...Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you.i am the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.I am looking for responsible tenants that he/she is going to take care of the house as if it were your own and he/she will be willing to make the Property clean as we left it.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria)and won't be coming to the House until Five years now and that means we are renting the Property for long term and short term lease is also acceptable. and presently my house is still available for rent for $600 which the deposit is $500 dollars including the utilities like Heat, A/C in wall/window, Hydro, cable, Garbage Disposal, Fireplace , Fridge, stove, Dishwasher, Dryer, Breakfast Bar, Dining Table and Sofa Set,Refrigerator,Canopied deck overlooking nature.,internet access e.t.c .,it is furnished or if u wish to move in with your furnitures no problem..Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa .Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.i do that once in a while...I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.you can call me on +2348089940493 or 0112348089940493.
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTRESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATIONS FORMS BELOWRENT APPLICATION FORMFIRST NAME:__________________
MIDDLE NAME: _________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________
(CELL)PHONE (____) __________
(WORK)PHONE (____) __________
(HOME)KIDS _____ (YES/NO),
HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________
IF RENTINGWHY ARE YOU LEAVING? IF THIS APARTMENT IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
IF YOU HAVE A PET,NAME OF PET: _____________
KIND OF PETS: _____________
HABITSDO YOU SMOKE? ______________
DO YOU DRINK? ______________
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____
HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME: _________________
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE: ______________
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.This extraordinary Bedrooms: 2 Baths:1
PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONBedrooms:2 Bedrooms Bathrooms:1 Bathrooms Address:3148 1st Ave S., Minneapolis, MN, 55408 A month rent:$600 Deposit:$500 Application fee:$0 Pet policy:ok Smoking inside:Not allowed Thanks and Remain Bless
Reply Christina Edstrom to Carol 10:17 AM (7 hours ago)
Dude, if you're going to try to scam people, here's a tip: the Lyndale/Lake area doesn't have any apartments the 'overlook nature'. Nice try.
xo
Christina Edstrom to greenwoodcarol Aug 27 (2 days ago)
Hello! My name is Christina Edstrom and I am writing to you because I am interested in taking a look at an apartment I saw for rent on Craigslist. The one I am interested is the 2 BR/1 Bath in the Lyndale/Lake area, listed at $600 per month.Please let me know if I can come look at the apartment. I am off on Monday and would be free throughout the day, if you have time then.Feel free to call me at 763-416-xxxx, or by replying to this email (preferable).
Thank you!
Christina
Carol Greenwood to me 6:47 PM (22 hours ago)
Hello Dear,
Sorry for the late response!!!!It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my house...Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you.i am the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.I am looking for responsible tenants that he/she is going to take care of the house as if it were your own and he/she will be willing to make the Property clean as we left it.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria)and won't be coming to the House until Five years now and that means we are renting the Property for long term and short term lease is also acceptable. and presently my house is still available for rent for $600 which the deposit is $500 dollars including the utilities like Heat, A/C in wall/window, Hydro, cable, Garbage Disposal, Fireplace , Fridge, stove, Dishwasher, Dryer, Breakfast Bar, Dining Table and Sofa Set,Refrigerator,Canopied deck overlooking nature.,internet access e.t.c .,it is furnished or if u wish to move in with your furnitures no problem..Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa .Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.i do that once in a while...I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.you can call me on +2348089940493 or 0112348089940493.
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTRESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATIONS FORMS BELOWRENT APPLICATION FORMFIRST NAME:__________________
MIDDLE NAME: _________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________
(CELL)PHONE (____) __________
(WORK)PHONE (____) __________
(HOME)KIDS _____ (YES/NO),
HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________
IF RENTINGWHY ARE YOU LEAVING? IF THIS APARTMENT IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
IF YOU HAVE A PET,NAME OF PET: _____________
KIND OF PETS: _____________
HABITSDO YOU SMOKE? ______________
DO YOU DRINK? ______________
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____
HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME: _________________
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE: ______________
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.This extraordinary Bedrooms: 2 Baths:1
PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONBedrooms:2 Bedrooms Bathrooms:1 Bathrooms Address:3148 1st Ave S., Minneapolis, MN, 55408 A month rent:$600 Deposit:$500 Application fee:$0 Pet policy:ok Smoking inside:Not allowed Thanks and Remain Bless
Reply Christina Edstrom to Carol 10:17 AM (7 hours ago)
Dude, if you're going to try to scam people, here's a tip: the Lyndale/Lake area doesn't have any apartments the 'overlook nature'. Nice try.
xo
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
So...Here I Am. Again.
Cough.
I'm back in Minnesota. I really debated (OK, I didn't REALLY debate) whether or not I should keep up my blogging. I mean, now that I'm here, we're likely to run into each other at Rainbow, or like, at a Twins game...or the 90s or something. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there really is no reason for me to keep updating you as though we haven't seen each other in a long time because chances are, we have seen each other recently.
The thing is, blogging is sort of like getting a tattoo. Once you get one, you kind of want another. Actually, I can't really say if that's what it's like. I mean, I have one tattoo and I think it's kind of stupid. I definitely don't want another. I've heard other people talking about it, though.
But I do want another blog. Yes, I came back to Minnesota sort of unexpectedly, and I definitely didn't plan on being here, but that doesn't mean that I can't really enjoy all the things about Minnesota that I really miss when I'm away. I'm talking Lake Calhoun, First Ave, Cheapo (for God's sake...Cheapo!), and of course, you fine people. So, I want to talk about it.
Besides re-entering the life of someone living here, I also want to share with you the experience of bringing someone I love here. I have a feeling it might be a bumpy, emotional ride at times. And don't you want to get off your emotional roller coaster and onto mine from time to time? No? You're good where you are? Hmm...this may backfire.
We'll see.
xo
I'm back in Minnesota. I really debated (OK, I didn't REALLY debate) whether or not I should keep up my blogging. I mean, now that I'm here, we're likely to run into each other at Rainbow, or like, at a Twins game...or the 90s or something. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there really is no reason for me to keep updating you as though we haven't seen each other in a long time because chances are, we have seen each other recently.
The thing is, blogging is sort of like getting a tattoo. Once you get one, you kind of want another. Actually, I can't really say if that's what it's like. I mean, I have one tattoo and I think it's kind of stupid. I definitely don't want another. I've heard other people talking about it, though.
But I do want another blog. Yes, I came back to Minnesota sort of unexpectedly, and I definitely didn't plan on being here, but that doesn't mean that I can't really enjoy all the things about Minnesota that I really miss when I'm away. I'm talking Lake Calhoun, First Ave, Cheapo (for God's sake...Cheapo!), and of course, you fine people. So, I want to talk about it.
Besides re-entering the life of someone living here, I also want to share with you the experience of bringing someone I love here. I have a feeling it might be a bumpy, emotional ride at times. And don't you want to get off your emotional roller coaster and onto mine from time to time? No? You're good where you are? Hmm...this may backfire.
We'll see.
xo
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