The Many Countdowns

This update is, as everything has been lately, sadly tardy. Much has been happening lately! I thought I'd give you a little picture of the things I'm looking forward to in the near future.

1) 5 days till my first nursing job interview at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
2) 9 days till my last day of nursing school!!
3) 11 days till Kim and I sign the lease on our new apartment in Philadelphia
4) 24 days till commencement activities a.k.a. freedom from Seton Hall
5) 30 days till I am completely and officially moved out of my present apartment :(

As you can see the next month is rather busy indeed. Since I missed posting this when it happened, I'll give you the update on the new apartment in Philly, because that's really the most interesting thing anyway.

On Friday October 12th I had the day off from class for "Fall Break." Whoot, one whole day. Despite what looked like a pitiful showing on Craigslist, Kim and I decided to schedule some appointments to go look at apartments in Philadelphia. We managed to schedule to see 6 apartments in various locations though out the city. The one with the most promise by far was one in Old City. But we'll get there. So we drove into Philly for out first showing at 9:30am. The apartment was ok but a loft and small and in Chinatown which smells. The next apartment we saw the old guy was randomly mean to us and the kitchen was from the 70's. Really. The next apartment was a bargain price and was actually a little better then we expected but by no means what we were looking for. The next apartment was the one in Old City.

It's over a fabulous used book store and just blocks from the major Old City attractions (think Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, etc.). The location is more fabulous then we ever thought we could afford. The first apartment we looked at was a nice size, had hardwood floors, but one bedroom was significantly smaller and had no windows. Bummer. Then the landlord mentions that there is actually another apartment and he just find out the guys deposit check bounced, so why don't we take a look? We agree and trot upstairs. This apartment is bi-level. Dream come true. It has a skylight and two big windows in the living area. The kitchen has a bar/pass-through into the living/dining area with cool pendent lighting that hands over it. The bathroom is large and has a lovely large mirror over the sink. The bedrooms are relatively equal in size with nice, equally large closets. And the rooms are not plain boxes but have interesting alcoves and angled walls as one might expect from a 200 year old building. There is a washer/dryer in the bathroom. The living area is on the top floor so neighbors cannot be upset about late night games of Wii tennis or DDR. Dogs are permitted and there is a nice fenced in park nearby to walk them. Each apartment has a 10x10 lockable storage closet in the basement. The only downside? The yucky navy blue industrial looking carpet. Oh well, we can buy area rugs. We leave the apartment, in love with both the building and the landlord.

We went to look at our last apartment and while it is perfectly fine, even nice, it just does not compare to the beautiful bi-level in size, amenities, location, or price. We immediately call the lovable landlord who e-mails us applications and after filling them out and dropping off our deposit, the apartment it being held for us. Unfortunately, the lovable landlord has given Mr. Slacker Bounced Check until 5:30pm to get his money in. We put our deposit in for either apartment with our first choice being the bi-level. Everything must be rushed because he is showing the apartment again at 6:30. We frantically exchange e-mails and calls until finally...we have the bi-level! Yay! The other apartment is also rented that evening. The following week we get e-mails saying that our applications (with the help of our parents as co-signers) have been approved and we can sign the lease November 1st. I am overwhelmed with excitement.

I'm helping Kim move the majority of her stuff in on Nov. 3rd. Which is also the day she takes her math GRE. Will someone else please tell her how crazy this is? I will probably be gradually moving my stuff in starting then with the majority being moved on Nov. 17th. Anyone in the area is more then welcome to lend a hand!

One of the most exciting parts of our new apartment is the fabulous location! Every month Old City hosts First Friday which is an open house for the many art galleries in the area. Music, wine, and cheese abound and with at least 2 art galleries on our block, it's sure to be hopping. It's also conveniently on our move in day this month! What a way to be welcomed into the neighborhood. According to Lonely Planet, Old City also has the densest concentration of liquor licenses anywhere in the U.S. besides New Orleans. See, you really do want to come help us move.