today was the day, kiddos. i checked out 7 different studios and 5 different buildings. and i've already found the one i want. i can't believe it's true, that it could be so easy. i was getting a bit discouraged, after the first 3 buildings, thinking i would never find an el stop i felt comfortable at, a neighborhood that felt good, or a studio big enough to hold all my stuff. the first building had a terrifying elevator- the kind with the metal grid doors you have to pull shut. you could see into the shaft, which i just hate- nightmare characteristic. the kitchens were these tiny rooms- smaller than my closet. i'd rather just have a wall of appliances than have such a small room. and they had murphy beds (the kind that fold out of the walls like rodger rabbit), which would have been totally cool when i was first looking for a place, but now just take up space.
the second place i didn't even go into, it was too far away from the train, and the walk was not nice. i mean, it was fine on such a beautiful day as today, but would not be ok at 3am with high heels.
the third place was highly recomended by ch, as rafael used to live there, and it was funky. i didn't really like the el stop, but the manager lady was so nice i thought it would be ok. but when she opened up the front door- it banged aganist the stove! when you first walk in, the wall with the kitchen is immediately on your left in the entry hallway! and the bathroom is on the left. the studio space was small, and the closet wasn't worth talking about- barely a foot deep and less than 3 feet wide. i had a bigger closet in my tiny bedroom growing up in reading. it was $515 and she said she'd have a bigger place avail. next week for $585. that's a good bit over my budget, but i thought perhaps my expectations were too high.
and then i met luke.
so the el stop is funny. the "grandeur" (place #3) is east of the tracks, but walking under the tracks is a quick change in neighborhood. the walk to magnolia is much more comfortable, and the 3 blocks north from there are beautiful- it's like hyde park, big brick houses, three flats and mansions, lots of trees, very residential. luke is totally charming- i'm so sad he's just the real estate guy, not my contact after i start paying rent. he said he was going to move here when he got sick of his roomate. and i adore it. it's like it was fulfilling my checklist. well, it's right in between the loyola and granville stops of the el, so that's bad- it's a bit of a hike- but no farther than ch's. and much, much nicer. so that's the only thing that can't be completely checked off. it will be cold in the wintertime, but i can walk fast. i can buy a little cart for my groceries. and it's: big- check. about the same sq. ft. as i have now. closets: check, check and check! it has three. yes, three. a linen closet in the bathroom, a hall closet when you first come in, and a huge closet with french doors and a window. i may make it my sewing room as well as my closet. good kitchen: check. about 4 people can cook at once, as opposed to 2 in my current kitchen- i should be able to fit my dining room table in it. adorable little hutch with cupbords and drawers. brand new real marble floors. only downside- gas range. south windows: check. also, north windows in the kitchen and bathroom for crossbreeze. balcony: check. actually, it's a julet balcony- about 6 inches deep. i can hang windowboxes from the railing, have little pots on the sides, and, if the wind isn't too strong and the side of the building not too dirty, hang my laundry up! it has other lovely features- a small building, 2nd floor walkup, hardwood floors newly varnished, and a pink bathtub. please. how can you not adore a pink bathtub? you can see actual pictures here.
it seems too easy. i'm sure i'll fail my credit check, he'll forget and give it to someone else, they won't think i make enough money or something. but boy oh boy am i excited!
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