Another stray showed up

[k9Karen]

He really is a handsome boy. Good luck with the apartment hunting Vickie.

[Tina B and crew]

Just a quick little update...

Doc is doing fine. He's enjoying getting the entire run of his "palace" during the day, although I find that he mostly stays back in his little "penthouse" when I go in to check and him and visit him. He's such a laid back and accommodating boy! He is fully switched over to the IAMS now and seems to be doing well on it. He's using the litter box beautifully. I am going to try to clip his nails soon, but I'm not sure how well he is going to take to that. He's not terribly fond of being held.

I have noticed he's a bit klutzy, or just not use to furniture. He doesn't always seem to realize that when he is lying on the back of the couch that he can't just roll over without falling off. It's quite comical to watch him when he realizes he's rolled too far!!

[slvrwhispr]

I've about had it with this apartment search. The place I really liked, they want 1.5x rent for a security deposit. Plus the first month's rent. Rent is $644. So rent $644 plus security deposit $966 = $1610. I don't have that much money laying around. Not to mention... after seeing it, it's RIDICULOUSLY small for that price.

So, I'm throwing in the towel on finding "the perfect apartment". Anything will do now. If I'm going to be unhappy with whatever is available, I'm going to be unhappy at the cheapest possible price. I have a viewing tomorrow and one on Wednesday. Whichever one seems less ghetto, that's where I'm going. This is stupid. I'm so disheartened.

Just keeping my eye on the prize. Which is having a place of my own, with my furbabies, where I can have my own space. And cuddle the kitties.

[slvrwhispr]

Okay, today was better. The rent is $600, the security deposit is $500, half month's rent off plus discount (unit is usually $620), $200 pet deposit and $20 monthly rent. So what I need to come up with to move in is... $1020. I think I'm going to go to my bank this week and apply for a small moving loan so I can not stress over trying to come up with the lump sum right now.

... I typed "I will also" and then got distracted and have no idea what I will also do. Hahaha.

Still two more viewings. The place I saw today was really nice. The other two are going to be a bit more ghetto, for lack of a better term, but if they're also more affordable I might just deal with it. I'm in this obnoxious place right now where I'm making enough money to scrape by for three months, then I get hired in as a full-time employee as opposed to my contract position. With that comes a $3/hr raise, which is huge as I'm sure you know. And then I'll be able to do all of this without any problem. But I don't want to wait three months to move. And I don't think you, Tina, really want to keep Doc in the trailer for three months. Well... two months at this point; I'm a month and a half in right now. But, still. That's a long time for the little boy to be in the trailer.

[k9Karen]

Please be careful about cheap apts. Some of them are cheap because the neighborhood is really bad. Please try to find an inexpensive place in a safe neighborhood.

[slvrwhispr]

I've checked out the crime statistics by neighborhood. Nothing around here is REALLY bad, and for the most part if you don't go looking for trouble it doesn't come looking for you. The crimes that are committed are usually against people who have provoked it from being stupid or aggressive in one way or another. I've lived in the city before and never had a problem, simply because I don't invite trouble. I'm kind to people, I don't flaunt my possessions, I don't leave doors or windows unlocked. Now, that's not saying I'm going to move somewhere sketchy and roll the dice. None of the apartments I'm looking at are dangerous. They're just a little more run down than the more expensive ones.

The ones I looked at today were actually really nice. The residents all seem friendly and the neighborhood has a peaceful vibe to it. My gut instinct has never failed me before. I'll follow it this time, too. Don't worry.

[Tina B and crew]

I too want you to be a safe and comfy place, not a hovel, so make sure you are getting what will work. It's Doc I think about most, because I know he isn't getting the regular attention he deserves being in a separate space. I go over first think in the AM and at dark to feed him, scoop litter box etc...plus several times in between to make sure he's OK, give him cuddles, brush him, let him have some lap time...but it's still not enough and I don't want him to get bored.

We do have work we need to do on the trailer (to either sell it or use it for my studio/sewing space, or as a place for guests to stay when they visit) this summer...but other than that it has just been sitting there.

[Traci]

Add me to the list of wanting you and kiddens to be in a safe place. And you're right about some of the places being a bit run-down, but please, get it in writing that any repairs needed, will be done IMMEDIATELY, that's the landlord's legal obligation! The most important aspects are heating, cooling, electrical, door and window locks (security), and no risk of flooding, etc. It's summer now and the furnace may appear fine because it's not being used, but you want to make darn sure it is in tip-top shape before winter!

Here's wishing you much luck in finding the perfect place to reunite your little family, I am excited for you!!

[slvrwhispr]

Traci, any time I move into a new apartment, I photograph literally every square inch of the place before I move in one single paperclip. TRUST ME, I've been screwed over by this before and I do not mess around. I even go so far as to put the pictures on a cheap SD card and mailing it myself to prove the date it was sent.

I am a shady landlord's worst nightmare.

I also got a call back from a townhouse place I think I contacted two weeks ago, didn't expect them to call this late. I keep adding in places to view. Which would be fine if I wasn't working 10-8! So I'm having to leave the house at 8:30 to make these appointments by 9 and the not getting home until 8:30 at night. Ughhhhh I am so burnt out.

[Tina B and crew]

Just checking in. Doc is doing great. He's really starting to play a lot more! He loves the tunnel and play cube I have put out for him over there. I go over several times a day and sit with him while he enjoys lap time or just running around playing. His coat is looking so much better and all of his sore spots have healed up. I still need to get some pictures though, but he won't stay still for very long!