The Final Stretch Post

Moving is tough. Not only do you once again have to address the fact that you own too much ‘stuff’ and have to find ways to box it all up; but in some cases you have to part with things that you can’t take with you. My couch, entertainment center and mattress are all spoken for, as is my computer desk and chair. Everything else should fit in the car. I am typing this sitting on a folding chair at a card table with monitors on it, and my video gaming and movie watching as been largely done on the floor. Arnold has been great helping me ship most of my stuff through the warehouse, so a lot of my things are already piling up in VA. I’ll be making the drive up with everything else with Sarah on Tuesday after doing my apartment inspection as soon as the office opens that morning. Least that’s the plan!

The Salesman Post

So I have decided that schlepping all my furniture back up to VA is going to cost more than its worth- literally. I priced U-Hauls, the AutoTrain and PODs, and came to the conclusion that my couch and computer desk (the only two pieces of particular personal value) are just not going to make the cut unfortunately. SO I have been posting flyers and pimping my wares to co-workers and friends hoping to move the stuff and make a little gas money. So far the couch is spoken fore, as is the desk, the computer chair, my mattress and the bed frame. Smaller items like the folding chairs, workout gear and sock draw are taken care of too. All that’s really left is the TV entertainment center. Not bad for week one of my ‘Everything Must Go’ sale. Shouldn’t be too hard to push the rest of the stuff. Fingers crossed.

P.S: No the image doesn’t really make any sense…. But I think of this guy and his Tupperware whenever the word ‘schlepping’ comes up.

The Roachzilla Post

Last night while I was lazing about watching the news my apartment was invaded by Mega-Roach. The ballsy little bastard scampered right in front of my TV paused for a second in front of Coolio and darted with super roach speed over to the lamp. It scaled the thing and dropped onto the couch. By this point I was on the other side of the room running for the fly swat screaming “Kill it! Kill it!” at Coolio (who was more impressed with shiny stuff on the TV apparently to even notice the intruder). The flyswat did nothing but send the horrible thing across the room and give him a head start in what would be a 5 minute round of hide and seek. I eventually found him and sprayed him directly with bug killer until he was slovenly enough to flyswat in half. I disposed of the two halves in two separate locations (to avoid them from reproducing) and went back to watching the TV. The thing was huge. The apartment is new so I haven’t had anything besides a few wood ants since moving in, and after rampant roaches at the old apartment I have laid trap after trap and continually spray perimeters to avoid roaches from moving in. I am not worried about other roaches really after Roachzilla last night, primarily because I am confident that he ate every other roach within a 5 apartment perimeter (aka it was big and gross). But also because he happened to come in form the kitchen right when the trash guy was doing his rounds. I think he was in the large dumpster or bags those guys lug from door to door collecting our waste from the bins in the hallway. Least that’s what I’m telling myself so I can sleep at night.

The Celica Vandalism Post

So I was burgled last night. The side panels off of the Celica where knicked right in my apartment parking lot. This is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me, and I have been an unpleasant cocktail of irate, depressed and irritated pretty much all day. I have filled a police report and had the damage assessed ($1200) and am moving forward with an insurance claim. The thing that really pisses me off is that this will cost me a minimum of 500 bucks if I go through insurance, and there is no guarantee that the thief/thieves won’t just strike again*. With this being a gated community my finger is pointing at someone one the inside, or maybe a friend of a neighbor, but of course that’s just irritated speculation on my part. I suppose I was owed some vandalism after living in my old apartment and escaping unscathed, but I’m still very upset about the whole ordeal. I hope they find the guy/s and let me kick off their side panels in retaliation, but I doubt that is going to happen.

*I am making security adjustments so that this doesn’t happen, but if you are reading this thief/thieves then consider your cheap ass/es warned.

* P.S. eat a fat one.

The Tennant Appreciation Post

Yesterday was my apartment complex’s “Tennant Appreciation Celebration” down at the clubhouse. George came over and we got some pretty tasty made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles while sitting around poolside with my neighbors. It’s cool that the place puts on little gatherings like that, if anything to promote neighborly relations. George and I chilled for a little bit then had a few rounds of pool. I think the final score was 1-1, though I’m sure if George was able to convince me to another match I’d have lost the tie to him. There was a drawing for Valentine-themed prizes going on too, that we both stuck our names in. I figured the chance to win Sarah a nice present would be cool. In the end I did win a box of Godiva chocolates-fancy packaging and all. Though in a very unromantic fashion I have been systematically scoffing them over the past few days. I admitted all this to her shortly after, and she made me feel a little better by saying that she wouldn’t have even considered giving them to me either. So…least I considered it right?

I was in the office talking about an issue I’d been having with the security gate, as well as received a call from the leasing director telling me that I had won the chocolates, neither time did Coolio come up. so I think I’m home free on that front. For now anyway. On a side note; there is a new guy working in the leasing office now, not sure what his name is. But the guy is a clone of the dude from Office Space, who works at Chotchki’s (the flair guy). He looks exactly like him, and speaks in a hyperactive, upbeat tone, kinda like a game show host overacting. The combination of his go-get’em attitude and striking resemblance of the guy is hilarious.- Figured I’d share. If he ever comes up in a future posting he will be known henceforth as Chotchki.

The I Might Be screwed Post

Today I head off to work to find a little note in my door fluttering to my feet as the door is opened. It tells me how a guy from a residential construction company will need in my apartment today to work on my windows. I immediately run back inside and secure Coolio in the bathroom- the only room in the place without windows. Sure enough when I come home I find my blinds are half open and Coolio’s muffled whines coming from under the bathroom door (the radio I left on was a pathetic attempt to muffle them apparently). After letting her out and apologizing profusely, I noticed my Christmas tree was laying in the middle of the hallway too (how I missed it before I don’t really know).

Ordinarily I store my tree in my water closet, because the landlord forgot to lock it. We are not supposed to store anything in there, but hey, it’s a one bedroom apartment and I feel bad tossing a fake tree that only got two months worth of wear ok!?

Why is this a concern you ask? Well in-order to know I shouldn’t be storing stuff in the closet someone would have had to work for the apartment complex-and not just been a window contactor. So…if they know I wasn’t supposed to keep stuff in the WC there is a good chance they also know that I am not supposed to have Coolio there either. And I very much doubt they where fooled by a radio and a closed door. I sincerely hope it was just a case of maintenance guy let them in and did a routine check of the WC, maybe the fire detectors and extinguisher, and not someone from the leasing office… but I have a sinking feeling I might be in trouble. I guess I’ll find out on Saturday, as there is a Tenant Appreciation brunch down at the clubhouse (with door prizes!!) that promises made to order omelets. How can I resist such bait??? I feel like the mouse in that Doritos ad. Hopefully it won’t get messy.

The Done Deal Post

I think I’m done. Yeah sure there are some spots on the wall that will need canvases to decorate and a fair bit of “Misc. Stuff” laying about the place that will need to be sorted, but for the most part I’m in. Here are some shots of the new place as requested. Though they really don’t do a very good job of showing off the rooms. I think another Crib’s Video might be in order.

The Gator Post

Arrived home from work yesterday to find a note in my door from the management. Headed with ‘IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!’ in bold underlined text I hastened to read the flyer. Apparently an alligator has been spotted in the complex by the lake, and the apartment company wanted to let us know. They tell us to avoid mulch areas at night (apparently that’s when gators are most prone to be away from the water and looking for food) and to be wary around the water. The Florida Game Commission have been notified about it but so far its still on the premises.

This doesn’t scare me at all, as I am sure it’s just a small guy and probably no more of a nuisance than a raccoon or ground hog…but with more teeth. Honestly the creepiest things down here are the geckos. Once you get past the fact that there are lightning fast, reptiles clinging to your house then any ground-based pests don’t really strike up much commotion.

The Move Post

Wow. That was a lot of effort. And while I’m not finished the majority of the labor is done. The move was BRUTAL. I had no idea it would be so tasking. Sweat and tears-wise I think I lost half my body weight lugging boxes up and down stairs and stuffing them in the back of the rental truck. Bruce took his lunch to come by and help with the behemoth that is my TV (seriously what the hell is inside that thing??) which was an immense help. Didn’t finish until 4:30 due to constant downpours and the fact that I have WAY TO MUCH STUFF, so I wasn’t able to check out of my old apartment until the following day. Which was good thing because it ended up taking two ore trips with cleaning supplies and plants to fully vacate. I busted my butt to get the apartment looking tip-top. Ended up filing my fingertips off with scrub brushes and covering my arms with more bruises and cuts than entirely necessary, but the place look awesome, and received “Perfect Condition”-ranking from the woman who did the move-out inspection.

This weekend my couch arrives and I hope to get the last of the essentials running (i.e. computer). With the small expectation of sewage-smelling-water (new pipes) the apartment is perfect. Not a nick, scratch, dent or ding to report. And everything is brand spanking new. I love it there. Expect pictures soon.

The Final Post

This is the last posting from Apartment G.

The majority of my belongings are in boxes or lie unceremoniously in piles awaiting boxes. The kitchen is barren less my stockpile of Costco tuna and some mustard; and my closet consists of 2 days worth of clothes surrounded by unused hangers. All that’s really left to do is tag and bag the computer and what’s left on my entertainment center. Both of which just happen to be today’s projects. Unfortunately that will leave me internet-less for the next two days besides at work. Scary thought really when you think how reliant we are these days on it. I may post from work if something particularly eventful happens between now and Tuesday, but if not the next post should be coming out of the new place.

The Boxes and Vandalism Post

Moving day is fast approaching next Tuesday. And when I say ‘fast’ I really mean ‘slowly as hell’. The weekend cant get here fast enough. Living in a pseudo-packed state is a pain, and I am anxious to get the job done. Transporting Coolio, renting the u-haul, coordinating getting a hand lifting my tv; are all requiring planning, and I have the day laid out to a tee for the most part. I just wish I could hurry up and get on with it. Paid off the couch last weekend, and organized the delivery for the following Saturday, and all utilities, phone and internet services have been notified of the move and are all set to be active on move-in day.

I am anxious to get out of here for the aforementioned reasons plus the fact that I am just sick of this place. Sure its not as bad as I am sure I make it out to be, but I am just fed up of dealing with all the little problems that come along with cheap housing. The bathtub is still awaiting repair (going on 2 months now) but should be FINALLY sorted out Saturday at 8:00. Unless he reschedules for the 3rd week in a row of course. Whatever... after this weekend its not my problem anymore. Cincinnati paid me a visit this evening and took me down to show me the damage done to his daughter’s car. He wanted to know if I had heard/seen anything, which I hadn’t. The poor car had a number done on it for sure. I’d recon 50% of the bodywork is scratched doff with some vigorous keying, and the majority of the windows have large circular cracks from blows with what seems to be bricks or large rocks. Considering this and past experiences he has had living where he does, I found it odd that when I told him I was moving out next week he seemed surprised I’d want to move.

The Confused Repair Post

So the back and forth with the bathtub has escalated to ridiculous now. The apartment complex was supposed to send a guy to fix the still dripping tap (apparently it’s a real doosey because he’s already failed once), and Tuesday I come home to find the familiar note on my countertop saying that the repair man had been in the apartment. However this time the note said:

“fixed leaking AC”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I’m not quite sure how you come to fix a tap (for the second time) and somehow find yourself fixing a leaking AC and still leave the tap dripping away. Now I knew the AC was an issue and leaked into the tub as well, however you can stop that problem by turning the AC off, which I had been doing every time a repair guy was in to look at the bath. So I call back the apartment complex to explain the difference between a tap and an air conditioner and they promised to send someone out to fix the actual problem. I really don’t understand why the guy doesn’t just move in with me, he’s here every week. So far no one has showed to try again, but I sincerely hope they get to it tomorrow before the weekend, or else I am going to be waiting another week before I can get the sealer back to finish the job. Idiots!

The Toxic Fumes Post

This bathtub issue has gone from bad to worse. Where did I last leave off on this wonderful adventure… ah yeah, ok so I got a hold of the apartment community repair manager (the one who claimed to have never said she’d send anybody) to find her tune has changed to ‘oh I sent a guy and he knocked on the door and no one answered all morning’- odd change of story, but one I could easily shame as I was in the apartment waiting from 7 in the morning until 5 that evening. Anyway she shoots for next Saturday. Saturday rolls around and the guy arrives at 8 on the dot. Nice guy, came in tore up the old lining and prepped for the new one. Unfortunately he was unable to finish the job because the tap was leaking. Now the tap was dripping marginally before he got there sure, but was a steady stream of leakage after he left...fine. I call the apartment people to fix the tap...oh it will be Tuesday because of the long weekend. Damn it. Ok that’s fine. Next week I come home one day after work and sure enough the pouring water has subsided and a note is on my counter saying a guy repaired the issue. I call the tub guy back, he says he’ll come on Thursday. Thursday comes he says Friday. Friday comes it goes to Saturday. So here we are Saturday and he just left again because the tap is dripping again and he cant seal!!! I head down to the leasing office and practically murder the poor woman who happens to be there today with complaints. She says they will put in the work order for the tap on Monday and someone will come by sometime next week. At which point I can call the tub-guy back for the fourth time and see what he can do. Unfortunately my tub stands half-sealed at this point and my apartment is a cesspool of toxic paint fumes. I have the doors open and fans blowing but its 95 degrees outside today so my apartment is just plain nasty at the moment. Worst of all I can’t take a shower for 24 hours AND have the joy of looking forward to this crap all over again next week. I can’t stress how badly I am ready to me out of this armpit. Now if you’ll excuse me I am going to go to the gym so I can take a shower.

The Laboring Day Post

So I spent the majority of today and yesterday cleaning up the apartment and getting everything ready for my move. Now I know it’s a little in advance, but I figured I’d take advantage of the long weekend and get the majority of the wall scrubbing and touchups taken care of before it gets down to the wire. Boxed up all the non-essentials and took down all my canvases so I can Mr. Clean the walls. Magic eraser works pretty well, though it does leave your hands a little raw feeling if you don’t wash them right away. I’ve also been watching copious amounts of Scrubs episodes leaving the DVDs on ‘play all’ mode while I bustle about getting stuff sussed. Carpets look good, walls are cleaner than when I moved in, and a lot of stuff now stands tucked in the corner in a neat stack of boxes Arnold got me from the warehouse at work. I’ve been making the odd trips out here and there to enjoy the nice weather and to make sure I don’t turn into a hermit. Wandered around the mall, did some grocery shopping and hand lunch at the Bear Rock Cafe. Note to sandwich eaters- don’t eat at BearRock unless you like waiting a long time for underwhelming food and are not a fan of having money in your wallet.

The Notice Post

So I put in my official 30 days notice at the apartment complex yesterday, much to the apparent disbelief of the woman working at the leasing office. She stammered a very bewildered “but…but why?” after I told her what I was handing her, looking at me incredulously like I was forfeiting the happiest home on the planet. I told her I was moving to a new area, at which point she offered a “oh outta state!” as if to dismiss my harsh comment by making it seem unavoidable that I move. I told her no, and she looked even more saddened than before. I feel I must point out that I have never seen this woman before, nor does she know what sort of tenant I am, so I find it very odd that she seem so genuinely upset. I felt bad and told her that my office had moved and that I needed to relocate to be closer to work. I’m a terrible liar, but apparently it worked as she nodded as if in agreement that moving would probably make sense. Maybe she hasn’t noticed the prostitutes on the Trail, or the constant police sirens, or the raving lunatics that seem to pop up each full moon. Or perhaps this woman deserves an Oscar for the ‘Most Convincing Bewildered Old Lady in an Apartment Community’. Either way I’m free to move out in a month’s time, as well as stay the extra day into October (move in at the new place inst until October 2^nd) at a prorated rate. Sorry Dolores (the name I am giving to my offended old leasing agent) but I am afraid its time we part ways. I just don’t feel the same way anymore, and I need time apart…Plus there is a guy living in the dumpster.

The Measurement Post

Today I took off to Millennia for my lunch break and visited the new apartment complex. Construction and safety inspections were completed this week on my unit and the keys had arrived from Orange County (they do the inspecting before people can enter a new building). I stopped by to measure the place so I’ll have a good idea what will and wont work furniture wise. Though I don’t move in for another month I am eagerly anticipating making the jump to the new place. That and the fact that the holiday weekend will undoubtedly offer some great sofa deals, and I don’t want to have a sectional delivered that wont fit in the door. Place looks good, everything seemed in tip top shape (plus side to it being less than two days old). I am really liking the management staff there too. They are all always so nice and helpful, and more than willing to toss keys my way to go check stuff out without constant supervision (I have a trustworthy face apparently). Also met the building superintendent, who is a pretty cool guy. That’s him in the kitchen if you were wondering. These shots are pretty week and don’t do a very good job of capturing the rooms, but here you go regardless.

The Bathtub Post

My bathtub is in poor shape. The tub itself is fine but the cheap spay seal that my apartment company covers all sinks/tubs with is on its last legs. Water has leaked underneath the sealant and bubbled, causing peeling and exposure of the tub underneath. Its not an issue beside the fact that its pretty ugly. I don’t, however, want to have to be responsible for the repair come the end of my lease, so I’ve been going back and forth with the leasing office to have someone repair it. Preferably on a weekend because it takes 24 hours to dry. This weekend was when the repair was supposed to take place. 9:30 this morning was the time I was given. So I got up early on a Saturday (a crime in 49 states if I’m not mistaken) and showered up and got the tub cleaned and ready for the fix. 11:00 rolls around and no show on the repair guys.

So I call my apartment office. No answer. Call back 20 min later…busy. I continued to call on and off for an hour…busy, busy, busy. I finally get someone, and explain my situation and she tells me she’ll call back. 2 hours after that, I call again. The person I spoke to earlier has gone home for the day. Great. So I re-lament how I needed the guys to show up soon as I can't be without a bathroom during the week. She says she’ll call me back after calling the woman who originally scheduled the repair last week. This time I was amazed that she did call back. Unfortunately the woman who she spoke with claims to have never made a claim that anyone would come to my apartment, nor that she authorized any repair. Slightly pissed in tone, I told the woman that I was explained the procedure and how it would take 24 hours to dry and that the outsourced repair guys where set to come this morning, and I don’t know how I would have that information had I not spoken with someone to organize the repair. She had no answer to this besides that she'll call me on Monday once the other woman is in the office. We shall see. Either way I’m putting in my notice with these guys on the 30^th. It would be nice to have this issue resolved before then however. But that is looking less and less likely.

The Unobtainable Couch Post

This past weekend I went looking for new furniture for my new apartment. I know I don’t move in for another month and a half, but I figured I could price some things and possibly arrange for delivery in advance. Many places had interesting pieces, but most of which where far too pricey. Furniture is one of those things I’ve found that can cost as much as you are willing to pay. I stopped by Ethan Allen to see what they had on offer and was met by Linda, a very nice designer, who walked the store with me, showed me fabric patterns and sat me down with a catalogue and material swatches to plan and design a sectional from the ground up. Very cool idea, but considering the couch would cost more in monthly payments than my apartment is worth, I believe I’ll have to shop a little more thriftily.

I hit outlet stores, used furniture galleries and designer places. The best luck was at the huge furniture showrooms as far as quality-to-price goes. I could deck my whole place out for under 300 bucks at some stores. But I imagine I’d be in the same boat I am currently, wherein all my furniture is falling apart a year down the road (damn you Wal-Mart rollback event!) I found the perfect couch; sectional rather, that would be absolutely brilliant in the corner of my new place. It’s a low-backed sectional with a chaise arm that is comfortable as all hell and is in the exact style I’m after. The thing is $999 however, but the sales event running could save me 10%. So I figured with the financing they offer I could pay a nice 100…150 bucks a month and pay it of no problem. Unfortunately when I went to sign the paperwork I was not approved for the credit. Which stinks as I was really keen on locking that particular couch down… There is a chance I’ll be approve after its been reviewed, but generally when you don’t get the green light on the instant in-store credit, you don’t get approved later on either.

The New Apartment Post

It's official now, I’m definitely moving apartments as soon as my lease is up here. I found the perfect place and a pretty good deal considering the area. I’ll be right behind the Mall at Millennia and extremely close (less than a ¼ mile) from Festival Bay and International Drive. Signed the paperwork and put down my deposit today. Still sticking with the one bedroom, but a much larger one, high 800’s as far as square footage goes, compared to my current 600 or so. The apartment complex is fantastic with gated entry, a killer clubhouse with pool and poker tables, classy fitness center/gym and lovely pool with cabanas, lounge chairs galore and a sweet palm tree in the center. The apartment itself is just what I wanted. It’s a corner unit on the 2^nd floor so I get a balcony and an extra set of windows down one of the side walls vs. solid drywall and a neighbor on both sides. Below me are the garages also, so I don’t have to worry about plodding around and disturbing anyone below either. I’m right off of a lake but don’t have to pay for lake view being that my balcony and bedroom window are overlooking the back of the building. I can see Universal Studios on the horizon from my balcony which is pretty cool at night I can imagine. I really look forward to getting out of this area and stepping up to something nicer, and now I finally can afford it. So for all of you that haven’t come down and visited me yet, wait till winter break and you can warm up down here poolside and stay in my much classier place.

The attached picks are stills from a video that is far to big to post on YouTube, so they aren’t that great. Plus the place is filled with furniture which throws things off a bit. I’ll have proper shots come October I promise.

The Damage Inspector Post

Today was the date for my apartment inspection. I received notice a week ago that from 9-5 today I would have no running water, and that starting at 9am all apartments in my building would be inspected for damage. Not too much to be worried about being that I work from 9 to 5 and have very little need for water during my time away from home. However leaving the apartment with Coolio in it is another matter, being that I’m not supposed to have her here… As far as I can tell no one came in. Everything was just as it was left this morning and there was no note to say anyone had entered (which they have left in the past on unexpected visits). Could have been a case of they came, did a half-assed inspection (my room was locked with Coolio inside) and left. Or didn’t come at all. Or came, saw the note on the locked door, and went to go tell the boss. Hopefully I won't be slapped with any fines or upped rent.