I started looking for an apartment about two years ago, when I had to make a decision about whether or not to sign our shared lease for a third year. I ultimately decided against signing, and moved back to my parents’ house. I kept looking for an apartment, and for a while thought that maybe I’d look into buying. At some point it got discouraging and I let the hunt fizzle. Still, I knew it would really be good for me to make a change.
A couple months ago I had a really hard few days (you know, like harder than usual with shidduchim), and thought, “I must, I must, I must make a change.” That day I remembered that my friend’s downstairs neighbor was engaged and that if her apartment was still available, it might actually be an idea for me. I was sure it wouldn’t be available though, because the market is so competitive where I live. I texted my friend and she immediately answered, “Yes, it is still available, and the rent is $X.” I felt slightly, cautiously optimistic. My friend arranged for me to go over a few hours later to see the apartment.
Now, one of the things I am picky about in life aside from men is apartments. It’s not that I think it has to be perfect, it just has to feel a certain way or else it doesn’t work for me. And the typical rental treatment (i.e. a lot of gray, especially floors), just does not work for me. I had long harbored a wish to find an apartment with nine foot ceilings and parquet floors — even if it was dated and cranky in other ways. I wanted that old-fashioned charm.
So anyway, I went to see the apartment, feeling slightly optimistic but not really believing it would work out for me.
My friend came downstairs to join me and I knocked on the door. It opened.
And — goosebumps. Nine foot ceilings and parquet floors.
To be continued… 🙂
