Know what's more exhausting than dating?? Finding a roommate!
Carrie Bradshaw once said, "In New York, you're always looking for a job, boyfriend, or an apartment." As I enter my 4th year as a transplant, I can confirm that no truer words have been spoken. You're for sure always looking for 1...and at some point in life...you're probably looking for all 3! While the quest for finding Mr. Logan Webb continues (I'm assuming he will take my last name since I already get mail addressed to him), I'm taking a break from the dating saga to explain an even harder, and more daunting task...finding a new roommate.
Just like dating, there are "rules" to finding a roommate...and for every rule, there are 25 questions of "are we even doing this right?" It's exhausting...really! There needs to be a book called Finding a Roommate for DUMMIES. You show the apartment for most of the month (it's basically like being on 15 first dates in 2 weeks...WHICH NO ONE SHOULD DO)...and everyone is playing hard to get....and both sides do this! "We are showing the apartment until the end of the week, and will make a decision by Monday" (aka we want to be noncommittal...we are looking for someone better...it's that Tinder swiping in the bathroom when your current Tinder date is at the bar)...and they reply with a "keep me posted, I too am looking at other places the rest of the week"..but at some point both of you say "if you like us...or are interested...let us know.."
But then you have that connection, where the initial meeting is SOOOOO great, and when they leave...you think THIS IS THE ONE...this is our new roommate. We will be the 3 Musketeers! She will fill that void this apartment so very much needs (someone willing to live without an actual window...and just a skylight.) It was that love story we all strive for...that rom-com kinda connection. She was our last showing that evening (after 4 others)...and Crystal and I desperately needed a drink. As the wonderful hosts (and potential roommates) that we are...we offered her a drink. I was even willing to share my Tito's with this girl! The apartment showing was going great...and we always save the best part for last...the rooftop! The mood was set, the lights were on...we were ready to seal the deal. She filled us in on why she was looking for a new apartment...her and her boyfriend had just broken up (YES! this is it...why not live with 2 other single girls post breakup.) An hour later she hugged (YES HUGGED!) us and we parted ways. We had our front runner...and after much deliberation on how to word the text...we offered her the apartment with great enthusiasm (but you know..not too great because you don't want to look desperate.) We see her # pop back up with a reply (omg omg omg its her...hopefully she says yes!)...and we get the "You guys are awesome (obviously)...I'll let you know by the end of the week" THE END OF THE WEEK?! But it went so well! (Instantly starts overplaying the entire conversation on the roof.) So now we have to decide...do we put our eggs in one basket or cut ties and move on. We had 4 more days until Friday...we can't wait...we will be stuck without a roommate...(but deep down you know you're not ready to move on.)
Who wouldn't want to live with us?! 💩
So when it doesn't work out...what do you do? YOU GET BACK OUT THERE!!
So we show the apartment again...and the guy shows up an hour+ late (great start bro.) We decide to let the tardiness slide (Crystal and I were also one too many cocktails deep after a stressful day) and decide this guy could be a good fit. (But did we have beer goggles on? Were we going to wake up lying next to (or in this case sharing the bathroom with) last night's (potentially regrettable) decision?) Unlike a bad one night stand, he did text us saying he liked the place....(here we go again) BUT he was going to live with a bandmate...(not going to lie..somewhat of a relief.)
Sometimes you're on the other end...and you get to do the breaking up with...and it typical fashion...the person who likes you (girl who likes the place)...you don't like back (she was nuts)...it's a vicious cycle really. I can safely say this was not a case of the nice guy finishing last (or ever in some instances). Can't be a good start when she hasn't even been to the apartment, and we've labeled her "The Tweaker" just based on her emails. This is basically the date you want to cancel, but can't...go on it anyways...and it's as horrendous as you imagined it would be! (MUST. FIND. AN. ESCAPE.) Let's call her Stephanie...Stephanie came in and did what NO person should do on a first date...overshare. You have to keep some things a mystery...like the fact you keep saying you're broke...or that when you first moved to New York, you illegally lived on an abandoned boat where you trespassed every night to get in. While we appreciate your honesty (what girl doesn't)...this clearly isn't going to work out. Stephanie just couldn't take a hint...she wanted the room the next day, and while we told her the room was filled (lies...all lies) she wanted to make plans to hangout in the future...(finally got to do the ghosting for once!)
In the end it all works out...Crystal and I have filled the room...and lucky for us...the girl is a graduate student, and won't be moving in until mid-August. Crystal and I will get to spend our summer like it's a 2-bedroom. Plus, I'm upgrading to a real window and not just a skylight! Helllllo AC unit. (Last summer I almost lost my sanity because I didn't have air conditioning in my room...in August. I don't recommend this life choice and now understand why most murders occur in the summer.) For those who haven't been to NYC...buildings RARELY have central cooling...it's all window units.
What's been new in my life you ask? Well, I barely survived May and turning 29. You know how last year I said that everyone deserves a whole month to celebrate? I take that back...I could barely make it a week. This almost 30 thing is hard. There were out of town visitors, drinks, multiple birthday celebrations, a party, more drinks, dancing, and hangovers. My body nearly shut down. In addition to a birthday, I went to my first Indy500 with Poppa Webb (Mom...go tell Dad that I mentioned him!) We spent the weekend people watching (my God it's a great spot for that), losing our hearing with cars going by at 230mph, and spending some quality father-daughter time together. I do have to mention...he was pretty heart broken when a group of guys in their early 20's walked by and yelled "I hope that guy is your grandpa." (poor guy...it must be the white hair.) There was also a quick weekend trip home to enjoy the pool.. I mean spend time with my parents :)
See you in July when I return (hopefully) from Tommy Kiernan's bachelor party in Fort Lauderdale (please send your prayers.) Also, I've turned on the comments section...I'd love to hear your roommate/apartment hunting stories as well!
Love,
A Lo Xx