Another *sunny* weekend...

Phew! It was hot this weekend! Everyone in my building had their A/C on full-blast... I should know since I my unit sits right above the A/C system and it's super loud. :(

So anyways, this week has been hectic! Long story short, my landlord has failed to deliver on any promise she has made since August of 2006 and has raised the rent on me, in retaliation to my formal complaint about her and the building. So... guess it's time to move?

Steve and I spent the whole weekend looking at places -- we're considering everything. After seeing about 38 open houses, we've settled on two choices: live a plush life in the ghetto or make a few sacrifices and live somewhere desirable. That is, find a new, luxury apartment in Palms or find a cute, "charming" place in Brentwood.

PALMS:

I've lived in Palms 3 times before... and I wouldn't recommend it. I think Marcela got her car broken into a couple of times and when you live in Palms, well, you basically stay inside your unit. That said, there are a lot of really nice new buildings in Palms and $2,000 can buy you a lot. In particular, it would have given us a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bath with a brand new kitchen, stainless steel appliances with two gated parking spots in a secure, newly built building. There is a cute little balcony that we could dress up with plants and a patch of grass for Tofu to pee on during the day. Downside: the living room would not fit all of our stuff and the 2nd bedroom would most likely be converted into an office/guest room since we'll need a place for all of our computers (we have 4 total) and books. Which means we'd be bearing the entire rent by our lonesomes.

BRENTWOOD:

With Brentwood, you pretty much sacrifice the "new building" since anything built after 1990 will run you at least $2,500 for a 2 bedroom. We found a cute 1-bedroom unit that was recently renovated in a secured building (not secured parking). It has hardwood floors, a large living room and bedroom, plenty of closet space and a renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Downside: We'd only get one parking spot (covered carport, not gated underground) and Brentwood is known for its impossible street parking. Also, we'd have to buy our own fridge. Also there is no central air. But the upside... we are within walking distance of the dog park! Also, of a bunch of restaurants and grocery stores. We have been talking about getting bicycles for a long time and this would be our chance to finally be able to *use* them. (Can't really bike anywhere in Palms and the streets are waaaay too busy in BH) This apartment is significantly cheaper than the one in Palms, but is that enough to sacrifice central air and a permanent 2nd parking spot?

Decisions, decisions.