Why the heck is it so hard to find nice bookshelves at a price that isn’t completely ridiculous? I’m seriously contemplating buying the lumber and finding tools to just building my own *grumps*

In other news, I’m hoping to be able to pick up my new keys this afternoon or tomorrow. My leasing agent is going to walk the apartment sometime today and give me a call to let me know if it’s ready *crosses fingers*

I’d really like to be able to get started on all the fun stuff this weekend, and then start moving in boxes of books and junk — the stuff I can carry in my car. I’d like to have everything out of the old place and the utilities switched over as soon as possible. Roomie #2 (henceforth to be known as the Couch Troll — her own nickname, not one I gave her ;) ) has her move-out date set for August 4th. I don’t think roomie #1 (henceforth to be known as Promethe — he may come up a lot as he is also my ex-boyfriend and still a close friend) has a definite date, but hopefully he’s a little flexible. The sooner everything’s said and done, the better.

I may or may not be buying a 4-piece matching furniture set from someone on Facebook. It looks very nice from the pictures, and it’s only $175 for a 5-drawer dresser (with a little side-compartment thing), a tall, narrow 5-drawer unit, a nightstand, and a tv stand. That would solve my clothing storage problem (as I have no dresser at the moment), and I could give the tv stand we’ve been using to Promethe for his new place. I haven’t heard anything back from the girl who’s selling them since the initial contact was made, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she hasn’t found another buyer yet. I sent an email this morning. If I don’t hear from her by tomorrow, I’ll probably give her a call (even though calling random strangers weirds me out a bit).

The raised dining area is a little weird, but I’ll make due ;) I really like the layout though; it’s nice and open. Though I suppose you’re gonna get that with 900 square feet and only one bedroom :)

There was a little bit of heartache/anger when I found a place that was fantastic, and was thrilled to be moving into, but the leasing agent I’d been talking to neglected to mention that I needed to make three times what they wanted for rent to even apply for an apartment. (WTF?! If I was making that much, why the hell would I be renting anyway?!) So yeah. I sulked for a day or two, then picked the search back up. Almost immediately, I found a new complex that sounded almost too good to be true.

It’s off of the Peachtree Industrial access road (for those locals who know the area), about 1/4 mile north of 285 — about 7 miles from where I work, so it’s actually a little farther from work than my current place, but still easy to get to. I wasn’t so sure about the neighborhood, so I went and scouted it out; talked to a leasing agent over the phone, then in person; drove around the complex during the day, and after working hours, so I could get a better sense of what it’s like when people are actually home from work. It’s actually nicer than I’d expected. There were still people out around sunset with their kids, and while some folks were hanging around, it wasn’t in that “suspicious lurker” kind of way. The grounds and buildings have been completely renovated (my guess is the property has changed hands recently — their voice mail is still under the name I found online, but all the signage and paperwork is different). And the apartments are nice. The 1 BR/BA are 900 square feet, and run for $629 at market rate. I got in under the wire for some special they were running and will only be paying $549 on a 12 month lease (and only $199 for August). At first I was kind of nervous signing for so long, but it would seem, at least, that the management is trying to make this a hospitable community. So here’s hoping. In any case, it’ll be nice to not have to freak out too much about rent and bills for the next year. Money’s gonna be a little tight for the first couple months, but after that it should be smooth sailing.

I won’t actually be able to switch any of the utilities over until the roomies are out of the old place, but hopefully that’ll be relatively painless. I’m excited about actually decorating, and am already putting together shopping/wish lists. I’m planning on doing geektastic things with the living area — some of my nicer comic books displayed on one wall, with some sort of art/posters in other places, and all my random geek junk everywhere (invasion of the Tachikomas!). I want to do one or two accent walls in something bright but not gaudy, and have lots of space for books and stuff. I thought about getting one of those folding tables and setting up all my electronics on it, but I think that’s a little farther than I wanna take the geek theme ;) If anyone wants to help, or has any fun ideas, lemme know!

They’re apparently working on my apartment (either finishing up renovations, or fixing things up after a previous tenant), so I don’t actually have the keys yet, but once I get them, the first order of the day will be to go through and do a thorough cleaning (note to self: find a vacuum), and make note of any maintenance discrepancies, then go buy paint and supplies! I won’t actually start moving any of my stuff in until a) the painting is done, and b) the major utilities are taken care of (electricity/gas/water), but when it gets closer to moving-day/s I’d love to have and extra set of hands or three, and I’m more than happy to pay in food and drinks :)

It kinda makes me feel like a dork, but OMGSOEXCITED! *does a little dance*