Blogging is for Losers (And Tom)
(Interspersed throughout this post, you'll see some photographs the leasing agent took of the unit I'll be living in.)
The most important development in my life: I'm out of money. Between a bar-fueled summer, no part-time work, and a stressed credit card, I'm flat out broke. Luckily, a pre-paid trip to
Nashville this weekend will curb spending. (if that's even possible) Outside of being broke, life is grand. I've got an apartment, a job, and a cross-country moving plan.
On Wednesday, August 9th I'll load up my car and the U-Haul with my parents and drive back to Grand Blanc for the night. Early on the 10th, my mom and I will depart in my car making the 1300 mile trip to Houston, Texas. Soon after, my dad will depart in the U-Haul leaving my mom and I time in Houston to find the apartment, take care of the paperwork, and being the move-in. My parents will stay until Monday helping move, stock the apartment, and explore.
Look at this view! That's Minute Maid Park. It's a long tee-shot away.
To those in town, I plan on having a friend-fest at the Brown Jug on my last night in town. Tuesday, August 8th. 10PM. Brown Jug. Dress up like your favorite employee.
Free Shipping Until August
Three things I'm already missing: (and I haven't even left yet) Friendship, irresponsibility, and laziness. I've finally taken the time to review the apartment listings the realtors have forwarded. I've decided that I would like to live in downtown
Houston.
Houston, America's "
Space City," is thriving with plenty to do. I want to be part of that.
I've finally narrowed the list of downtown apartments to one: The Lofts at the Ballpark. There is a unit available there (Loft L) that meets my specifications and my price range. The complex looks nice with plenty of amenities. It's literally across the street from Minute Maid Park, home of the Astro's.
There appears to be plenty to do around there area, too. Restaurants and bars are aplenty. First and foremost, The Hub. A few words on The Hub:
The Scene
The gargantuan neon lights on the facade of Houston's ultimate bar are hard to miss. Those looking to avoid the downtown scene's chichi blandness will appreciate the festive and slightly rowdy atmosphere. The emphasis here is on fun, not fashion. A long couch snakes around one side of the main room. Tall cocktail tables are interspersed throughout, and "The Matrix" plays on two large TV screens flanking the bar.
The Draw
An interracial crowd of 20- and 30-somethings carouse to DJ Patrick as he cues everything from David Allen Coe cuts to 50 Cent romps. A la "Coyote Ugly," don't be surprised to see shot girls and scantily clad female patrons jump on the bar and dance to the delight of the masses below.
Needless to say, it's going to be mighty easy to entertain guests. And the best part, its distance from the apartment: 1.01 miles.
Invista has agreed to pay for my relocation, I've found a sweet place to live, and until I start, I've got nothing to do. Being a young professional has its kicks. However, I'm still going to miss having friends around 24 hours a day. Book your flights now.
Live Like A King
As real-life speeds at me like a crack whore running for her next trick, I find myself with more things to do, less time to do them, and plenty of trash TV that needs to be watched. As I conquer each challenge with accepting a new job, a new one presents itself. Most recently, it's been trying to find an apartment, plan the logistics for making the 1300 mile move, and trying to squeeze some money out of
Invista to help pay for the trip.
So after contacting a few apartment-finding services in Houston, I've got a long list of apartments in two areas. The first is a place called Clear Lake. Clear Lake is about 30 minutes from downtown Houston and about 10 minutes from La
Porte. (
Invista) While this is a shorter commute and a much newer and nicer area, there isn't much to do. As a young professional, I want to be able to enjoy having oodles and oodles of money and nothing to spend it on. The idea of living in downtown Houston within walking distance of stadiums, bar, parks... things to do, is quite appealing. I must admit the idea of living in a new, luxurious apartment is pretty appealing. However, I'm leaning toward living in the city and dealing with the commute. Plus, it'd be more fun to entertain friends downtown.
Renting a U-Haul is expensive. To make the 1300 mile one-way trip, a U-Haul is going to cost about $1,100.00. Combine that with the gas, lodging for an overnight stay, and food, we're talking some major expenses. Being the broke, strapping college grad I am, I've been working with Invista to see if they'll help with the expenses. With any luck, they'll foot the bill for the move. Without any luck, they won't.
The closer the move comes, the more excited I get. It will be hard to move away from friends, family, and a life of no responsibility. But I'm confident that my parlor tricks will make me friends and my company will soon learn about my lack of responsibility.
Now if only we could get rid of Elliot.
