August 12, 2002
Ooops….looks like my journal entry for Monday didn’t get saved in my last edit. Let’s see if I remember what happened. I got up at around 8:30 and started off on the house hunt again. I made several phone calls and got some return calls. I have three appointments today. First place is in the District near Logan Circle, the second in Alexandria near Potomac Yards and the third in South Arlington near Falls Church. I then logged on and checked out a few new listings. I also tried Craigslist.org. I sent out a few emails from ads on that site.
I checked out of the hotel at 11:30. I headed over to the store to check in with Mike and to meet my assistant, Robin. I walked in and Mike and Robin were in the back office. I said hello and Mike got up and with a big smile said hello back. He introduced my to Robin Leaf, my assistant. Robin was a cheerful person who seemed to have a lot of energy. I told them about my housing woes. Mike and Robin said they’d keep their ears and eyes out for places. I then told Robin that I wanted to take a few pictures of the classroom to bring back with me. She and I walked to the kitchen and we talked for about an hour. Robin gave me a quick history of the program at Arlington and then went into issues that were going on in the school. Afterwards, I spent time opening drawers and cabinets to find out what was where and to check the cleanliness of the kitchen.
After being at the store, Jim Burn ell (someone I was supposed to go apt hunting with this past weekend) called. He was in North Carolina this weekend visiting his sister. He and I had lunch at Subway. We talked about the roommate situation and I think we came to a mutual understanding that I should continue on my venture on my own.
After lunch I dropped Jim off at home after a wild goose chase for an Asian Market in the area. I was looking to see where I could buy Asian cooking products in the area. I headed into the city to scout out the first place. Based on the info I had, this place was not in Logan Circle. This place was more in Ledroit Park. Now…Ledroit is an evolving neighborhood, but on this particular place, it was a bit un-evolved for my tastes. I wasn’t going to feel comfortable walking down my street or feeling that my car would be safe. So ixnay on this place. The guy I talked to talked this place so much and the price was so right. I said this place was too good to be true. Well…that was the case.
Feeling more discouraged, I headed back into VA. I was going to meet Scott Shumaker and Sean McEnroe for drinks..but I got depressed and headed back. The Falls Church place looked kewl to start, but then I get there and there is a dog in the house. Why don’t people fill out their ads properly??? Now … don’t get me wrong..I like animals. Unfortunately I’m allergic to dander, making it difficult for me to live with a dog or cat. The third place was in Alexandria near Potomac Yards. Turns out to the be the mob living there. More people that the ad said.
So totally depressed that my entire weekend was a huge bust, I headed over to Marc and Lee’s place. I stayed there on my last nite as my flight back to LA was very early in the morning out of Dulles Airport. while at Marc’s place, they offered for me to stay there while I continue my house hunt. It was very gracious of them. Chris Carlisle, another dear friend, offered his place while he was helping Captain Janeway’s husband reach the governors seat in Ohio.
It was a long day….I’m heading to bed. Will be nice to be back in LA..
