Living Arrangements Part 2

I heard back from the realtor and they will let me sign a seven month lease. That works out great for me. I have plenty of time to find the "perfect" place and I will not be stuck by the "ex" for too much longer. The roommate is willing to relocate. She has no personal preference on where we live, but wants to live together. That is good news for me. Everything is working out fine. I tend to worry for nothing. Thanks again for all your comments. They really help me rationalize things.

Living Arrangements

Yesterday after work, my roommate and I meet with the new real estate agency that has taken over managing our duplex. The new agency wants us to sign a 12 month lease, but I am not sure that I want to sign more than six months. My concerns are linked to the "ex." Conveniently or inconveniently now, the "ex" lives approximately five houses down from me on the same road. Therefore, we are both forced to drive by the other's house everyday. While this is not a problem so much right now, once either one of us starts dating again, I think it will become a big problem (at least for me). I am sure that he will start dating again before I do because I am not emotionally ready right now.

Anyways, I am now stuck with the decision on whether I want to move out now or sign a new 12 month lease. While me moving makes the most sense - the "ex" owns his house, he actually bought his house first, and I took a job that now requires me to commute 20 mins each way - the rent is very reasonable, it is not an apartment, a can have my dog, and it really helps to have a roommate to split all the bills with me. I LOVE the place that I am living in at this point in my life. I just hate the fact that I cannot get over the "ex" because he is right there. I am terrified of the day that I notice a girl at his house.

I am just really not in the mood to make life altering decisions right now. I need time to process all the things that are happening in my life and make a sound decision on what I WANT. That is way I would prefer to sign a six month lease. I have tried negotiating with the real estate agency. They are supposed to cal me back to let me know if they agree with my terms. I refused to sign the new 12 month lease yesterday while I was at the office because I am not sure that is the best decision for me.

I have a lot running through my head right now, so this is going to be sporadic.

• I made my 8th no spend day for this month yesterday!

The only bad part is that I am sure that I will make up for it this weekend in Memphis. A girl can only save so much, right?

• I spoke with my future boss yesterday.

My first day is Monday, so I am supposed to go by this afternoon and tell him how I want my office furniture to be placed. I am really excited. I have been working for the State for two years now, and we do not have such perks here. In fact, your furniture stays how "they" place it. I am also thrilled to meet everyone that I will be working with at my new office. I have only had the opportunity to meet some of the people, but today I will get a chance to meet EVERYONE. I hear only good things about the people that work in the office, so that is a good sign.

• My jewelry came in yesterday.

I can finally mail my step-mother her birthday gift! (Her birthday was July 17th). Better late than never.

Otherwise, I don't really have too much going on in my world. I am super busy at work trying to wrap up all of my projects since tomorrow is my last day. I am driving home tomorrow after work to get my hair done Friday morning and then driving directly back to head to Memphis for the weekend. August is looking to be just as expensive as July. I am going to be broke....

Changing Roommates

Changing roommates is really starting to wear on me. My old roommate (C) is officially moved out of our place and with some of my stuff. Almost everyday I have to call or text message her about belongings of mine that she has taken to her new home. I am sure that it was not intentional (or she claims that it is not), but it is still frustrating. I didn't realize that I should have stayed in town this weekend instead of visiting my family to make sure that she only took out what was hers. And the worst part, she probably has more stuff of mine that I just don't use as frequently and realize that she has taken.

The other problem is bills. She signed a lease until August 31, 2008. I found another friend of mine that would be willing to sub-lease from her until the lease expires and she can sign a new lease, but truthfully that friend is really helping her out. We got a cable bill in yesterday which covers the month of May and C has asked that R (the soon-to-be new roommate) pay the bill since she will technically be in the house for the month of May. This is really frustrating to me because I cannot afford the bills by myself, but I don't feel that I should ask R to pay the cable bill until next month. Plus, I refuse to pay more than my portion when I am upholding my lease obligations until it expires.

What is the best way to approach C?

I don't want to ruin our friendship, but this is really starting to stress me out. I live on a very strict budget. Also, I don't think that I should be the go-through person. I believe that C should contact R and they can come to some kind of agreement about the rent/bills etc.

Switching Roommates

I have currently lived at the same address for almost two years now (will be two years in August) and have lived with the same roommate the entire time. She is a really great friend of mine and college sorority sister. She is also getting married in October and her and her finance closed on a house this past Wednesday. That means she is moving out and another roommate is moving in. I am really nervous about this situation. I lived by myself all through college and law school and C (my current roommate) is the only roommate I have ever had. This situation worked great for both of us. That brings me to the question - should I sign a six month lease with the new roommate or a year lease?

I would love to sign a year lease because that guarantees that the rent does not increase during that time, but I don't want to be stuck in a situation where I hate my new roommate. My new roommate (R) is also a friend. We met in law school and she is just graduating and accepting her first job. I believe we will be fine, but I don't know for certain.

Additionally, C was the owner of the washer/dryer so now R and I must buy a new one. We have found one used for $250 with a $20 delivery/installation fee and a 30 day-warranty. Is this a good deal? R and I have come to an agreement that we will split the cost of the washer/dryer and if I happen to move out in a year to get married to the bf (who already owns his house and washer/dryer) she will purchase my half from me (I am sure for a little less since we will have used them for a year).

Any advice on roommates and household items???

I am a little overwhelmed by all of the changes occurring in my life. A new job, new roommate, and deciding to stay in Jackson. Whew. I thank the Lord above that everything is working out perfectly. Hope everyone has a great weekend!