Ch-ch-ch-changes
Fall has always been something of a reset button for me; when I move it’s almost always in the Fall, and it’s almost always a major move. This Fall is not so much different than Falls past. I’m moving, and, while it’s not major in the geographic sense, it’s still a pretty big deal.
The house that I’ve been living in since May, while a little on the dingy side, has been pretty okay. Decent rent, decent housemates, decent location. Then August happened. Aside from a lot of stupid personal things that should not be committed to record on the internet, things went decidedly and rapidly downhill.
First and foremost, our 76 year old landlord, a misogynistic lecherous gay “bio energy healer” came for a “visit”, during which he planned to stay on a moldering futon in our unfinished basement. Okay, not the best situation, but what can you do about it? Nothing.
Then the visit was stated to be “6-8 weeks”. Then he began to plan major construction projects. Then he promised and reneged on a rent reduction. Then he elected to explore putting the house on the market. Then, following a contentious discussion of all of his arbitrary and contradictory statements, he notified me via email that I had 30 days notice to vacate. Then he refused to address why, giving no reason and refusing to elaborate on his decision. Then he notified the rest of the housemates that he would be resuming occupancy in the house by way of taking the now vacant bedroom. Then everything became crystal clear. Then everyone else elected to move out.
So now here I am. Looking for my first big boy apartment in 3 years, and kind of freaking out about what I’m going to do in several general and specific senses. What am I going to do? Not a fucking clue. There are some really cool opportunities that are opening themselves up currently, but it’s hard to focus on them what with the general awfulness of everything else.
In the meantime, there is a crazy old person living in our house who can’t seem to do anything but move things around and futz with the air conditioner settings and complain about things. Which, really, when you think about old people, seems about par for the course.
In truth, when I’m able to access the now semi alien rational part of my brain, I’m well aware that this is an opportunity. Every shitty thing that hits you in the face presents an opportunity, and it comes down to how you choose to approach it. Hopefully in the coming days, weeks and months I’ll find it in myself to approach things properly and come out all right on the other side.
Or I may end up a nomad, living in an unfinished RV with two cats and moving regularly, as street sweeping schedules dictate. There’s always that.
post script: it’s also my birthday in a few weeks, so a job and an apartment would be a great gift. eh, universe? what says you?
