One Step Closer to Homelessness

One of the things I’ve noticed as I’ve moved from state to state is that no two areas have the same rental rules. I’ve also noticed that every landlord assumes their rules are universal. Apparently, the norm in Fairfield county Connecticut is to demand 60 days notice before vacating. This has become an issue for me.

I’ll back up. Since I moved back to Connecticut, I’ve been going through train tickets to Manhattan like people with halitosis go through mints. (Or at least like I wished they went through mints. And gum. And toothpaste. And floss). In other words, I’ve spent an amount of time in the city that some may deem excessive. It draws me in. I may have actually confessed at one point that I’ve become obsessed with it. So back and forth I go. My inner 9-year-old says, “If you love it so much, why don’t you just marry it?” Since land mass-human nuptials are currently frowned upon, I’m doing the next best thing: moving there.

And there’s where the problem comes. I’ve recently begun the search for an apartment. Even with all my experience in this field, I knew it would be different this time. For one thing, this move will be indefinite. (Yikes! The last time I did this was six years ago.) For another thing, well, this is an area that considers a fifth-floor walkup completely reasonable and 500 square feet spacious. All that aside, what really freaks me out is that there’s no lead time. See an apartment you like? Great! Plan on your lease starting tomorrow.

So, I’ve made my peace with not having an address. I’m giving my 60 days notice on my current place this week. And I’m just going to have to trust the universe that I won’t wind up living in my car.

Almost Famous

Not so long ago, I began stalking an old professor. Not in a creepy way. I was in a spell of reading young adult fiction, and remembered that this particular professor wrote in that genre, and I’d always liked her style, so I thought I’d see what she was up to. When I looked for her online, I found that she was a contributor to a blog. I began reading her weekly posts, then slowly began reading the other entries as well. I’ve become a big fan. These four women have strong voices that offer a great combination of insight, kindness, and laughter. On Fridays they have a guest blogger. I’ve been planning to write something to submit for the guest spot, but, like so many things in my life, haven’t gotten around to it. But, unlike most plans I make, this one didn’t just fade away (I really will get to Canada one of these days).

Yesterday, I received an email, asking if The Apron Stage could use my napping post for the guest spot this week. I was stunned. Not only could I have the guest spot, but I didn’t have to do any additional work. This is as close to ideal as it gets. Now I’ll just wait for a publishing house to contact me for permission to publish my two novel chapters as they are.