I started driving about 10pm last night and arrived in Champaign IL around 4 this afternoon. It took me a lot longer to get through 800 miles since I had to stop to take a few naps along the way. The fall foliage along hwy 94/90 was breathtaking. The kitties behaved well and didn't not make one meow during the entire ride. Ernie did manage to get stuck under the driver seat while I took a nap. I had to unload some stuff to get him out. He stayed in the pet carrier for the reminder of the trip.
Timing is everything. I checked into the hotel, got the cats settled in, took a quick shower and was on my way to see some rental properties in town by 6. My first stop was a three-bedroom townhouse at the higher end of my rental budget but it had everything I was looking for: enough square footage, attached one car garage, on-site laundry, large closets, two baths, nice kitchen appliances, dinning area, etc. The only concern was the neighborhood. It's nested in a large townhouse/condo area backing directly into a busy highway. The yard can be improved on and the short driveway really doesn't provide much room for additional parking. Just as I was driving out of the neighborhood I saw a few signs for other rental and sales properties. Even though it was getting late on Saturday evening I thought what the heck, might as make a few calls to see what's available.
Timing is everything. I checked into the hotel, got the cats settled in, took a quick shower and was on my way to see some rental properties in town by 6. My first stop was a three-bedroom townhouse at the higher end of my rental budget but it had everything I was looking for: enough square footage, attached one car garage, on-site laundry, large closets, two baths, nice kitchen appliances, dinning area, etc. The only concern was the neighborhood. It's nested in a large townhouse/condo area backing directly into a busy highway. The yard can be improved on and the short driveway really doesn't provide much room for additional parking. Just as I was driving out of the neighborhood I saw a few signs for other rental and sales properties. Even though it was getting late on Saturday evening I thought what the heck, might as make a few calls to see what's available.
A lady picked up my first and only call for the evening. I explained to her my situations: homeless with two cats, starting work on Monday, everything on a truck ready to be unloaded, etc. She listened very closely to what I was looking for in a property and was extremely helpful to point me to a condo nearby that has yet to be listed on the market. Although it wasn't the one I had initially driven past, it suited me much better because of the quiet neighborhood and immediate availability. I pulled up to the driveway while still on the phone and told her I'd be interested to see the inside. Instead of making an appointment for next week during regular business hours, the property management agent broke all the rules and met up with me on the drive way within 10 minutes. Someone once told me I have a guardian angel on my side and the older I get the more I believe in it.
The 2-bedroom one level condo with a full two-car attached garage and fenced backyard was absolutely perfect except the rent which was a bit over my budget. The property manager offered to negotiate with the owners for a slight discount. I told her I'd look at a few more rentals tomorrow and let her know either way.
It's getting late and I'm tired. Back to the hotel to watch some TV with the kitties. I feel like I've done a lot this week and there is still a lot more to do. I just keep telling myself, one thing at a time and everything will work out. So far, it has and I'm thankful.
The 2-bedroom one level condo with a full two-car attached garage and fenced backyard was absolutely perfect except the rent which was a bit over my budget. The property manager offered to negotiate with the owners for a slight discount. I told her I'd look at a few more rentals tomorrow and let her know either way.
It's getting late and I'm tired. Back to the hotel to watch some TV with the kitties. I feel like I've done a lot this week and there is still a lot more to do. I just keep telling myself, one thing at a time and everything will work out. So far, it has and I'm thankful.
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