I got plenty of sleep last night, so I had lots of energy and high spirits today.
This morning, I set out with 'X' on a mission: find an apartment within my budget. I worked through several realtors. The first apartment I looked at was fine, but 'X' told me the neighborhood was not among the safest in the city.
As we drove around, writing down numbers posted on "For Rent" signs, another realtor called. I had sent her an email over the weekend and today was the first I heard from her. She understood my financial situation because she has been in the same spot.
She and I chatted awhile while 'X' drove. She said she had the perfect apartment, the second floor of a house in a far northwestern corner of the city. I did not bite immediately, telling her I already had several options. I was relating what she said to 'X.'
Then, out of the blue or so it seemed to me, she said "Let me speak to your boyfriend." Without protest, I simply handed the phone to 'X.'
I have lived alone for 14 1/2 years and I am used to taking care of myself. I got a good laugh out of the 'talk to your boyfriend' thing, and was still chuckling about it hours later. Still, I was surprised that I handed the phone to 'X' without protest. We are not renting a place together. I am doing this on my own.
The agent was working on 'X', hoping he would convince me of what a great deal this apartment was. 'X' thought, and he may have been correct, that there was sexism involved. Deal with the man because he is the ultimate decision maker.
We drove by the apartment to get a feel for the neighborhood and the building. It was in a very attractive area with lots of old trees. The apartment was on the second story of a two story house. There was a small back yard. There was a bus stop a block away. The bus ride to either the 'L' or the neighboring Metra station would take no more than 10 minutes. There was plenty of space on the street for parking.
Later in the day, we drove to the agent's office. There, she commented on how happy we looked being together. She also noted how much 'we' would enjoy the apartment (wink, wink!
)
[Yesterday, at the Botanic Garden, a woman smiled warmly at us as we sat talking on a bench.]
The end result is I took the apartment and signed a lease. Last night, I decided to do everything possible to remain in this area. If I find I must move months down the road, I will still be able to pay off the lease. I will do what I must to survive, but I really want to stay here. I continue to enjoy the city and surrounding area more as the months go by. For now, even if I am forced to leave later, it is nice to rest for a bit and enjoy a settled feeling.
'X' grew up in the city and does not view it nearly as favorably.
He is much more attuned to the problems of this huge place than me, although I know cities have major troubles. My roommate also grew up in the city. She says she never liked it as much as I do. Both 'X' and my roommate will concede, reluctantly, that there are some very positive things about the place.
It just so happens that the apartment is five blocks from where 'X' lives. This is largely coincidental, although I was looking in his neck of the woods, or city! The location is terrific with relatively easy access to all areas of the metropolitan region. I will see a huge reduction in transportation costs.
The apartment has more space than I need, but the price was right. I will get as little furniture as possible until I am offered a permanent job someplace. I still need to be very careful with my money. I am still spending large sums for electrolysis and I am planning for GRS. My employment future is still uncertain. The contract job may not become permanent. Of course, all of us live with less security than we can fool ourselves into believing we enjoy.
and, I hope, be able to remain here.
I will move the last weekend of the month. Once settled in, I will see if I can land a part time job as staff organist at a nearby church.
Tomorrow night, 'X' and I plan to hear Beethoven's "Mass in C Major", at the Prizker Pavilion in Millenium Park in the heart of downtown. The weather may force us to change plans. The high is precited to be in the 90s with a good chance of severe thunderstorms.
Occasionally, 'X' reads this thread. At first, he felt he was reading my diary and thus intruding. Besides, he reasoned, he is getting to know me in person and does not need to read what I write here.
D:D
I guess he/she, probably he, was hoping he might become the boyfriend. Possible case of a 'tranny' chaser here.