July 1st, 2003:

We’ve begun searching for a loft. I have a few good prospects.

One is near Fair Park. It’s a GIANT space at a GREAT price. The downside is that the kitchen is small and unupdated and the bathroom is pretty small. However, at this price, it’s a steal. We can’t see it until Monday, but, if we like it and it’s possible, I’m going to see if the owner would be willing to pay for the upgrades if I do the install work while living there. It sounds like a fair trade to me. He wins, I win, everybody wins. He has another AMAZING space for rent in the same area. He’s asking about $250/mo MORE than I’d like to pay, but, hopefully he’ll be willing to work with me. The lady I spoke to said he might.

There is another that is an even better deal. The amenities are great, the size is amazing the price is spectacular. However, it’s in a “transitioning” area, so I’m not sure how bad that could be. It’s very close to a place that we visited yesterday where a few friends live. A little closer to the city actually (and therefore, possibly a better area). I’d like to see the property, but the number I have for them seems to have been disconnected. I was going to try to get an updated number on the web, but, their website went down as I was viewing it. I’m not kidding.

Then finally we’ve got two other places (in the same building) that are reasonable. Right at $1.00/sqft. The ameneties are nice, and the space is nice. The price is just a little bit higher than I’d like to pay. However, they are offering $500 when you move in and the washer and dryer comes with it, which means I won’t need to rent one. That kicks it down enough to be affordable. But of course, if I can get more for less… that’s even better. I know one of the lofts has been on the market for a bit. If I can get her down just a little more, it’ll be great. The nice thing about this place is the area is the safest out of all of the ones on my list.

Truly, my favorite is the loft with the small kitchen in Fair Park. The location is great, and the layout of the space is wonderful. As long as I can make that kitchen work.

If you know of any GOOD deals on Dallas Lofts… please let me know. If I can’t afford the rent… I’d be willing to barter for services.

When we were housesitting for my parents, I got up around 5:00am every day. That gave me enough time to sit around in the morning and check my email, drink coffee, listen to NPR, take a shower, and head out by 7:00am. Since then, I’ve been getting up at 5:00am on my own, well before my alarm goes off. I’m not sure if it’s because I somehow managed to get used to it in 5 days or because I’ve been going to bed earlier as a result.

Either way, I enjoy it. I like getting up before the world does and watching the sun slowly open it’s eyes to greet the morning. It makes me feel energized and ambitious. Hopefully it’ll last.