Monday, January 29, 2007

Pacifist hate cime

A hate crime at a Quaker school. I thought that they were pacifists...

Isn't it sort of odd that they even have a football team? A major part of the game involves intentionally, and often violently, knocking the wind out of your opponents. Not the most peace-loving past-time.


Friday, January 26, 2007

Escape hatch?

Do you ever feel like everyone around you is moving on, growing up, changing gears while you're tethered to something unmovable in your own life?

Like in one of those bad dreams where you try to run but suddenly find that you can't move your legs. And so you stand there. Rooted. Breathing heavily, wondering how you're going to escape.




Thursday, January 25, 2007

Real estate reality

Looking for a new place is only slightly less stressful than taking the SAT. Repeatedly.

I don't think that finding a dwelling in a decently safe area should be such so tough. The fact that I need parking for my Volvo does not make things easier (as much as I hate that car, it's the only one I have and would prefer it not be stolen or vandalized).

I don't understand why a broker or leasing agent is needed at all. Doesn't anyone just rent straight to tenants? The stress of moving is compounded by these agents- they (collectively) seem to have a bad rep as horrible, slimy people who will lie and cheat you out of money.

Are there any decent landlords or rental agencies in the Boston metro? Will pigs fly before I find one?

I've spent the better part of my evening investigating apartment options. It's late and I'm going to go bang my head against a wall now.


Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Adventures in real estate

I'm debating moving, which in Boston is an adventure...

The powers-that-be raised our rent and I'm no longer sure where I live is worth what I'm paying. As I look around at new places, I wonder whether rental prices have more to do with reality or perception (of neighborhood, desirability, etc...).