A Rush in the Slush

As the housing process continues, we are getting to know each other much better. Today we went to 5 different places in 5 hours walking in the "wintry mix" each time. The places were all pretty nice, but it definitely got better as we went along. We checked out Chinatown, the Broad Street Mansion, Bella Vista by the Italian Market, a few on Pine and 9th as well as Pine and 21st and Locust and 20th. Lastly, I went with Leah and Sarah to the Cosmopolitan apartments on 12th and Locust. At the end of the day I was deciding between 2129 Pine Street and the Cosmopolitan apartments. Both had rent around $400 and were in great locations. The only difference was character and for me, I fell in love with 2129 Pine pretty fast. It's rustic charm just makes it so much more appealing, though you get some great benefits with Cosmopolitan apartments such as more space, newer stuff, but that's just not as fun you know? I can find apartment complex's in Michigan; a rustic apartment with a skyline-view deck is impossible to replicate. So, I decided to choose 2129 Pine street as my official Philadelphia residence!

It's crazy that by the end of a full day of apartment hunting you actually find one you like! Only a few other people have found/signed leases. I felt bad letting down some others that I may have roomed with, but overall this will be better and a little cheaper for me. I can also take the South Street bus route to the hospital every day instead of having to go up to Market St. to hop on the subway and then walk south to the hospital. My only anxieties now are how the heck am I going to lift my huge luggage up those three flights of tiny stairs and how the heck are the furniture people supposed to deliver anything to us, worse--will they?

Overall, it was a successful, yet wet, learning and bonding experience. I hope everyone else finds housing okay. There is just so much to think about!

Tomorrow will be pretty uneventful (besides signing a lease!) as I have already secured an internship whereas the other students have to browse and interview for theirs. Hopefully, I will be able to begin my internship by Jan. 31st.

Prayers/nice thoughts: weather!, that we are able to sign a lease, that the other students find suitable housing, and for breaking down the barriers between people and the homeless.