Condo Hunt: Phase 1

So the search for my new diggs is officially underway. I have been humming and hawing over the idea of getting my own place for a while now, but now it is for real! I am nervous/excited/anxious all at the same time. Finding a place to call home is not an easy task. Everything has to be perfect: location, price, space...and just the overall feel of it. Last weekend I went looking at new developments in and around the Toronto area. They were all very nice, however, nothing a first time homebuyer could really afford on their own. On Saturday I went to look at some resale condos which were near the Lakeshore and very adorable. One place we looked at, I absolutely fell in love with. It was a stacked townhouse bachelor condo in Liberty Village with a little patio in the front. When I walked in, I fell in love. Unfortunately there was already an offer on it, and my agent advised me that it would probably go for more than the asking price which I simply can not afford. I am determined to find another one in that pocket or at least something similar.

Of course, everyone is advising me to take my time and not to rush in, which I don't plan too, however, since I am only looking for a small bachelor for myself, I don't think I will have a hard time choosing. I guess my main concern in all this is not having enough money to support my lifestyle. Cutbacks in my spending are definately in order--blackberry bill must be cut in half, no more buying "stuff", no more eating out, and no more going out every weekend. It will be tough, but I see this as a challenge to myself and I think with a positive mindset and strict budget I can definately do it.

Originally I wanted a one bedroom condo, but it seems like now I can really only afford a bachelor. I don't mind having a bachelor because they are perfect for me and it's all I really need. It might be lonlely living on my own, so I think I might get a cat or fish just so I don't feel so alone. Even though I would rather have a dog, cats are lower maintenance and can be on their own for hours at a time. But we will see what happens.....

Right now I am watching the Maury Povich show....oh how I love holiday Mondays! Happy Family Day everyone!

Goodbye January!

The weekend is over! It always seems to go by so quick doesn't it? Thankfully we have a long weekend in 2 weeks.

I love Sunday nights because they are so calm and chill. Right now I am watching the Grammys. Lady Gaga and Elton John just opened up the show together which was pretty awesome. It was almost like watching a pair at a duelling piano bar with Elton on one side and Gaga on the other. Who knew Gaga even played piano?! I sure didn't! But I applaud her. I think she is truly the next Madonna! She has that shock value where you never know what to expect. Her outfits, her hair, her sets....it's always one big unconventional show. She is one crazy lady and I like it!

This week was quite the week! On Wednesday I went to a USS concert presented by YouTube as part of Advertising Week in Toronto (see pics). This was my second time seeing these guys perform (first was at Sausage Fest in August). I've liked these guys since their hit song "Hallow Point Sniper Hyperbole" hit the airwaves early this summer. They have a very unique sound--kind of a spunky funk/dance feel. They also have amazing energy on stage! While they were performing on Wednesday they began jumping around on stage and even came down to dance with us in the crowd! I really love when bands have fun with the crowd, it really sparks a great connection with them. And what makes this band even more great? They are CANADIAN!! :)

On Friday night I went to another show at the Hard Rock Cafe with my friend Ashley. There was some sort of rock competition show going on and Ashley knew one of the bands, Moira Darling. They are a metal/grunge band from Belleville and to be honest, I am a HUGE fan of such hard rock, but these guys were pretty good! I like the Hard Rock Cafe, it's a nice comfortable venue and very clean. It's right at Dundas Square so the view is amazing while chilling in the upstairs bar area.

Last night I went to visit Eric in Barrie. We went out for a nice dinner and then relaxed at home. Today I went to visit my parents. It was nice to see them because I think they really miss my sister and I not being home all the time. I guess it's a hard transition period to see your kids growing up and fleeing the nest. But I hope that they know they are still needed and I will always be around for them. Especially now that we are getting our new puppy!! I have been thinking about maybe moving back home for a few months starting in March just to help out with the training. However, as much as I love being at home....it can also drive me a little crazy :S

So tomorrow is February! I can't believe it! I am very excited though because next week I am officially starting my condo search. The areas I am mainly looking at are Liberty Village, Bloor West Village and Downsview. It's going to be fun looking for a place to call my own, but it's also going to take a lot of work and patience. In the end I think it will be worth it though.

So goodbye January! Welcome Fabulous February :)