I, in my right mind, understand that I will have to pay back this loan.
That’s right. Today I signed papers to hand over my to-be home (in the form of shares) and a nice wad of my monthly money to the bank. I don’t mind though, it’s well worth it. Tomorrow I’m going to close the deal and then all I can do is wait. And hand over the money.
Last Wednesday I got some papers for my apartment (ah, love the ring of that), among them a material request form. It had different alternatives for kitchen cabinet doors and handles, kitchen tabletop, and bathroom tiles (walls and floor). Not very much, but those are the important things that affect the colours of the whole apartment.
The problem is (yes, of course there is a problem), the deadline for all that was week 22 — way back when I didn’t even know this apartment existed. I tried to contact the architect by email to ask if there is any hope for me to choose the materials any more. I haven’t got a response. Yesterday I mailed the form in the hopes that it makes a difference. I think I’m going to call them on Friday if I haven’t heard from them before that. On Friday I’m going to the bank so I won’t have to leave the house so early; it’s a good time to call.
What I’m afraid of the most is that either the previous reserver or the architects have chosen vanilla-coloured cabinet doors for the kitchen and blue tiles for the whole of bathroom. Finns tend to like blue, I’m afraid, and it’s one of the few colours I really do not appreciate. Seriously. Cabinet doors are easy and inexpensive to switch but bathroom renovation is a major change. So major that I wouldn’t do it — and I would have to live in an apartment with a yucky bathroom. Just like I do now.
It would seem strange that the architect sent me the form if I didn’t have a slightest chance to do anything about it. I would think they would’ve mentioned it and let me know what the final choices are.
Please please please, it can’t be too late.
[Edit: July 5] It wasn’t too late. No blue bathroom or vanilla kitchen for me! Hurrah! [/Edit]
Last night I thought about trying to do “against my nature”: not have the apartment completely furnished the day I move in, or even the next day. I’d like to move in with just the bare necessities and then add as I notice I need or, more likely, miss having something around (be it coffee or hooks for the bathroom). Just because something has been a certain way at home doesn’t mean it has to be like that at my home.
The other day as I was listing things I should get at one point or another, I thought of a stand or a wall holder for the roll of kitchen towels — that’s what we’ve always had at home. Then I thought, why do I need one? Paper rolls tend to stand on their own.
Why get all kinds of pots and pans if I’m never going to use them? Of course, if the guests are due in an hour, it may not be the best time to go shopping for a pie pan… I’d survive with just one coffee mug that I’d use for everything from orange juice to coffee and wash it every now and then, but I assure you, I’ll keep a few spare mugs and other tableware for guests.
(See, I’m trying to be optimistic and not think I’m going to become a hermit. 
)
Here it is! (I cleaned it up a bit — there were dotted lines everywhere.)
The balcony is quite big… I measured it at about 2.5m × 3.5m. I’m not sure what all those dotted lines mean in place of closets etc. — I’ll find out when it’s almost finished, I guess.
I just called the seller and reserved the 52.5 m2 apartment for myself.
(I tried to find an appropriate, nutty, gif animation to insert here but I couldn’t find one. I’m seeing little Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone waving his hands around and screaming. Try and imagine something like that, please.)
I went to see the place on Friday and it’s such a great location! There are lots of trees and a grocery store is nearby. I was a bit worried because it’s on the 1st floor (that is, ground level) and I have a balcony, but it isn’t too low after all.
And it’s new! No one else’s gunk (filth) in the sink, shower, or toilet — or anywhere! (Except the builders’…)
I have no idea what happens next. The seller is mailing me some more information and then I should go to my bank (again…) now that I mean business unlike last time.
Well, what do you know. The apartment I tried to reserve suddenly became available. They called me today because I had left my contact information. And you know what? I’m going to reserve it. I tried to call today soon after 4 pm but the office was closed for the Midsummer (public holidays). I was asked to call back on Monday, so I’ll call then. Damn if they get someone else to reserve it before me. They did say that I should call on Monday and only then they’d call other people if I didn’t want the place. I shouldn’t get too excited though because every time I do, it all goes down the drain.
Nevertheless, how exciting! I’d get to pick out materials and colours for my new apartment. The building will be finished in the first quarter of 2008.
Suddenly I’ve started to look for apartments for real. I made an appointment at my bank for Monday and then I’ll find out what sort of money I can plan on putting into an apartment. On Sunday we’re going to 4-5 showings (whatever it’s called — open house) and 4 more on Monday.
I have started a list of the things I need. And now I know some requirements for the apartment too: two rooms + kitchen and bathroom, preferably a balcony with “window glasses” (although a balcony will make it easier for my parents to smoke when they’re visiting…), storage space in the apartment (lots of old apartments have walk-in closets), no bathtub (takes unnecessarily much space)…
First I started looking for apartments nearby but Dad suggested the area where we used to live years ago. Not because he wants me far away (I hope so) but because it’s a nice area and it would make commuting easier. The apartments are also cheaper there. Still, I’m worried about “shunning my responsibilities” if I move too far away: I wouldn’t be able to help with the dog.
I’m going to buy an apartment instead of renting. Furthermore, I’m getting a two-room apartment instead of a studio because I see studios as temporary abodes — I want a Home. With a capital H. Also, there’s something about having all rooms in a single space that bothers me.
[Edit: June 17] Dad told me that it is actually forbidden in many places to smoke on the balcony nowadays. Therefore people have to smoke either inside their apartments or in the yard. Two of the buildings we went to see today smelled awfully of tobacco… Anyway, if I had a balcony, my parents would have to go outside to smoke because I would definitely forbid smoking inside. [/Edit]
True to my nature I get overly excited about something even though it’s not going to happen in the near future. Recently I’ve started seriously thinking about moving out. This coming December I’ve saved for 2 years which is the minimum, but I definitely don’t have the planned 12 000€ saved yet. On Monday I’m going to the bank to change my monthly deposit but I’m afraid I’m stuck here for quite a while. On Wednesday I told my boss that I want a raise, but we’ll see…
I already know that I won’t live in a studio; I want separate bedroom and living-room. The other night I couldn’t sleep, instead I started thinking what I need for my own place.
)
OK, maybe something to make food in, too
Grandpa bought me 6 dinner plates and oven pan (for lasagne etc.) for early Xmas present.Hmm… What else?
I’ve decided I want to find a nice couch first. After that it’s easy to find curtains and such things. Wow, I can’t imagine a toilet without an orange sink. Don’t believe I have one?
I don’t undestand what the previous occupants where thinking! A very good reason for wanting to get out of here, don’t you think? 