Looks like Mike, the proprietor of Buffalo Wings & Vodka is closing up his blog. It's a sad day for all of us.
I've been reading that blog for a long time, and knew just from the voice that I would like Mike. Over the years we've exchanged some emails and chatted via instant messenger from time to time. I've seen his wedding pictures. We've talked about collaborating on a writing project. Did we have a conference call with Jeremy, or was it only a three-person chat session? I can't remember, but in any event, for a person I've never met, I have a pretty strong sense of Mike's personality. He's in my tribe; we'd be friends if our paths crossed. I still hope I'll end up wandering through Texas one of these days and we'll be able to have a beer together, and when I do I know it will be easy, and fun. I believe that somehow this medium can capture a human voice pretty truthfully.
So that brings me to my story. This fellow, Mr. Next Big Thing, he's a blog reader. He had his own blog, for a time, and so he was on my radar screen a couple of years ago. We exchanged emails from time to time, and mix CDs as part of a blogger-music swap back in the fall of 2004. Turns out we like the same kind of music, and so from time to time after that we would email or comment to one another or even drop something in the mail. Nice guy, good person. If our paths ever crossed, I knew I'd enjoy him.
And then we started communicating more and more, this spring and summer. It got to be almost daily, and then it got to be several times a day. He wooed me skillfully, and steadily, and I didn't really recognize it until it was too late. By the time we spoke on the phone the first time I had a big crush; by the time we hung up I was captivated. It was absurd; I didn't know what he looked like, beyond the picture he sent for the birthday party, and a couple of others. And he lives too far away, in a place he loves about as deeply as I love Maine. But every time I freaked out he was gentle and steady and reassuring, and so the courtship continued, and I got even more ensnared.
And this weekend he flew to Boston to meet me. It's the most improbable, irrational, romantic risk either of us has ever taken. So far, so good.
Oh, I'm so glad you took a risk and had a wonderful weekend. I enjoy reading your blog and I am so happy you found someone interesting to get to know better. Best wishes on the goose-bumps, stomach-churning, overall wonderfully exciting time.
Posted by: Nicole | August 28, 2006 at 08:25 AM
Congrats on taking the risk...I wish you happiness and hope the rewards are as great. :D
Posted by: AdriftAtSea | August 28, 2006 at 10:05 AM
Aaaargh. This is going to torture my voyeuristic side. I could spend mucho time procrastinating by looking at the birthday pictures and trying to figure out which one is Mr. Next Big Thing. My best guess would be the chipmunk, except I think he's married.
Seriously, though, this is greeaaattt. Congratulations and good luck!
Posted by: The Happy Feminist | August 28, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Congrats. Have fun!
Posted by: a | August 28, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Happy Feminist: Hands off the chipmunk. He's mine, I tell you!
Posted by: hilllady | August 28, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Ok, Ok! It's just that there's nothing like a man who is cute, short, and furry.
Posted by: The Happy Feminist | August 28, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Good luck. Ties to places are sometimes harder to break than ties to people. But if the person is special enough...
Good luck. :)
Posted by: Meg | August 28, 2006 at 07:33 PM
Hooray!
Posted by: william | August 28, 2006 at 08:26 PM
Hooray for risks and adventures like this one!
Posted by: Jill | August 28, 2006 at 08:44 PM
A Tenant’s Guide to Renting
The first challenge every tenant faces is finding an apartment for rent that suits their individual needs. For today’s tenant, the most effective apartment search can be done using an online apartment finder. Tenants should decide what they require in an apartment or house rental before beginning their search. For example: the number of bedrooms, location or distance from public transportation and how much the tenant can afford to pay in rent, furnished or unfurnished apartment, etc. By making these important decisions first, tenants can avoid renting an apartment or house only to regret it later. Many tenants today are taking advantage of the convenience of the internet to locate apartments for rent as opposed to the traditional print publications.
Once a possible apartment or home has been found, it is the tenant's duty to thoroughly inspect the premises making a commitment in the form of a security deposit. A tenant should not rely on the landlord or the landlord's agent to tell the tenant if anything is wrong with the property. The tenant must inspect the property carefully and ask questions about it.
Inspecting the condition and functionality of the following areas/features of the apartment before committing yourself as a tenant is highly recommended.
1. Kitchen appliances in working order.
2. Water pressure strong, plumbing without leaks.
3. Electrical outlets and wiring working.
4. Walls and ceiling painted or papered without cracks
5. Ventilation or air conditioning accessible.
6. Floors, railings and bathrooms in good repair.
7. Fire escape easy to use.
8. Stairs safe and well-lighted.
9. No rodents or insects.
10. Heating system in working order.
11. If furnished, check and write down condition of all furniture.
12. Windows and doors operable and weather-tight; screens provided.
The tenant should also check the security of the building to find out if there is a dead-bolt lock, security chain, or through-the-door viewer.
BEWARE OF EXISTING DAMAGES: In order to avoid being blamed for damages that already exist in the rental unit, the cautious tenant should take every step for self-protection. Before moving in (or as soon as possible thereafter), the tenant should make a list of all existing damages and repairs that need to be made. A copy of the list should he presented to the landlord and attached to the lease This way the landlord cannot blame the tenant for damages caused by others and the tenant will know what the landlord intends to repair. If the tenant keeps good records the landlord will not be able to keep the tenant’s security deposit for damages that were actually caused by others. Taking pictures before moving in is also strongly recommended.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Rossano, associated with www.AllSpaces.com who “Conveniently Connects All People with All Spaces in All Places” has been dedicated to the Real Estate rental market for over 8 years. He has assisted over 25,000 tenants with their renting needs. Any questions about renting apartments, houses or other rentals, feel free to visit www.AllSpaces.com or email him at [email protected].
Posted by: Jamie | September 27, 2006 at 06:21 PM
It is easy to see that you are impassioned about your writing. I wish I had got your ability to write. I look forward to more updates and will be returning.
Posted by: vitamin d deficiency | August 09, 2011 at 01:46 AM