So long house on Shangri Lane!

Long LONG story short, we didn't end up closing escrow on the house in Yucaipa. After much thought over several days, we decided it would be better to rent for the time we are in Redlands as opposed to tying ourselves to a home that we would either have to sell before we leave in two years time or rent out while we move on to wherever Jason needs to go to pursue his doctorate. So, we set out on Tuesday this past week to house hunt for a rental. We were lucky to find a gated apartment complex in Redlands that accepts large dogs (with additional pet rent) that is close to school and in a great area, as well as in our price range! Rent is NOT cheaper in the IE as one would assume, at least not in Redlands. We thought about renting further away from school to try and get more square footage for our money, some place like Moreno Valley, but everyone told us to steer clear of that place. At any rate, being in Redlands will save us time and money in the long run, as the freeways in and around the IE are death traps with terrible commuter traffic grid-lock at seemingly all hours of the day. A 15-minute commute could very easily turn in to an hour, so a bit more money per month to be in Redlands in an area where we can avoid taking the freeway is awesome.

Our place is small, but it's a two-bedroom apartment which is what we wanted so Jason had a place to set up his desk for studying. It also gives us a bit more overall space and has an extra closet, which is optimal. The kitchen is small as well but has a gas stove (I can't have an electric range due to my pacemaker) and a dishwasher (blessed, blessed invention) and comes with a microwave and fridge so we don't have to buy anything. The apartment also has an in-unit washer and dryer (w & d included) and a large patio that runs nearly the full length of our unit so Kobe can spend some outside time, and will allow us to bring along our grill. Our unit is upstairs in the corner which is what we wanted to cut down on the inevitable apartment complex noise - no one will be walking around over our heads. We have a lovely view of a large grassy knoll right outside our patio, which is also the view from our 2nd bedroom and living room, as well as a view of the large park connected to the complex. Much more agreeable than a view of the parking lot or street, I'd say! We feel fortunate to have snagged the last available apartment with an actual view.

Apartment living with pets will be interesting. I lived in an apartment my Senior year of college with a sorority sister and friend, and I had Chloe at the time, but cats are a LOT easier than large dogs in an apartment setting. Kobe will have to get used to not having a yard, going potty on a leash and being indoors for most of the day, as opposed to having access to a chunk of yard from his porch during the day when we're not home. Fortunately, Jason's schedule will probably not been slammed with eight hours of class every day and I'll be home job searching for awhile when we first move in, so he'll have some time to adjust. We'll all be making sacrifices!

All in all, we are excited to be moving on to this next stage. We move August 8th. We will be sad to leave SB; so many wonderful memories of my grandparents in the house we live in now, and the luxury of living in a house has been wonderful, and of course, being in SB (it's wonderful weather, beautiful beaches, clean air, etc) is what makes our home so special, but we'll miss the PEOPLE most of all. Our family and friends!! Please come visit us in our new home - it may be small, but our house is your house!