I could say a lot. This week has been crazy, coming back from a week in Cali just hit hard. There was no ‘ease’ back into it, I had to hit the floor running. So where to begin…
Confession…In the last 24 hours I have called over 50 apartment buildings, wrote over 25 Craigslist emails and went into five apartments. Doozy. In this process I found an overpriced apartment without a kitchen that I may just have to take. It hurts me to say that. I also found a beautiful studio, fitness center/pool, great location… wait for it, a little more expensive than I would like and my boss lives there. I think the expensive part is what gets me. I know I could afford it but it means I can’t spend money a lot outside of it. The thing is, my parents want to help cover like 100-200$ worth of it but I feel bad making them do that. I don’t know what to do! Every place I look has this dilemma, do I live in a gross place/inconvenient place to pay nothing or live someplace I like and be broke? This is so tough for a girl who doesn’t like to spend money. So torn. Then there is a basement apartment in a home with an much older couple, it has its own kitchen, entrance, etc. They seem adorable and are super particular about who lives there so they want to meet me. How do you impress old people? Did I add the bonus both are available within the next week?
Confession…I have been devising budget plans for the last week. I have finally been able to nail down how much a week to spend on groceries and the metro. I also know joining a gym won’t be an option, yes no Bikram I loved so much either. That means I may invest in a weights set or dvds so I can at least strength train to prevent injury. I am not going to lie, I am still pretty bummed I can’t do group fitness classes. I miss them terribly. Going off of that…
Confession… I hope this doesn’t come off as rude but I get really frustrated with the ability some people have (whether financially or time wise) to devote to eating/exercising/healthy living/blogger trips/blogging in general. I know that is the point of this healthy blog community but at the same time if I had hours in the day to make that smoothie, or money to attend a gym and crossfit, I would be in heaven. Sadly, I don’t. Wait, that sounds more like jealously Alex. Green does not look good on you.
Confession…on the metro yesterday I had to hold myself back from snapping a picture of a lady and her dog. I realized it was quite stalkerish of me doing it. Blogger problems for sure. Tangent- have you seen that news story about the lady who took a picture of a couple she thought was getting engaged and has been desperately trying to hunt down? So strange, I mean the people ended up contacting the news and telling them they wanted to remain anonymous and they were not getting engaged just reenacting when they did. Seriously, the lady with the camera needs to control herself.
Confession…I have been loving the new blogs I follow. Even having email exchanges with some bloggers makes my freaking day. This community is so supportive, I want the comments I get to be plastered to my face each night when I start complaining. They always ground me and have the best advice.
Confession…It makes me laugh that so many people have dived into Arctic Zero after that review I did. You are all making me want more!
Confession… I will probably be staying with my dad in his hotel every night. I need a break, I need sleep and I know a hotel room will cure them. No triggers of the apartment for at least a few days. Plus, I feel like I don’t belong. He has moved all his stuff here so they are just in boxes around, I feel bad taking up space with my food so I barely have any around, they eat dinner together each night and I feel like I am intruding by sitting watching tv and blogging. I just feel in their way. 
Confession… I have been failing on the blogger meet up planning. I swear my DC friends I will pull it together. Apartment hunting is taking over my life currently. When I get my own place you better all be prepared for a potluck brunch!
Confession… if you didn’t already see, I caved and got a medium iced Dunkin Donuts coffee yesterday. Boy, did I need it. Rough night made 1000x better – thank you Jenna for the push.
Confession….I think I may take up meal planning. I know, if you know me that is a huge deal. I always hide from meal plans or any sort of pre-planned preparation but I am just in a food funk. I want to try new things and get creative in the kitchen. Also, I definitely am not buying enough food altogether. Spending $30 a week is barely scraping by but I do it. Planning a recipe to make each night would make I think could help me in the long run. This guilt of spending money needs to end.
Confession…the front desk lady of where I live now hates me. I mean actually down right hates me. I think it started with me getting a lot of packages (whoops) and then getting locked out (second whoops). I asked her for the mail and she was sitting in this chair. She looked at me and said ‘does it look like I want to get up and get your mail.’ I took that as a no. Can I move yet?
Confession… you remember that Healthy Surprise box I got? Well now you can get $5 off your order by using the code therunwithin. Go do it… now! 
Confession… I am still in awe of people not wanting to throw things at me for all my complaining I have been doing on the blog lately. I swear I am not normally a negative nancy. Did I mention you all rock?
My dad comes today! Yipeeeeeee
Questions: What are your Thursday confessions? Any special things happening to you today?
Hey, it’s your blog so you can complain if you want to. I’ve been there and I realize it’s a lot of stress financially finding an apartment and moving (after all I just moved last month). Plus I understand how stressful it is post-college because jobs don’t pay that much but you still have to spend tons of money and food is not cheap! Just hang in there and hopefully you will get a raise eventually and get up on your feet- don’t feel bad accepting help from the parents if you have to, you gotta do what you gotta do, and it’s better for you to be healthier in the long run accepting help than just having too much pride to do it. After all, one day you’ll be able to help your parents out- that’s what families. Good luck with the apartment!
I know my family is all more than willing to help out, I guess I just tend to drown in those guilty feelings. I have to shake that! You are so sweet for saying all those things, a second opinion always helps me stay grounded.
Good luck with the big apartment decision – I’m sure you’ll make the best of any situation!
thanks Claire, I know I just have to go with my gut.
Oh shucks. You need your kitchen! I think the old couple one sounds good.
It’ll be like living in your own house! hehe Take a place you’ll be more comfortable living in. Take the help your parents are giving you if needed and repay them with a vacation trip or something in the future! They’ll love it! And uhh you pay the same price as your roommate … you are not in the way. I know how you feel. But I learned giving them room will make them more prone to do whatever the heck they want and not care about your feelings! Your blog … complain all you want. Else those people that hate it can go away! 
I know I shouldn’t feel bad about being here but I really do. I just feel like a fly on the wall that won’t go away. I tend to just have those guilty feelings a lot. Thanks for those nice words!
I know. I’ve been in your place. But once you move out you’ll be SO happy. haha
I know! It makes that moving out feeling seem so much better.
Man I give YOU credit for being so tolerant about your roommate’s boyfriend- I am not so sure I’d be so accommodating! At the end of the day, you’re paying rent so they have no right to make you feel like an intrusion in your own home. On the bright side, at least it gives you a reason to stay in the hotel with your dad…and let’s be honest, staying in a hotel is always fun. Hope breakfast comes complimentary
!
I wish breakfast came complimentary, that would have topped it. I agree, hotel living will be nice for a little. I just feel so bad about being here! It is really pushing me to the up the apartment searching frenzy.
I have a VERY awesome coffeedate later today! And if your parents are offering to help you just a little bit til you get your feet on the ground – TAKE IT! As long as it’s not putting them into financial trouble, I would definitely do it. Parents are there to support you, and if it means you living in a SAFE place and one that you will be able to relax a little bit then do it… It doesn’t have to be forever, just the time being. When people offer to help, they often mean it
I am always loving hearing from people on their take so thank you for this. I know I shouldn’t feel guilty and they won’t have to pay for my sister during that time so they said they could help a little for a few months which will let me see if maybe I can afford it by myself.
Aww I’m sorry about all your frustration lately, but you’re holding on! I hope you have a great time with your dad. I am the same way with money, however I am not in your situation yet… don’t want to know how I will be! Stay strong.
And you’re not bothering anyone! This is YOUR blog so vent!
Ha, you are so sweet. Luckily, I think my frustration is really pushing me to take charge of the apartment searching. I have been calling and calling rather than just sitting and waiting. got to take action!
I’m in the process of looking for a new place to live, too…ugh what a chore it is!
I’m sorry you’ve been complaining a lot lately…boo!
But hey, like the other commenters said…it’s your blog girl- do what you need to do!
All of the e-cards that you posted CRACKED ME Up.
Love those things
xo
I seem to always find an card that I am like, dang that is me right now! Apartment hunting just takes a lot of diligence, and with a job, that is no fun. I hope you have better luck than I have.
Hey when you’re stressed…venting on here can definitely help! Just in my opinion, I think the apartment with the gym/pool and everything that your boss lives in sounds awesome. i KNOW it’s more than you want to spend but if you think about how much it costs to join a gym, get to the gym, have a pool, blah blah blah…the price of being in that building probably makes sense and it’s convenient. my friend who lives in pitt has a living area just like this and she said it’s the best thing ever because the gym is right there and she didn’t have to go join one where she would have to drive to and in the winter months this is awesome…just giving you my insight. also if your parents want to help..it does suck but consider taking it. my parents couldn’t care less about their money if its doing something to help someone especially their children so i’m sure yours are the same way, they sound sweet
i don’t mean to tell you what to do at all or anything like that but sometimes it helps to have an outside person give you an opinion.
I think that is where my mind is right now, I just think overall the costs will outweigh the other things I would have to spend money on. It makes me feel a lot better to hear your friend’s perspective. I just keep second guessing myself. I need those outside opinions badly.
The money situation for an apartment is such a bummer, but what I have learned is that you really need to pick the right location — not necessarily the cool location, but a safe one that you are comfortable in. Even if it’s a little more, TRUST me, you would rather forego some other activities that need money instead of feeling unhappy in an apartment! Also, meal planning is a great idea, it definitely makes things go smoothly in the kitchen
I think safety is a huge thing for me and i am staying away from those ‘cooler’ places just because there is no way I could afford it. Got to be smart here! I am thinking when I get my own place I will most certainly do some meal planning. Just getting creative will feel nice.
I would say, let your parents help you- if/when you had kids, you’d want to do the same for them and having a kitchen is important (not to stick my nose in!!).
I need advice like that! I seriously love hearing people’s opinions because for someone second guessing herself, it is super helpful!
I’m totally with you on the whole “it seems like all people do is blog and workout thing” I’ll admit when I was in school and jobless in the beginning of the summer I was one of those people (minus money for expensive crossfit classes), but now I only have time for one post and I have to write it at night so I can get it published before I go to work in the morning.
PS- your blog is amazing! You don’t need fancy smoothies and classes to make it so great. Just keep doing what you’re doing and everyone will keep coming back for more!
Alyssa, you are amazing. That made my day! I think I just get trapped in that jealousy circle which is never a good thing, green does not work well for me as I said.
okay so, my advice.. I would let your parents help you with the rent and get a place you are going to be happy with. You have been waiting to move out, and you don’t want to move into a place you are miserable in. It’s not worth it. You will learn to manage your money and eventually you wont have to have your parents help you. Trust me.. you want to be happy in your apt!
Ya, I think I have always struggled with people wanting to help and me feeling guilty for letting them. I need to let that go!
Finding an apartment in DC is no easy task – I feel ya! In college, I settled for one near campus but also had to settle with roaches and a tiny kitchen – ugh!
There are so many of those tough choices, it is like you are trading up one thing for another. Crossing my fingers for some good luck!
I think you should take your parents up on their offer, think about how happy you would be at that place, it has a fitness center! Your wieght training whoes would be solved! pool and good location, you can’t beat that, I get why you wouldnt want to get it but think about how much happier you will be and i think your parents will rest a little easier knowing you are happy!
Yes, that is a huge pull for that one. Plus, I could meet new people in the building which is a big thing for me. I am leaning towards that one, checking it out today!
You’re not a Negative Nancy! It’s your blog, lady
I really hope this apartment search remedies itself soon!! I can’t wait to hear all about your new place when you find it!
Aw thanks. I don’t know why but getting it all out put me in a 1000x better mood already!
Alex, that is your place, too! You have every right to keep your food there. That frustrates me so much that they’re so rude to you..grr. And don’t feel bad about “complaining;” you’re not! You’re just saying what you’re feeling. Nothing wrong with that at all. And I can relate to you on almost everything you say, even if I don’t say it in my own blog.
I think it would be really awesome to live in the basement with that older couple! However, you gotta remember that you need to do what is going to be best for YOU; whatever is going to make you happiest.
Ya, I am just not the type of person to speak up. EEk. Need to work on that. We are the same person, it is crazy. I need to meet you!
I totally feel you on the green
I get envious of people that have awesome jobs or can afford to stay home with their kids (I stay home with Logan but have to work 2 part time jobs to do that) I also don’t have any extra spending money for weight sets, races, new shoes or anything else athletic for that matter. I eat as clean as money allows me at this time and I workout with whatever I can for free at home 
If I were you I’d pick the more expensive apartment. The other one doesn’t have a kitchen!!!! and I’d take my parents help!
Ya, I am thinking there are some options I have to consider.
From a girl who LOVES to not spend money.. Seriously like, I have started sewing my own clothes status.. I say take your parents up on their offer and get the place you like! There are SO many benefits that will probably pay off in the end.. And it’s not fun to torture yourself in a crappy apartment with no kitchen. You need to put yourself in an environment where you can thrive, girl!
Also, regarding the meet-up, it’s fine, take your time.. I’m definitely not going anywhere until August! And regarding your question about races to me, I haven’t looked at any but I want to find one over Thanksgiving-ish or in October that I can do when I come back from school!! Let me know if you find any! I hope you have fun with your dad, girl!
I like that time of year to run so I am so up for that. Depending on when I move, I hope to do a blogger meet up at my apartment and do a brunch. Fun fun.
so many things to respond to!
1.) i think if you want to be happy in your home i think you need to splurge and take help from art and barb when offered. you are experiencing living somewhere where you are not happy, and i think if you settle you will be unhappy again. I also think you should check out the place with the older couple! put on your best alex face (which is your always face…cuz youre the best…see what i did there hehe) and they will love you!
2.) check youtube for fitness workouts! thats where I find a lot of good ones and they probably have bikram videos as well…just crank up your thermostat for the full effect haha
3.) send art my love!!
4.) if you ever need a dunks kick let me know i can be very persuasive. i am so glad you felt better after!
i love you girl! hang in there
aw man, when I get my own place you better freaking visit. I miss you like whoa. that is all. dunkin donuts date when I get back is a must.
i’m so happy for you and your dad-time you have coming up! i always feel so refreshed after spending time with my mom – she really is my best friend! i hope you have a great thursday and happy hunting for those apartments. you’ll find something that’s right for you and you’ll know it when you do!
I hope my mom comes when I actually move, I need some female help with the whole decorating part.
I just started reading this blog, and I have no idea how I found it actually!!! Funny how that happens in the blog world. Anyway, I am also a college student, and I feel like I relate to you SO MUCH about the money worries things. When I can’t snag my parents groceries and take them with me, I have to worry about grocery shopping and I feel so guilty even spending money on things I need! Which leads to me not buying enough food and thinking how stupid I was. We will learn
We are seriously the same person with this. I am glad you started reading, now I need to go check out yours. I love new readers, it seriously makes my day.
Yay for blog friends!! I get super jazzed getting email and comments from my online homies too!! Good luck with the apartment..pooo for not finding one yet =/.
Blog friends are the best, I am in heaven with all my bloggie buddies.
Apartment renting can be such a bother. I majored in Property Management and have worked at a number of different communitites. I interned at a property in Alexandria, VA a few years back and loved it! The management company is amazing and they have properties all over th DC Metro area. They are called Equity Residential. I don’t know if you have checked out their properties, but I would highly recommend it!
I have been looking at a few places with that management. Good to know they are good!
No lies, I totally ordered healthy surprise boxes AND got obsessed with Arctic Zero all thatnks to you!
And the apartment situation…Money makes everything more difficult, but when I moved to Raleigh last fall I was deciding the same kind of thing – there was an apartment I liked with roommates that I’d really clicked with, but it was kinda pricy, and there was a dirt-cheap house with three girls that I didn’t really like and it was in a sketchy neighborhood. My dad was like “I would rather you live somewhere that you feel safe, comfortable and happy and have to pay more for it than live somewhere you’re uncomfortable and miserable”. I know it’s not always fun accepting help from your parents, but I definitely think you should take them up on it! It’s not admitting weakness/helplessness or anything – it’s just smart. So many people would kill to have parents that would help them out like that! BUT whatever happens I do hope you find somewhere that you’re happy! And don’t even worry about whether you “complain” too much, you definitely don’t!! I’d rather read your blog than anyone who tries to make everything seem like unicorns and rainbows all the time 
You are awesome and continuously make me laugh. I am feeling the same way, I would rather get a lot with the building and feel comfortable without paying too much. I know my parents will help a little but I want to make sure not too much. I am glad I got you obsessed on good things… hope you got the discount for the healthy surprise box. Did you see I won an arctic zero giveaway? I’m in heaven!
haha I love that someecard at the bottom of this post. Too funny. I love your blog and reading about your day to day life! It makes me miss being with my friends in DC
I went to college up in that area so I know lots of peeps there.
DC really is a cool place, going to college here must have been awesome.
Our home should be a safe haven…where you can feel most comfortable and peaceful. I second going for the better apartment! You seem super responsible with your money. Thinking about you throughout all transition!
That is why an apartment is so important to me right now, I feel the same way.
Aw- embrace the complaining! We all know you’re sweet anyways… which brings me to my next point- the old couple will love you. It sounds like it could be a nice place!
Ya, the couple thing though may just not work out. I had to sign a place and not wait that long.
Dunkin Donuts—yessssss! I can definitely relate on needing a personal space. If you go between work and somewhere that’s not really home, it only adds to the stress!
so true, this place is just killer. How do people afford it here!