the only problem with trying to decide whether or not to move is in assigning weights to various requirements, and deciding which ones are less important. i thought i would go out and start looking at some places and maybe that would help me decide, using the time-tested technique of “if i find someplace i really like, i will move; otherwise, i will stay/keep looking.” but this backfires somewhat when i (a) come back home to my apartment and the damn furnace kicks on while i am trying to watch “Hell’s Kitchen,” and (b) then i can’t decide which things i should be flexible about.

f’rinstance: i saw a place after work yesterday that was nearly ideal but a little small (like, potentially have to get rid of my elliptical-small — which is less important given that they have a fitness room in the building, but i like having my own private elliptical; that’s why i got it), and a little farther than ‘easy walking distance to work.’ but how important are those relative to the heated assigned garage parking, the in-unit washer/dryer, the incredible amount of closet/cabinet storage space, and the cute-as-all-get-out cat flap in the closet door for clever hiding of the catbox, and the nice landlady? it’s a tough call. i really don’t understand why i have such problems making decisions. i’m pretty sure if i were still seeing my shrink she’d shrug and advise me to break out my strategic problem-solving magic phrase: “fuck it!”

(also, i still am resisting the idea that i have to pay $1500 to live in the south loop. stupid trendy neighborhood massive condo buildouts. i was there first! whine, whine, whine. although, i must admit, if i do the math — the difference between the aggregated costs of living here, with high utilities and paying for the laundry fairies, etc., and the aggregated costs of living there (imagine! a $30 gas bill! in winter! gosh, that caulk must be great stuff. i wish i had me some of that.), actually works out to about $150 more; less if i walked/biked and gave up my $75/mo 30-day transit pass. … man, i just *had* to do the numbers this morning, didn’t i. great. like i wasn’t already on the fence enough.)