Must Love Dogs

Whoever thought having a dog would make finding an apartment so difficult? Granted it has been a long time since I rented an apartment (college) and if I was a landlord not sure how I would feel about dogs in my place but gosh it is San Diego where it appears every other person has a dog! I ran into a lot of "We only want dogs 25 lbs and under" situations...well sorry... I have no desire to own a rat as a pet or carry my dog in my purse. Then of course there were the "Breed Discriminations" ...now believe me I am not an idiot...Pit Bulls are not fan favorites...no crap! So it's not like I go advertising that we assume Roxie has Pit and Dalmatian in her...let's be honest...her face kinda gives her Pit Bull genes away! So I tried to be coy and say she was a "Mutt" or a "Mixed Breed" then they wanted a letter from my vet and dog references? Dog references? Seriously? How ridiculous! But there is no question I will not be leaving my precious Roxie back home...I don't think I would enjoy San Diego half as much if I didn't have her with me and when I move out here and don't know anyone poor Roxie and I will be sitting on the couch together alone...I simply need her out here. So it's worth the frustration, the tears, the cuss words, the hours I spent driving up and down streets, the sore eyes I got from searching Craigslist and all the phone calls I made to random people asking "What is your pet policy and how strict do you follow it?" So I am leaving Cali bright and early tomorrow morning homeless. It was not part of the plan and we all know how I love a good plan to go exactly how I envision it :) But I keep telling myself it will all work out in the end...right? Right. So I might come back out again for a quick visit, or maybe use a relocation specialist, or hope that when I arrive in August I can find a place in 2 or 3 days with the help of my mom and Gran.

I considered extending my stay for a few days but I have been away from home for nearly 2 weeks now between Annapolis and San Diego. My poor Rox probably thinks I have abandoned her. So I will relax, go with the flow, and realize sometimes the more challenging and difficult things are worth it. I better end up with one sweet ass apartment near the beach!

So all in all while I wished I was walking away with a home I did have a wonderful week visit. I got to visit neighborhoods, really narrow down where I see myself living and fitting in, got to hit up the beach on Coronado, venture to Tijuana, Mexico, Bungee jump and hike 10 miles near Los Angeles, check out a San Diego Padres game, and of course enjoy hanging out with my friend Jake and most importantly...escaping the disgusting heat and humidity of the South. I actually got cold here one night!!

I am still excited to move here, still excited for the adventure and although this is a speed bump I know that it will all be ok. I have a month at home to enjoy my time with family and friends which is exactly what I plan to do!

PS-- Bungee jumping. INSANE. Highly recommend. Can't really compare it to sky diving but then again I was 18 and naive when I did that :) Well worth the hike and experience and of course well worth the bragging rights!