Sorry for the taunt and run. I was making drinks and then jumping and clapping thanks to Lee's taunt and conning a big kitty out from under my bed and throwing a stuffed hedgehog down the hall for the dog. (Katie may be a little allergic to the dog, though.)

Oh, and making sure I logged out of my laptop before Katie got hold of it. That's the important part.

But while I'm here - I must say that I've been very fortunate to have so many wonderful 'ffistas visit my little corner of the world. Very fortunate indeed.

Glad you guys are having fun, Nicole. Stock up on the Claritin, Katie!

I'm jealous of all the trips. I don't think my budget will allow anymore travel this year and I really want to go somewhere for at least a few days. Either that or cajole some Buffistas into visiting my fair corner of the midwest. I've got a spare bedroom!

Clearly, I shall have to think about this more, if only to see the jumping and clapping in person.

P-C, if it speaks to you, put a deposit on it NOW NOW NOW.

What Kristin said.

Signed, Juneau renter

t waving to other traveling 'ffistas

We're at a diner near our hotel in Seattle. Jealous of KB having Nicole and vice versa. Hoping Sail finds money to come back to LA sometime soon. Giggling at libkitty's post.

Have lost pronouns. Luckily have GPS geek toy to find once more.

P-C, my apartment was the second one I saw. I've been here three years now, and have no plans to go anywhere until that magical day when I might be able to buy something. If it feels right, go for it.

(For that matter, I have friends who i bought the first place they looked at, and almost lost out on it because they felt so weird about not hunting further. And they lurve it.)

I just had that feeling about it, you know? The major downside is that it's almost a mile from BART, which would mean a long walk every day back and forth.

P-C, is the walk through safe neighborhoods? You know, after you're working full time for a while, there's this inclination not to do too much physical activity. Having a walk like that built into your day would be healthy for you? I know nothing about SF public transit. Is there any busline nearby between the apt and the BART for really inclement weather?

One thing that always surprised me about both apartment hunting and house hunting was how fast you have to move, considering the enormity (to me, anyhow) of the decision. I mean sheeesh, I have to *live* here. There ought to be a few months to think it over, but it doesn't work like that.

I say if/since it's affordable, and since you otherwise like it, you spend your time weighing the transportation issue, and if you like it, go for it.

If you miss out, something else will come along.

My house that I own is the only one I seriously looked at (I toured a couple more just to qualify for a loan the city has for first-time buyers). Oh and I moved into my house in SF where I lived for 5 years without having ever seen it. My friends I moved with rented it.

If you are worried you won't want to walk a mile, get a bike. Even an old beater that you won't worry about getting stolen. Then the mile will fly by!

Good luck!

In news of me, I'm home for the 3rd day this week with a stupid, stupid cold that will not go away and just seems to be getting worse. Fortunately I can work at home, so it's no big, but I'm tired of not feeling right. In conclusion, waaaaah.

P-C, if it speaks to you, put a deposit on it NOW NOW NOW.

My thought as well. Is BART bike friendly? Most of our transportation is at a distance, but very bike friendly. All the buses and trains have bike areas.

Have fun Katie Bee and Nicole! Hug each other for me. Twice.

Hey, folks. My grandpa passed away a little after midnight last night. It was expected, and as far as we know (according to the doctor, that is -- we aren't just guessing), he wasn't in any pain, and it was peaceful. Now the family tries to cope. Ack.

A few pictures: Grandpa a few years ago. From his Army days. Grandpa's writing days.

I'm headed over to my Mom's, so I won't be around for a lot of the day. But good coping vibes sent toward my family would be much appreciated.