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I don’t want to jinx us, but I think we found a place to live in Charlotte!  :)  I’m really excited.  It has most of the things we wanted – location, new kitchen and two bathrooms, and a pretty front yard.  It’s a two bedroom, which isn’t the best situation because one room is my office.  But… the price is right and it’s overwhelmingly wonderful!  We’re meeting with the landlord tomorrow, and then we’ll make our decision!

 

We house hunted all day… Honestly, if you’re looking for a new house/apartment to rent, the best advice I can give you is just get in your car and start to drive.  Most places don’t advertise themselves on the Internet, they just put a sign out front.  That’s how you find the gems!

 

Snack:

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These Fruition bars are really good!  I tested them before they were ‘officially’ released and it seems like they made some tweaks (like gooey pockets of raspberry) and it’s even better.

 

Lunch was a tofu noodle bowl from a sushi restaurant:

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Grilled tofu!  I was seriously craving a slab of grilled tofu. 

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I ordered the Udon noodle bowl, Yaki-style, with extra veggie and grilled tofu.  I ate about 1/2… it was great.  It never hurts to ask for healthy modifications.

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The Husband and I came back to the hotel around 5:30 and now we’re relaxing by the really gorgeous pool.  I jumped into the water but it was WAY too chilly… BRR!

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I’m so relieved we have pretty much made a decision.  If we don’t get the place I wrote about above, we have a great back-up that we’d be pleased with, too.  So, hopefully this process will be over by noon tomorrow, and I can spend the rest of the trip relaxing.  I’ve been kind of surprised by how nervous this process is making me.  My stomach was literally in knots all day.  I can’t wait to feel settled…  Soon, my friends – soon!

{ 65 comments }

 

  • Amanda @ Organic Eats June 3, 2010, 6:18 pm

    I know exactly how you feel! My husband and I just went through that process 3 weeks ago!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 3, 2010, 6:20 pm

    Congrats on finding a great place! I’m glad to hear it all worked out. And oh my goodness, does that noodle bowl look AMAZING? It doesn’t help matters that my stomach is growling right now, but I could honestly eat the screen. Noodles + tofu + veggies sound soooo goood to me right now!

  • Lisa June 3, 2010, 6:20 pm

    Hope you get the right place! I agree, I found a few apartments by just driving around. Usually it was at the end of the day, I was frustrated and tired and ready to give up.

  • Erin June 3, 2010, 6:24 pm

    We actually found our rental through a realtor. Never would have thought to do that if my mom hadn’t suggested it! I feel you on the anxiety, though.

    Although, I thought you said in a previous post that you wanted 2 bedrooms? Or was it just that you really wanted 3 but would settle for 2?

    • Caitlin June 3, 2010, 6:48 pm

      Wanted 3 but realized quickly it was out of our price range with the quality we want.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 3, 2010, 6:24 pm

    That is so exciting Caitlin! I bet that feels like such a great weight off of your shoulders.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite June 3, 2010, 6:27 pm

    What great news!! Best of luck 🙂

  • Julia June 3, 2010, 6:30 pm

    I totally agree that driving around is the best way to find the little gems, that’s how we did it! I’m glad you like your new potential place!!!!

  • Diann June 3, 2010, 6:34 pm

    I’ve been hoping you’d find a great place. I’m in the middle of finding a rental, too, and so I know what you’re going through. One place is awesome inside but on a really busy street with lots of truck noise. The other place is ok inside but perfect location. Grrr! Good luck getting your first choice!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) June 3, 2010, 6:36 pm

    I love the feeling of knowing you found it – almost as much as knowing it’s yours! I remember when The Boy and I were getting ready to graduate and move to Cincinnati. We spent a LOT of time apartment hunting, and didn’t end up finding a place until a month before we moved. I was so happy once we had the deposit paid and were all set to sign the lease – it was such a relief.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is June 3, 2010, 6:37 pm

    Very exciting! Congrats!

  • Alison June 3, 2010, 6:38 pm

    I’m so glad you found a potential new home. I know what a relief that must be. Not knowing where you’re going to live is very unnerving. That’s my least favorite part of being married to a career Army guy; when we move, I cannot relax until we’re at our new duty station with a house to call home.
    Now that you’ve eliminated some major stress, I hope you can really relax and enjoy your time in Charlotte.

  • Jenna June 3, 2010, 6:40 pm

    Yayy, congrats! Half of the battle is just plain old finding the place! I am hoping that everything works out for you! 🙂

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 3, 2010, 6:42 pm

    So glad you may have found your new home! I hope we get to see pictures of it eventually! 🙂 Also, that hotel pool looks so nice – is that the same hotel that serves the crappy breakfast?

    • Caitlin June 3, 2010, 6:49 pm

      Yes! Weird huh?

  • Kacy June 3, 2010, 6:43 pm

    Sounds like a great place! I hope it works out!!!

  • Sarah for Real June 3, 2010, 6:45 pm

    Oh yeah! I’m so happy for you! Your lunch looks tasty. It’s about the last thing I would order at a sushi place (but that’s because I’m not a vegetarian) but for a non-sushi thing, it’s way better than the teriyaki that’s usually available.

  • Kellie June 3, 2010, 6:45 pm

    I hope everything works out. I know how stressful it can be looking for a place to rent. Just remember, everything always works for the best.

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 3, 2010, 6:47 pm

    That’s so awesome! I can’t wait to hear more about it. Was it in Myers Park, East Boulevard, or Elizabeth? 🙂
    Also, what was that restaurant called? That looks absolutely divine!!

    • Caitlin June 3, 2010, 6:50 pm

      It’s in myers park 🙂

    • Cindi June 3, 2010, 10:03 pm

      That looks like Sushi 101 on Park Rd. – right??? Place is great for their sushi lunch specials!

      Congrats on finding a place – hopefully all goes smoothly tomorrow!

  • Danielle (Runs on Green) June 3, 2010, 7:01 pm

    Congrats on finding a place! 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 3, 2010, 7:05 pm

    Awwww congratulations!!! So exciting!!!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 3, 2010, 7:05 pm

    YAY! I hope that it all works out for you!!!

  • Evan Thomas June 3, 2010, 7:08 pm

    My fingers and toes are crossed for you!

  • Angie June 3, 2010, 7:11 pm

    Yea! Hope you get it!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries June 3, 2010, 7:16 pm

    So, so, so happy for you! I’m actually sipping a beer right now, so allow me to take this opportunity to cheers in your honor 😀

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) June 3, 2010, 7:25 pm

    great! so glad you found something, fingers crossed!

  • jenny June 3, 2010, 7:26 pm

    Hopefully it works out! So glad the process is almost over for you

  • Wei-Wei June 3, 2010, 7:53 pm

    Congratulations! I’m glad to hear that your house-hunting has finally paid off! That’s a good strategy – thanks for sharing 😀

    Lunch looks faaaabulous. Asian food FTW! XD

    Wei-Wei

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run June 3, 2010, 7:54 pm

    Wow! Congratulations!! I’m actually impressed by how quickly you did that. I know it was a lot of stress and work, but I feel like this process can take weeks sometimes!! Keeping my fingers crossed that it’ll all be official tomorrow. 🙂

  • Jen June 3, 2010, 8:05 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! I hope it all works out 🙂

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) June 3, 2010, 8:06 pm

    Wherever my bf and I move next year for his residency, I wanna make sure it’s in a WALKABLE city..i’m sick of driving everywhere and getting honked at by cars when I TRY to walk! Good luck!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove June 3, 2010, 8:07 pm

    Fingers crossed! Just wait til you are ready to buy. . . talk about stress!

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! June 3, 2010, 8:10 pm

    What a relief! I’ve heard that moving is one of the most stressful events a person can experience, so 1/2 of the battle is almost over.

    That tofu and noodle dish looks GOOD.

  • Serena June 3, 2010, 8:19 pm

    That tofu looks delish! I actually have a tofu question for you, because you seem to eat a lot of it. I do too and I love it, but I sometimes wonder about all of the articles that suggest processed soy products aren’t great for you and that you should limit your intake. I’d love it if you did a tofu/soy protein post where you shared your thoughts on eating soy products – I imagine you’d present a well-thought out position so I’m curious to hear what you think of all the conflicting research out there!

    • caitlin June 3, 2010, 10:53 pm

      I’ve kind of addressed the issue before, but never in a complete post. basically, my thinking is that the evidence is mixed so I try not to eat TONS or eat it everyday, but in moderation. a little bit can’t hurt!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 3, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Congrats! I hope you get it! 🙂

    I have a question about those Fruition bars – are they peanut/nut free? I’ve been searching everywhere for healthy and tasty bars that I can actually eat!

  • Dani June 3, 2010, 8:37 pm

    So glad you have some concrete options! I was afraid you guys weren’t going to find anything in Charlotte…It can get OUTRAGEOUSLY pricey up there. I keep looking to see if i recognize any of the restaurants…Caitlin! You have to try Nova Bakery while youre there! It’s at 1511 Central Avenue. Cheap, and the best bread I’ve ever had!

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health June 3, 2010, 8:39 pm

    YAY! That is such a huge life decision…you must be so relieved to have found what you want. *fingers crossed!!*

  • Casey June 3, 2010, 8:40 pm

    Hope the place pans out!

  • Mindy June 3, 2010, 8:43 pm

    Yeah, that’s awesome! So excited for you guys! Hoping it all works out!!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] June 3, 2010, 8:58 pm

    I knew something would come your way!

    Boy, that tofu noodle bowl is right up my alley – though, at a sushi restaurant, it’s hard to resist the rolls : )

    Best wishes tmrw!

  • Erin June 3, 2010, 9:00 pm

    House hunting is SO stressful — I just moved into a new apartment — but absolutely worth it once you’re settled and happy in a new place.

  • Cathy June 3, 2010, 9:06 pm

    New reader so I’m not sure if you’ve discussed this in the previous posts but I’ve noticed you wear something around the knees when you work out and I was wondering what that is/what it is for. I’m asking because I have knee problems which prevents me from running as much as I would like and was wondering if the cushions on the knees would help. Love the blog by the way! I’ve become a fan.

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ June 3, 2010, 9:08 pm

    What a nice hotel pool. That lunch looks really good, hope you found a place. 🙂

  • Becky June 3, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I absolutely love your blog! You’re seriously such an inspiration. I used to play soccer religiously until high school when homework and AP classes became much more important. Now in my senior year (soon to be graduated!) I’ve realized I’m at a healthy weight for my size, but I feel like I could still be healthier.
    So now I’m starting to run and your advice of taking it slow is one I am most definitely going to follow! I think that starting too fast really discouraged me previously and so I just gave up.

    Oh and your Operation Beautiful is amazing! I’m slowly making that transition into finding the beauty in myself. Thank you so much for all of the advice you post, you’re really impacting my life!

    Last thing, we will be semi-neighbors soon! My family is moving to Columbia, SC but I will be attending Florida State University in the summer!

    • caitlin June 3, 2010, 10:55 pm

      thank you so much for the sweetie comment :0

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com June 3, 2010, 9:11 pm

    Yay for almost having a place to stay! 🙂

  • Heather June 3, 2010, 9:41 pm

    Good luck!!! House/apartment hunting is the worst, but when you find a place you love, it all seems worth it.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 3, 2010, 9:55 pm

    WOw that’s great that you found something so fast!!

  • Mary June 3, 2010, 9:57 pm

    HOORAY!! finally! i knew you’d find something!

  • kirsten June 3, 2010, 10:00 pm

    I totally know how you feel! my husband and I found a new apartment, applied for it and it took them 12 DAYS to do our credit check. I was nervous the whole time that we wouldn’t get it. Luckily we did, but the lease had the wrong move in date on it so now we are waiting until they fix that. I hate moving! such a stressful process!!

  • Amy B. June 3, 2010, 10:30 pm

    The Amyloidosis Foundation estimates that approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with amyloidosis each year in North America and that blood cancers overall have increased more than 40% in the last decade.

  • Nicole, RD June 3, 2010, 11:12 pm

    Fingers crossed you found the one! And the grilled tofu does look pretty wonderful 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 3, 2010, 11:14 pm

    Yay! I hope it all works out. I am not looking forward to when we kick our search into high gear and I might actually fall in love with a place we don’t end up getting. But what is meant to happen, will happen!

  • Michelle June 3, 2010, 11:33 pm

    Aw, you are staying right by my work 🙂 Hope you are enjoying the Queen City so far, looking forward to meeting you at Kath’s!

  • Jessica Lee June 3, 2010, 11:34 pm

    congrats, hope it’s the ONE! i LOVE udon noodles, such a chewy bite. glad you are liking tofu more and more 🙂

  • Helen June 4, 2010, 1:54 am

    Congrats! You so deserve it with all the hard work you guys have put in. I really hope you get it, it sounds great!

  • Julia @ www.britbride.com June 4, 2010, 4:34 am

    Sounds great – we are in a constant state of house hunting as we don’t “have” to move… I agree the gems are always the ones you stumble across!!

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Laurie June 4, 2010, 9:09 am

    That’s wonderful Catlin! Hope you guys get it! Charlotte looks like a great place to live!

  • Marissa June 4, 2010, 11:01 am

    Ahh exciting! Can’t wait to see how it goes! I have my fingers crossed for you!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 5, 2010, 11:32 am

    So glad to hear you may have found a place!!! Is there a basement that you can add a bedroom to?

    • caitlin June 5, 2010, 1:06 pm

      nope 🙁

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