I love real estate shows. Anything to do with houses, I'm in. Flip 'em, renovate 'em, sell 'em, its all good. Last night i was watching one of my new fave shows. Usually it deals with the development and selling of large condo projects and is headed by one of my favourite characters on television.
This season, they also mix in a person or couple looking for a piece of property to either invest or live in. This is where i encountered Mr. Single 40's divorced male and i have a bone to pick with him. He was looking for a condo or loft conversion to live in because after years of living in one of our tonier neighbourhoods, in a house, he wanted to experience the "young vibrant" downtown lifestyle. Kudos to him and may the universe bless him in his search! I'm sure we'd all love to have north of a million bucks to spend on a home of any kind.
First stop on the show, the Tip Top Tailor lofts. Amazing building. One of the few primo examples of Art Deco architecture we've managed to hang on to in this city. Beautiful location, right on the waterfront. The unit itself was ungodly large, 2700 square feet 2 beds, at least one gigantic bathroom ( the party bathroom as the agent referred to it) and not bad views. A winner in almost every sense of the word. Gazing thoughtfully out of one of the windows, S40'sdm asked with a trace of fear and loathing, " Is that subsidized housing next door?"
Herein lies the problem. Part of living downtown in this city, is that people of lower economic means are NOT restricted to a few areas. We're all over. I pictured S40'sdm lying awake in bed shivering at the thought of having to see and ewwww possibly interact with someone who makes less than 100k per year.
What i love about downtown is the absolute variety of folks, all residing and thriving with each other. All sizes, shapes, colours, persuasions mostly and usually living not only peacefully, but with great sense of community. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but there always are, even in the "best" neighbourhoods.
So, Mr. S40'sDM, i respect the fact that if you are going to pay the big bucks for your home, you'll want to feel comfortable and safe. I just don't think you're ready for the "vibrant" downtown lifestyle just yet.
xo
Neil
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I Worry Way Too Much!
So, two days ago, my mother decided she wanted to come downtown to visit me and have lunch. As soon as i hung up the phone, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over me. I'm not sure why. I love my mom and we are really close. I just couldn't escape the feeling that something was wrong.
She battled cancer 3 years ago successfully and i remember the horror that i felt the day she rounded up my brothers and I to let us know what was going on. I couldn't escape the feeling that this visit was for a similar purpose. One thing that i've inherited from her is a tendency to worry endlessly and needlessly.
Luckily i've also been blessed with her dark sense of humour. We are a family that loves to tease each other. I've often told her that because she "accidentally" dropped my on my head when i was a baby, that that activated my gayness. That i was conceived in the back seat of her car after too many drinks and I'm sure she's one of the few mothers around who gets it and laughs when i walk into her house and announce that my aids hurts!!
She arrived at the apartment in her brand new car nick named Cammy ( its a Toyota Camry...see...funny!!). She looked good, I mean I did just see her at my and my brother's dual b-day celebration. A pretty white-trash affair that was, bowling on a Sunday afternoon, but we had a blast, we were the only people there, and i actually one a game!
I couldn't stop scanning her face for any sign that anything was wrong. Nothing. The same bright and lovely mom I've always known. Finally mustering up some courage I asked if she was ok, you now, OK.
"Neil" she replied, "As if i'd drag my ass all the way downtown to tell you i was sick, you know i'd make you come to me if that was the case. You worry way too much! Now lets go get some lunch, cruise the gayborhood and look at some cute guys, you've been single way way too long!"
Whew and thank the universe she's alright!!!!
And yeah, I worry way too much
xo
Neil
She battled cancer 3 years ago successfully and i remember the horror that i felt the day she rounded up my brothers and I to let us know what was going on. I couldn't escape the feeling that this visit was for a similar purpose. One thing that i've inherited from her is a tendency to worry endlessly and needlessly.
Luckily i've also been blessed with her dark sense of humour. We are a family that loves to tease each other. I've often told her that because she "accidentally" dropped my on my head when i was a baby, that that activated my gayness. That i was conceived in the back seat of her car after too many drinks and I'm sure she's one of the few mothers around who gets it and laughs when i walk into her house and announce that my aids hurts!!
She arrived at the apartment in her brand new car nick named Cammy ( its a Toyota Camry...see...funny!!). She looked good, I mean I did just see her at my and my brother's dual b-day celebration. A pretty white-trash affair that was, bowling on a Sunday afternoon, but we had a blast, we were the only people there, and i actually one a game!
I couldn't stop scanning her face for any sign that anything was wrong. Nothing. The same bright and lovely mom I've always known. Finally mustering up some courage I asked if she was ok, you now, OK.
"Neil" she replied, "As if i'd drag my ass all the way downtown to tell you i was sick, you know i'd make you come to me if that was the case. You worry way too much! Now lets go get some lunch, cruise the gayborhood and look at some cute guys, you've been single way way too long!"
Whew and thank the universe she's alright!!!!
And yeah, I worry way too much
xo
Neil
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