Job, Housing, onwards and upwards!

[mijan]

At the risk of jinxing myself, I'm going to tell everyone my latest news.  Earlier this week, I interviewed with Novartis, in Cambridge, MA, with its Oncology research team.  Well, the interview went extremely well, the boss likes me, and he told me that the only reason he's not telling me for 110% certain that I have the job is because technically he still has to interview someone.  I looked at him and said that because I live outside of Boston, before I can start working, I'd need to move closer.  So, I asked, should I start appartment hunting.  And he replied with a sheepish sort of grin, "Yeah, you really should."  Essentially, he pretty much told me that I have the job.

So, I needed to find an appartment.  I hit Craig's List, and found this: Three Openings in Cool Creative Shared House.
In other words:  Real house!  Nifty roommates!  Affordable rent!  Nice neighbourhood!  I already talked to the guy who's screening new people, and we really seemed to hit it off.  He also told me that he's screened dozens of people, and most of them, he told them within the first couple of minutes on the phone, or from the first e-mail, "Sorry, but you're not what I'm looking for."  In other words, he's being *very* careful about screening people, which makes me happy.  I'm heading out there today to scope out the place.  There are a couple of other options I'm looking at, but I'm *really* excited about this one, even sight-unseen.

Of course, if anyone here lives near Cambridge, MA, and has a spare room... *wink*  Let me know!

Now, if only I can find my pocket-knife, which I misplaced the day before yesterday, I'll be very happy!  I was using it to carve some wands... I made three really beautiful ones... and I put it down, and now I can't find it!  Bugger!  And when I went to look under my bed, I sliced my elbow open on the bedframe.  It's really quite bloody.  All that, and I still can't find it!

By the way, is anyone interested in ordering a hand-carved wand?  I'm still making them.

*huggles*
~P

Comments

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

I checked out the ad and it's down the street from where I used to live. Go figure. At first I thought it was my old house (since we sold it last year), but it sounds like it runs alongside the train tracks. Good location for commuter rail into Boston; also on Commonwealth Ave. near the Star Market is the bus directly into Boston. Basically, picture a perpendicular line where Comm Ave. runs west to east and Lexington Ave. runs north to south. To get to the Green Line (Riverside) go south on Lexington.
sounds like a fair price, since Auburndale is pricey, and good location. We loved living there but decided to look for a bigger house in a warmer climate. There's canoeing on the Charles River and lots of hiking and fun outdoorsy stuff for you to do, and easy to get around if you don't drive.

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

As far as Novartis goes, it's not far from the Arsenal Mall. I used to take a bus from Auburndale to Central Square, Waltham and then connect to the Arsenal Mall bus (#70 if I recall.) If you get the apartment and the job, feel free to ask me about the area.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Cool! I know some about Boston, but as for the Auburndale area itself, I only did a little bit of exploring today. I made it down to Newton Center, and some other places. I found the Breuggers Bagels place... mmm... bagels...
*grins*
I'll be sure to ask for advice! First off... where's the best grocery store? Also, is there a "Goodwill" store in the area? I need cheap furniture fast!

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

520 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge is the closest Goodwill store.
The closest grocery store is Star Market on Comm. Ave. right up the street from the train station. Shaw's bought it out last year, so they may have renamed it. In the same plaza is Bruegger's Bagels. (heaven!) My one complaint about living in Florida is that I have not found a Bruegger's down here yet. The best bagel, IMO, is the asiago bagel. I used to buy that and smear some bacon scallion cream cheese on it, every morning after dropping the kids of at school. Also, there is a Supercuts and dry cleaners, and Eastern Bank. In the next "village" West Newton, there is a great sushi place as well.
Pretty much almost making me homesick... ;)

[mijan.livejournal.com]

SQUEE! Lotsa stuff! I've got my work cut out for me.
Oh, and the Supercuts sounds like a good idea. I need a haircut. :p

[miraba.livejournal.com]

Breuggers? Noooooooo. You must go to Rosenfeld's.
The best produce store in the area is Russo's (it's right by a Stop & Shop). I'll go with you some time, since it can be tricky to get there if you don't know the area. There's also a Trader Joe's on Washington St. I hit the Whole Foods for my spices and grains.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Dang, you *are* going to have to show me around! I also need to know where the best "hang-out-and-write/do-art" coffee houses are. And no, Starbucks does NOT qualify. *shudders*

[miraba.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I know of few independant coffee houses in Newton. There used to be more, but then Starbucks bought them.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

*growls* I hate Starbucks. Evil, I tell you.

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

I love Trader Joe's! (Just at the time I had no license, so I would only buy what I could carry from Star Market since it was across the street practically!) Good suggestion! :)

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Trader Joes... are those the types of places that have all sorts of neat foods and stuff at reasonable prices? Or am I mixing it up with something else?

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

They have a wide selection of items, and if you have food allergies, it is easy to find alternatives. Some of the major supermarket chains do not carry much soy products, for example, but Trader Joe's has great variety.
Example: last year I was celebrating Thanksgiving with the kids before moving (their dad had already moved down to Florida). I found a small turkey breast stuffed with dried fruit, sage, and nuts, a pumpkin cheesecake, a 6 inch non-dairy pumpkin pie, and asparagus w/ Hollandaise sauce. I wanted to plan a unique dinner because my mom was coming. (She backed out at the last minute.)The food was great, and the preparation minimal. Including carrots and potatoes, I spent just over $20. The most expensive item? The cheesecake, at $10.99.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... I'll have to check out the place! *grins*