Help the Homeless
Ok, so my apartment complex is getting fumigated next week. Guess who’s going to be homeless for two nights? Yes, me. I am vexed, but I knew it was coming. My neighbor had his apartment fumigated already, and I babysat his four boxes of groceries. Good thing I was out of town last week. I was tempted to sizzle up some of his chicken. So now, I’m in a bind. I love my friends, but most of them are like me. We are single women who love our space. Being independent is costly, I think. One friend just moved into a new building and still has packing boxes. I’m scared to ask to park on her couch. She may be a little overwhelmed. My other friend is sweet, but her mom is in town. Mama trumps party friend, for sure. I have cousin who lives down here, but we talk every blue moon. I have a good network of names, but let’s be clear, we don’t do sleepovers.
I called around to different hotels nearby. The prices are WAY too high. I just don’t want to spend $180 staying at some gross chain. I will reconcile, I’m sure. Sometimes being frugal means being friend dependent. What do you think I should do?
Should I ask to bunk with:
a) The long-lost cousin who recently got married
b) Gross hotel chain
c) Friend who recently moved and has unpacked boxes. She’s also a workaholic attorney who goes to bed early
d) The friend with the two bedroom but has complained to me about our other friends always bunking with her
e) Some great find/ choice you will suggest
14 Responses to Help the Homeless
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How about option C with an offer to help unpack? It would be a win-win for you both! Plus since she goes to bed early and is rarely home, you may have more time to yourself without a lot of awkwardness.
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It’s only 2 nights. Stay with a friend or family. People always stay with me when they get in a bind. Here’s a little sofa etiquette:
1. Leave for work way before or way after your host.
2. Come home as close to bedtime as possible.
3. Leave no traces other than a pillow, a blanket and a bag.
4. Be prepared to return the favor someday.
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If you leave for work way early so the person has private time, leave a note promising to make or take your host/hostess to dinner that evening.
And I like the unpacking thing too. A trade out is good.
Of course, you could plan a girls night in for your packed up friend. My BFF and I used to do horror movies and malted milk balls and ice cream.
I’m surprised your apartment complex is putting you out with no repayment for your discomfort.
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Yep Lou – I forgot to mention dinner. For a busy single woman, few things rank above a free warm meal.
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Tameika-Hmm, you put a new outlook on option C. Food for thought. I put in a call to friend C today, but I know she has a hearing. Will keep you informed.
Coco-So I guess I can’t use her toothbrush either? heheh
Lou- My apartment complex allegedly went condo right before the housing market tank. It’s a wonder that they can afford to keep the lights on in the leasing/sales office. They keep us renters around because NO ONE is buying the condos. They won’t reimburse for my discomfort. My neighbor tried and he just ended up bitter for three days.
Jasmine-Thanks, hun. Will let you know. You would have to clear it with your family. Not sure how they would feel about having strays in the house!
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Yo Nat!, What the deal. Why not ask one of your Howard Bisons. One that is single and good looking and funny and can cook. I’m sure such a wonderful person would extend their spare to you. All you have to do is ask.
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Yo Nat!, What the deal. Why not ask one of your Howard Bisons. One that is single and good looking and funny and can cook. I’m sure such a wonderful person would extend their spare to you. All you have to do is ask.
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Natalie,
I would ask one of your friends, either the one that still hasn’t unpacked or the one with two bedrooms. If neither of those people are willing to let you stay for at least 1 night, then you need to find some new friends. Anyone who wouldn’t let a friend stay over for 1 night due to a situation that is copmletely beyond the friends control (fumigation), ESPECIALLY if he or she has an extra bedroom, isn’t really much of a friend, unless there is some kind of extentuating circumstance. There is no need to stay in a hotel room.
Or is there anyone you’re close enough with at work you could stay with? This might even work out better since you would both be on the same schedule.
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Better try priceline.com… i got a hotel in downtown chi-town for 100 bucks a night.. its the hyatt!
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In my opinion you should not even consider choices a, b and d. I think the best choice would be to ask your friend who is an attorney. The fact that she turns in early is not a problem, you just need a place to rest your head for two nights not have a slumber party.
I hope it all works out.
Product Junkie Diva
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Josh-I’m just a scaredy cat when it comes to asking for help. I don’t want to impose. Friends are sweet.
G-Money-Um, this is the FRUGALista Files. We need to save money here!
PJD-Will ask the attorney.
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I totally think you should stay with one of your friends. The way to keep them from feeling your as an imposition is to just sleep there and bring food. If your friend drinks coffee, bring a nice coffee for her. Also, offer to cook dinner the nights you’re there (free food is awesome, warm meals are priceless). While your there, be helpful, do the dishes, wipe down the counters and leave no trace of your presence when you’re not around.
Tameika