Sunday, January 03, 2010

My very own Do Up My House story

This story has a happy ending. Oh well, a happy beginning too. :)

My new place.

I was almost despairing when one of the places that I had somewhat liked (didn’t like the owner, I admit) and was in the process of finalizing fell through. Despairing also because by then, I knew the design, type, pros and cons of flats in every building in the area and hadn’t found anything that would suit. Making a big move like moving out alone, you don’t want to settle for anything less than a house that screams ‘Come and Get Me’!!!

I was indulging in honest I Hate the World and Why do I Always Get the Raw End of the Deal, depression and self-pity, when this place came up. I was sure it wouldn’t fit in my budget, but what the hell, it would expand my real estate knowledge and so I went to take a look at it. It was an apartment on the 13th floor, with space like a football field (well, for a one bedroom place anyway!), french windows on all rooms and BALCONIES!!! What clinched the deal was that the balconies and windows DID NOT overlook another flat. What more could one ask for in Bombay??? And yes, it does help to be living in a banished suburb.

The living room



I moved in a few weeks back and I have to say it’s been great. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was in the middle of my Do Up Your House story. He He, nothing extravagant like restoring a villa in Tuscany or in Morocco. But MY scaled down version of it. Matching curtains and cushion covers and drapes, getting the right TV table, lamp shades – such complex decisions and such fun!

Distant buildings that light up at night



From a more day to day standpoint, I like that I have become more disciplined. True, I could have been that in my old place, but at some point I had lost the will to care. Now I have no choice but to care and make time for more mundane stuff like running errands, organizing the house, or to get an odd job fixed. OK, that doesn’t sound fun, but trust me, it is.

Sometimes, I almost feel like The Heroine in the Book of My Life, like there is a narration which makes the most banal of activities very soulful and insightful - ‘It was a lazy Saturday morning and she woke up to the sun streaming from behind tall far away high rises through her window. The image of a hotcup of chai drew her out and she walked to the balcony, feeling the cold early morning chill as she sipped a cup, lost in her thoughts...”. He He, I’ll stop here!!!

Anyway, there is no single verdict on living alone. But it’s an experience worth trying!My only tip, get a place u see yourself in. This was a big step for me last year, and I am more than thankful it came together. I may tired of living alone soon enough, but until then...

The view from my bedroom!



The view I wake up to

13 comments:

Meera said...

Living alone is FUN and in this house it looks like heaven!!!

Krishnapriya said...

hey..the house and the view is superb!! Yeah...i look for the same things you like too, and life feels amazing once you have a house that you love being in!! As for Living alone...hmmm, I can't say I know what you mean!!! Maybe in another 5 years I might want to try it out!!!!!!!!!

Nisha said...

Now that's called living ! The view is quite envious.

Wish you a very Happy new year 2010. May you have more fun in this year. :-)

GMG said...

Hi Ms.N! Happy New Year!!
Lovely views!!

Meanwhile Blogtrotter has reached 500 posts on all blogs with some views of «La Petite France, Strasbourg», truly missing your comments! Enjoy and have a first great week in 2010!!!

Ms.N said...

thank you!!!

Trotter said...

Hi Ms.N!
A new blog is born: Blogtrotter Two! Hope you enjoy at least as much as the previous version and look forward to reading your comments!
Have a great week ahead!!!
Gil

~RAUL~ said...

WOW...simply WOW !!! Congratulations for the new place...

And as always, the pics are great.

Meena Venkataraman said...

Hey...Congragulations!... Lovely place uve got there..
and yeah I so agree... no single verdict on living along..
But its such a greta experience!

Suresh said...

I don't know how I came to your bolg..what string I have searched in Google..but I am happy THAT I HAD COME TO YOUR BLOG.
A beautiful description of the most beautiful city in the world..Mumbai
I have left Mumbai more than 5 years back (having stayed for almost 8 years) I still remember the Marine drive, the Fashion street, the train travel, weekend outing to Matheren or Kandala. What a bliss!!
Even though men are supposed to hate shopping (which now I do), I used to enjoy roaming in the FS.
There is something in the AIR of Mumbai that makes you fall in love with that place. Matunga is the other place I loved. The temple (near post office), the South Indian atmosphere, Dosa's and yes, I do remember Nalin Saree house ( in Matunga east ..if I am not wrong).
In contrast, what you have written about Hyderabad (place I live) is less flattering. But, I agree with what you have said about the way men stare..lol
Your Euro trips are too good and hop to read about your latest travelogues for a long time.
I am happy that you got yourself a brand new flat.
A sense of independence for a women is must and you have showcased it very well.
Wishing you all the best in your life,
Suresh

p.s. if you ever get a chance sneak into IIT campus and have a leisure walk..it was my stress buster..

Trotter said...

Hi Ms. N! Where are you?
Blogtrotter 2 (there is a new one) is in Haiti, waiting for your comments. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!!

Naqvee said...

HI there, I suppose you are not into writing anymore since this one being your last post.. i read couple of them just now.. in case i knew where were you.. but didnt get .. anyways.. a nice new year and nice blog i have just discovered. take care
ciao

Naqvee

p.s. never been to Mumbai... bt it looks great and appealing to my eyes

Ms.N said...

@ Trotter ... i am still here - just not in the blogging world. will surely drop by!

@Suresh - well, it was more about my experience with both cities really. Bombay was easier with friends around. Although - i have to say "AIR" is definitely not the most alluring things about bombay.

yea, Nalli still is around in matunga. and yes, iit is a great place to get a breath of fresh air! :)

@memeveve - thanks. it is proving to be nice.

@raul - so ur back in the blogging world. long time - how goes it?

@naqvee...thanks.

Sheeba D'Mello said...

I can sooo see you in the 'Heroine of her own life' role. :D