SIX OR ONE HALF DOZEN

Perhaps a more important question is, where will I put my shoes?

Last Monday I posted an ad online to rent out the spare room in my place, and within hours, I received about a dozen responses. A few were dismissed outright for various reason (no recent divorcees...thank you for the reply, but I don't need to deal with that emotional baggage) others for serious syntax errors, and a few more just because they didn't seem to have their shit together.

That being said, two replies seemed ideal for what I'm looking for, and even after talking to oth at great length last night, I am still undecided, but I need to make up my mind right quick, as I told both interested parties that I will let them know tomorrow who has won the elusive (and potentially regrettable) "prize" of being my New Roomie.

Candidate #1

"Seth" lives in Colorado and is a junior transferring to attend a semester at a University in Chicago this fall. He's straight, has a girlfriend, and seems a bit quirky (like I'm not?) but overall seems like a cool guy. He's only looking to live here for 6 months, and is ready and willing to FedEx me a check for August's rent even though he may not arrive until the end of that month.

He also is bringing nothing except himself and his clothes. He's literally looking for a place to crash, do homework and cook food. Though he has a handful of friends in Chicago, he seems intent on spending as much time as he can checking out the music scene and the general Wicker Park/Bucktown area. He seems low maintenance and has "no problem living with a gay dude". Word.

Candidate #2

"Anni" lives in New York City and just spent a year living in France teaching English (they still do that there?). She is coming to Chicago to take classes at Second City and/or I.O. and seems really...fun. Unlike #1, she seems genuinely excited about living in a vintage Chicago apartment. Also, she "loves the gays" and counts several of her friends as such (does she have any hot friends?).

She's looking to relocate here for the long term and as such wants a 12 month commitment. I suspect she is inclined to decorate, and seems to have something to actually add to the place. Not that I really care about that, but still, her enthusiasm is infectious. Oh, and she likes to cook! Yum!

Bottom Line:

I can't make up my mind. Both seem really cool and I clicked with both instantly (via phone at least) and both need a place SOON. And I need to find a New Roomie since rent, gasoline and utilities are putting a serious crimp on my wallet.

Ugh, decisions! Either way, I think things will work out well, which is sorta the problem. I'd rather live with a guy, even a straight one, but #2 seems like a lot more fun, plus she will totally click with 2 of my neighbors that are into the theater scene. I think I might just flip a coin...